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

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning, everyone

Hug, AuntieMe3, beautiful picture and thank you so much for sharing about the bags. I would love to make some both in honor and memory of some people I know/have known and others, including you God-willing one day, how special it would be to decorate some of the bags with you, my friend.

A riverboat cruise, for me, it would have to be a very local river, probably lol the Jungle Cruise, sounds fun.

Easyas, I also had a ton of old PM notifications in my email this morning, There was also one current one from today so I am hoping that means the issue has been resolved.

Footballmouse, made me smile to learn of another dog named Champ. My Champ, of course, was male.

Glad you got some good bargains, Lynn!

Thank God, Lil Joe is coming home. That made my morning to read, Kirby.

Wishing all of you joy this day and always. I will check back later.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Happy day. I tested negative. I still have no smell or taste. However, and I have posted this elsewhere. Today I saw this baby goldfish, brownish green. I guess it feels confident to eat with the others. It’s been years since a young one has made it to be this big. I have hungry fish!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Another thing I do with fresh tomatoes is make a fresh tomato pie, like a pizza using a crust they have at the dollar store.

 

[footballmouse]

Bobbiwoz - where did you get the lillipads? I would love to have a few in my pond but I'm not sure where to get them.

 

[lynxstch]

Cloudy and overcast, looks like storms coming. Hopefully!

@easyas123 --glad your notifications are back, but wow,,80 at one time!

Its also BLT season here, in fact that is what Mr L requested for dinner tonite,,with fresh corn

I was outside chatting with the good neighbor when we got home from the market. Her little garden is doing amazing. She gave me 2 fresh zucchini, and her partner just brought me a bag of green beans.

I think I told you that the pain in the butt neighbor guy, came to our back door 2 weeks ago, asking if he could weedwack the bank out front (which I had just done), and when I said no..he asked to borrow $10. So last Wednesday, the girl next door came home from having 2 teeth pulled. She had just gotten in the house, hadn't even had a chance to shut the screen door tight, when guess who came knocking at her door. Asked her if she wanted to buy some food stamps,,she told him they already get their own, so no. Then he asked her to borrow $20. How can someone have the nerve to do that? Yikes!

Aldi's wasn't very busy, neither was Walmart. And every restaurant we went by on the way home--McD's, Burger King, Taco Bell, Dunkin Donuts, Arby's etc had almost noone in their parking lots. Even Denny's, Ruby Tuesday, and Applebee's were almost empty. Only place that had a bunch of cars was Buffalo Wild Wings. ( we don't have many more restaurants than that anyhow, lol).

I was outside talking to Shelby (neighbor) for about 20 min. A police helicopter was flying very low over the houses. That same helicopter was flying up by Walmart when we were on the way home. So they had to have been up for almost an hour. Must have been looking for someone--hope they found them before they ran out of fuel!

Off to have some lunch and then a short nap
Have a nice afternoon

 

[frog3101]

Good evening Quackers. I don't have much to report, but am stopping by to ask for extra prayers and good vibes or whatever you want to send. It has been an awful day here for my kids, but esp. my oldest son. I don't want to go into details, but I just need to find a way to protect him and the others from my husband. Please pray for my kids and for the judge to have the wisdom and insight to see through my husbands BS and rule in my favor for custody. I have sent two letters to my lawyer but I'm guessing nothing will be able to be done until the ruling comes out.S
I wrote the above last night and for some reason it didn't post. Things just keep getting worse. I think how much more stuff can get piled on...I really have to stop asking that because then I am shown just how much more. I even called my attorney this AM as I am so stressed out and worried. She told me I just have to hold tight until we see what the temp. agreement is. She thinks it will be this week for sure. I am beside myself.
There is no order in place and my soon to be former husband has pretty much demanded he see the kids tomorrow thru Saturday evening. One, he just pops this on me the day before he wants them and expects them to not have plans or to drop their plans. Two, I am fairly certain that the girlfriend has Covid, which means he's been exposed and isn't waiting the proper recommendation time to be around anyone. Three, my kids don't want to go, except the youngest, but he really doesn't understand what his going on and just really wants to see his cousins who are visiting. The others don't have an issue going but they do not want to sleep over there. He won't take no for an answer. I need the ruling to come out so I at least know what the schedule will be, even if it sucks. I hate this last minute stuff and him always expecting everyone to drop/change everything to please him.

