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

[Bianca and Bernard]

Where is everyone this morning..the thread is awfully quiet. It is nasty outside..its snowing like crazy and sticking to the ground. The winds are howling and blowing really hard. Already had 2 power hiccups,,and a huge crash outside..I found a big branch from the black walnut tree in the side yard,,the branch hit the top of the front porch and landed down at the end of the yard by the steps going down to the street..that's a long distance for a heavy branch, so the winds have to be really blowing. Stay safe if you are in it's path..more later if we don't lose power..Mr L says he's already cold..but the furnace is going and set at 73. At least we have wood for the woodstove in the cellar if we need to use it!

Sorry; went to Target, then brunch at First Watch, and a quick stop at Publix. Came home, and fighting naps. It's beautiful out; sunny and just a bit of a breeze and a nip. We're at 64 rght now, supposed to go up 2 more degrees this afternoon. It warms back up tomorrow for the week, and I have to go light a fire under the darn rental company about the a/c. Thought we had it fixed, but one of the three companies that have now played with the system (or all three, I suppose) didn't seal the freon up right or something; and after running great for one day, is back to not blowing cold air at all.

Got the last curtain rod we needed, and the last sets of curtains. Also got a shelf to attach to the glass shower wall over DH's sink, for his shaving stuff. (Our bathroom has two sinks, but separated. One is behind the door to the toilet (so if that door is open, you can't reach that sink); then next to the toilet area is the big bath, then the glass and tile enclosed shower, then the other sink. No space on the counters, so we needed something to put his stuff in, and it was either attach to the outside of the shower, to the mirror, or on the little medicine cabinet mirror door.) Picked up some food at Publix (natch). Had my usual lemon ricotta pancakes with extra lemon curd and sub blueberries for the strawberries at brunch.

I ordered a small Chewy order yesterday; it came today. (Two boxes of mixed Friskies cat food; a set of 2 scratch rounds for the cats ball chase toy, and a couple of scratcher boxes, as the ones out are about done.) I have 2 big bags of dry food (that I got in the last 2 months, when I was able to find it), but I'm going to switch them, when it's gone in about 4 months, to the kind I picked up when I couldn't find the 1st kind that they liked; apparently they really like the new kind better, as they go through three bowls of it a day, as opposed to about two bowls of the older stuff. Hopefully I'll be able to find the new stuff when the old is gone! They have enough wet cat food for 3 months, as I've been stocking up when I can find it.

I think I'm giving in to the nap calling my name. When DH gets up from his, he's putting up the new curtains in my office area (the ones we just picked up); then we are going to install the bookshelves in the back, so I can finish unpacking back there next week. I also need to work in the garage next week, now that my back is better.

Have a good day!

 

[Judique]

Where is everyone this morning..the thread is awfully quiet. It is nasty outside..its snowing like crazy and sticking to the ground. The winds are howling and blowing really hard. Already had 2 power hiccups,,and a huge crash outside..I found a big branch from the black walnut tree in the side yard,,the branch hit the top of the front porch and landed down at the end of the yard by the steps going down to the street..that's a long distance for a heavy branch, so the winds have to be really blowing. Stay safe if you are in it's path..more later if we don't lose power..Mr L says he's already cold..but the furnace is going and set at 73. At least we have wood for the woodstove in the cellar if we need to use it!

I drove to Costco, Ulta, Target and then Mission BBQ to pick up take out for our lunch and my dinner. A sandwich or plate of anything is two meals for me and one for DD. Slow metabolism I guess.

I went to Ulta to pick up shampoo and conditioner in a smaller size, that Shopkicks was giving a lot of points for that would make it reasonable. I was late to that party as the cupboard was bare, with just the huge bottles left. But even if I didn't get any kicks, I did get a lot of steps in, walking around Target and buying nothing.

Costco had cinnamon raisin bagels today. Two previous trips they were out, but since I keep them frozen, I never actually run out. They did not have the CQ 10 gummies that we wanted so had to order online. And I closed my eyes in the rest of the store as I needed nothing else and I've got too much food to get through already.

