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

[lynxstch]

Good decision @Judique ! If they really want it, perhaps they will speak directly to you about it. Temp had gone up to 92, dropped down to 68 and we just had a hard rain come through. I ran out to check the gutters, and no leaks anywhere,,first time in years!
Stepson and partner came for about 2 hours. Then they were heading to a friends son football game, then dinner, and then home. It was so nice to chat with them..she talked more than we have ever heard her talk before, lol. They are getting along a lot better now than they were,,and with her having weekends off..and both girls in school and working,,they get to spend more time together doing things like they used to do. Made us both so happy to see them happy again! He mentioned that our oldest granddaughter was just saying she missed us, hasn't seen us for a long time, and that her and her boyfriend may just take a trip this way as soon as they can. She finally graduated college, again. She took 4 majors and 3 minors,,and had to finish up one more class this summer. She technically graduated in 2020, but stayed to take more courses.
Mr L is asleep, I am watching, as usual, Hawaii 5-O and waiting for the crockpot to finish cooking. I am hungry!
Have a nice evening everyone

 

[Judique]

@AuntieMe3 you have good choices for today!

We are just unwinding and putting things away after our wonderful WDW 5 night stay.

I have a quick summery of our trip in VWL Groupies thread.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/v...1-august-2022.3242976/page-1059#post-64281762

I read the summary and I'm happy that you were able to get the Minnie Van ride with the scooters.

Also the 2 bedroom upgrade sounds lovely!

And as I kept reading the VWL thread, I saw a pic of the room I had when I stayed at VWL!! Yes, the dumpster view!! Actually it was only either 1 or 2 nights and was not a deal breaker. The long walk to the end of the corridor was more bothersome.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you for letting us know that you're safely , PollyannaMom

AuntieMe3, good choice to choose being more at this Sunday. It's 103 here right now. As I've said, I know where you are it's even warmer. you have good A/C and are doing okay.

Bobbiwoz! I LOVED reading your trip share. God Bless all the kind folks on your trip and your lovely friend Beverly, too. Than you for allowing us to "meet" all of you. For me, especially, having never been to WDW, seeing your and tother Quacker family member's photos and reading about your fun, means more to me in a different way than it might to those of you who do live back East. I hope that made sense!

Judique and continuing prayer you have come to greater peace. Lovely painting Thanks for showing it and your daughter's with us. ETA from your last post: I wouldn't have cared for a dumpster view either. I agree with you though on the longer walk especially at the end of a tiring day spent with
Enjoy Hawaii 5-0 dear Lynn and have a good evening! Love your share all-around, cooler weather and everything. that that you and Mr. L got to spend more time with your stepson and his partner.

Quiet afternoon around here. Dad is resting now. I just looked at today's church bulletin and will enjoy watching the service later. I like to look at it at ahead of time so that I can make note of all the Scripture. As it is being read, I like to read along from my Bible.

Have a good rest of Sunday, friends.

 

[tazdev3225]

Good evening.

@PollyannaMom - I actually have seen that lighthouse. I knew it looked familiar. Of course, when I went it was gray and rainy. I need to get up that way again one day. I love lighthouses. I traveled with friends that loved lighthouses too, but they just wanted to see "the pretty buildings" and move on. I loved the wife dearly, but she was not the brightest person I have ever known, and he was a bigot. Our last couple of trips together that became very clear and made me really uncomfortable and honestly quite angry. Sadly, we lost touch with them. I really did enjoy her company though; she was a sweetheart.

I sometimes feel as though a black cloud is following me. I went to church and my parents weren't there. I figured they were on Zoom since my mom's knee has been giving her some issues. The issue started on my birthday when a cyst of some kind in her knee popped. I went to the coffee hour after church and had a couple people come up and ask me how my dad is doing. I was a bit perplexed but found out they knew he was in the ER, I didn't. I am used to it with my mom. Dad had surgery once and everyone at church knew he had cancer, but I was never informed. He was in the CCU for 2 days another time before she thought we should know. Any way dad was having a lot of pain in his back and having trouble walking. Originally the drs. thought a pinched nerve. When I called tonight, she told me he needs a CT of his kidneys because something is off. Dad had bladder cancer about 7 years ago and has had kidney disease ever since then. When I was talking to my mom in the hospital, I looked at her and just asked what happened to her face. I could see through her glasses she had one heck of a shiner coming on. My mom fell out of bed, face first into her nightstand. She has a black eye and bruising down to her mouth. Of course, I suggested maybe she should get checked out and she refused. I don't think I will survive my parent's golden years.

