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

[lynxstch]

Just home from grocery shopping and errands, since we got a very late start today. Stores weren't that busy, probably because the temp is already at 93. Walmart is once again showing quite a few missing items. Canned Friskies in short supply. They had a few of the variety packs, but no single cans of it. They had a few 9 lives variety packs, but no singles. Not one can of Special Kitty brand. They also had almost no bird seed. I refuse to pay $30 to feed the birds! Dry pasta shelf 1/2 empty. And I hate when stores do this--move things from one side of a row to the other, or put what has always been on the top shelf to the bottom. I couldn't find 1/2 gallons of their whole milk and their chocolate milk where it has always been. Someone decided that moving them to an entirely different dairy case was a smart idea. Annoying and time consuming trying to find things when they do that. And everytime they do their rearranging, they discontinue some things. I had a heck of a time finding coconut cream in a can. I found an easy recipe to make coconut shrimp, am going to make it for Mr L Friday night as a surprise. He loves it, me not so much, lol!

@frog3101 I so agree with what so many have said this morning. I had already suggested to you that you only have contact with him by text, and I am glad to see that others agree with that. Your attorney should be able to help you set something up if you choose to do that. He is trying to be a bully and intimidate you, and you can't let him get away with it anymore.

Off to relax for awhile. Headache is back and my back is aching. I think I caught a cold in it the other day when I was helping bring those doors into the shed and got soaking wet. In fact, I think I may go take a hot bath and just soak it for awhile. I am so tired, I might just fall asleep in the tub, lol

Homemade pizza on garlic naan bread for dinner tonite

Have a nice rest of the afternoon

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Feel better, Lynn Dad has said throughout the pandemic that stores seem to keep rearranging! To us, that makes zero sense especially to keep doing so because we would think the idea ought to be to get customers in and out quicker! Instead, all that changes in the same aisle are prices

I hope all of you are having a good afternoon. Thinking of my Quacker Family

 

[PollyannaMom]

Here is our new Kitchen Rug.

Very cute!

Hope the headache has subsided, Lynn

 

[Kirby]

Here is our new Kitchen Rug.

Cute Mona! It reminds me of my kitchen when we were first married. I had red accents and my SIL gave us a Strawberry Shortcake toaster cover and oven mitts.

How is Lil Joe doing?

Much better, all the ants are gone as far as we can tell. No bites!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I like the rug too!

 

[dazedx3]

We had over 2 inches of rain today…lots of branches down. It’s about 85 and sticky humid. Might be a few more storms later tonight.

Yesterday DH and I went to 4 restores to look for furniture for DS. He will be moving out this weekend. When he left Seattle he got rid of most of his things and only took what he could fit in his small truck. I will miss him, it was nice to have him around the last 5 months. At least he is only moving about 45 min away this time.

Mona… love the cute rug.
Frog… I agree with many others here, he is trying to bully you… don’t let him or it will never stop.

Lynn.. I agree about the stores rearranging. It took me 10 minutes the other day to find where they hid the Powerade for DH.

Dinner tonight is meatloaf, small red potatoes, and corn.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you all on the rug. Glad it hopefully brought you each an extra smile.

As a very young kid, I had a strawberry shortcake sleeping bag, Kirby! Not quite sure why as I'm not sure I watched the cartoon much but liked her dog whose name I just Googled is Pupcake Here he is with Strawberry Shortcake. Yoru toaster cover and oven mitts sound adorable! Praise God! Truly thankful to read a positive Lil Joe update. Hooray also to no more ants, may they stay gone forever!

to you mom, Dazed. Glad to hear your son will be living closer to you now though. Yuck big-time to your miserable sounding weather. I'm sorry, my friend. Definitely enjoy some type of cool treat!

Have a good night, friends. Sleep well!

 

[Canadisney Fly]

Just did a crazy little splurge and bought my DS and myself the new Magicband+ for our upcoming trip. We had nicknames that were given to us by my dear friend and matriarch to my west coast clan, who lost her life to COVID last year, so we have Wiggy and Sheilala engraved on the bands in her memory. She had such joie de vivre - it's only right to bring a bit of her with us to the Happiest Place on Earth.

