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

[Judique]

I started to quote some of your posts but again experiencing the jumpy problem. Thank you to those who asked about the rescue. I think I am too upset to talk about it right now. We were approved. Process went pretty smoothly. Until yesterday. They told me when the dog was coming up. I had given them dates I was available. The date they gave me was one I had to work three in a row (and can’t change it or call in sick) and they got mad when I said I couldn’t do it then, even going as far as to say something sort of mean to me about having to change it. With that snarky comment I had to politely end the conversation. Family was present for call on speakerphone and they heard it, too.

Needless to say I didn’t sleep too well, and I’m not sure where we stand with it now. Put it this way, Toto got a lot of hugs and even laid on my chest for a while last night. (I am so grateful I have him, my little buddy.) Once again reminding myself that if it’s meant to be, it will be. I‘ll just feel bad if this dog loses out. One thing I do not have control of is my work schedule once it’s done, months ahead of time. It’s written in stone and I have to be there when I have to be there. And I do want to be home to go get the dog and for its first hours/days in our house, and meeting Toto, etc. I don’t think that’s unreasonable. My work days are 15-16 hours when all is said and done. I’d be lucky if I got to even sit with the dog for a few minutes in between working and sleeping, so that’s not how we want it to go. Ugh.

This is the material DD is making my blanket out of. It will have a plain grey underside.
You can see that Toto is on it!

View attachment 665828

Oh my! What a thoughtless person that made that call.

But, as you said if it's meant to be it will be.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Pea-n-Me I am sorry that person was so insensitive as to be snarky about a schedule you have no control over. They should have been willing to work with your time frame in the best interest of the dog. It makes me wonder whose interest they have in mind, theirs or the potential adopters and the dog. I know it is hard for you and hope things work out soon so you can give a dog a good home and have more doggie company.

 

[PollyannaMom]

This is the material DD is making my blanket out of. It will have a plain grey underside.
You can see that Toto is on it!

I love the material! I'm so sorry the rescue is being difficult.

 

[AuntieMe3]

@Pea-n-Me I really hope it all works out in the end. I'm so sorry someone thought it was ok to be rude to you.

Love the blanket pattern....my DD would love that.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Huge hug, dear Pea . How awful and not very kind either. I’m so sorry my friend and just all the extra thankful you have Toto! What an adorable blanket that will be! You’ll have to share whether Toto recognizes his likeness at all

Hug, Judique, I’m glad you had that man as a friend when you most needed him. I use Ralph’s (Kroger) Brand whipped cream cheese all the time on my mini bagels! I prefer it to Philadelphia because it’s lighter but just as tasty, plus the cost is cheaper.

Cheering you on Snowysmom . Always and in all ways, you know that and also for your words of kind wisdom to Pea1 Right on and ITA! Well said.

It's overcast and cool here, no mail yet. Dad thankfully did find some needed things this morning. I'm so glad he'll be home now tomorrow

Wishing all of you a good evening.

 

[lynxstch]

Bright sunshine and 68 degrees . Nice breeze so I washed the light blanket and the bedspread. Just finished putting together my portable greenhouse that I bought last year. I paid $39 and the price is now $69--that is some inflation! Mr L is watching the 2 part finale of Naked and Afraid XL. I don't get why anyone would do that, lol!
Made seafood salad for dinner..had it over a green salad, with cottage cheese and fruit

Have a nice evening all

 

[dazedx3]

Thank you everyone for your support. It is pouring rain and thundering out right now. We had chili dogs for dinner because, well, it is all I could muster.

We are trying to do things here and there while DH still is able, so we went to a "farm team" hockey game last night with some of our kids. It was nice but we both had enough by the 2nd period. In a few weeks we are flying to Tucson. This was a trip we had planned before the cancer returned . We were going to drive and stop at a lot of sites before meeting our kids and their families in Tucson. We canceled all those reservations, because I think it would have been too hard, and DH can't miss the Chemo appts.
Any recommendations for Tucson?

