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

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you Easyas for looking out (as always) for all your canine companions. Dogs need a friend, too!

Aw, what a kind Aunt, AuntieMe3!

Still wearing my orange T shirt, beautifully warm day. Dad got our laminated (by clear contact paper) puzzle hole punched at FedEx. I think it turned out really cute.

Have a good afternoon, friends

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Down here, the car always went through a full serve (that I think is gone now due to Covid). Dad brings both of our cards on alternating months to a drive thru. On Tuesday, he even discovered there is one of those quarter operated vacuum machines. He said his car floor mats hadn't been vacuumed in almost 2 years! The machine definitely made a difference.

Here is the Northeast (and I imagine in other areas with snow, but not completely sure) road salt is the big thing that has to be washed off of cars in the winter, because it eats away at the surfaces, especially underneath, which is the hard part to get with a hose. I always get the “undercarriage wash”, but even with that, cars around here are often very rusted out when they’re not even that old. We‘ve had that problem (I’m sure everyone has) despite trying to keep up with undercarriage washes. DS at one point was driving my old car and he said it felt funny on the highway one day. Turned out the engine cradle was all rusted and he was lucky the engine didn’t fall out! Mechanics I know struggle with repairs when everything is rusted underneath, oftentimes they can’t even take a bolt out because it’s either all rusted, or holding something else in place that’s falling out! Lol. So that’s a big pain in these parts.

I really love a nice, clean car. In spring I like getting a detail if I can. (Groupon has some great deals.) My car is much easier to clean now that I don’t have two big dogs anymore. My little guy is pretty clean and hardly sheds. I keep a blanket on the seat for him to sit on which catches any dirt that might be on his feet. We also keep him tethered because he tends to want to jump right out when a door opens, so any mess stays in one place. The biggest thing I’m noticing in my car right now is from muddy feet along the door jambs by all four doors. Short of a detail there is a place I like to go to that, for an extra fee, they’ll clean the inside as well as the windows and other surfaces. It’s not as thorough as a detail but overall it’s pretty good. Trying to keep up with it in winter is challenging! Just thought you might enjoy hearing that perspective!

 

[lynxstch]

its 55 degrees here with full sun. Mr L's test went fine, won't know results until next appt with copd clinic on March 1.
Yesterday when we were on the way home, his portable oxygen concentrator made 2 weird beeps. I looked and it said 'replace chambers'. I had no clue what that was. Looked in the book and it is something they have to do at the oxygen place. So I called,,and said he HAD to have another one before this morning as he needed it for the drive to the appt. Guy was here within half an hour, did a 'hard reboot' on the unit, and it ran fine all afternoon. We charged it up last nite, and used it this morning. On the way home..2 beeps again, and it said 'replace chambers'. I called and she said someone would be out tomorrow to pick it up. When the guy came yesterday, he brought the other kind,,with the pita tanks, just in case. Good thing he did. Anyhow, he was here 30 minutes ago and took the unit so they could order replacement chambers and replace them. Said he had just come from another lady's house who had the same machine with the same issue. Did a hard reboot on hers..and is just waiting for a phone call saying hers needed to be fixed or replaced too. Ticks me off..we had to wait 7 months to get one of those, When they can get them (Covid of course), they had to start at the top of the list of people, and work their way down. I hope fixing or replacing it doesn't take that long!

Line at car wash was too long, and they charge to much at the full serve one up the road a way. (yes Mona, they do still have them, lol), but we are supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow so I will drag the hose out and give it a good scrub down, hopefully!

Stopped at a local place and picked up subs for lunch/dinner. Their subs and hoagies are HUGE,,as in they weight like 1 1/2 lbs each..They use fresh baked Italian rolls from a bakery downtown, and over load them. I got a chicken salad with seasoned lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. Mr L usually gets their cheesesteak one (which they are best known for), but this time got a hot ham and cheese with seasoned lettuce, tomatoes, and sweet peppers. We each ate 1/2 for lunch and will have the other for dinner. No dishes, no cooking, yeah for me..lol!

flyingdumbo127--Mona..your puzzle came out cute,,and that's a good idea laminating it. We used to get poster frames if we wanted to save them,,but the prices have gone up so much it's not worth it.