YES! Started collecting things to take, like a misting fan, cooling towel, water bottle, Cliff bars.

I've just pulled out the suitcases and will start packing (and then shopping this weekend to fill in the gaps). Cliff bars - great idea! I'm thinking about those roll-up water bottles as well. We're at POR for six nights and then the Dolphin for three. Where are you staying?

I'd love to be planning a trip to WDW.

That was THE hardest thing during COVID - couldn't even PLAN a trip, because there was no end in sight. Losing the Fastpass system makes planning not quite as satisfying as it was before, but it's been six years and I'm really excited to see what's new!

would you say a little prayer for Dawn.

So sad - I'm sorry. My heart breaks every time someone leaves this earth out of sequence and changes the trajectory of those left behind - especially the children

she brought it with her when she and my dad moved to Rockwall to be closer to us in 1998

OK - I'm going to sound old here, but they don't make fridges like they used to! That's almost 25 years... my 10 year old Samsung needed a small control board that isn't made any more - shocking to send what looked like a brand new fridge to the landfill/recycling. And when I was shopping for a new one, they told me that 10 years was a "good lifespan" these days.

and act all "Disneyland dad"

I'm so sorry that this is such a challenge - I'm sure he'll settle back into his old role soon enough. Old dogs don't often learn new tricks, and once the ruling is finalized, he won't have anything to prove.

There is also an app that can be used to communicate with him about the kids, their schedules, etc.

A shared calendar on our iPhones definitely got us through the rough and painful first year or two. That's a really good suggestion

Even small bath rugs are hard to find these days!

I KNOW! I have smaller bathrooms and it's really hard to find a half-size bath mat! I love the strawberries - nice find.

 

[PollyannaMom]

This morning's critter:

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Early morning, all! Woke up at 4, and couldn't get back to sleep; got up to search for hotels for our before/after night stay. Anyone have any recs for close to MCO? Just waiting for coffee to finish brewing, so I can have some with some leftovers from dessert that I made last night...

I had picked up a couple of baked donut pans a little while ago, and decided to give it a shot yesterday. I used to make donuts with my mom when I was little; but she would make the ones you roll and fry, and I wanted something a bit simpler. These came out dark and rich, but not 100%; I'll keep looking at other recipes, or maybe tweak this one or something.

Other that looking for hotels, and waiting for packages, my day is wide open. I have already swept the house this morning....oh wait, I need to mop still! So, yah, that will be my busy day. No mowing, as the grass hasn't grown enough; will probably mow on Monday.

Oh, the guy came to 'fix' the crack in the kitchen wall finally. The first day, he showed with no ladder and no materials. Then he NCNS the next day when he was supposed to repair it. Yesterday, he showed with no notice, while I was in the shower. I told DS to tell him to come back in 30 minutes, because I was NOT going to rush through my shower, or starting laundry or anything else for this mess. He came with a ladder, and the 'mudding' supplies, but no paint. He expected I would have paint (ha, the landlord didn't bother to clean the place or repair the wall in the garage before renting it out....why would they leave extra paint), so he had to go buy some...and came back with spray cans. Yeah. So I had to turn off the a/c and open windows because the fumes from the spray cans was bad; and he left a total mess. He mentioned he helped do some repairs here in December, so that told me all I needed to know about his work quality. But I have a 'repaired' wall now; although, I suspect in 3-4 months, I'll be letting the landlord know about a crack again...it's been less than 24 hours and it's already showing bubbling. They didn't fix whatever is causing the crack; just the painting of it. I really need places to open up on DH's workside of town, that would fit in our budget, come next summer!

Have a good day, y'all!