Our DD rented a house in Tucson for everyone, which is so generous of her. She was really upset when the owners canceled it, one month out, with no explanation. We did find another one but it is $1500 more There will be 10 of us, so we needed a fairly large house. I think it will be good for all of us. I'm a little nervous that I will be very emotional, but I will try to keep it together.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Lynn and lol, I'm with you all the way on the shows. I hope Mr. L enjoys them though

Dazed along with much love and extra prayer all-around always. We're here and care.

Sweet dreams, friends.

 

[Kirby]

I started to quote some of your posts but again experiencing the jumpy problem. Thank you to those who asked about the rescue. I think I am too upset to talk about it right now. We were approved. Process went pretty smoothly. Until yesterday. They told me when the dog was coming up. I had given them dates I was available. The date they gave me was one I had to work three in a row (and can’t change it or call in sick) and they got mad when I said I couldn’t do it then, even going as far as to say something sort of mean to me about having to change it. With that snarky comment I had to politely end the conversation. Family was present for call on speakerphone and they heard it, too.

Needless to say I didn’t sleep too well, and I’m not sure where we stand with it now. Put it this way, Toto got a lot of hugs and even laid on my chest for a while last night. (I am so grateful I have him, my little buddy.) Once again reminding myself that if it’s meant to be, it will be. I‘ll just feel bad if this dog loses out. One thing I do not have control of is my work schedule once it’s done, months ahead of time. It’s written in stone and I have to be there when I have to be there. And I do want to be home to go get the dog and for its first hours/days in our house, and meeting Toto, etc. I don’t think that’s unreasonable. My work days are 15-16 hours when all is said and done. I’d be lucky if I got to even sit with the dog for a few minutes in between working and sleeping, so that’s not how we want it to go. Ugh.

This is the material DD is making my blanket out of. It will have a plain grey underside.
You can see that Toto is on it!

View attachment 665828

Cute material! I hope that it all works out for you.

Bright sunshine and 68 degrees . Nice breeze so I washed the light blanket and the bedspread. Just finished putting together my portable greenhouse that I bought last year. I paid $39 and the price is now $69--that is some inflation! Mr L is watching the 2 part finale of Naked and Afraid XL. I don't get why anyone would do that, lol!
Made seafood salad for dinner..had it over a green salad, with cottage cheese and fruit

Have a nice evening all

Everything seems to be increasing in price. DH was at the supply house the other day and the salesman told him that PVC was going up 7% on Tuesday. That is a big increase.

Our DD rented a house in Tucson for everyone, which is so generous of her. She was really upset when the owners canceled it, one month out, with no explanation. We did find another one but it is $1500 more There will be 10 of us, so we needed a fairly large house. I think it will be good for all of us. I'm a little nervous that I will be very emotional, but I will try to keep it together.

That stinks that the owners canceled on you. I got a message the other day from the owner of the house we had rented for DS's wedding that he had a friend staying with them while their house was being built and that it was taking longer than expected so he was canceling our reservation. We have ended up reserving a couple rooms at a local hotel.

Today has been busy. DD and I went to the Dallas Arboretum this morning. She had never been and we both enjoyed it. It sits on the banks of White Rock Lake. It got a little warm but the breeze was cool off of the lake.


DH and I went to Covingtons this afternoon to look at bushes. All of ours died in the freeze last year. I believe we have settled on Cleyera and Dwarf Yaupon Holly. He's going to add a sprinkler system. Yay!

Dinner tonight was Meatballs and rice, green bean casserole and Tucker Farms Italian Salad mix.

 

[Snowysmom]

@dazedx3 I hope you have a blessed and nice trip with your family. Being with your family now is the best. I have never been to Tucson so no ideas on what to do. Maybe the house you have rented now will fit your trip and family better than the one that was canceled. I am thinking of you and your family.

Again a chilly morning with temps going into the 60s. It was nice to have the grandkids together yesterday. It is bittersweet because I think of how Chris loved to be with them. Unfortunately my older DS's 2 boys acted up quite a bit and had to go to time outs or just be left to have their mini tantrums. I don't say anything because they are not my kids but I think they need to be more consistent with the kids and get them to bed earlier. Just my 2 cents which I am keeping to myself unless asked.