Today I was shopping partly for entertainment. Sometimes when it's chilly out, I just don't even want to get dressed, so making myself take a drive is probably good therapy. I could have easily curled up with a book or just lolled around doing nothing.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

PollyannaMom and thanks. Please be cozy and warm! Your weather sounds ☃ I am concerned about Tina for sure. Do you know how to check when she last posted in our thread? I just did a search by her name "Lovemygoofy." She last posted 4-23-21 in the "Have you gotten a Covid vaccine" thread. I went back a few pages of her posts to 2020 even and did not find when she last was in our thread. That was very strange because we, of course, know she posted in 2020! I wonder if the posts disappeared.? Sparkle was Sparkle78. She last posted on 7-29-21. I know she was a teacher and I believe had some children still at home. Definitely hope all is well for her, too.

You both have had busy days, B&B and Judique! I hope you are now home for the afternoon and can be cozy and get in some R&R!

Extra prayers for all Quacker Family back East to please stay warm and safe! Thinking of Easyas on the road possibly. I hope you are home by now, my friend!

Have a good afternoon everyone.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Good afternoon everyone.

Update from yesterday the pup was reunited with his owner. A neighbor saw my FB post and replied....said she was sure it was him because he had gotten out earlier in the week and was hanging at there house for awhile before the neighbor came and got him. She was at work but offered to send someone from her house over to give the owners my number but no one was answering the door. She sent me her address and a pic of the house he belonged to, there were on the next street over, their backyard butted up to the house directly between my dad house and ours. DH and I drove over a little later but no one was answering so right as he was getting ready to come back to the car to leave a note, a lady came out. She was soo relieved, she thought he was gone, maybe someone took him for themselves. Dh suggested she get him chipped since he had been out before. He was soo happy to be home, as soon as she undid our least from his collar he ran right into the house. He was so so cute but definitely a puppy so we were happy he made his way home, especially for Buddy's sake. He slept hard the rest of the afternoon, enjoying the peace and quiet ,I guess. I napped and then we lounged until the evening when DH and I went to Costco. We got dog food and one of those outdoor heater things for our patio. DH is putting it together now so we can make some carne asada tacos on the flat top grill tonight.

This morning, DH and I went to breakfast and the. Target, which we actually left empty handed, like @Judique...which is shocking for me. LOL DH wanted deodorant but they were out of the kind he wanted, we still looked around but really didn't need anything else. Now I'm getting ready to clean up and our friends will join us for tacos and drinks on the patio to enjoy the new heater. LOL

@Bianca and Bernard how's your back feeling? I'm still having problems with mine but still haven't made an appointment. Hubby thinks it might be my sciatica(?) as it's been coming and going and not constant like it was when it first started bugging me.

Hope you all have a nice rest of the day, those that are dealing with snow, stay safe and warm.

 

[tazdev3225]

Good afternoon.

Busy day here. The ceiling is getting a last coat of spackle and the painting will be done tomorrow. Dumpster comes Monday and the floors and old furniture will be out. New floors go down and the furniture comes Friday. I was getting excited. The place I planned to get my carpet upped the price by about $250 from what the estimate was so I am cancelling the order. My neighbor is a carpet layer although he is semi-retired. I spoke to him, and he will be giving me samples to choose from and will do the carpet. Then I started scraping the loose paint in the hallway so we could paint it. Nothing in this house is easy. We are now ripping down the ceiling. There were layers of paint over wallpaper, probably original to the house. Thankfully we had enough drywall left over from downstairs. As I told my grandson I would rather re-drywall and know it is done right then keep dealing with problems. It will cost a little more but, in the end I am learning I get what I pay for. When I had things done the last time, I was helping a friend of my son's out. He had been in jail and couldn't find a job. I felt so sorry for him. He was in a car accident and one of his passengers was killed. Her father was a police sergeant and demanded he be charged for vehicular homicide. The judge gave him the very minimum sentence, but it still made finding a good job hard. My grandson is doing an amazing job and I know I am going to be much happier.