 

[Judique]

Early morning, all! Woke up at 4, and couldn't get back to sleep; got up to search for hotels for our before/after night stay. Anyone have any recs for close to MCO? Just waiting for coffee to finish brewing, so I can have some with some leftovers from dessert that I made last night...
View attachment 690545
I had picked up a couple of baked donut pans a little while ago, and decided to give it a shot yesterday. I used to make donuts with my mom when I was little; but she would make the ones you roll and fry, and I wanted something a bit simpler. These came out dark and rich, but not 100%; I'll keep looking at other recipes, or maybe tweak this one or something.

Other that looking for hotels, and waiting for packages, my day is wide open. I have already swept the house this morning....oh wait, I need to mop still! So, yah, that will be my busy day. No mowing, as the grass hasn't grown enough; will probably mow on Monday.

Oh, the guy came to 'fix' the crack in the kitchen wall finally. The first day, he showed with no ladder and no materials. Then he NCNS the next day when he was supposed to repair it. Yesterday, he showed with no notice, while I was in the shower. I told DS to tell him to come back in 30 minutes, because I was NOT going to rush through my shower, or starting laundry or anything else for this mess. He came with a ladder, and the 'mudding' supplies, but no paint. He expected I would have paint (ha, the landlord didn't bother to clean the place or repair the wall in the garage before renting it out....why would they leave extra paint), so he had to go buy some...and came back with spray cans. Yeah. So I had to turn off the a/c and open windows because the fumes from the spray cans was bad; and he left a total mess. He mentioned he helped do some repairs here in December, so that told me all I needed to know about his work quality. But I have a 'repaired' wall now; although, I suspect in 3-4 months, I'll be letting the landlord know about a crack again...it's been less than 24 hours and it's already showing bubbling. They didn't fix whatever is causing the crack; just the painting of it. I really need places to open up on DH's workside of town, that would fit in our budget, come next summer!

Have a good day, y'all!

Hyatt Regency MCO - you can walk to it inside the airport.

There are also quite a few hotels nearby that have airport shuttles.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. It's already warm out, going to be mid to upper 90's again. Did everything I needed to do out there while it's still halfway cool enough to do so. Our grass has grown from all the rain we've had lately , sounds strange to say that about rain, since we usually get nothing in July and August. It's going to be too warm to mow by the time the grass dries out, so it's going to sit there till it cools off. Maybe after dinner, but that's when all those little annoying gnats and no see um's appear.

@Bianca and Bernard -WOW to that repairman. I would be telling the landlord about him, as well as the crack already reappearing. Sounds like the guy isn't a very good repairman, maybe he needs a different career! Those donuts look delish!

@PollyannaMom I had 2 squirrels sitting under the bird feeder this morning waiting for me to fill it. They didn't move until I was almost at it, then as soon as it was filled, they started nibbling. For some reason, the outdoor cats don't even bother with them, they just try to catch the birds~~

@Canadisney Fly --That is a very sweet testament to your friend. I love the names for your magic bands and the sentiment behind them. POR is our favorite Disney resort, I hope you have a great time! You are right about appliances. We have been told the same thing, that they are only expected to last 10 years. And at the cost of them, that's ridiculous. We had a GE fridge that Mr L had before I moved to MD, he had it for at least 5 years before that. We still had it when we moved to this house, and it lasted another 12 years before it quit. So almost 30 years. Didn't ever have to do any repairs on it either. I do not expect our new Maytag one to do that!

I need to go and sweep and wet swiffer the kitchen and bathroom floors. Have a load of laundry in and that may be it for major chores. Mr L somehow managed to catch a cold, so he's coughing and stuffy. I told him to call his PCP and get something before it gets worse, but you guys know men,,they refuse to listen. I am betting he waits till tomorrow, when she does not work to do it.

Off to figure out dinner so I can defrost it,,and maybe a trip to the farmers market for some more delicious corn. It's such a short season, I like to have it as often as possible
Have a nice morning, stay cool!

 

[easyas123]

Anyone have any recs for close to MCO?

Hyatt Regency MCO - you can walk to it inside the airport.

I also recommend the hotel inside of MCO. For convenience you just can't beat it - and the ambiance is interesting! For what it is worth we have stayed there twice and it isn't noisy at all, and they have a great lobby bar that is perfect if you get in late and need to wind down for 5 minutes before going to bed.

