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

[Judique]

adding in a couple of pictures: Helping Mom with the luggage.



More of the room

 

[easyas123]

No, it's a little bigger than the standard size. It's a verandah stateroom, and it's on the rear curve so larger outside as well as inside. This is the Disney Dream.
Yes, they are full of energy.

Nice, I like kids who know how to travel!!!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Looks like a nice room, Judique

I was sent this Chicken Soup Book as a complete surprise from someone on Paperback Swap. Would any of you enjoy reading it once I'm done going through it? it's a thicker book than really is comfortable for me to hold for longer periods but of course, I appreciate, the kindness of it and will check it out for sure. Just seemed fitting to offer to pass it onto one of my fellow Quackers. PM me if interested.

 

[tazdev3225]

Looks like a nice room, Judique

I was sent this Chicken Soup Book as a complete surprise from someone on Paperback Swap. Would any of you enjoy reading it once I'm done going through it? it's a thicker book than really is comfortable for me to hold for longer periods but of course, I appreciate, the kindness of it and will check it out for sure. Just seemed fitting to offer to pass it onto one of my fellow Quackers. PM me if interested.

My mom just told me I am too negative. She could be right, I try not to be.

@Judique - cute girls. Hope they have fun.

I had an up and down day. I went to see my grandson's 8th grade class perform a living Stations of the Cross. They did an excellent job and I was really moved by it.

After I was done with the church thing I headed to the travel agent to make the final payment on the cruise. As I was leaving my husband called to warn me he "tripped" and fell into the wall. There was a hole there, he just wanted to warn me. There was a HUGE hole and I wasn't very nice about it I am afraid. I did ask if he was alright before I got angry. He didn't just trip, he lost his balance taking out the trash. It's the argument I have had with him not accepting that the strokes left him with permanent damage. Thankfully my grandson was able to repair the hole but I will need to go buy more paint. I realized that I need to change me so I contacted a stroke support person. I am hoping they still meet and I can go to meetings once in awhile. A friend has been telling me I need to go so she has agreed to accompany me. I think I need to speak with people who have been through all this. My kids keep telling me his strokes didn't happen to me and I need to leave him be. What they don't understand is they may not have physically happened to my body, but they have had a profound effect on me in other ways. I am honestly at a place in my mind where I realize that the stress of caring for him is taking a toll on me. Of course at some point today I may have to talk to him and see if he is still going on the cruise. The last thing he said to me is that he refuses to go if I make him take the walker since there is nothing wrong with him.

I think some of the problem is we are still dealing with the emotions of losing Jack so unexpectedly. I keep looking for him in the morning, as do the other 2 cats. It is amazing how much those little furbabies become such a part of your life.

Hope everyone has a great night and weekened.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Big hugs, dear Taz. You are lovely! I would be happy to send you though the book if you would like, just let me know. I am very grateful you did reach out to a support person! Prayers they truly will be a support. Extra love and prayers.

Sweet dreams to all.

 

[Kirby]

He almost fell over taking out the trash to the curb the other day. He is constantly tilting backwards to the point that my son or grandson get him to my car when we visit at my son's house. He uses a cane but on a ship that does not seem like it will be as safe as a walker can be. He finally agreed to take the walker. Now the discussion on buying one with a seat or just the one he got in rehab begins.

Add to this I may need to make the decision that it is time to say goodbye to my oldest cat Jack.

My mom used to lean back when she walked. She fell and broke her arm once and the orthopedic doctor mentioned to me that she leaned back and I told him that she had been doing that for awhile. It got to where that was the direction she would fall. Once she began using a walker she didn't lean back anymore but she still fell backwards.

So sorry to hear about Jack. It is hard when a pet passes away. My sister had her cat put to sleep a couple of weeks ago, she was 19 years old. She's in our freezer in the garage right now. We're going to bury her in the back of our property. We sort of have a pet cemetery out there. Besides our pets, we have hers, an ex employee's dog and my MIL's dog.