@Snowysmom I hope Lil Joe makes it back safely and gets settled quickly. I can only imagine how hard it is for him to readjust after being gone for so long.
@footballmouse Miss Miller is adorable. I do think for me though, there will be no more puppies in my future. Dealing with my sons now is about all I can handle. If I ever get another dog he or she will be older and hopefully potty trained and past the chew everything in site stage.

I don't know much else. Praying for a ruling today, but not holding my breath. I will prob check back in later tonight.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

@footballmouse Oh, what a cute pupper!
@AuntieMe3 and everyone else dealing with illness ((quick healing vibes)) DD#2 tested negative two days ago and again today, so the doc said he wasn't sure if the first few tests were faulty or if she was sick prior to testing, but not showing symptoms until the end of her run, or what happened.

Mm, BLTs are amazing...even better with Neuske's bacon! Oh, hey, did you know you can order a BLT from Five Guys? I get one occasionally, and add grilled onions and cheese, lol I like fresh tomatoes with just a little salt and pepper. My best 'mom memory' sandwich was peanut butter, Miracle Whip (has to be MW, nothing else tastes right), lettuce, tomato, salt and pepper on Wonder bread...I might have to go get the stuff now, lol.

Last night, I made roasted chickpeas and broccoli w/shwarma seasoning, fresh cucumbers, basmati rice, and tzatiki lemon tahini sauce. Having leftovers for lunch. Dinner is hot dogs, fries, and salad (wow we are having hot dogs a lot recently, but I keep some in the freezer for when I forget to pull out anything else, and apparently my mind has been elsewhere, because I keep forgetting!)

Spent yesterday shopping online, and getting vaccinations, medications and paperwork all lined up. Of course, the printer is being a pain, and smearing the black ink prints now. Trying the 'clean smear' and 'clean print' stuff now, then alignment...hopefully it works. Otherwise we'll need a new black ink cartridge, and that will irritate me, as this one is at 50%.

DH had to go in today to Mayo, and meet with the infectious diseases group about our trip. He had to get a Dtap booster, a pnemonia booster, a typhoid shot and I think one other; and they gave him scripts for Citpro (sp?..is it Cipro?) and Doxyclene, for just in case. On Sunday, I go get my Dtap booster (my last one was 2004ish), typhoid and pnemonia definitely; maybe polio since the last one I got was...1984 or 85.... Can't get the Yellow fever or MMR booster, as they are 'live' and DH can't be in close contact for 2 weeks after someone gets them; and we will be getting the Shingles (inactivated) after we get back, probably September or October, depending on how it lines up with the flu shots. Ugh, I hate shots.

Packages are slowly rolling in from my orders the last two days. I already have one Kohls package, and DH and I have had 3 Amz pkgs come in between the two of us. I'm down to needing some binoculars, luggage locks (mine went to Cali with DS and didn't come back home ), and another pair of shoes for DH; provided that everything I ordered comes in and fits.

I ordered about $200 worth of stuff from Walmart; put it in for shipping...and so far I've had three Walmart vans roll up to the house to deliver bits and pieces of the order. Yesterday, one order was two bottles of Monkey Butt Powder; and one order with small items (travel sunscreen, travel lotions/psoriasis lotion, tylenol, tweezers, benedryl gel, travel Febreze, and Immodium); and today was a package of bar bath soap. I also had a package from USPS with the masks and tegaderms in it (from Walmart). More separate delivery orders coming direct from them....today. one with travel bug sprays; one with bug bite relief and an ace wrap; one with dry shampoo; and the last with more masks and sports wrap. Tomorrow there is one coming with two ponchos; one on Friday with Pepto caplets; and one Saturday with more ace bandages. What was the sense of ordering for shipping if it's all coming in little pieces, and costing more to deliver?

@frog3101 I think, if I were in your shoes, I would contact my lawyer and ask him if you have to allow your ex visitation upon demand, or if there is a way to stop him from doing this kind of thing immediately.

Need to go play with the printer. Have a good day, everyone!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Bobbiwoz - where did you get the lillipads? I would love to have a few in my pond but I'm not sure where to get them.