We did go out for dinner and it's a good thing I chose an earlier time. Crystal got done work about a half hour earlier than expected, so there was no way her mom would be able to get her. My husband and I went to Cracker Barrel, and they had the new holiday I have named Falloweengivingmas: Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations all displayed at one time. I think it's one big Holiday anymore. I got a great travel mug with a witch on it that says, "I'm a Witch Before Coffee". My husband said it fits me. Then I got the "Moods of Grinch" T shirt and a Grinch Hand towel. My son has loved the Grinch since he was a toddler, so it brings on happy memories.

Hope you all have a good night and quiet one. We have had fireworks off and on for the past hour.

 

[frog3101]

Hello hello to all Quackers.

@tazdev3225 I am sorry to hear about your dad and mom. I am also sorry that you are not kept in the forefront of news that seems you should be one of the first to know. I'm sure that is very stressful for you. Glad to hear Crystal is doing well at her job and seems to enjoy it. Also, prayers for Z and your daughter from another mother.

@Judique I think keeping the painting for now is a good idea. I agree with those who said the person(s) had their chance and didn't seem interested then. And, if they want it now, should speak to you directly. Love the cat and his blanket.

@PollyannaMom Love the lighthouse photos.

@AuntieMe3 and @flyingdumbo127 Hope you are both staying cool. I think I may have mentioned a time or two or three that I am ZERO fan of the heat.

@Snowysmom Good to hear you and your son are both feeling better.

I don't have much new to report. Same old drama and frankly misery here. It was a long weekend. My soon to be former husband was a jerk to my oldest and flat out lied to her and me. I have some texts that prove he was contradicting himself, but prob not enough to get him in any real trouble. He just continues to lie and break rules and nothing happens. Meanwhile I am following all the rules and getting the short end of the stick. I won't lie, I'm pretty bitter at this point. My oldest asked for the dog that still lives at his house for her birthday and he told her "no the dog stays!". He could care less about her feelings and only cares that the court says she has to be there so by golly she's going to be there. I live in a state where a kid doesn't even get to have a say, usually, I think there are always exceptions, until they are 18. Um well duh, it doesn't even matter when they are 18 because they are then legally adults and can do what they want. I am just wanting one day where I am not waiting for something bad to happen or for him to bother me. But them I won't even enjoy it cause I am always "on guard" waiting and worrying.

My youngest wouldn't even talk to me when they got home tonight. Just kept ignoring me and changing rooms when I would walk in to the room where he was. I asked him if I had made him mad and he said no, but he wouldn't tell me anything else. He's only 7, but he's been the one who has seemed to adjust the best so far, but tonight he was definitely "off". I hope it's just tiredness and when he gets up tomorrow will be more like himself.

Anyway, it was really great weather here today, I am hoping it sticks around for awhile.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@frog3101 It‘s sad what you and your children are going through. I can’t imagine the stress you are under, and I sincerely hope and pray that things get better for you.

 

[Judique]

Hello hello to all Quackers.

@tazdev3225 I am sorry to hear about your dad and mom. I am also sorry that you are not kept in the forefront of news that seems you should be one of the first to know. I'm sure that is very stressful for you. Glad to hear Crystal is doing well at her job and seems to enjoy it. Also, prayers for Z and your daughter from another mother.

@Judique I think keeping the painting for now is a good idea. I agree with those who said the person(s) had their chance and didn't seem interested then. And, if they want it now, should speak to you directly. Love the cat and his blanket.

@PollyannaMom Love the lighthouse photos.

@AuntieMe3 and @flyingdumbo127 Hope you are both staying cool. I think I may have mentioned a time or two or three that I am ZERO fan of the heat.

@Snowysmom Good to hear you and your son are both feeling better.