Off to the house again today. Yesterday I had time before my hair appt to get a bit done so today should be a bit easier and quicker. I don't stay long because it is too hard for me to be there now. It just does not feel like my house any more which may make the transition easier. Selfishly I am hoping my DDIL does not have the baby before May 22. I really need my younger DS to be with me on moving day. It will be hard enough but I will need him to help direct the movers at the house and the condo. My brain is mush and I know I will be emotional.

Have a nice Sunday.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. Its sunny, with blue skies and 51, going to 70, but they are saying rain shortly. I don't know about that, but right now they are wrong, lol. I am glad I didn't wait for it to definitely rain today before getting all those amendments into the garden soil. I will have to go out and water the Canterbury Bells and Columbine I planted yesterday. My Canterburys came up every year for about 10 years, this year they were no where to be found. So I bought more to replace them.

Just defrosted an Italian pork tenderloin for dinner,,have to come up with some sides. If it doesn't rain by 10 am, I will plan on washing the kitchen floor anyhow.

Have a nice morning all~~

 

[Judique]

I dunno on this here rain! A couple of hours ago it was advertising rain by 1pm, so I planned on just vegging.

Now it's showing 50-60% chance late tonight combined with thunder and lightning after midnite.

So I took a look at the 'moving' weather map and it doesn't show anything coming near us any time soon like in the next few hours but it looks like Western Maryland is getting ready to have showers plus possible thunder and lightning.

There is nothing that is really east of 95 in my area so maybe I'll get outside once I get situated.

Just had some cinnamon rolls and cheese and coffee. Leftover lasagna for dinner. Not sure on lunch, maybe just some chips and dip, as I still have to finish the corn dip I bought on sale at Costco. It was decent and we both liked it okay. It's always just that things like that are too much, but at the same time are a good buy even if we toss half of it.

Another example of this is the Chobani yoghurts. If I buy the box for $12ish, and we end up with a few going out of date, still much cheaper than the Giant/Safeway/Whole Foods/Food Lion. If the grands show up I share and they take some home.

Stuff I can freeze works somewhat better unless DD doesn't like it after we buy. Example - shrimp scampi. I'm trying to make it through a box by eating a few here and there as after the first time, she wasn't a fan. Two pounds can be a lot if you only want maybe a 1/4 pound at a time, and they are not nearly close to the fresh variety although the scampi sauce is delicious. Kind of tough if a shrimp can be called tough.

I shop kicked a $25 Disney gift card. Yay!! This activity is for people like me who have too much spare time or who wake up and can't sleep in the middle of the night. But, it feels good to put 'free' money on my DVC dues. Do I recommend this? Not really unless you are extremely bored. It's like being paid a nickel for an hours work.

I was also able to switch an Ocean City reservation to the Courtyard Marriott using 2 free night certificates and a few points. The certs were leftovers from covid extensions and were due to expire soon. Somebody posted elsewhere that Marriott had started allowing a mix of free nights and points so I checked and got the two nights booked. I know a lot of the locals don't enjoy OC, but I enjoy a few hotels mid Boardwalk 14th to 17th streets - the Hyatt, Courtyard and Holiday Inn and Suites which has been nicely renovated last year. I come out early morning and catch sunrise and take a walk along the water. Sometimes I'll drive to Assateague or Chincoteague. And I'll get food from Shark on the Harbor https://ocshark.com/#home
or a crab soup from a take out place on Coastal Hwy. This trip I'll eat at Captain's Table as my room includes breakfast and I have Marriott gift card money to use up.

I'll probably eat a slice from Frankie's for a lunch or share some Thrasher's fries. If anyone knows of anything new (as in nicer restaurants) let me know so I can check it out. There is a breakfast place on 2nd st that I may ride down to on one morning - I can sub out pantry items for my free breakfast if i like at the hotel. There's also a breakfast place on 36th I think it was that I tried last year that was good but crowded and bad parking (bad = pay). Like 5 free spots and then the guy guarding the lot next door with his hand out.

I expect to have a city view room but have my suite night awards set up just in case I get a shot at an upgrade to ocean front. Daughter may come for a night, don't know as I haven't asked her yet, but she rarely says no to free food and lodging! DGD is out of preschool by then so I may ask to keep her with me, other DGD will still be in regular school.