Most have been bought from a local garden store that sells some pond products. Others came from Lowes. The Lowes came in small boxes, but eventually they have thrived as well.

I had hurt my shoulder this February and I neglected to replant and fertilize the water lilies, and so far this year, we have only had two flowers. I will do better next year! I’ve learned to use the hurt arm.

A year ago, two flowers In one day!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I was outside talking to Shelby (neighbor) for about 20 min. A police helicopter was flying very low over the houses. That same helicopter was flying up by Walmart when we were on the way home. So they had to have been up for almost an hour. Must have been looking for someone--hope they found them before they ran out of fuel!

I saw one yesterday too - but I figured it was looking out for wildfires starting because It's been so dry.

Oh, hey, did you know you can order a BLT from Five Guys? I get one occasionally, and add grilled onions and cheese,

No, I did did not...but wow - yum!!!

 

[lynxstch]

@Bianca and Bernard --I wonder the same thing about Walmart, and Amazon, and Chewy, shipping things a few at a time, and if it's costing them $$ in shipping. The only thing I keep coming up with is that some of the stuff is coming from different warehouses, in different states. I had 2 Chewy boxes come on Monday. One had 6 cases of cat food in it,,weighed a ton, had to empty it on the front porch and bring it in separately. The other box had 6 bags of cat treats in it..and weighed nothing
I ordered 6 more pairs of spandex bike shorts for myself on Walmart.com. They shipped them in 3 separate shipments. 3 came yesterday, in a box..with about 50 of those inflatable shipping things--for petes sake they were shorts, not breakable
2 more were in a bag on the front porch this morning (all 3 were being delivered by Fed Ex), and the last pair is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. Totally mystifies me sometimes!

@frog3101 -- I too am wondering if your soon to be ex, can just demand the kids and expect all of you to drop everything. What would happen if you just told him NO? Hang in there,,we are all waiting to hear what happens, and hoping that it's in your favor. We appreciate your keeping us updated, and are all sending you prayers,,extra ones today!

 

[Judique]

Department of agriculture just called regarding a picture I sent them of a spotted lanternfly nymph I found in my backyard a few weeks ago. They are coming by next week to check for an infestation. I've only seen the one, but also, I'm not out looking for bugs since it got hot.

These are an invasive species that showed up maybe 2014 if I remember what I read back then correctly. I think 11 states now have them including Maryland, and many of the states people on here post from.

Here's how to report if you see one:

Where's the Threat and How to Report​

Spotted lanternfly populations are currently found in 11 states including: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
State Specific Reporting Information
Connecticut

• The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station spotted lanternfly information
  If you suspect you have found SLF in Connecticut, snap a picture of it and fill out the SLF Reporting Form.

Delaware

• Delaware Department of Agriculture spotted lanternfly information
  To report SLF sightings in Delaware, follow the instructions linked above and email HitchHikerBug@delaware.gov.

Indiana

• Indiana Department of Natural Resources information
  Report SLF sightings in Indiana to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Call 866-NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) or email DEPP@dnr.IN.gov.

Maryland

• Maryland Department of Agriculture spotted lanternfly Information
  Report SLF sightings in Maryland to DontBug.MD@maryland.gov

Massachusetts

• The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
  Report SLF sightings in Massachusetts to https://massnrc.org/pests/slfreport.aspx

New Jersey

• New Jersey Department of Agriculture spotted lanternfly information
  Report SLF sightings in New Jersey online.

New York

• New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets spotted lanternfly information
  Report SLF sightings in New York online.

Ohio

• Ohio State Department of Agriculture spotted lanternfly quarantine information
  Report SLF sightings in Ohio to plantpest@agri.ohio.gov

Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture spotted lanternfly website.
  Report SLF sightings in Pennsylvania online.

Virginia

• Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services spotted lanternfly information (on Plant Industry Services Page)
  Report SLF sightings in Virginia and submit a sample (whenever possible) following the directions provided online.

West Virginia

• West Virginia University Extension Service spotted lanternfly information
  Report SLF sightings in West Virginia by collecting a specimen or taking a high quality image and contacting the West Virginia Department of Agriculture at bugbusters@wvda.us.