I don't have much new to report. Same old drama and frankly misery here. It was a long weekend. My soon to be former husband was a jerk to my oldest and flat out lied to her and me. I have some texts that prove he was contradicting himself, but prob not enough to get him in any real trouble. He just continues to lie and break rules and nothing happens. Meanwhile I am following all the rules and getting the short end of the stick. I won't lie, I'm pretty bitter at this point. My oldest asked for the dog that still lives at his house for her birthday and he told her "no the dog stays!". He could care less about her feelings and only cares that the court says she has to be there so by golly she's going to be there. I live in a state where a kid doesn't even get to have a say, usually, I think there are always exceptions, until they are 18. Um well duh, it doesn't even matter when they are 18 because they are then legally adults and can do what they want. I am just wanting one day where I am not waiting for something bad to happen or for him to bother me. But them I won't even enjoy it cause I am always "on guard" waiting and worrying.

My youngest wouldn't even talk to me when they got home tonight. Just kept ignoring me and changing rooms when I would walk in to the room where he was. I asked him if I had made him mad and he said no, but he wouldn't tell me anything else. He's only 7, but he's been the one who has seemed to adjust the best so far, but tonight he was definitely "off". I hope it's just tiredness and when he gets up tomorrow will be more like himself.

Anyway, it was really great weather here today, I am hoping it sticks around for awhile.

The only thing that reliably makes this easier to deal with is time. Be patient with your youngest as they are trying to understand what is going on and will be confused and are probably hearing too much that is geared towards making them choose sides. Make it safe for them by simply saying 'I love you.' 'I will always love you and be there for you whenever you need me.'

As hard as it is to see them go through this, not being the one to put pressure on them will work better long term for their mental health, and yours.

There is a good possibility some of the same behavior is happening at the father's house, and we all know he is not a patient guy. Sons will also want to bond with their father, even when previously rejected, maybe just because of time issues, work commitments or other reasons. The mother is mostly always there and sort of taken for granted, which long run may be a good thing, the knowledge that you are security.

The youngest child may also take cues from the other siblings.

Your ex may see keeping the dog as a carrot to entice the children with. As in making his house 'like home'. Home is where they feel safe and where their stuff is and where they can be themselves. It can in fact be both houses, but not if too many emotional strings become attached. When adults start trying too hard, kids tend to start rejecting as they mostly just want normal, not to be centered on and expected to be suddenly more responsive due to the new circumstances.

Keeping you in our thoughts.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all..rainy Monday, Labor Day here. We had a heck of a downpour around dinnertime last night. It rained most of the night and they say rain/storms expected all day. There will be a lot of cancelled or moved indoors picnics around here. Stepson texted that they got home with no issues around 8 pm..and that they missed all the traffic by going home last night instead of today.
@tazdev3225 --I agree with others that you should be one of the first ones notified if something happens to your parents. Sending both of them prayers
@frog3101 --As always, sending you prayers, and pixie dust that you can make it through a day with no drama. It stinks what he's doing to the kids

Off to fix breakfast, and then I am not planning on doing much else today. The rain is matching my mood I guess. I am hoping the handyman calls and comes to finish those last 2 pieces of trim so I can stain them to match the floor, and then paint the doors. I still don't know if he's planning on getting and installing the gutter guards tomorrow or not though. I have a cardiologist appt tomorrow morning at 8:45 (just a 3 month follow up), but if he does decide to come, he won't need us to be home for that part. I will leave the shed unlocked in case he wants to use our ladder instead of his. Fingers crossed that he can fit that job in!

When stepson was here, he gave us some not so great news about one of stepdaughter's sons. She never mentioned a word to us about any of it though. Seems he has gotten in trouble with police called 2x lately. The first he threw something at his sister, and her boyfriend who lives with them, beat the heck out of him. She is the one who called the police. Then that same grandson, took his girlfriend (again, we didn't even know he had one) to the fair, and got into a rumble with 5 other guys. The fair people called the police, and because stepdaughter was in another city picking up her husband for work, they wouldn't release him, and let him sit in the back of the police car till 2 am. This is the grandson who she claims is on the 'spectrum', he's 18 and still has separation/anxiety/mommy issues. She just won't let him grow up. The kicker to this whole story, is we were also told that his girlfriend is now living with them too? What the heck? Her husband is on the road busting his butt to provide for his own 4 kids, and now they are housing and feeding 2 more? And the only one going to school is our youngest granddaughter. The bf and the gf aren't going. Neither grandson finished school (although the older one did do it all online, just never paid for it, so never got his diploma), and the younger one quit school in 8'th grade. The other granddaughter is taking online classes as she has a learning disorder, or supposedly does, anyhow. No wonder she's stressed and anxious..add all of that to her medical problems and yikes!

that's all the news from me this morning..have a great Labor Day, but be like me, and actually do NO labor,,lol

 

[lynxstch]

@Judique --Very well said what you wrote to @frog3101 --and oh so true!