Off to take a quick shower, Mr L said he's making pancakes for breakfast, not my favorite, but he promised to make mine blueberry, lol

I'm not a fan of pancakes either, I like french toast even less but I do like to eat a crunchy waffle. When we have pancakes I make sure we are having either bacon or sausage and then I turn my pancake into a bacon/sausage sandwich. If it's sausage I will dip it in syrup a little.

QOTD--do any of you use the CAYG method (clean as you go) or do you just wait till you have a big pile of whatever and clean it up then? LOL all of my dishes this morning made me think of it, as I use the CAYG method

I prefer to have a clean kitchen so I will clean as I go. The same goes for my house as far as keeping things picked up, putting my shoes/sweater/coat etc. up when I'm done. Now my office is another thing.............

BUT we don't have a lot of "stuff" or knick knacks so I think that helps in keeping the house tidy. I also don't have carpet, just wood floors w/ a few rugs. Our last house was entirely carpeted, it perpetually looked dingy. Just about the only thing I'm uptight about is making the bed. It might not happen until later in the day, but I'll be damned if I can sleep in a unmade bed!

I've done away with a lot of the knick knacks because I don't like to dust. I love to get into a made bed and make mine every morning but when I'm on a trip I just don't care. Go figure!

We will be at Bay Lake Towers starting Monday and will be back home by Easter....playing it by ear as I'm looking at maybe a night or so elsewhere.

One day I'd love to stay at the Contemporary.

My Naan bread pizza turned out pretty good last night. I put some pepperoni and olives on it. Tonight I'll make some sort of fish.

I'm updating our family tree this weekend. I'm going to need some help from my aunt and one of my cousins. Someone in the family did this about 35 years ago for both sides of my family so it definitely needs updating. We were able to go back as far as my great-great grandparents on one side and my great grandparents on the other side.

I'll have to try Naan bread pizza sometime. How long do you bake it in the oven?

A relative in my dad's family back in the 1920's put together a family history book that goes back into the 1700's and earlier. He and other family members did a lot of research and talking to other family members. There are a lot of stories in it that I have yet to read. I think it would be interesting to do research one day with all the information and ways to get it now days and see how correct he was.

Busy getting ready to go tomorrow but when I knew the girls were on the ship, I called. They had just gotten into their cabin/stateroom so I got the whatsapp tour. The girls were wearing the little dresses for their arrival that I brought them earlier this week and they loved them.

They are darling!

I realized that I need to change me so I contacted a stroke support person. I am hoping they still meet and I can go to meetings once in awhile. A friend has been telling me I need to go so she has agreed to accompany me. I think I need to speak with people who have been through all this. My kids keep telling me his strokes didn't happen to me and I need to leave him be. What they don't understand is they may not have physically happened to my body, but they have had a profound effect on me in other ways. I am honestly at a place in my mind where I realize that the stress of caring for him is taking a toll on me.

I'm glad that you are going to seek a support group. While our situations are not the same, having DD and the GK's living here and seeing all the drama that her ex causes first hand has taken it's toll on DH and I.

And now we have a fifth trip. Going back to the condo we like in Sanibel in October again.

Sanibel is on my bucket list. I have a friend that goes down there for a week every year.

Well, after a all time high of 91 I believe on Tuesday, the cold blew in with a bang on Wednesday. Yesterday the sun was shining but it was in the 50's with winds blowing 28+ mph. And it was Western Day at preschool. It was so much fun to see all the little kids in their cowboy boots and hats. There was a petting zoo, calf roping, bull riding, a hay ride, digging for gold all in little kid style. They shucked corn and cooked marshmellows over the stove inside because the wind was too strong for a fire outside. And Lou Lou's class did their sack race inside because the wind kept blowing their sacks away.



Dinner tonight was Cheese It Chicken with mac/cheese and a salad.