I want to take my bike but haven't got the thing to attach to my car yet. Must schedule that soon. Bike would fit in van but two car trips with the bike carrier will pay for the bike carrier in gas saved from not driving the van. Plus the van barely fits in the underneath parking. I scraped the roof twice already.

I was booked fully at the Hyatt but now can save those nights for later in July when I will go back. I do like the Hyatt's pools better than the Courtyard, but the ocean is right there.

 

[lynxstch]

@Judique --you said---So I took a look at the 'moving' weather map and it doesn't show anything coming near us any time soon like in the next few hours but it looks like Western Maryland is getting ready to have showers plus possible thunder and lightning.

You also said--And I'll get food from Shark on the Harbor https://ocshark.com/#home--I just looked up their menu, and it sounds amazing (though somewhat expensive?) . We may try it the next time we get out OC way to visit the kids and grandkids.


Well the weatherman was right. We went from a beautiful sunny morning, to pouring rain and thunder. Says it will continue to 'shower' for the next several hours, with thunderstorms likely--so much for April showers..stop the rain and bring on the May flowers!

 

[Judique]

@Judique --you said---So I took a look at the 'moving' weather map and it doesn't show anything coming near us any time soon like in the next few hours but it looks like Western Maryland is getting ready to have showers plus possible thunder and lightning.

You also said--And I'll get food from Shark on the Harbor https://ocshark.com/#home--I just looked up their menu, and it sounds amazing (though somewhat expensive?) . We may try it the next time we get out OC way to visit the kids and grandkids.


Well the weatherman was right. We went from a beautiful sunny morning, to pouring rain and thunder. Says it will continue to 'shower' for the next several hours, with thunderstorms likely--so much for April showers..stop the rain and bring on the May flowers!

I used to eat in before covid but now I'm a take out gal. Yes, I think it is expensive also, but I'm rarely paying for more than myself, and I'm more likely to order a couple of appetizers and dessert which kind of keeps the price lower, but I'm aiming for something I'll enjoy.

There's a place right next door - Sunset Grill - steer clear! Expensive and inconsistent and not friendly at all.

Another spot that's kind of laid back with decent food is Full Moon Saloon. Seems everything is expensive but I get 'to go' from there also. It's like the next street up.

It's more bar like and if I'm alone it's not where I feel comfortable, although Shark has a middle bar that kind of takes over, but at least when you are at a table, it's a different atmosphere. Full Moon has a Sunday breakfast I've gone for and enjoyed. I've never been there when it's full or in a 'happy hour' mode so not sure if I would like it then or not. I go to get food.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good morning and Happy May with love to all. May this new month be bright with new joy. I will share a picture in a couple weeks of the Jacaranda trees more in bloom. I'm going to finish wrapping some birthday gifts for my cousin whose birthday is a couple days before mine and soon watch online worship Dad and I are also baking May Day cookies. Why not bring in a new month sweetly? Love to all of you always. I'll stop by later.

 

[Canadisney Fly]

To those with loved ones going through medical treatments (or going through their own struggles) - my heartfelt thoughts are with you . Let's hope the spring brings renewed hope and beauty for all.

Re: Mother's Day - I always tell DS (16 now) that I want to do something physical (bike, hike, etc) and then really enjoy some food! Brunch, a takeaway coffee and bagel down on the beach - no matter what it is, I always enjoy it more after some exercise (as an aside, I do believe it's what elevates the taste of Disney food, as those 10-15 km days really build up a good appetite).

And speaking of food, you've all been exploring my favourite dirty little secret - chips! You could take away all the cakes, puddings, cookies, candy and sweets - I won't blink an eye - but put a bowl of good quality potato chips within arm's reach, and I'm done for! I grew up on Old Dutch chips, usually ripple, with Herb and Spice dip - absolutely my very occasional celebratory binge favourite! We have all these artesanal chip companies coming up now, and of course the kettle chip trend - the HardBite chips made here in British Columbia are really high quality and have some great flavours - avocado and lime, black sea salt. I'm not a fan of Lays (too thin and too oily for my taste), but surprisingly, I can put back a good part of a can of Pringles. Although I'm not sure if I would really call them chips - they're quite a different texture and experience.