I keep saying, if my stepdaughter didn't have bad luck, she would have no luck. Finally got over Covid and is now having issues with the truck (she calls it a truck, I call it a SUV since it's a Blazer, lol) she's driving. She had kept it when she bought her new used Lincoln last Jan. But the transmission went out on the Lincoln in November,right after we gave her the money to buy 4 new tires and get a front end alignment,,(since she was helping us here taking care of Mr L while I was in the hospital and did so much for us )and she didn't have the $2000 to replace it the transmission at the time. Neither did we, lol! So it's been sitting in storage at the garage that is going to fix it when she gets her taxes back. So she put the older Blazer back on the road. Then had to have the thermostat housing replaced (never heard of such a thing needing replaced). Last weekend she took younger son to work at Walmart, and she said she barely made it into the parking lot..that something was wrong with the steering or front end (she just had 4 new tires put on it a month ago., which she had to borrow money from us to do. ) She had it towed home, and a friend of hers looked at it..he said it was the entire wheel hub assembly. Part cost $200,,cost her another $100 for a vapor cannister to get rid of the gasoline smell she was getting inside the car. Anyhow..she rented the tool for him to fix it..he tried and couldn't get it off..turned out the tool that Auto Zone rented to her was stripped. Tuesday she went and got another one, her friend fixed the car, and said everything was okay. She just texted me that she's at a local tire place as something is still wrong with it. She has to have surgery on her shoulder soon, had to go for a contrast CT or something like that yesterday. They numbed her shoulder and then stuck the needle into her rotator cuff to insert the dye I guess. Said she hasn't felt pain like that since she had 4 babies. This morning it was still hurting bad. She googled it and it said it could take 2-3 days for the pain to subside,,now why didn't they tell her that when they did it in the first place? So she is not in a good mood right now. She keeps texting me asking what she should do..I said there wasn't anything she could do. Have the tire place fix the truck right in the first place! It just never ends with her

Have a nice afternoon all.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Pea, I always enjoy reading your thoughts, my friend. You're right that living in CA, I really don't think much about winter driving or car care other than I admit being grateful not to have to do so! The only thing that eventually (post pandemic) car-wise I'll need to take care of is somehow getting my windows clean. I think I have shared this before but a few summers ago, the sprinklers (from being parked outside every day) did a number on my poor car, particularly on the windows. The heat just set in the water spots to where they don't get completely clean even from the olden days of a full serve wash. Back in 2019, I had a couple car washes try (for free) on a small area, spraying something that they claimed would remove all the spots--it didn't. Not sure what to do about that but sadly plague-wise have time

to you as well, Lynn. I'm so glad Mr. L's test went well. Prayers, of course, for good results! It really does seem like one thing after another with your stepdaughter Keeping her lifted, too. that you like the puzzle. Contact Paper It worked perfectly! Plus, we have most of the roll left for future use. Much better use of money than an expensive frame!

I hope all of you are enjoying the afternoon.

 

[Snowysmom]

Mona The Bear puzzle is really very nice.
Lynn Glad Mr. L's test went well. So sorry that your stepdaughter has such awful luck. I hope it turns around for her soon.
Pea The road salt is so awful. Since I have been driving on 495 and route 3 so much my car is a mess. The rain helps but I will need to wash it.

Speaking of 495 and Route 3, I was on the road before 5:30 this morning. It was already rush hour. I was amazed at all the cars and trucks on the road. Route 3 was especially bad going South. I am glad I don't have to do that drive to the office much. Unfortunately I have to do it again in 2 weeks which is unusual. Not looking forward to it.

I did stop at the house after work to bring in the trash bins. My driveway is a skating rink with water on top. So slippery. All I could think of was how Chris did not want me walking on ice with my knees. Oh well, someone has to do it. I shoveled some of the ice away from my car so I could get in safely. Younger DS already did the walkway over the weekend. He said he would clear out the driveway on Saturday but I hope it melts by then. Please send thoughts and prayers my way that the guy looking at the house on Saturday wants it and gives me a good offer that I can take. There have been some condos on the market that looked interesting but I can't seriously look yet. The good ones go quickly. A friend at work told me to look at condos where people of all ages live instead of 55+. I have to say I do really want to be with people of all ages as it is more interesting and I like to see kids and younger people, not just older people. Plus the one 55+ place I looked at just does not appeal to me for many reasons. I hope to call the real estate agent next week to start the search in earnest. That depends on whether I get an offer on the house. If not, then I will be calling the agent to sell and help me buy. So there is a plan either way.

Have a nice evening.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

❤Snowysmom, you are such a kind and loving person, I have no doubt you'll make many new friends in any condo you may move. Prayers having a good plan is helping bring you extra peace, my friend

 

[tazdev3225]

Just a bump up since we are at the bottom of the page.