 

[Judique]

My mom used to lean back when she walked. She fell and broke her arm once and the orthopedic doctor mentioned to me that she leaned back and I told him that she had been doing that for awhile. It got to where that was the direction she would fall. Once she began using a walker she didn't lean back anymore but she still fell backwards.

So sorry to hear about Jack. It is hard when a pet passes away. My sister had her cat put to sleep a couple of weeks ago, she was 19 years old. She's in our freezer in the garage right now. We're going to bury her in the back of our property. We sort of have a pet cemetery out there. Besides our pets, we have hers, an ex employee's dog and my MIL's dog.


I'm not a fan of pancakes either, I like french toast even less but I do like to eat a crunchy waffle. When we have pancakes I make sure we are having either bacon or sausage and then I turn my pancake into a bacon/sausage sandwich. If it's sausage I will dip it in syrup a little.

I prefer to have a clean kitchen so I will clean as I go. The same goes for my house as far as keeping things picked up, putting my shoes/sweater/coat etc. up when I'm done. Now my office is another thing.............


I've done away with a lot of the knick knacks because I don't like to dust. I love to get into a made bed and make mine every morning but when I'm on a trip I just don't care. Go figure!

One day I'd love to stay at the Contemporary.

I'll have to try Naan bread pizza sometime. How long do you bake it in the oven?

A relative in my dad's family back in the 1920's put together a family history book that goes back into the 1700's and earlier. He and other family members did a lot of research and talking to other family members. There are a lot of stories in it that I have yet to read. I think it would be interesting to do research one day with all the information and ways to get it now days and see how correct he was.

They are darling!

I'm glad that you are going to seek a support group. While our situations are not the same, having DD and the GK's living here and seeing all the drama that her ex causes first hand has taken it's toll on DH and I.

Sanibel is on my bucket list. I have a friend that goes down there for a week every year.

Well, after a all time high of 91 I believe on Tuesday, the cold blew in with a bang on Wednesday. Yesterday the sun was shining but it was in the 50's with winds blowing 28+ mph. And it was Western Day at preschool. It was so much fun to see all the little kids in their cowboy boots and hats. There was a petting zoo, calf roping, bull riding, a hay ride, digging for gold all in little kid style. They shucked corn and cooked marshmellows over the stove inside because the wind was too strong for a fire outside. And Lou Lou's class did their sack race inside because the wind kept blowing their sacks away.

View attachment 661168View attachment 661169View attachment 661170

Dinner tonight was Cheese It Chicken with mac/cheese and a salad.

So adorable! I love my little girl grandchildren and another girl on the way! I'll love a little boy GC also if I ever get one.

Well here it is getting close to 3am and I'm wide awake because I fell asleep around 8pm. Didn't mean to go to sleep so early. I'm not leaving early as I prefer to time my overnight stay to around dinner time, a bit of tv and bed when I travel.

Not sure I mentioned that yesterday morning I changed our room to the Polynesian last minute when I was on the DVC website looking at next year's winter trips. Someone must have just canceled as Sunday to Thursday were right there at the Poly. I stayed with arriving Monday but almost changed that also. Put in a request to get our room at 10:30am, so we will see how that goes. The Poly room is larger and has an extra sink and shower, and 3 beds, which will work better now that I'm coming along.

 

[Judique]

My mom just told me I am too negative. She could be right, I try not to be.

@Judique - cute girls. Hope they have fun.

I had an up and down day. I went to see my grandson's 8th grade class perform a living Stations of the Cross. They did an excellent job and I was really moved by it.