When cleaning out the china closet, I was reminded of how much damage my son's friend did. He stored my dining room set on my deck, UNCOVERED and the table and closet were damaged a bit from rain. We will do the small patching on it again. But he damaged the glass shelf and it snapped. I was reminded of how much was damaged. I am missing various pieces of the china set I got when we married. What really hurt was the cut glass crystal goblets that were destroyed. I still have a few but they were a gift from 2 very dear friends. They had belonged to their grandmother and handed down. Neither sister married and they looked on me as the daughter they never had. The crystal was from the late 1800's and irreplaceable. Seeing the few that remained when I emptied things out so we could move the furniture around brought it back to me. Oh well it is what it is and I can't change things. Just a little sad memory.

I wish I could have been more help to him today but my knee and ankle swelled up and I finally broke down and took an Aleve. I have had 5 knee surgeries and probably need another tweaking but I can't be laid up because I need to take care of my husband. The ankle I deal with. I fell a few years ago and tore that up when it over rotated. Most days it doesn't give me any trouble. it's just one of those days.

I did stop at AAA yesterday and paid my membership and car insurance. My travel agent wasn't busy so I asked if she could check and see if we could get a better price on the cruise. I am so happy I did that. She saved me $1,000. I was quite happy with that.

Dinner tonight is probably McDonald's. I have coupons and a gift card. Every now and then junk food is what you need.

Have a good evening.

 

[Snowysmom]

I am back from the house. I was there most of the day as the kids had different schedules and overlapped a few hours. I got my hair cut. My hairdresser is so kind and she can make me feel a bit better. She has kind words and good common sense. At the house the kids put hinges on the shed door, put wood putty on the window sill that Jasper gouged up with his nails while barking at the dogs outside, painted a few small areas that needed to be done, tore up a threshold that they will replace next weekend, older DS fixed the bathroom light so it works now. They also ripped the gas grill out of the frozen ground. That was a surprise for me as I did not know they were even going to attempt it. They also took most of the stuff they want to keep. The house is looking pretty good. It will never be house beautiful but it is a big improvement. The stager is supposed to come sometime this week. I already have an idea of what I want and don't want. I don't want much. The downstairs should stay empty so people can see how spacious it is and they can imagine what to do with the space such as a TV area and playroom. I am hoping to have the house on the market by early March.

On the way home I got caught in a big snow squall on route 495. I could see the really dark front coming and then the snow just hit hard. I will say the drivers were very careful, we crawled along at 15-20 MPH and people put on their flashers so we could see each other. It was a bit scary but with everyone cooperating it worked out. My older son called to see if I had left the house yet so he could me to stay put but I was already on 495. It has already gone through his area. Younger DS got it in his area later but he was already home thankfully. I will be glad when I am settled and do not have to do this drive much. I am used to it but it is bit much sometimes. Another Chris sign: I have been yelling at him lately so he probably figured he should send me a sign. I got gas today and the amount to pay was $19.76. We were married in 1976. Of course I cried but I was happy to see a sign.

Have a nice Saturday evening.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

@Bianca and Bernard how's your back feeling? I'm still having problems with mine but still haven't made an appointment. Hubby thinks it might be my sciatica(?) as it's been coming and going and not constant like it was when it first started bugging me.

Hope you all have a nice rest of the day, those that are dealing with snow, stay safe and warm.

My right side feels great. My left side is still stiff and a bit sore, but nothing like it was the other day. I'm pretty sure I just aggrevated the damage I did when I fell in July.

DH got his 'honey-do' list done, so I unpacked 5 or 6 boxes of books and decor for the bookshelves. The movers lost 4 pegs to one of the bookshelves, so I had to order some; those will be here Monday, and I'll be able to finish up those shelves. I'm going to take DS's bookshelf (since he's not here to use it; and said to just leave it in the garage) and use it to put all my candles on, over by my desk. If he comes back or if he wants us bring it to him, then I'll go buy one for me to use, or I'll buy him one to replace it.

