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

[PollyannaMom]

The doggies are so precious!!

 

[frog3101]

Happy Sunday to all Quackers. We got a bit of rain overnight, but I think we will be hot again today. It does look like the rest of the week won't be quite as bad.

@Pea-n-Me Love the pics of the dogs in the pool. Your supper looks delicious also. I miss having a grill. I may need to break down and buy a small one. We had two at my former house, but I didn't want to take the effort to bring one. One is gas the other charcoal. Technically the charcoal one is my sons and I know he'd like to have it here, but he will never tell his dad that.I could say something, but it would just start a debate and cause tension.

@kriby I have a feeling I'd get seasick also on a cruise. I have never really had the desire to cruise anyway, except to Alaska, so I guess I'm not really missing out.

@tazdev3225 Good to hear the party was a success. It takes a lot of work to host those type of events. I'm sorry your husbands family did not show up.

@flyingdumbo127 Maybe contact a local nursing home or Sr. Center about the stickers. If you can find someone to donate some blank gift bags, the residents could decorate them. We actually do this for our schools Santa's Workshop. We provide the bags and stickers and markers and then the residents decorate the bags for us. Then we use them for the kids to wrap their gifts in for Santa's Workshop. It's a win-win. The residents are contributing to the community and Santa's Workshop has pre-made bags ready to go that are much more reasonably priced and add a personal touch. They could also use them as fundraiser or whatever if you donated them to a Girl Scout group or similar as someone suggested above.

My oldest son was a mess after he got home from his dads. It always take him about 2 days to readjust. It's so heartbreaking. He has told a friend of mine that he is so torn because he knows what is right and is upset that his dad has her staying over while he is there and that his dad says things about me that are less than kind. He wants to stand up to him, but he is is scared of his dad. I definitely do not ask any questions about what happens over there nor do I say anything about my husband or the girlfriend to my son, as I know that is only putting more stress on him. I just am angry that my husband (soon to be former) is getting away with all his lies and thinks the kids are completely ok with how all of this went down. He clearly has no idea what is healthy for them mentally. He really is only thinking about his own happiness. My oldest told me she will refuse to go there if the court says she has to. I am planning on requesting an advocate for them once we see what the outcome of this week is with the temporary order. But, I am tired of my kids not having a voice and being put in the middle even more so because if it.

Hoping to attend a new church today. It's not really new in that it's in the town we live in and it's a bit of a sister church to the one I grew up in. My sister and her family attend this church and we have been there multiple time over the years, so at least it won't be too intimidating. They have a new pastor (well he is starting his second year) and he is very friendly and easy to talk to. I am hoping to get my oldest son in to see him, just to talk and so my son has another "guy" to talk to.

On that note, I better get ready to go.

 

[lynxstch]

Oh my..I just went out to hang blankets on the line to dry. Almost stepped in what I thought was deer droppings, then realized they were too big to be deer (unless we have a giant deer running through the side yard all of a sudden). I think the big black bear is prowling around at night. My bird feeders that are on shepherds hooks are still standing, but in the past a bear has torn them down and dragged the feeders across the yard. Do bears not like veggies? The couple next door (the good neighbors) have 3 individual raised gardens, no fence, and nothing has been disturbed. I just checked as they are away camping this weekend and asked me to look after the house. They are the ones who told me the bear had come through their back yard a week or so ago. If it is the bear again, it will be the first time it's ever come back more than just one night.

Laundry is done, I watered early before the sun got up too far. Going to sit and relax for awhile. I earned it after all the cleaning I did yesterday..lol

@frog3101 --I am so sad that your ex is still thinking of himself, above the kids. He shouldn't be bad mouthing you in front of them, I am proud of you for keeping your thoughts about it away from the kids when they are home! Your kids have spoken out about not wanting to be with him, you would be wise to do as you said, and get an advocate for them. Maybe the advocates would have a bit to say in court about it. Still praying for you, --hugs

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Anytime, dear PollyannaMom, just let me know when you may need some stickers. Aw, glad you have a good memory of sticker trading. That’s a wonderful idea for me to try and look up Girl Scout information. I can also ask a couple people at church whether their kids are Scouts.

Finally and hooray that you are having a slower, easier Sunday Lynn! You sure did a ton yesterday. Keep cool and enjoy your fries! Yikes to a bear! PLEASE stay safe and inside!