 

[Judique]

No big plans today. I was going to do brunch but woke up middle of the night feeling yuch. It was gastrointestinal distress and didn't let up until morning. Then I drank coffee and ate Belvita crackers and here we go again.

Hopefully things will settle and we can have a nice dinner.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Critter of the day:


Supposed to rain here today but hasn't started yet. I'm out with the cat right now, but might try to get some weeding done too if it holds off.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Judique Great advice to Frog. I hope you feel better.

@frog3101 So sorry that your kids are being put in the middle by your soon to be ex. As Judique said, just let them know you love them and are always there for them. You are in my prayers.

@lynxstch Sorry to hear about your stepdaughter's son. Sounds like he needs to learn responsibility and be allowed to grow up.

It is cool and rainy here today. I took a walk in my raincoat and with an umbrella. I went to the local farm stand, really a store, and got some stuff. I see the therapist tomorrow out where older DS lives so I asked him if he would like me to make chicken penne and broccoli to leave at his house. He has the kids Wed and they love it. I make DS's without the broccoli. At least he can have a couple of meals of pasta and chicken and he won't have to cook when he has the kids. He worked all weekend and then all week including today. I added chocolate chip cookies to the menu. I did not make them but the farm stand has a bakery.

We have to take care of Joe's apt as his stuff will have to be out by the end of the month. The manager of the complex is wonderful and has the name of a guy who will clean it out after we go through it to take what we need or want. It is a very small apt so not much there and really nothing too sentimental. We got all the family photos. Now we mainly need the remaining financial papers and anything we would like. He has a couple of nice framed pictures and I may take one for my wall. We also need to take care of his car. I keep learning more lessons on what to do to prepare for end of life issues, first with losing Chris and now with Joe. I have been making sure I have all my ducks in a row right down to what I want for a funeral. I told my kids where the paperwork is and they know my attorney.

DS and I are feeling better. My taste is still a bit off but it will come back. Friday is liberation day when we can ditch the masks. Then this weekend I can see the grandkids. They have tested negative and do not have any symptoms. Younger DS is doing a good job of distancing himself. It has been a lonely weekend without seeing anyone.

Have a good day.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Glad you’re feeling better snowysmom!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Frog Your poor little guy. He must be so confused. Good advice from Judique. I would say just give him his space but let him know you’re there. It’s hard to know exactly what’s going through his head. When my parents separated for a while when I was young, I just remember wanting my family back the way it was. I also remember feeling like I had to defend one parent to other family who would criticize, which caused me a lot of anger. I could never just relax and have a good time at family gatherings because a conversation would start and I’d have to defend. Was too young to just get up and leave. Thinking back on those feelings it wasn’t pleasant. So I guess that would be my advice, too, don’t put him (or any of the kids) in a position where they have to defend, not just with you, but others he may overhear. (I know you’re not, but it can be hard for other family to keep their traps shut! Lol)

Lynn, is this the same daughter who has the car trouble? 8th grade seems awfully young to quit school, wow!

@bobbiwoz I enjoyed reading your trip report. Your Minnie Van story and picture reminded me a lot of one of my own magical evenings there (and I realized as I was writing, it was exactly 20 yrs ago this month)! It was just our second trip to the World, and we were booked in a Contemporary Tower room, but were moved over to the Poly and upgraded to Concierge, also! (Amazing!) They had single jogging strollers we could use for our whole stay, so we kept them in our room. (We had 5yo twins at the time.) On our Epcot day, we discovered the International Gateway, and after Illuminations, left through there to discover the Boardwalk area. We walked around (in awe), one kid woke up, we got an ice cream, etc., then were ready to go back to our resort. I think we saw the taxis out in front of the Boardwalk, and said hey, rather than walking all that way back through Epcot and to the monorail, for a few bucks we could hop in one of these! So we did! But because we had the jogging strollers, we had to take a taxi that was a van, to stick them in the back! We had quite a chuckle over that! We never actually used a Minnie Van, but I thought they were a good idea for families - and in your case, it was perfect! I didn’t realize how big they were! So nice of them to do that for you. I love the way Disney does little things like that! We were lost once and they got us a whole bus by ourselves to take us back to our resort. (I imagine it would be tough to do today with fuel prices but I bet they still do it!) Thanks for sharing.