Next week I have got to do the garage and DS's room. I need to get it done, so I can move all the boxes of games and puzzles to the garage for storage, to make room for the new furniture. It will hopefully be here the week after (I think we set delivery for the 3rd or 4th); I should call and check to make sure they are on it. We can add some other items if we want, for delivery, to this order by Tuesday, and they won't charge me a new delivery fee, so I might jump on that and get a few more things I've had my eye on.

Off to watch a Tom Hanks movie with DH. It's on AppleTV, I think, and he's a boat captain in wartime. Have a good night all!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you, again AuntieMe3 for reuniting the dog with his family. I'm so glad to hear that went well and the pup is happily home.

Taz, you just enjoy your dinner treat, my friend!

Continued prayers, Snowysmom all-around. Thankful you are safely home. I pray you can be cozy tomorrow

and continued prayers of healing to you as well, B&B

The weather is turning here. It's feeling much cooler right now. Supposed to rain🌧on Tuesday and get very cold (for here) upper 30's, eek, at night! I miss the ☀But truly each day is a blessing indeed, no complaints.

Sweet, cozy dream everyone!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Up early this morning, but at least it's starting to get light out!

I'm about to bake some cookies because we're meeting DS for lunch (postponed previously due to weather) at the "halfway point" between here and his school, and I want to gives him some goodies to take back with him. I'm excited to see him.

 

[Snowysmom]

The sun is shining this morning which is nice. The wind was roaring during the night blow the bit of snow we got around.

I am off to the house to do some cleaning before the stager comes hopefully this week. I told the guy who gave me a low offer for my house that I am using an agent to sell and buy as I have to maximize my price in order to buy. I also told him that I am keeping my options open in case I decide to stay at the house. I am not going to at this point but I did tell him if I could not find the right place I was staying at the house. It is not a mistruth because I never say never to anything. The chances of me staying at the house are very, very slim. I look around at all I would really have to do to make it comfortable and all the little repairs Chris put off for years that are screaming to be done. I do not have the energy to have people coming in all the time to replace flooring or do these repairs for me. Plus, as I said before, I still have the big issue of outside work like removing snow and lawn care. Even though someone does it for me I still have to go out to clean off the car, shovel up remaining chunks of snow, and put down ice melt when it is icy. Plus, the main thing is that Chris is not there anymore and our lives were wrapped up together there in all our routines and just being together working and living our lives. I even miss Jasper barking out the window or just laying in his chair. For a little dog he had a big presence. I need to go on to a new chapter just like everyone else in the family has done. Tough day today so I am just trying to get through.

Have a nice Sunday.

 

[easyas123]

Good morning everyone. I've tried to keep up w/ posts. I'll post myself later this afternoon or evening.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all . It was a chilly 12 degrees when I got up ,but the sun is coming out now, and it's going to mid 40's --65 again by the middle of the week. We had snow squalls and high winds yesterday until about 6 pm. No wind today, and I already picked up the few broken branches that fell. All the outside cats are accounted for, fed and sleeping in the shed. Watched pairs figure skating finals Olympics last nite, and am looking forward to the closing cermony tonite..I am tired of the Olympics already, lol

@Snowysmom--

@Bianca and Bernard--take it easy on yourself, don't try to do too much at one time, and don't do it all by yourself!

@flyingdumbo127--April 2021 is the last time I saw Tina (lovemygoofy) post anything. I hope that her and Matt are okay.

Going to cook a pork tenderloin for dinner tonite, with roasted potatoes and asparagus.

Have a nice day everyone

 

[Judique]

The sun is shining this morning which is nice. The wind was roaring during the night blow the bit of snow we got around.

I am off to the house to do some cleaning before the stager comes hopefully this week. I told the guy who gave me a low offer for my house that I am using an agent to sell and buy as I have to maximize my price in order to buy. I also told him that I am keeping my options open in case I decide to stay at the house. I am not going to at this point but I did tell him if I could not find the right place I was staying at the house. It is not a mistruth because I never say never to anything. The chances of me staying at the house are very, very slim. I look around at all I would really have to do to make it comfortable and all the little repairs Chris put off for years that are screaming to be done. I do not have the energy to have people coming in all the time to replace flooring or do these repairs for me. Plus, as I said before, I still have the big issue of outside work like removing snow and lawn care. Even though someone does it for me I still have to go out to clean off the car, shovel up remaining chunks of snow, and put down ice melt when it is icy. Plus, the main thing is that Chris is not there anymore and our lives were wrapped up together there in all our routines and just being together working and living our lives. I even miss Jasper barking out the window or just laying in his chair. For a little dog he had a big presence. I need to go on to a new chapter just like everyone else in the family has done. Tough day today so I am just trying to get through.