Hug, Taz. Parties or events can be tiring indeed! Thank you for all you did to make the day so special for your granddaughter. Aw, I’m sorry you got seasick. You have a sweet husband. Go you for winning the necklace!

Hug to you as well, Pea. I’m sorry you have also had experiences with sea sickness. LOVE the dog picture. Give them both a hug from me.

Glad you enjoyed the podcasts, Kirby

Frog, huge hug and continuing prayers. I would love to be part of Santa’s Workshop. What a wonderful way for a school community to reach out to seniors! Heartbreaking about your son. I am so very sorry. All I can say is your son’s time should be his time and is dad needs to be respectful at all times of his son and put him first!

Quiet and overcast Sunday morning here. Dad is heading off to do some quick shopping shortly. We tried watching Campfire Christmas last night. Didn't do much of anything for us. recording tonight Christmas in Toyland. Looking forward to online worship later.

Keep well and cool everyone!

 

[Canadisney Fly]

Back in between field work weeks - nice to see all of the posts, photos, and people enjoying (tolerating?) the summer's heat.

He's scared to death, first time on an airplane and not knowing what to do.

These days, I think even the most seasoned travellers are scared of travel! It's a tough line to walk these days as a parent - figuring out how to prepare them for the world (and when to step back). I grew up in challenging circumstances, but have some mad skills because of it - you learn to be very capable and independent when there are no helicopters . My ex was supposed to pick up my DS (16 yo) the day I left for a week, and instead, he brought him dinner and left him at the house alone. I was quite surprised, as we hadn't discussed this, but when I texted my son how he felt about it - he said "great!". And then "well, I miss you of course..." (he's such a sweetheart), and then said "but I'm kind of excited". It made my heart sing. I trust him to be alone, but was hesitant because he was a bit anxious. When my ex's friend died later in the week, I had him put DS on the ferry and send him over to stay with me and my field crew. Getting him ready to fly to Brazil on his own in the next year or two, so trying to prepare him. The level of anxiety in this generation is over the top - in some ways, I wish they all had less information about the state of the world so they could have a few more years of innocence.

Older DS ordered one from Amazon and it will be delivered to him in the next few minutes.

What a lovely gesture! It's so nice to hear that Joe is feeling comfortable - it's often the opposite when people shift from their home into care. It must bring you such comfort to see that he is more content.

I have a thing for stained glass of any kind

Me too! I've loved your trip reports - did you wave as you passed Vancouver? .

Not the best start to a trip but I did try to overcome how ill I felt

I work on the water, and thankfully have pretty good sea legs, but did get quite sick once during a storm. Gave me a whole new respect for people who experience it - what a horrible feeling! The good thing is that it usually passes... Usually!

We provide the bags and stickers and markers and then the residents decorate the bags for us. Then we use them for the kids to wrap their gifts in for Santa's Workshop.

That's such a good idea! I absolutely love Christmas and really enjoy wrapping, but have moved away from foil, recycle the bits and ornaments that we tie on with ribbon, and am always looking for creative, less impactful ways to wrap.

I've worked DS hard this week - we filled, transported, and spread 10 bags of river rock in the front yard for a walkway, as we're trying to do away with the lawn and make a Japanese garden with shrubs and ground cover. I then bought a portable air conditioner off Craigslist for the attic room, which gets the hottest and is open to DS's bedroom, which is the next hottest in the house. It weighed 85 lbs, we lugged it down from a second storey apartment, into the car, out of the car, up two flights of stairs in the house and then up the attic library ladder - but we're now ready for the "heat wave" that is supposed to come next week. I'm heading away again for a week, and can control it via an app, so all is good! I ran it the first day and checked my electrical bill - it increased my bill by $2.80 - small price to pay on those really hot days.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Beautifully landscaped yard, Canadisney Fly! Great job done by your son! Thank you for sharing

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good afternoon.

I have a bad case of inertia. I should be doing something but I'm being lazy.

Went to church this morning and enjoyed it, as usual.

@Pea-n-Me , love the doggie pictures.

Hoping to attend a new church today.

Good for you. I hope it fits your needs.

am always looking for creative, less impactful ways to wrap.

DDIL has used old road maps to wrap gifts and they look really nice and interesting.