 

[Kirby]

Does she watch Mira the Royal Detective? Tessa does and we gave her a Mira costume for Christmas and bought her a big magnifying glass for her upcoming birthday.

No, I think that she got the idea from Blippi.

You missed the team competition, which was just okay. We got the silver medal. Then I think you missed the mens short program for individual medals. No other figure skating has been on as far as I know.

I was able to watch the freestyle last night. Did not realize that I would have to stay up so late to see it. I remember when it used to be on prime time.

tazdev, so glad to hear that your grandson is doing better. His school sounds like its a really good one.
I hope that your husband's toe heals. I remember when you were waiting and waiting on those shoes.

What a cute puzzle Mona!

I met a friend for lunch yesterday. It's been months since we've been able to meet for lunch. And then we went out to dinner this evening with her and her DH. It's been even longer since we've met them for dinner. We used to go out with them every week before Covid hit. Yikes! That was two year ago! How time flies!

Lou Lou had her preschool Valentine party today. Those little kids were so hyped up. One parent brought a two piece balloon arrangement, the kind that has different sizes of balloons in it. I don't know how much they paid for it but there wasn't much left after those kids got ahold of it. I was talking to one of the mom's and she said her son admires Lou Lou because she never cries when she falls down. LOL!

 

[Snowysmom]

Good Morning. It is 27 here right now expected to go into the 50s. Same for tomorrow. I am hoping my driveway melts before my DS and I have to remove the watery ice.

Kirby. I see you mentioned Blippi. The first time I saw that show I was so underwhelmed. My older DS's kids love that show but not my other grandkids. I still do not like it but at least it seems to have gotten a little more content to it.

Work today then to the grocery store nearby. Then my walk and some meditation time. Rough night again last night I was anxious and had to get up for a while, Chris could always help me with that so I cried too really missing him.

Have a good day.

 

[tazdev3225]

Just a quick good morning and request for prayers. My grandson had his MRI last night and they already called with the results. He has a "SIGNIIFICANT" tear with a lot of free fluid in the knee. He will need surgery and is out of sports for up to a year. My daughter was in tears when she called me this morning. I feel so helpless because I can't fix this for them. Please pray for Anthony as I know he is going to be devastated.

I'll be back later as I think I need a good cry right now.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I'll be back later as I think I need a good cry right now.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning
@tazdev3225--Prayers sent for Anthony, and for everyone involved. Hope that the surgery and PT will get him back on his feet sooner so that he can play sports again sooner rather than later

32 here now, and going into the 60's, big difference when they said yesterday that today would be in the 20's, I think they had something wrong,,lol

No big plans for the day except washing the car. Will use the high power thing on the underside and get as much salt as I can off. We haven't driven far , or much, so far this winter, so it shouldn't be too bad

Have a nice day

 

[easyas123]

I hope fixing or replacing it doesn't take that long!

Geez, sounds like a pain to deal with. At least the repair folks are very responsive and get out there asap.

She keeps texting me asking what she should do..I said there wasn't anything she could do. Have the tire place fix the truck right in the first place! It just never ends with her

Could she get rid of both vehicles and get a newer, more reliable vehicle? I know up there is a lot like down here, just going someplace "close by" can mean a 30-45 minute drive.

Plus, we have most of the roll left for future use.

Sounds like it did the trick, that's good. I have a laminator, it will laminate from ID card size to 11X17, it's a really convenience tool to have around, and they are relatively cheap as well. For bigger stuff - 24X26 and whatnot, I take them to our local UPS store where the kid there has a big laminator.

Please send thoughts and prayers my way that the guy looking at the house on Saturday wants it and gives me a good offer that I can take

Oh! Very best of luck to you with that!! Fingers crossed.

Just a quick good morning and request for prayers. My grandson had his MRI last night and they already called with the results. He has a "SIGNIIFICANT" tear with a lot of free fluid in the knee. He will need surgery and is out of sports for up to a year. My daughter was in tears when she called me this morning. I feel so helpless because I can't fix this for them. Please pray for Anthony as I know he is going to be devastated.

I'll be back later as I think I need a good cry right now.

Poor kid. Well, luckily kids bounce back really good from these things so hopefully he will be on the mend sooner than later, and they have really made some great strides with sports medicine. Can they get the surgery out of the way soon so he can somewhat enjoy his summer even if he can't play sports? Hopefully he won't have to miss much school, sometimes it can be so hard to catch back up. Although I guess with being able to do school online now that is mostly a fixable thing.