Have a nice Sunday.

It's cold and crisp here this morning! It was 18 degrees around 7am but is slowly climbing to low 40ties by this afternoon. All our snow has been gone and I'm happy about that and really hope it doesn't return. But March can always surprise us either way. Could be snowy and icy or warm and windy.

I often wonder what I'll do when my younger DD decides to move on. Living here alone would be tough emotionally. I've thought about creating a liveable suite in my basement and renting it out, not because I need the money but for having a presence in my home if my daughter were to move.

Gradually I've been trying to upgrade and keep upgraded all the facets of my home, but it's tough. Right now I only have 2 concerns, my hot water heater and the windows on one side of the house. My roof is done, my floors are almost all hardwood (newer) or tile, and my heating and cooling system is only a little over a year old. All kitchen appliances except my electric stove are new.

I have a lovely deck adjoining a huge patio, so I rarely would have to walk on grass at all if I didn't want to. The patio has one side covered with a permanent gazebo. The yard is large and deep, but I have a John Deere ride on. Plus I can also pay if necessary.

No way would I find this smaller house anywhere with my outdoor improvements - large shed, 4 car driveway, flat and level as well as the patio and decking, and fencing.

I do need indoor painting and some other electrical work that is now scheduled with the guy who did my outlet earlier this month.

And I am constantly destashing. Mostly papers. They are difficult because I find memories and then spend too much time in long ago land.

I like my neighbors and where I live. It would not be everybody's cup of tea but I'm happy here.

So, back to DD. She shows no signs of moving. A couple of times I've jogged her a bit by saying, ' why don't I sell and we buy a place together near brother, sister?'.
No, not interested. 'If you want to sell, Mom, I can get an apartment.'

The girl has saved and saved and could easily buy her own place. She has a good income. So, I'll leave all that alone for the moment.

But, even with her living here, I am alone here. Her father passed a few months after she was born. I was married before and the first husband is still living and remarried. In all these years I have not wanted to repeat marriage, way too stressful.

I just need a renter if she leaves, or live in household help. Maybe that's the key.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning from cooler CA,

Prayers to those of you in snow country for warmth and always safety, too. Easyas, I'm thankful it sounds like you're home.

Snowysmom. Continued prayers for peace and your walk ahead, my friend.

Thank you Lynn so much for looking into that. I also sure hope Tina and Matt are okay! Sparkle78, too. Please stay out of the wind, my friend!

Judique. I can understand feeling more secure with someone else in your home. I sure am beyond extra blessed that God has dad and I living together right now during the pandemic especially. Cherish this closer time with your DD, my friend.

Dad is at Target right now followed by going to Pavilions. I'm shortly off to watch online worship

Happy Sunday with love always to each of you. I will check back later.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We will celebrate Mardi Gras today. May not be the right time, but our DS’s wonderful in laws sent us the cake and with my DSis and her friend, we are having a Good Times!

 

[Snowysmom]

@Judique Thank you for telling us about how you handle repairs and upgrades in your home as well as your emotional thoughts about your home and your daughter living with you. I believe if I had someone living with me like one of my sons I might stay in the house. Maybe someone you know would like to rent from you when your daughter finds her own place. Your house does sound like it is just right for you. Destashing is hard and finding old papers and pictures does send one back to long ago land. It is tough and I found it heartbreaking at times. I know I can't do all the work necessary, mainly upgrades and a few repairs, to stay in the house plus emotionally it is just not healthy for me to do so. I was there alone today doing some cleanup and cried most of the time, talking to Chris all the while. I think if I could find the right place that spoke to me and said this is your place it would make things much easier for me. I do know now it is most likely a town house that I want. It is finding that place that will be hard.