After I was done with the church thing I headed to the travel agent to make the final payment on the cruise. As I was leaving my husband called to warn me he "tripped" and fell into the wall. There was a hole there, he just wanted to warn me. There was a HUGE hole and I wasn't very nice about it I am afraid. I did ask if he was alright before I got angry. He didn't just trip, he lost his balance taking out the trash. It's the argument I have had with him not accepting that the strokes left him with permanent damage. Thankfully my grandson was able to repair the hole but I will need to go buy more paint. I realized that I need to change me so I contacted a stroke support person. I am hoping they still meet and I can go to meetings once in awhile. A friend has been telling me I need to go so she has agreed to accompany me. I think I need to speak with people who have been through all this. My kids keep telling me his strokes didn't happen to me and I need to leave him be. What they don't understand is they may not have physically happened to my body, but they have had a profound effect on me in other ways. I am honestly at a place in my mind where I realize that the stress of caring for him is taking a toll on me. Of course at some point today I may have to talk to him and see if he is still going on the cruise. The last thing he said to me is that he refuses to go if I make him take the walker since there is nothing wrong with him.

I think some of the problem is we are still dealing with the emotions of losing Jack so unexpectedly. I keep looking for him in the morning, as do the other 2 cats. It is amazing how much those little furbabies become such a part of your life.

Hope everyone has a great night and weekened.

The biggest takeaway from your post for me on a personal level is your first line - that your Mom thinks you are too negative.

That is an excellent reminder to me to try to be careful what I say to my oldest DD. Words hurt. She is on the one hand amazing. But, it's been a rocky road through life with divorces and choices made that are not necessarily bad ones, but just different from what I may have chosen. Sometimes us parents need to remember that it's not our life. It's so easy to be critical when I'm trying to be supportive. And to be angry in a sense that the person just doesn't do what we think will have the best outcome.

As for your husband, his stroke has obviously changed the dynamic for both of you. Not unlike @Snowysmom you both probably expected to go through life as partners more so than you as a caregiver worrying about falls and walkers. You've suffered a loss and have had to take on a new role. On his side, he is probably more dependent and that is not easy for some people to accept. Reaching out for support and having a friend who will go with you is great. I think you are on the right path.

 

[footballmouse]

Good Saturday morning,

I'm not usually one here on the weekends but I thought I'd pop in before I get busy at work.

I'll have to try Naan bread pizza sometime. How long do you bake it in the oven?

A relative in my dad's family back in the 1920's put together a family history book that goes back into the 1700's and earlier. He and other family members did a lot of research and talking to other family members. There are a lot of stories in it that I have yet to read. I think it would be interesting to do research one day with all the information and ways to get it now days and see how correct he was.

I put the oven to 400 and just kept it in there until the cheese was melted how I like it.

Wow, you must have an amazing family tree to look back on. I wished mine would have went back that far. It would be interesting to read the stories of the past, I hope you get around to doing that.

Taz - I hope the rest of the week gets better for you, you're dealing with a lot of things this week. I know how hard it is to lose a cat and the sadness will be there for awhile. I think it's a good thing to look into the stroke support group, sounds like it could really be helpful.

Ran up to Dollar Tree yesterday and found some cute Easter baskets for everyone. I was just going to do 1 big basket for each couple but then I found these so I just grabbed them. I ended up getting all my Easter candy too. My boys said that the girlfriend & wife doesn't like chocolate but they do like gummy bears so I got them a bunch of gummy candy. I didn't want to keep buying the chocolate candy for their basket if they don't eat it. I'll stick a couple of $5 lottery tickets in each basket too.

Hope everyone has a good day!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Sun trying to come out, but they say showers this morning and then clearing, temps upper 40's. By Wed/Thurs we are supposed to be at 75 degrees. The grass needs mowing badly, but it's still too wet to even attempt it.

I stripped and remade the bed, washed the linens and cleaned both bathrooms..that's enough for now. Called the mower place to see if they possibly got the riding mower I want in yet.---darn , still none. He said he has about 20-30 on order, that he won't know when they are coming till he gets the invoice, and after that it's usually a week to 10 days. He double checked to make sure had my name and number on the list, and he said yes, you are 4'th in line for one. Looks like it will be using the other one for awhile. They are the only place around that carries Cub Cadet, unfortunately. But they do their own warranty work, and I've had nothing but good luck with the last 2 we owned, so going to stick with that.