Re: grey hair. Such a simple term for the massive array and complexity of colours and textures that come as we enter into our new roles of matriarchs/patriarchs of the clans! I have a maternal aunt and my paternal grandmother who have/had the most glorious WHITE hair - I'm so hopeful that I will inherit that progression. I'm blonde and it's hard to tell if they're coming in grey or white. I'm sure I won't have to wait long - they'll likely start to be the majority and exert their dominance with the authority (and privilege) that comes with ageing.

Happy May to all.

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Sunday!

It was supposed to be a rainy day today but it looking to be a really nice and sunny day instead. At work right now so unfortunately I can't enjoy it.

We grilled haddock filets with seafood stuffing in tented aluminum foil on the grill last night. I just realized this morning we seasoned (w lemon, lemon pepper and sea salt) but forgot to dot with butter. Oh well, end of the week DH and I were tired and in a sea of groceries. It was still good. We also had haddock chowder which was delish (store bought), rice pilaf and peas. I’m glad I found a good haddock chowder.

This sounds really good! Might have to look that up and try it.

Thank you to those who asked about the rescue. I think I am too upset to talk about it right now.

So sorry that things took a turn for the worse with the dog. I completely understand about wanting to be home when the dog arrives. I can't believe someone from a rescue would act like that. She should have been grateful that someone wanted the dog.

Our DD rented a house in Tucson for everyone, which is so generous of her. She was really upset when the owners canceled it, one month out, with no explanation.

I've been hearing this happening quite a bit lately to people. We have been going through AirBnB for our trips in the past so I can't imagine what it would be like to have this happen right before a trip. Talk about stressful!

Today has been busy. DD and I went to the Dallas Arboretum this morning.

This place looks so pretty. I would definitely hit that place up during the year.

We all just ordered Chipotle for lunch so I'm happy about that (even though I didn't need to be ordering out ). Hopefully Ds2 will stop by the house later today and let the dogs out for awhile. Carly is having trouble being home that long, I'm getting tired of cleaning up her accident. I should probably look into dog daycare for her.

Back to work (lunch), have a great day!

 

[AuntieMe3]

Good morning all...

DH hurt himself yesterday on a bike ride at our local mountain adventure park. He thinks he may have bruised his ribs so he's very uncomfortable....we both had a rough night of him trying to get comfy. We're going to urgent care in a little bit to get checked out. He had DD and I cracking up telling us about his crash, then trying to get us to stop laughing because it was too painful for him to laugh.... Poor guy.... but he's a tough cookie and has hurt himself worse than this before so he's just annoyed that he fell in the first place. He did say no more mountain trails...lol Only street rides from now on.

Hope you all have a great day...

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Good Sunday afternoon all.

Dh and I got up early this am, and went up to First Watch for breakfast. He got the crab cake benedict, and of course, I got the lemon curd ricotta pancakes w/blueberries. After, we came back home and hung out for a little bit, then DH hopped on to his computer to get some work done (he has 4 projects due within 2 weeks); and I went out. Hit up Kohls...returned an Amazon pkg for DH; traded a broken Yankee Candle I had ordered online from Kohls for a new one; picked up two small orders; then spent my $5 KC from the Amz return + $20 KC from the two small orders, and got new cutting boards and a new doormat. Then I stopped into Target to get a few items for the week.

I also ordered a bar cabinet and a buffet server from Rooms To Go; they'll be delivered in a couple of weeks. I paid the tax, got free shipping, and free interest for 36 months on the order, woohoo! Dh will have to put them together, haha.

It's already hot and muggy out.

We'll eat an early dinner/late lunch. Having pork taqueria bowls (w/corn, black beans, rice) from my Hello Fresh order.

@Kirby I am jealous of the arboretum! It is so pretty! The one in Jax is very...natural, shall we say. We make sure to use the restroom before we go to walk, because I really hate pit toilet outhouses. When it cools down again, DH and I will go up and I'll get some photos to share.

Y'all have a good day.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Grey day here (in more ways than one). We are making a roast beef dinner this afternoon when DS gets home from work. Didn’t sleep too well again overnight so tired today. Thank you for all of your comments, I don’t have any updates at this time. Auntie, I’m sorry to hear about your son’s fall. Broken or bruised ribs can be so painful.