I took a nice walk today. It is around 30 right now so it was a brisk walk but not too bad. I think I may go out again later in the afternoon. I like the fresh air and it just clears my head.

I saw a cardinal today at the house. It was a flash of red and then I saw him in the tree. When I went out to feed the birds he was calling from one of the pine trees. I could see the red against the tree and hear his call so clearly. I love the birds and wherever I go I want birds and squirrels to be nearby.

 

[bobbiwoz]

snowysmom, I saw a female cardinal today. Not a common sighting for me.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I got caught in those snow squalls last night, too. Visibility was pretty low. Thankfully you could still see the lines on the road. I’ve been in them before for my commute where you couldn‘t see any lines or even bridge abutments and that gets really scary! Busy work weekend with very sick patients. Had one police event with a patient threatening and bullying a nurse. Hope @footballmouse is having a decent one.

I may have to try the tuna casserole. DH and I like it. DS would probably like it. DD doesn’t do fish, even the smell makes her sick. Strange where we have so much fresh seafood here. So we eat it when she’s not home. And try to cook it outside. DS bought himself some swordfish the other night and cooked it when we weren’t home. He was supposed to grill it but (I think I mentioned) it was too cold out and the gas wouldn’t fill the line, so that was that. Fortunately it wasn’t too strong. He is adventurous with his seafood, Thanks for sharing the recipe @lynxstch

@PollyannaMom So glad you got to see your DS today! Let us know how it went. I’m sure he was thrilled with homemade cookies, as will his buddies be (if he shares)!

B&B, I hope things get settled soon. And glad you’re taking care of yourself.

Taz, sounds like you’re getting a ton accomplished.

@Judique, I like your idea about a rentable living space if needed. That works for many people.

@Snowysmom I like the gas station story. So you decided to go with the stager? I must‘ve missed that.

@AuntieM3 So glad the doggie made it home! Good job! And hope they get the microchip.

Easy glad you made it home safe, hope you had a nice trip.

@Flyingdumbo123 I think both Tina and her DH got busy with a new jobs. That was my sense anyway.

@bobbiwoz, I have never seen a cake like that. What’s it made of? Nice someone sent it to you.

Gotta go! Enjoy your Sunday evening, everyone!

 

[lynxstch]

I got caught in those snow squalls last night, too. Visibility was pretty low. Thankfully you could still see the lines on the road. I’ve been in them before for my commute where you couldn‘t see any lines or even bridge abutments and that gets really scary! Busy work weekend with very sick patients. Had one police event with a patient threatening and bullying a nurse. Hope @footballmouse is having a decent one.

I may have to try the tuna casserole. DH and I like it. DS would probably like it. DD doesn’t do fish, even the smell makes her sick. Strange where we have so much fresh seafood here. So we eat it when she’s not home. And try to cook it outside. DS bought himself some swordfish the other night and cooked it when we weren’t home. He was supposed to grill it but (I think I mentioned) it was too cold out and the gas wouldn’t fill the line, so that was that. Fortunately it wasn’t too strong. He is adventurous with his seafood, Thanks for sharing the recipe @lynxstch

You are more than welcome! Mmmm..swordfish is my favorite fish. We don't see it often down this way,,and never fresh, always frozen. Guess we will have to make a trek to Ocean City soon and eat at Harpoon Hanna's where Mr L's oldest son is the manager. He always makes sure we get the freshest stuff, and we always eat free there, lol

 

[lynxstch]

It's 50 degrees here with full sun and no winds. Feels so nice outside. I just picked up more branches, fed the cats, took trash to the shed, and took a 20 minute walk. Mr L is taking a nap,,while telling me he was watching Olympics. Yep, sure he was, that is why he has no idea who won what medal in the Womens 30 kilometer cross country skiing final...lol!

Dinner is all ready to cook, just have to put it in the oven in half an hour

Enjoy your Sunday evening all..remember,,tomorrow is President's Day, which means no mail and no open banks!