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

[Judique]

I was in Costco yesterday and found microfiber beach towels on sale for 7.99. Huge, but roll up very small. The one I bought has a huge turtle on one end. I may buy a second if I see them when I get back and if they work good on the sand.

Not like I need huge beach towels, but the fact they are really thin may help with being a packhorse with the girls, plus they could easily carry this item.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

@Kirby, forgot to say, I enjoyed your trip report! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Judique]

Update to my daughters travel plans: She did provide me with this information, but, I didn't read it until in the last half hour.

Today's final destination: Inside the Arctic Circle. Landing at Barrow, AK. Largest city: Utqiagvik - population -4927 from 2020 census.

Northernmost city in the US and one of the furthest North in the world.

She will arrive at 4:17pm their time or I guess 7:17 our time (3 hr difference maybe?)

She will be there tonight and all day tomorrow, returning to Anchorage at 5ishpm.

It's in the 30ties there. But with midnight sun, should be bright.

I have the place she's staying but will post about that later when I get more info and maybe pictures from her. I can expect almost anything from this DD. She's definitely not boring.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Meeting went well. More later. Getting ready to go to DH's sister's pool.

Quick question - what kind of French fries is it that so many of you like?

 

[Judique]

Meeting went well. More later. Getting ready to go to DH's sister's pool.

Quick question - what kind of French fries is it that so many of you like?

I think it's Nathan's that they post about.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Judique, so glad your daughter is having such an adventure. I would love to see some picture. Do you know whether she will also be going to the North Pole or is it too early for a possible sighting? Truly grateful that you also have some trip fun to come.

Hope you're having a good day, Pea and were able to get your haircut

Glad to hear the meeting went well, Carol. Have a fun and relaxing afternoon swim I also think the fries others have shared about enjoying so much are Nathans brand.

Quiet morning here. Dad and I will check out Campfire Christmas this afternoon.

 

[Judique]

Judique, so glad your daughter is having such an adventure. I would love to see some picture. Do you know whether she will also be going to the North Pole or is it too early for a possible sighting? Truly grateful that you also have some trip fun to come.

Hope you're having a good day, Pea and were able to get your haircut

Glad to hear the meeting went well, Carol. Have a fun and relaxing afternoon swim I also think the fries others have shared about enjoying so much are Nathans brand.

Quiet morning here. Dad and I will check out Campfire Christmas this afternoon.

No, she won't be visiting Santa. She's there until tomorrow afternoon then goes back to Anchorage.

I do have a long retired cousin who went to the North Pole. He was an engineer doing work inside the Arctic Circle one year. Later he became a teacher. Can't remember if he saw Santa or not.

 

[lynxstch]

@Judique--yes it's Nathans Fries we always talk about. They also make pretty yummy onion rings!


Its 98 degrees outside!! I finished cleaning the master bedroom, did a quick once over of both bathrooms. Vaccumed every room in the house, washed the kitchen rugs and swiffer'd the floors. I am about to go soak in a hot tub and do my hair, etc. I am going to be sore tonite, and maybe tomorrow, but I got a lot accomplished. Dinner is going to be leftovers. We have brats, ribs, devilled egg potato salad, and a lot of fresh fruit. Then it's some tv and bed. Bet I don't make it till 9. lol

Off to feed the cats and give them some more fresh cool water outside. I moved their gravity water thing to the side that is in the shade..might keep the water from being almost boiling!
Have a good afternoon

 

[Snowysmom]

I am typing on a new laptop now. My old one was randomly shutting down and taking so long to power up again. It is 5-6 years old. Older DS came with me and he helped me pick out a good one for my needs basically email and browsing the internet. He is set it up for me. He began the download for all the pictures Chris downloaded pictures to the computer from all our trips and all the grandkids and holidays. The current finish time for the transfer is in 4 hours and 45 minutes. Chris took and saved alot of pictures. I am happy to have them. I don't use the digital camera like Chris did. I just use my phone and google photos. We had lunch in a little hole in the wall Mexican place in Cambridge. The food was so good and so was the service. It is so nice to have my DS over today. I am usually so lonely and I am talking his ear off!

Joe was in good spirits today and his whole attitude is just so much better. His anxiety is gone and he is feeling safe and secure. The people who work in the hospice are so kind. He wanted us to get his clock which also has the date from his apt. He is feeling lost with not knowing the date or the time of day. We didn't have the keys as younger DS does. Older DS ordered one from Amazon and it will be delivered to him in the next few minutes. He will be surprised. The one at his apt was old and not in great shape. Older DS knew what one he had and just ordered it. A friend of his came to visit too and she is a kind soul. We discussed alot of issues that we need info on so my DS's can move on with their care for Joe. He did bring up how he is at peace and will see others who have gone before. He mentioned seeing Chris again and his mother as well as the other relatives. I really see a change in how he is processing all this. So glad he went to stay at the hospice.