I've got some running around on Saturday to take care of, including a grocery stop. I'll be gone on work travel next Tue-Sat and so I'll get some groceries for husband. Yes, he's perfectly capable but I know he hates going to the grocery store so since I'm out I'll pick up a few things for him! I need to deal with some laundry that needs folding as well, but I think I'll let that wait till Sunday. Dinner is a big fat unknown tonight, but if I go out I might pick up some fresh tomato bisque from the store and have that w/ a sandwich tonight.

We were able to get in a nice walk around the farm yesterday after work, hoping to do the same this afternoon. Tomorrow is supposed to be balmy and sunny - so eldest & husband are going to head down to the MD shore for a bit of fishing, which I think will make for a nice day for both of them. If it's not to windy maybe Saturday evening we will have a fire in our pit down by the water. Sunday looks like a lazy day at home for us, going to be gloomy & cold with a bit of snow in the AM. That works for me, maybe we will get to have a lie in. Just wings & some fresh pico w/ chips Sunday evening. My husband is a wing fiend, so he needs no excuse ha ha!!! I'll make the wings in the oven. I just use a very simple, very light coating of a mixture of some seasonings, baking powder and a little bit of flour. Bake in convection oven and they are as crispy as if they were fried.

I should get something productive done, have a good morning everyone.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning,

Kid parties can be such fun, Kirby. I hope Lou and Lou and her friends had a great Valentine's❤celebration at school.

and Good Morning to you dear PollyannaMom

Easyas, laminating machines are very handy indeed! It's nice to be able to do smaller things at home

Taz and prayers indeed for Anthony and for you!


Snowysmom, thinking of you, my friend

Love the Lynn

Happy Friday everyone.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We were out a lot of yesterday so never checked in

We met DS and DDIL in Baltimore for lunch yesterday, after one of her doctor appointments. Nice Mexican place right on the water in Fells Point. Then "the baby" wanted chocolate ice cream so we walked a little into the market and got ice cream. DDIL looks good and has good doctor reports. They won't let her go past April 12, 39 weeks. On the way home we stopped in Ikea just to walk around and look at what we don't need. Did not buy anything.

This morning did more work in basement. DH finished painting the area where the pool table will go. He is using waterproofing paint on cinderblock. I finished up clearing out and organizing a file cabinet. Mostly done that job. Tonight Longwood for Pop-Up Luminaria in the Conservatory.

Going to go to WW and weigh in.

I did, and was over goal but by less that 2 pounds so did get another month free.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Just a quick good morning and request for prayers. My grandson had his MRI last night and they already called with the results. He has a "SIGNIIFICANT" tear with a lot of free fluid in the knee. He will need surgery and is out of sports for up to a year. My daughter was in tears when she called me this morning. I feel so helpless because I can't fix this for them. Please pray for Anthony as I know he is going to be devastated.

I'll be back later as I think I need a good cry right now.

Lots of good thoughts coming your way. DH had to have surgery on his knee almost 25 years ago, due to tearing. He was out of martial arts for about 6 months, but was able to move about without crutches and pain after about 4 months.

-----------------------------------------------
Picked up DD's Bff and took her and DS to the airport. Bff is going for a vacation, and volunteered to have DS go along, so he wouldn't be flying alone his first time. I know he's 18, and kids do it all the time, but I still worry about him coping and handling situations. We went over everything yesterday...how to check his bags, how to go through security, how the plane feels, etc. I haven't heard anything, so I'm assuming he got on the plane ok. They are having a 2-1/2 layover in Houston @ Hobby, then will be on the way to San Diego. Either DD or DSoiL is meeting them there. I'm and ; I already miss my baby.

Went to UPS store to send back another Amz purchase that came broken; that's the 4 package in the last 2 weeks, where the item was either broken in shipping/packing or had a manufacturer's defect. Then I went to Sam's Club, got my id. Had found a 'pay $45 for membership, get a $45 gc to Sam's' deal, so basically it will end up free. Then the lady at the desk was all 'try for the credit card; it's a $30 credit to the card with any $30 purchase the first time you use it", so sure, go for it. Got a pretty decent credit limit for a 'store card'; will only use it to go to Sam's and will pay it off right away, so really, it's just for the bump in available credit + that extra $30 I won't have to pay on it. LOL

Bought tp, paper towels, laundry soap, some snacks, frozen veggies, a wire stand (I was going to purchase one similar on Amz, so might as well get it there for cheaper), limes and salad, and some other general things. Spent more than I planned, but isn't that how that goes, lol. Still need to run to Publix or SuperTarget and get another 10 days of meat, and then fresh veggies/bread/dairy as we go. That'll take me to the end of the month, so yay.