Will try to get something crossed off my list now.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Pea-n-Me Love the doggie picture.

@frog3103 So sad that your soon to be exH does not seem to want to even realize what is best for the kids. It should not be all about him. It sounds like an advocate for your children would be best.

@lynxstch Bears do love the bird feeders. I have a friend who lives in NH near Lake Winnipesaukee. One night she went out to get her dog back in and heard a sound in her sister's yard next door. She got a flashlight and a big bear was at the bird feeder. She said she see bears once in a while. That is one reason why she does not walk early in the morning.

Quiet day as I am not seeing anyone today. I did a walk early, around 7, and then just a quick walk to clear my head around 11. I may go out again around 5 or 6. I did some errands. I scheduled my 2nd booster. I debated for a while but we are going to WDW in Oct so I figured I may as well get it. Older DS is getting his soon as he is in healthcare. He kind of nudged me to get it. I did some work to catch up from being off Friday. No one does my work while I am out so it is always a bit stressful even after taking off just one day. When I am out for a week in Oct they are going to have to step up and do my daily stuff. I know it will take me a couple of weeks to catch up after being out a week even if someone does some of my work. They never do it all.

All the pictures Chris saved on the old laptop transferred over to the new laptop overnight. There were so many and the old laptop was so slow. But, it is done now. I do like the new laptop. I like to see what I am buying which is why DS took me to a place called Microcenter in Cambridge. Chris loved that place and he could spend hours there. He built the kids towers for college back in the day. He got the parts at this place. They have a big selection of laptops but DS zeroed in on the brand he has and they had a nice one, on sale, and just right for me. He set it up for me as I am clueless about this stuff. While we were there we looked around and I saw some games and toys for the grandkids. I went on Amazon and found the same stuff. I bought them Christmas gifts already. They are educational but fun gifts. Older DSD and Older DGS will get a build it yourself orbiting solar system. Middle DGS and youngest DGS will get a build your own robot with gears which is geared for kids 4-5. And youngest DGD will get a very simple build your own robot that is for toddlers. I know it sounds strange but I feel like Chris led me to the toys yesterday to help me out. These are gifts that he would have picked. It was very strange. Chris had bought 2 train sets a few years ago for each family for when the kids got older. He always told me that if anything happens to him to be sure I give the trains to the grandkids. I will be giving those to each family this Christmas. It is good to be ahead of the season for once.

Stay cool and have a nice rest of the day.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I also enjoyed worship this morning, Carol. I appreciated the pastor sharing his story and loved how he said something like the truth is we are too tired and busy NOT to pray. Being still and with God, listening to and talking with Him, nothing more important or revitalizing than doing just that.

Snowysmom, I'm glad you are having a quieter Sunday, that's important to do sometimes. Great idea to plan/shop ahead. besides, as you know these days it's always smart to get something you need or want when it's available because the next time you look for it, it may not be there or it might cost a whole lot more.

Dad is finding prices keep going up while stock goes down even at our closest 99 cent only Store. A number of years ago it became "99 and UP." The store name hasn't changed which to me like Dollar Tree (items are now $1.25 there) is not honest.

Wishing all of you a good afternoon

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I organized the pots and pans cabinet and the Tupperware cabinet. Took stuff I rarely use to shelves in the basement so I can see what is in the cabinet.

Bears do love the bird feeders

My brother lives in CT, just west of Hartford. They can't have a bird feeder because it attracts bears.

DS zeroed in on the brand he has

Curious, what brand. I bought my current laptop at Best Buy and am not thrilled with it.

 

[Snowysmom]

Carol My laptop is an Asus Vivobook. I really like the keyboard as the letters are fairly large and the keys are too. It has a nice touch to it. My son says it has a good processor and works well for web browsing and email which is what I usually do. I am sure you can do streaming too but I am not really into that.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Almost stepped in what I thought was deer droppings, then realized they were too big to be deer (unless we have a giant deer running through the side yard all of a sudden). I think the big black bear is prowling around at night.

Yikes!

The level of anxiety in this generation is over the top - in some ways, I wish they all had less information about the state of the world so they could have a few more years of innocence.

I agree.

@frog3101, I also think the kids should have a voice. Their dad is clearly clueless to think his "new life" will all just be an easy thing for them.