Have a nice evening.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

That's cool, Judique that you know someone who has actually been to the North Pole

Please sleep extra well tonight, LynnREST for the rest of the day as well!

Snowysmomand much continued prayers and peace to you, my friend. God Bless your son! Hooray for your new as well.

Mail came before noon today which is unheard of usually around here! I also got a package from a friend via FedEx. Do any of you, for yourself or your kids, grandkids, or church or all of the above, need any stickers? PLEASE let me know this weekend. I am sticker overwhelmed due to unexpected surprises via mail (so kind and appreciated of course) and in general. I am asking all who tend to send me stickers to instead give them to a church for kids or to their own family instead.

The stickers I currently have at this point truly are stuff. Not me and exactly what I have over the last few years so enjoyed being free from (excess stuff)! To me, if something is not actively being used or has a specific purpose (such as the Christmas bowl for my dad) then it's not bringing anyone any joy and worse is in no way serving the Lord!

So, stickers, anyone?!

 

[lynxstch]

@flyingdumbo127 --I don't need any stickers, but it's kind of you to offer them.
I am so relaxed after my bath that I could go to sleep, lol. Dinner is in the oven reheating, won't be many dishes to do
We are under a severe thunderstorm warning right now, but so far nothing. They say we could get 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. I will settle for just some rain!

The grandson who went to work with his Dad on the railroad in GA. They got there Monday. Tuesday he failed his first test, which means they couldn't pay him to work. They told him he could work with the guys, but without pay. How can they expect someone to do that?? He can take the test again, but only in 6 months. His father isn't coming home till the first week in August, but one other guy is driving back in 4 days. Grandson didn't want to wait 4 days, so he called Mommy, crying that he doesn't want to sit there doing nothing in a hotel room by himself. For Pete's sake, he is 18, let him grow up!! Instead stepdaughter finds an airline , buys a plane ticket and he is flying home now. He's scared to death, first time on an airplane and not knowing what to do. We both said she should have left him there with is father. When he went, Mr L and I both said he wouldn't make it a week..heck he didn't even make it 4 days before crying for Mommy. She claims it's separation anxiety. We both told her that's because that's how you raised him,,talk about being a helicopter parent! So now she had to drive to BMI Airport , in Saturday traffic, in almost 100 degree weather
Okay rant over.
Dinner coming up in a few, hopefully we don't lose power if we get that storm!


@Breezy_Carol --good luck with the new laptop, and I am so glad that Joe is feeling safe and secure now~

Have a nice nite everyone
'

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Justdear Lynn.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good evening.

Meeting went very well. Lots of good conversation and compliments on the food. We met on the porch and with the fan, it was quite comfortable.

After lunch, DH decided to call his sister and see if we could come and swim. The water was quite warm so we just hung out in the water and talked. Stopped at a Redners on the way home to get some fish for the grill. Got tuna which was good. Thanks for the quick replies about the Nathan's fries. I thought by going to a different store, I might find them. I found Nathan's onion rings but the slot for fries was empty. So, had rice and salad with the fish.

I love doing that, my sandwich always tastes better on a picnic for some reason.

I love a picnic. My mom used to pack them all the time it it reminds me of then.

I’ve made “dirt”

I have had it and also seen "sand" made the same way with vanilla pudding and crushed vanilla wafers.

Not like I need huge beach towels, but the fact they are really thin may help with being a packhorse with the girls, plus they could easily carry this item.

We have Dock and Bay beach towels. Fold very small and work. One of the other families at the beach had this beach blanket. It is like a parachute and folds really small. I had to buy one but haven't used yet.

Guess that's about all for now.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Just waving good evening with sweet dreams to all

Sounds like a relaxing afternoon, Carol, I'm so glad, my friend and that the meeting went well

 

[PollyannaMom]

Good morning, all

Thanks for the sticker offer, Mona, but I have a whole tray of them already - plenty to keep the kids in my life crafting for some time!

(Your talk of stickers brings back fond memories of collecting and trading them in special books back in school, though!)

Maybe Google Girl Scout troops in your area? The Daisies or Brownies might be able to use them, and one of the moms might pick them up, saving you postage.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. Going to be a really warm day..near 100 or higher. We didn't get one drop of rain out of the promised storms last night. We got some dark skies, some winds (you could feel the temps dropping), but then the sky cleared up and that was the end of it. Just put the garden sprinkler on and let it run for half an hour. Hand watered all the other flowers and plants. That should hold them till tomorrow..when it's 'only' going to be 88 with chance of strong storms, not that I believe them anymore, lol
I have one more load of the cats blankets to wash and hang out this morning, and that will be the extent of my cleaning. Dinner is going to be burgers with garden tomatoes, Nathans fries and corn. Making it simple!