Most states are considered at risk. See Pest Tracker for details

 

[dazedx3]

Easyas123….. We are not seasoned travelers so some of my questions may seem obvious. But, what happens at the ports? Is there transportation to spots or are you on your own? What type of attire is normal on the boat, like for meals? What activities if any, are available on the boat? Thanks in advance. We would like to go in Oct. or very early Nov. DH got some positive news this past week and we want to make use of this extra blessing of some added time.

 

[footballmouse]

Its also BLT season here, in fact that is what Mr L requested for dinner tonite,,with fresh corn

That sounds like a great dinner! Would love to have that.

My best 'mom memory' sandwich was peanut butter, Miracle Whip (has to be MW, nothing else tastes right), lettuce, tomato, salt and pepper on Wonder bread

You lost me at peanut butter.

There is no order in place and my soon to be former husband has pretty much demanded he see the kids tomorrow thru Saturday evening.

I know it's hard but stand your ground and tell him that you already have plans with the kids and he will need to give you more than a day's notice.

I do think for me though, there will be no more puppies in my future.

I'd much rather have a dog that's more of a toddler than a puppy. Usually from the rescues, we've been getting a dog that's 1 1/2 - 2 years old. I just don't want to have to go through that puppy stage anymore.

 

[easyas123]

Easyas123….. We are not seasoned travelers so some of my questions may seem obvious. But, what happens at the ports? Is there transportation to spots or are you on your own? What type of attire is normal on the boat, like for meals? What activities if any, are available on the boat? Thanks in advance. We would like to go in Oct. or very early Nov. DH got some positive news this past week and we want to make use of this extra blessing of some added time.

My experience is with Viking...with that being said I think many of the cruise lines operate about the same.
In port- depending on where the port is you can either walk directly into town or they will provide a shuttle into town. We walked off the boat and into town in may locations. Viking has excursions just about every day, always one that is included w/ the cost of the cruise. They also have others that are at additional cost. For example, here is a few of our included excursions this November:

Panoramic Budapest​

INCLUDED​

Day 4 – Budapest, Hungary
Sunday, November 6
8:00 AM
4 Hours

MODERATE

UNESCO

SIGHTSEEING

SHOPPING
Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the lilting Danube and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge. Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, the Champs-Élysées of Budapest, admire the Hungarian State Opera House. Drive through Heroes’ Square, a wide-open plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here you will visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, named for the country’s most popular medieval king. From the heights of Buda Hill, enjoy fantastic views of the famous Chain Bridge, the first span to ever connect the two halves of the city when it opened in 1849.

Göttweig Abbey​

INCLUDED​

Day 7 – Krems, Austria
Wednesday, November 9
8:15 AM
3 Hours

MODERATE

PRIVILEGED ACCESS
Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. A scenic drive will take you to the abbey, located on a hilltop overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and the Danube River. Your host and guide will welcome you at the cellar entrance with a glass of sparkling apricot wine produced in the region. Then, enjoy a private viewing of a short film about monastic life and learn what it takes to run a monastery today. Step through the church’s neoclassical portal to admire its colorful and ornate interior. Continue into the abbey’s museum, which chronicles its 900-year history as a center of religious life and its role as a monastic retreat. Climb the Imperial Staircase, crowned by one of the largest and most spectacular ceiling frescoes in the world. The adjoining princely and imperial rooms showcase splendid artwork from the abbey’s own collections.

Passau Walking Tour​

INCLUDED​

Day 8 – Passau, Germany
Thursday, November 10
9:30 AM
1.5 Hours

MODERATE

SHOPPING

SIGHTSEEING

Explore the Italianate-style streets of Passau, where three European rivers have converged to shape a distinctive city. Meet your local guide and begin your walking tour through delightful old-world streets, taking in a pastel rainbow of building facades as you stroll. You will see the impressive Bishops’ Residenz from which powerful prince-bishops ruled secular and religious life for hundreds of years. Continue past the 14th-century Rathaus, or Town Hall, built on the site of a former fish market on the Danube. Conclude your walk at the magnificent 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This baroque wonder houses Europe’s largest pipe organ, with more than 17,000 pipes, and inspired Franz Liszt to write his Hungarian Coronation Mass. Enjoy free time to explore more of the city on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.