Have a little more running around to do; y'all have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

Gorgeous day here. 55 and full sun, and it should warm up a bit more before the cool down tonite. Car is sparkling clean, undercarriage is clean (used the power washer), it's in the sun drying now. I stretched the hose out in the sun to dry up enough so I can put it back away again. If its not too cold tomorrow, I will vaccum the inside and wash the windows. I just did it a few weeks ago, but the carpet needs vacuuming again, and the inside of the windshield is a bit streaky.
@Bianca and Bernard--just be careful in Sams, it's too easy to spend a whole lot of money, on things that you see that you 'might need'. Been there done that! lol!

Have a nice afternoon all

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Sending prayers, taz. I posted about this the other day somewhere here, but that happened to DS, and when the surgeon got in there, he found it wasn’t actually torn, it was just a soft tissue injury, so he closed him up, DS went to PT, and was back playing again in a relatively short time. I hope this works out for Anthony somehow. I know how hard it would be for him to miss baseball.

Easy, are you thinking about another large dog? Or just one with the right personality, regardless of size? Can’t wait to see how this works out for you! We are still looking. Had something promising last week, again, but once again, dog was gone. We even tried for a different breed and would’ve had to drive halfway across the country to get her, but we were up for the adventure. Trusting in the universe. Toto is pretty happy as life is, it’s more that we have more love to give. We shall see.

Thinking about what to make for dinner tonight. Saw a few things that interested me that we might try. Stay tuned.

DD is finally feeling back to her old self. They said it would take about six weeks, and it did. Her classes are going well, she’s on her fourth now (with six to go), and grades have been good. She puts a lot of time into it. She’s also growing in her role at work, all nice to see. DS is also doing better now. Had a rough go a few weeks ago. He and his gf are no longer a couple. Everyone was pretty shocked. He’s increased his work hours and started a class he needed, with the promise of a potential job opportunity at the end in the field that he wants, so he’s very motivated. Class is a hybrid with time both online and in person, and he’s learning a lot. He looks good, he unintentionally lost some weight and is working out, and running when the roads aren’t covered with snow (which is somewhat of a miracle thanks to new shoes and inserts, as he was having difficulty before due to shin splints). So I think he’s doing pretty well. Valentine’s Day may be tough this year as they always made a big deal of it, but DD is making her delicious cupcakes and we’ll think about having something special here for dinner for whoever his home, like grilled steaks.

Thinking of everyone even if I don’t respond individually to everything. Glad to hear your stories. B&B, yours has exhausted me, lol. Glad things are finally settling down. I have some running around to do but going to save it to next week and just make a day of it. Going to try to work on my bedroom a bit this weekend. Sun is out but I don’t pay very close attention to weather aside from storms and extremes. All I know is that spring is coming!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

My grandson had his MRI last night and they already called with the results. He has a "SIGNIIFICANT" tear with a lot of free fluid in the knee.

That is too bad. Hope he heals quickly.

Thinking of everyone even if I don’t respond individually to everything. Glad to hear your stories.

Ditto! Well said.

 

[easyas123]

Easy, are you thinking about another large dog? Or just one with the right personality, regardless of size? Can’t wait to see how this works out for you! We are still looking. Had something promising last week, again, but once again, dog was gone. We even tried for a different breed and would’ve had to drive halfway across the country to get her, but we were up for the adventure. Trusting in the universe. Toto is pretty happy as life is, it’s more that we have more love to give. We shall see.

Yes....personality is 110% important, and we have been saying this is the perfect time to downsize in terms of dog size.
But thennnnn we started thinking our boy needs a playmate as well, and he can't be manhandling a small/breakable dog, although he's not terribly rough. My husband started talking about getting another great dane or even a mastiff and we started considering big dogs again. TRYING to go smaller, but maybe we are just big dog people at heart I did tell my husband that if the dog was over 8 hours I'm out! I think we are discounting a puppy in favor of not going thru the puppy stage again so at this point looking at adult dogs in rescue. We are all over the place with it at the moment, which makes me feel like we aren't at the point yet where we are going to find our next dog because we are still trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.