Have a nice morning all--stay cool!

 

[tazdev3225]

Good morning. Going to be another hot one here. It's actually too hot to go to the pool. The water becomes like bath water and not refreshing, plus the risk for ear infections goes up. My one daughter got swimmer's ear all the time in the summer.

The party was a huge success but exhausting. We had a little help cleaning up but by 8:30 everyone left leaving my daughter, me and the kids to clean up. My grandkids did such a great job and when we finally left at 10 PM the hall was cleaner than it was on friday and everything was back in place. We did leave half the cakes for the church coffee hour after the service. I was a little bothered by the fact that no one from my husband's family showed up. He has very little family left on his side. His parents are long gone as well as his brother and sister. I have had issues with them almost since we got married. His cousins are older and I understand that, but his nieces and nephews are invited to family functions and he is always left out. He says he doesn't care as the only family he needs are me, his kids and grandkids, but on some level I know it bothers him.

Some more of the trip. Day 2 was an at sea day. I spent most of it wanting to die I was so seasick. The captain did announce we were in unusually rough seas. I found out later talking to another couple that the sick bay was overwhelmed with the amount of people that headed there. I took Dramamine and drank a LOT of ginger ale. I did have trouble adjusting to the time change so after I showered I wandered the ship taking pictures. The Crown Princess is an old gal but beautiful.
This was looking down at the Piazza


And some of the ceiling fixtures


I have a thing for stained glass of any kind and found this while sitting in one of the bars. I only had a ginger ale but many of the games were held in the bars.


We were actually going to go on a photo safari but there was a 15-minute time limit, and I knew Jim could not handle that. We talked with the assistant cruise director Maria while the others were off searching. She was such a nice person and gave me a prize anyway. It was just a drawstring bag, the kind my cat like to eat, but it was such a nice gesture. We played quite a few games that she led over the course of the cruise, and she loved to make jokes about the way Americans pronounce words. She called a geyser a 'geezer". I actually gave her a hug the last day and thanked her for helping to make the trip so memorable.

Jim and I wandered some more and came across the jewelry shop. They were holding a drawing, so we decided to stay. I went off to get another soda for my stomach. While I was gone my husband, who knows I am the world's biggest penny pincher decided he was buying me a necklace. I resisted but, in the end, he gave me no choice. He bought me a blue diamond and diamond necklace for our anniversary. I am getting it appraised as I still think he paid more than it was worth. It really is beautiful, and I have received quite a few complements on it. My youngest granddaughter already claimed it when I die. The drawing was held and guess who won a diamond necklace - that's right - ME!

Dinner was at the Steakhouse Restaurant, and I had really been looking forward to it after having seen the menu. I took a sip of my soup. Blue cheese and French Onion Soup did not sit well. The Filet Mignon I ordered was cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, after a couple bites I told my husband I couldn't eat anymore. I was really feeling the effects of the sea sickness. I was glad we didn't pay for the meal. It was a signature restaurant and was comped by our travel agency as part of the package. We went back to the cabin and I went right to bed. I still woke up a few times because the movement of the ship had me feeling like I was in the Poseidon Adventure. Only good thing I was already in the back of the ship.

Not the best start to a trip but I did try to overcome how ill I felt. I really would like to take my grandkids on a cruise, one at a time, but several of them get violently car sick. Not sure how well they could handle a ship.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good morning. Going to be another hot one here. It's actually too hot to go to the pool. The water becomes like bath water and not refreshing, plus the risk for ear infections goes up. My one daughter got swimmer's ear all the time in the summer.

The party was a huge success but exhausting. We had a little help cleaning up but by 8:30 everyone left leaving my daughter, me and the kids to clean up. My grandkids did such a great job and when we finally left at 10 PM the hall was cleaner than it was on friday and everything was back in place. We did leave half the cakes for the church coffee hour after the service. I was a little bothered by the fact that no one from my husband's family showed up. He has very little family left on his side. His parents are long gone as well as his brother and sister. I have had issues with them almost since we got married. His cousins are older and I understand that, but his nieces and nephews are invited to family functions and he is always left out. He says he doesn't care as the only family he needs are me, his kids and grandkids, but on some level I know it bothers him.