And here is an example of some of the excursions that are additional costs-

Schönbrunn Palace​

$84 Per Person​

Day 5 – Vienna, Austria
Monday, November 7
2:30 PM
3.5 Hours

MODERATE

UNESCO

SIGHTSEEING

Tour the magnificent home of the Hapsburg Dynasty, built to rival the sprawling Château de Versailles. With your guide, drive just outside the city center to the monarchy’s fabulous summer residence. In 1569, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II erected the original hunting lodge here and called it Schönbrunn, meaning “beautiful spring.” In 1775, Empress Maria Theresa, the only female ruler of the Hapsburgs, added the grand neoclassical Gloriette colonnade so she could have sweeping city views. Enjoy a guided tour of the imperial apartments and grandly furnished rooms where Maria Theresa resided. Learn about her extraordinary reign, which featured many military campaigns and domestic reforms in medicine, education and civil rights. There will be free time to explore the formal gardens.

Highlights of Budapest​

$119 Per Person​

Day 2 – BudapestHungary
Friday, November 4
8:30 AM
5 Hours

MODERATE

SIGHTSEEING

CULINARY

Step inside Hungary’s grand parliament building and get a flavor for the nation’s hearty cuisine. Transfer with your guide to the Budapest Parliament building, the world’s third largest. As the nation’s business goes on around you, you will enjoy a guided tour of select public rooms. Next, walk to Szabadság Square, or Liberty Square, stopping to view the statue of Ronald Reagan and the art nouveau treasures that surround this public space. You will also see the US Embassy and the decorative Postal Savings Bank. Pause to taste some pogácsa, or salty scones, enroute to the Urban Betyár Restaurant, where you will sample heart sausages and a cup of goulash soup. Finish your tasting tour with a delicious Somlói Galuska and hear the story behind this beloved sweet treat.


There are lots more, but that should give you a brief overview. And, you can always either stay on the boat OR you are also free to just get off the boat and wander/explore on your own. We did that more than once and had a grand time putzing thru the old cobblestone streets and having a meal. Plus - depending on the cruise - there will be times when the boat is cruising during the day which is usually when they are going thru some great scenery. Plus they go thru -depending on the river - several locks which is interesting if you've never been thru one before.

The first one we did was a Rhine Getaway, which was heavy on cathedrals, castles and some old, old towns. It was beautiful. I don't have many photos from that trip on my phone, but here is a old home (still occupied) on a equally old residential street in Colmar, France.

 

[easyas123]

Attire - nothing fancy, no dress up nights. Just things like decent jeans & /or slacks and oxfords or sweaters.
As far as on board entertainment - and what we liked and were looking for - there is no casino (not morally against it, just don't gamble cause we find it boring!), there are no shows. There was often a piano player at night, and one or two times a talk or discussion given on a particular subject relevant to the location. There is no pool, no spa. There is a lovely dining room, and casual atrium-like area for casual meals, and a large lounge/bar area for socializing. Room types vary from suites to what they call "swan" rooms, the lowest level room with a round window I think. We had a veranda room last time, and go one this time to. It was great to be able to have a small balcony.

And the food was wonderful. The bartenders learn your favored drink orders right away, too

 

[Judique]

As far as on board entertainment - and what we liked and were looking for - there is no casino (not morally against it, just don't gamble cause we find it boring!),

That's me! I find gambling incredibly boring! Unless I'm winning

Has anyone run out to buy a Megamillions ticket? I think I will have to get one tomorrow. After all, eventually someone will win. May as well be me!

 

[bobbiwoz]

That's me! I find gambling incredibly boring! Unless I'm winning

Has anyone run out to buy a Megamillions ticket? I think I will have to get one tomorrow. After all, eventually someone will win. May as well be me!

We have tickets. We do play the lottery.

 

[easyas123]

Has anyone run out to buy a Megamillions ticket?

I did get two yesterday. Spoiler Alert: I didn't win...

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Enjoy this popsicle from afar and have a cool rest of the afternoon!

dear Frog X a million.

Huge hug and loving prayer to you as well, Bobbiwoz to feel better!

Sending each of dear you an afternoon

 

[lynxstch]

That's me! I find gambling incredibly boring! Unless I'm winning

Has anyone run out to buy a Megamillions ticket? I think I will have to get one tomorrow. After all, eventually someone will win. May as well be me!

I bought 3 this morning..heck I would like just a share of 1.6 billion dollars, lol