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Friday-eve everyone!

Today is supposed to be the start of the 7 day stretch of rain in our area . Every day they are predicting at least 40% chance of rain. I should be cutting the grass on Sunday but if we really do get all this rain, it won't be until later in the week .

Ended up going to Ds1's game last night, they won .

Today is a 1/2 day of work for me. I ordered another box of peaches from the peach truck that makes a trip up here from Georgia . I ordered a box in June that I split between 3 other people. Then I divide my portion between me and my kids. That only left us with about 6 peaches each . Luckily one of the nurses that I work with wanted some peaches so I looked on their website last month and saw that they are making a final trip up here today. I'm splitting the 25 lb. box with one other person, that's going to be a lot of peaches for me this time! Now when I divide them up between me and the kids, we'll all get a nice haul. I was going to try to make a peach pie or cobbler and take some up to my aunt, I'm sure she would enjoy that . I've never made either before so if someone has a good recipe for a pie or cobbler, let me know.

After I pick up the peaches I'm going to head to the gym. I scheduled a workout for today instead of tomorrow since I have to work tomorrow night. This way I can grab a nap after clocking out at one place and before I head to the next one.

I can have some with some leftovers from dessert that I made last night

When I first glanced at the picture, I thought you made Xmas cookies already! My sister would always make donuts, the frying method, and now her grandkids all "help". They call them the Girl Scout Donuts because she learned how to make them at Girl Scout camp. I was never a Girl Scout so I didn't learn that skill .

came back with spray cans

Wait a minute! He used stray cans of paint on the wall ?! How dumb is this person? Even I know you don't do that!

That's a wrap for me, everyone have a great day!

 

[PollyannaMom]

@PollyannaMom I had 2 squirrels sitting under the bird feeder this morning waiting for me to fill it. They didn't move until I was almost at it, then as soon as it was filled, they started nibbling. For some reason, the outdoor cats don't even bother with them, they just try to catch the birds~~

My cat was on a leash just out of view on the other side of the hydrangea. The squirrel came around the corner without seeing me at first, but heard the camera click and took off. I don't think kitty ever noticed.

 

[Kirby]

I have a Thankful Thursday moment. DH went out in the garage after dinner last night and started messing with the refrigerator. He found out why it wasn't working. It was turned off! There's a button/switch on the inside of the fridge part and some little someone, who will remain nameless and likes to push buttons, change switches, etc., must have changed the setting and it turned off. DH cleaned that baby up **** and span, took his air compressor and blew out anything that might have gotten up under it and it began cooling immediately. I'm thinking that we will just keep water and Gatorades in it for now for the guys just to make sure but I am so thankful that it's running again and that I have a DH that is very handy with stuff.

 

[lynxstch]

@Kirby Yay for a working fridge. Glad someone managed to find out there was an off switch and turn it back on. Wonder who the little someone was? LOL! I have to say one thing about my ex. He was very handy like your husband is. He did just about everything, from fixing the cars, to doing plumbing, electrical etc. But those were the only things he ever did around the house. Heaven forbid he mow the lawn, or trim the hedges, lol!
Its getting warm outside-88 now, but now they are calling for strong storms this afternoon, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. So I got the mowers out and just finished the whole lawn. Just have to weedwack a few places next time it's a little cooler out. I hooked up the deck washers on both mowers, and got the undersides clean. Now it's off to finish the kitchen floor. I was waiting for Mr L to finish breakfast , read the paper, and do his puzzle so I can vacuum and wash it. Did both bathrooms earlier while I was waiting, and passed the vac through every other room in the house. Off to get the clothes out of the dryer, fold them and put them away..and after the floor is done, I quit for the day..lol!
@frog3101 --btw--make sure all those chores are done before I come out to visit you one day,,so we don't have to be doing cleaning and can go on some adventures! LOL! That goes for the rest of you who have at one time or the other, asked me to come and do your houses,,lol!