Some more of the trip. Day 2 was an at sea day. I spent most of it wanting to die I was so seasick. The captain did announce we were in unusually rough seas. I found out later talking to another couple that the sick bay was overwhelmed with the amount of people that headed there. I took Dramamine and drank a LOT of ginger ale. I did have trouble adjusting to the time change so after I showered I wandered the ship taking pictures. The Crown Princess is an old gal but beautiful.
This was looking down at the Piazza
View attachment 687353

And some of the ceiling fixtures
View attachment 687349View attachment 687350

I have a thing for stained glass of any kind and found this while sitting in one of the bars. I only had a ginger ale but many of the games were held in the bars.
View attachment 687351

We were actually going to go on a photo safari but there was a 15-minute time limit, and I knew Jim could not handle that. We talked with the assistant cruise director Maria while the others were off searching. She was such a nice person and gave me a prize anyway. It was just a drawstring bag, the kind my cat like to eat, but it was such a nice gesture. We played quite a few games that she led over the course of the cruise, and she loved to make jokes about the way Americans pronounce words. She called a geyser a 'geezer". I actually gave her a hug the last day and thanked her for helping to make the trip so memorable.

Jim and I wandered some more and came across the jewelry shop. They were holding a drawing, so we decided to stay. I went off to get another soda for my stomach. While I was gone my husband, who knows I am the world's biggest penny pincher decided he was buying me a necklace. I resisted but, in the end, he gave me no choice. He bought me a blue diamond and diamond necklace for our anniversary. I am getting it appraised as I still think he paid more than it was worth. It really is beautiful, and I have received quite a few complements on it. My youngest granddaughter already claimed it when I die. The drawing was held and guess who won a diamond necklace - that's right - ME!

Dinner was at the Steakhouse Restaurant, and I had really been looking forward to it after having seen the menu. I took a sip of my soup. Blue cheese and French Onion Soup did not sit well. The Filet Mignon I ordered was cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, after a couple bites I told my husband I couldn't eat anymore. I was really feeling the effects of the sea sickness. I was glad we didn't pay for the meal. It was a signature restaurant and was comped by our travel agency as part of the package. We went back to the cabin and I went right to bed. I still woke up a few times because the movement of the ship had me feeling like I was in the Poseidon Adventure. Only good thing I was already in the back of the ship.

Not the best start to a trip but I did try to overcome how ill I felt. I really would like to take my grandkids on a cruise, one at a time, but several of them get violently car sick. Not sure how well they could handle a ship.

Aww, so sorry you got so seasick, taz! So disappointing! I was so afraid of that - heck, I get seasick just on little boats! But, knock on wood, I never did, on four cruises. Granted, we were in the Caribbean, and the captains always said they try to find calm waters, which, for the most part, they did. That could be the one thing that causes me hesitation about an Alaska cruise! (Or European, which is on our Bucket List.) But it sounds like you at least had some good moments, would love to see the necklaces! Blue diamond and diamond sounds really pretty! Way to go, Jim!

 

[Kirby]

@TazDev, after hearing about your bout with seasickness I'm pretty sure that a cruise is not in my future. I've been told I should try a short cruise out of Galveston first but I hesitate even to do that. I've glad you had a good time. Enjoying your pictures and trip report!

One more thing that we did on our trip. We listened to 20/20 Crime podcasts. They are actually the shows that have been airing on tv during the Spring and early Summer this year. We enjoyed listening to them and it made the long drive better. DH even liked them.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good morning! Today is supposed to be the worst day heat-wise around here before it breaks up a bit. Yesterday was a scorcher! I got my haircut, and we flew through the grocery store in record time, I think - fortunately it wasn’t too crowded! We picked up some steaks (sirloin strips) and grilled them last night (with steak seasoning and garlic powder), they were so good! Had baked potato, corn and grilled summer squash and zucchini from our garden, which was disappointing as the skin was hard, DH says because of the heat. (I might do a thread about that.) Had to scoop out the insides only. DH also cut up some tomatoes from the garden (the only thing doing pretty well right now) and put salt and pepper on them, saying that’s the way his Italian grandmother served them, so we enjoyed those, too. DD and her boyfriend went out to eat so it was just DH, DS and I, and DS loved the steak. Going to try to get a walk in with the dogs this morning. Both went in the pool yesterday and had fun, but they need to run, I think, too, which helps keep them relaxed for the rest of the day. Probably jumping in the pool after that, and no other real plans other than to make another batch of the BLT salad per DD’s request, as she was at work the other night and missed it (aside from a little bit in which the lettuce sort of soggy the next day). We cooked the pasta late last night and have it cooling in the fridge. I also ran the dishwasher and did laundry late, too, to help with the energy conservation effort. I haven’t been running the AC in the apartment and it was hot in there doing laundry! Enjoy the Sunday, Quackers. Said prayers for all last night and will again today.