Have a nice Saturday all

 

[easyas123]

good morning everyone -
It's to muddy to plow as was our plan for today, so I think I will have to do the chore I least care for - weeding. At least then I can mulch.
I'm off to the farmers market this AM first though, as soon as I'm done my coffee and get around to getting dressed!
It is bright and sunny outside, but I have no idea what the temp is. Lets just say it's not warm enough for t-shirts yet degrees!

 

[Snowysmom]

@TazDev Thoughts and prayers for you that things get a bit easier and less stressful for you. You are an amazing person.

@flyingdumbo127 Happy to hear your Dad had good test results. Blessing for you both.

Good morning. Sounds like busy weekends. I am going to the house to start packing up the kitchen. With all the cleaning we did over the past several months I left the dishes etc in the cabinets. Now is the time to pack them. Then on to the linen closet and all the toiletries and towels and linens. Then the bedroom to take the sheets off the bed and pack those along with pillows. It will be a multi weekend effort. The van will be picked up on Thursday for Make A Wish. Glad that is settled. I talked over the whole closing process with my real estate agent last night. He is so good and is doing alot of things like replacing the smoke detectors and having the fire dept come out for inspection. It is part of what he does which is what makes him so valuable as an agent. I told him and my sons that I wonder if I bought the right condo as I tend to ruminate on decisions. My agent said he would be surprised if I did not love living there. My sons say the same. I am going back to see it at some point to do measuring and make a plan for the furniture I have. I need to buy 2 couches, one a sleeper sofa for the second bedroom/office but Ii will do that once I am in the condo and figure out what I want. I am taking my time settling and buy things as I figure out what I want. This whole process is stressful and sad but I know it is a path I have to take. I hope it gets a bit easier as time goes on but right now I am not seeing that.

I ordered a few things from Amazon. DSs will be putting m TV on the wall over the piano so they told me what to buy. I also ordered a collapsible wagon to bring groceries and other items up to my condo. A portable metal shopping cart is not big enough. I can bring all my groceries in the wagon as well other purchases and moving in items. Then I just collapse it down and store it in my closet or back of my car.

Time to take my walk before heading to the house. Have a great Saturday.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good morning everyone,

Cooler here this morning but thankfully not cold. Even I had to admit to being too hot in the apartment yesterday. Now, lol, I could almost put on a long sleeve T shirt. Such a blessing to have, a long sleeve T, but not necessarily yet need it. Barbara Ann will be coming by later As all of you know, I love my simple pancakes. I have never liked real French Toast at all. Years ago, I did like the very unhealthy French Toast Dips from Carl's Jr or sometimes even Burger King. These did not taste like real French Toast but more like a fried, sweet/bread with possibly dash of churro.

Lou Lou is just precious, Kirby! I hope the kids had a blast!

Dear Taz, what Judique said is exactly what I meant yesterday! YOU are wonderful as is. Remember you are "wonderfully and fearfully made." I am sorry that anyone let alone your mother feels condescending toward you, so very sad and wrong. And NOT about YOU! Pray for her to be happier. Extra hug to you, my friend.

Happy Saturday to all! Thank you all so much again and always for your prayers and kind support on my dad.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Happy Saturday all.

@Judique and @Kirby Love the pics of your grandkids.

Hugs @tazdev3225 and @Snowysmom you both have so much going on.

@footballmouse you reminded me I need to get Easter stuff too. I usually make up a little treat bag for our friends "kids" as well as DDs basket. I already got a little stuffed bunny for the baby but need to get the goodies for the big kids. I knew there was a reason I wanted to go to DollarTree the other day.

@lynxstch hope the mowers come in sooner than later. We have a yard guy that cuts our grass but he hasn't been doing that great of job lately and DH is considering letting him go and just start doing it himself, so we'll need to get a new mower. The only problem I see with that is, he's out of town so much, I'll have to do it and I really don't want to. haha

@flyingdumbo127 It's supposed to be another warm day today. I think it's time for me to switch out my big comforter for the thinner quilt, I got pretty warm last night.