 

[footballmouse]

There's a button/switch on the inside of the fridge part and some little someone, who will remain nameless and likes to push buttons, change switches, etc., must have changed the setting and it turned off.

We've probably all been there before. I called the heating & air company that I use and said the my AC isn't working again (they were just out to fix it this summer) and the first thing he asked me was if the switch on the furnace was bumped to "off". Sure enough, that's what it was. Stupid cats probably tried to jump up on top of the furnace and it the switch. I was a little embarrassed.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good morning, friends,

Love the thankful Thursday sharing. I'll share my own later in the day for today

Hug, Canadisney Fly, what a sweet tribute to your friend and indeed a way to bring her along to WDW with you and your son in a special and extra way. It is indeed heartbreaking when someone positive and special in a young child’s life leaves for any reason. The strawberry rug is a good size for us and just so you and everyone else knows it also comes in Stripes

Lol the squirrel picture, PollyannaMom! He looks as though he’s surveying the branches to check out either a good new home or where some hidden nuts may be for his breakfast! You really capture amazing photos, thank you for sharing with us always. All of you, Quackers, are talented photographers!

Those donuts look so fudgy and good, B&B! Soft brownie-ish—yum. I’d love part of one minus the sprinkles. Hug, what an awful “service” call experience. I am so not a fan of paint fumes at all. This building used to always use the cheapest possible paint that could be smelled for days sometimes inside here when it was another unit that was actually painted, Yuck! I truly hope you do get the needed repairs and in a timely cost/effective to you manner at that!

Here’s hoping Mr. L takes care of himself today and feels better, Lynn! I remember doing a Thirsty Thursday theme once at a school age program over the summer. The kids got a root beer float surprise that afternoon! ETA to your later post, please do quit doing chores for the day!

Enjoy your peaches and treats made with them, Footballmouse! So nice of you, always, to share with others. Thank you, my friend. Hug, animals and their antics, huh?

Hug, Kirby. It is indeed a blessing to have a hand person in your family!

I’m not much help with WDW recommendations of any kind since I have never been there but truly pray all of you heading to visit have a wonderful time.

Have a good one everyone! I shall come back later.

 

[frog3101]

Hello Quackers,

@footballmouse I'm not a huge fan of any fruit that is baked, but fresh Georgia peaches sound delicious. I hope you find a recipe that you like for a cobbler or pie. My daughter makes a cobbler that uses a cake mix and butter. Hmm I will see if I can find it. I'm sure if you "Pinterest" 3 ingredient cobbler it will come up.
@Kirby so glad you were able to figure out the fridge. Little fingers can cause lots of worry and stress. Thankfully it was a simple fix. My son when he was little didn't get the freezer we had in our garage all the way shut once and unfortunately it wasn't noticed until it was too late. We lost A LOT of meat and other stuff. It smelled so bad. We cleaned it out, air it out, cleaned it some more and the stench would just not go away. The next time I got a freezer with an alarm and I put a child proof lock on it. I still have those on my fridge now at the new house. The kids can get into them, but it's more to make sure when they shut the door it stays shut. Also, prayers for Dawn and her family.
@PollyannaMom Cute little picture of the squirrel.
@Canadisney Fly What a fun and awesome way to honor your friend. I hope you have a great time on your trip.

For all who suggested the texting only or some kind of app for communication with my soon to be former husband, I do hope we get to a point where we do only communicate that way. Until the ruling is final and the custody stuff (holidays and how much he will get them in the summer) is set in stone, I think we will need to talk some. The double edge sword in all written communication is that everything is recorded and that everything is recorded. I get nervous the "tone" of my text will not come across as "correct "sometimes and I'm paranoid that it can hurt me. I am pretty much paranoid about just about everything right now. I just keep praying that once his 7 days are over things will settle down and we can get into an actual routine and I will be able to "breath" a little bit without wondering when the other shoe is going to drop, so to speak. Of course there is still the rest of the settlement we need to agree on, so that will be stressful as well.

Hope everyone has a good afternoon.