Super hot, but fun, day here. My cousin brought her little ones (5 and 3) over to swim earlier, and the pool was beautiful! I maaaaay have taught the five-year-old how to put one end of a pool noodle up against the filter jet and soak her dad. (He's a very good sport. - I knew how would play along!)

DS has been craving Italian lately, so we got take-out for an early dinner, and now it feels later than it is. (Totally worth it, though - it was delicious!)

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good job, Carol

I'm so glad you like your laptop, Snowysmom. I'll keep that in mind. Dad may want to upgrade our current laptop possibly on Black Friday depending on whether there are any steep bargains. He uses (I never use it) our current laptop all the time. It's older and is no longer supported for updates. I think it may be slowing down as well.

Yay that you got to enjoy a fun afternoon, PollyannaMom while cooling off as well.

All is quiet around here. I am going to record Christmas in Toyland this evening. Hopefully that will be more engaging than Campfire Christmas was.

Early evening hug to most all of you along with a mid- afternoon hug to AuntieMe3

 

[Kirby]

frog, I wasn't going to chime in about an advocate because DD's experience with one this year was not a good one. But then Lil Joe and Lou Lou are considered too young to talk to whereas your children are older and can speak for themselves. So an advocate would be a good thing to help give them a voice. I recommend you speak to your attorney and ask for one with a good reputation for being good and impartial, that will listen to the kids. In DD's case, her kids advocate was in cahoots with her lousy attorney.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

extra to Kirby and Frog.

Wishing all of you a sweet, good night's rest.

 

[bobbiwoz]

extra to Kirby and Frog.

Wishing all of you a sweet, good night's rest.

You too! Prayers for a good night.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I am going to record Christmas in Toyland this evening.

I watched Love and Sunshine on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. I had seen it before but like Sunshine,, the golden retriever, so watched again.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Good morning, all, and


@AuntieMe3

Quiet morning here. Just came out with the cat, and found a package on the porch already. DH will be happy when he sees it. It's his new TV, and wasn't supposed to come for another week.

Still hot, but a bit of a breeze right now, which is nice. The birds are chattering up a storm - probably warning each other about the cat.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good morning!

Another hot and humid one here for us, with rough thunderstorms expected in the afternoon. Yesterday brought record temperatures - over 100 degrees, It probably doesn’t seem so bad for some of you who live with those temps and worse on a regular basis, but for us, most older homes in NE weren’t built with air conditioning so it can be dire for some folks who haven’t upgraded or live in places without good AC, etc. We have “heat emergencies” here where they open up big centers that are cooled and public pools and beaches are packed. Anyway, it can be a bit of a pain in the butt. (And then of course we get the lovely mountains of snow in the winter!) It’s also why our schools traditionally didn’t open up until September as they don’t have cooling systems. Anyway, I’m not really one to complain about weather, and not really trying to now, just mentioning it since we normally talk about weather here.

I managed to stay nice and cool yesterday inside in the AC. I went outside a couple of times very briefly and turned around pretty quickly to go back inside, and we had a nice quiet, relaxing day. Everyone else went in the pool. DS took a new friend fishing in the ocean for the first time in the evening. It was fun, but they didn’t catch anything. I saw him walking out with that nasty bag of mackerel from the downstairs freezer and pretended I didn’t. Yuck, lol. (Btw that was an older guy coworker, like, my age, not a cute young lady!)

I forgot to mention here (another thread made me think of it) we recently bought a trailer for the car so we could start doing some significant dump runs, hopefully at least weekly, in our efforts to purge. It will be a work in progress for a long time, I’m sure, but it has to be done. I’m tidying up the last of Mom’s estate stuff, talked to the lawyer last week. (And made it a very quick call since they charge by the minute, I realized!) I finally got the car sold and took care of some outstanding issues like checks that had to be re-issued to the estate and that sort of thing. I also have to get to our lawyer’s office to update our wills, too, now that our kids are old enough to handle our estate if need be. Not something anyone wants to think about, but it’s important to be prepared. I’ll be glad when those things are over.

Don’t really have any set plans today. Will start a work stretch tomorrow, so may just take it easy again and do some light housekeeping, that’s about it. I do still have to study for two tests I‘ll be taking, but we’ll see. Hope you’re all staying cool. Will say prayers for all. Thinking about Frog today and hoping the judge is wise and fair.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Happy Birthday, Auntie!