No plans today besides doing some cleaning and organizing our bedroom. We're thinking of rearranging the furniture a bit. DH suggested a drive and I was going to suggest the mountains but then he changed his mind and decided he didn't feel like going anywhere. LoL

 

[lynxstch]

@AuntieMe3--get yourself a riding mower and you will want to do it, lol

The sun was out, but it's cold and windy. I got the mower out, drained the old oil, put fresh in, cleaned the sparkplug, put fresh gas in it and it started right up. I put it back in the shed, just as it started to rain..again..I am tired of rain!

Dinner will be leftover beef stew with Italian bread and a side salad

Have a nice rest of the afternoon

 

[flyingdumbo127]

AuntieMe3, it is another warm day but cooler than yesterday. I hope you are enjoying our summer sunshine. I miss being able to go to the Dollar Tree. Do you also have a 99 Cent Only Store out by you?

I am so not a wind fan, Lynn! I hope you are inside and cozy for the rest of the day.

I had such a lovely visit with Barbara Ann! We got to chat for over half an hour and just enjoy being able to talk in person. She will deliver Terri's surprise basket at Bible study Monday night. Terri finally replied to me that she has a busy birthday Wednesday planned. I did ask Barbara Ann to take pictures. I was also grateful to God for allowing me, with help from my dad, Barbara Ann, and Pavilions (baking the cookies for us), to donate to tomorrow's Palm Sunday homeless feeding in the park. Always a joy to in a tiny way get to serve.

Much love to all of you always.

 

[lynxstch]

As I have mentioned before, if my stepdaughter didn't have bad luck, she would have no luck. Her shoulder is still hurting her a lot more than a week after surgery. Her husband is back on the road in GA with the railroad. Her Mom came up from SC to 'help' her, but hasn't done much. She did talk her mother into 'loaning' her the $3500 to get her car out of the garage 2 days ago. They put in a new transmission. She went to take her son to work at Walmart this morning,,and the electrical inside the car is all messed up , and the car won't start. She had to call Roadside Assistance and have it towed back to the garage. It really just never ends. Her washer died the week before her surgery and her oldest son had to go and buy her a new washer. And our 16 year old grandaughter has a boyfriend..who is now living with them. He an his brother and sister were in an awful living situation. The mother got put in jail, and the stepfather had them in a run down apartment. The fridge didn't work, only the freezer did. The stove didn't work, all they had was a microwave. CPS finally stepped in and removed the younger 2 kids and put them in foster homes..and stepdaughter said the 17 year old could live with them for now. Just a recipe for disaster in my opinion

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Just prayer to all, Dear Lynn, and forever to YOU.

 

[Judique]

So on my solo ride south today I got to listen to a lot of radio. Kept hitting 'seek' and just listened to whatever.

This is a bit from an old song that made me think of this group:

Be a best friend, tell the truth
And overuse "I love you"
Go to work, do your best
Don't outsmart your common sense
Never let your prayin' knees get lazy
And love like crazy

I'll check in with trip details after I get some sleep.

 

[Kirby]

I had comments for some of you and now I've forgotten what I wanted to say.

DD and I took the GK's to see Bumblebee. A gas station in a little town about 30 minutes from us put a statue of the Transformer Bumblebee on a cement platform by the gas station. It's fairly tall and the GK's were excited to see it.

We then went to a local outlet mall to get Lil Joe some Crocs. I had already gotten Lou Lou some a couple of weeks ago. DD decided to get a pair for herself.

When we got home I changed the sheets on my bed. Vacuuming and cleaning our bathroom was done yesterday. DD has tons of laundry to do and it keeps me from my washing schedule. Oh well........

We went to our favorite fish place for dinner and the food was lackluster tonight. We've decided to look for a new place and give this one a break for awhile.