It’s been a somewhat quiet weekend nursing DH post operatively. He was in the dog house Saturday morning as he showered before we woke up and didn’t wrap his foot right and the whole thing got wet! DD took the wet ace wrap down (which wasn’t really supposed to come off) and had to blow dry the gauze underneath, switch out to a new ace wrap (thankfully we had one), etc. We told him to stop making more work for us, lol! He came for the ride for my haircut, then we got seafood (clam chowders and shared a scallop plate) and went to eat it at the beach since we had the dogs with us, he waited in car while DD and I took dogs for a nice walk, etc. Now it’s supposed to rain later today and for the next couple of days.



Funny story, DH was in his chair with his leg up, and he looked out the front window and thought he saw an ”alien” head pop up on our front porch - could only see the head. ‘Wth is that??” I jumped up to get the full view:



Darned turkeys! The little ones have grown so fast, just a few weeks ago they were much smaller. I think they go after our bird food. Right after the pic was taken the little one hopped up on our roof! They better watch out, Thanksgiving is coming!

Enjoy this Labor Day! Everyone try to get some R&R!

 

[lynxstch]

@Pea-n-Me yes its the same stepdaughter--the same one with car issues, and now health issues. Mr L has 2 boys and 1 girl. The oldest stepson doesn't have any kids. The younger one has 3 daughters, and stepdaughter has 2 boys and 2 girls --there is always some issue as to why they aren't going to school, and I wish the state could step in and do something about it

 

[Snowysmom]

@Pea-n-Me Your DH needs to be watched! LOL! Glad it all worked out for him though.
Love the picture of the dogs at the beach. They look very happy. I also love the turkey picture. We had turkeys at our house and I do miss seeing them. I loved seeing the little ones in the spring.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Love the pics, Pea!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Love the pics, Pea!

Thank you!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning from sunny CA,

Dad was trying to find the Dodger game on last night (forgetting it was on ESPN rather than the regular channel). We agreed that perhaps it was cancelled due to heat. It wasn't. I Googled and learned it was on ESPN. Dodger Stadium was PACKED! I simply pray all were safe and somehow stayed healthy and cool. Certainly, didn't seem like a fun way to spend the evening to me. Dad was happy with the surprise later last night that the Dodgers ended up winning

We both enjoyed some this morning for breakfast. Lying low and keeping cool! I'll watch the rest of worship from yesterday and get mail ready for tomorrow.

HugeTaz. ITA with everyone else that it is anything but right that you are the last to be informed of news regarding your parents. to them both and extra love to you!

Extra loving prayer to you as well, Frog. I love Judique's wise and kind words. No matter what tell your children you love them. Hug them more. Another idea is to leave a card or note in there bedroom or bathroom, somewhere for them to discover on their own, apart from you. Make it clear you are not seeking a reply. You simply want to say an extra "I love you." Think lunch box notes for kids. I would be happy to send you some postcards and even a couple blank cards if you would like. Remember, it doesn't have to be fancy. Have any stickers? LOL, those I'd be happy to send you some of for sure. Put one or two on an index card and create your own instant note. Could even do the same idea with a Post it or piece of scrap paper. Sometimes, something to hold onto and look back on can be very healing. PM me anytime and know I care. As a P.S. Dad will be going to the post office tomorrow. So, if you want, PM me today and I would be happy to get some supplies out to you tomorrow.

"But be like me, and actually do NO labor," Love it, Lynn and will remind you anytime of your own words! Please take your own advice today of all days, my friend! Extra family prayers for you as well!

Thank you, always, PollyannaMom for our "critter of the day." Love how you put that, my friend! You had a longer weekend. Enjoy some R&R today--listen to Lynn!

I am so grateful to God that you and your DS are feeling better, Snowysmom! So kind of dear you to do some cooking for your DS and grandkids. They are blessed to have you and vice versa, of course! on Joe's apartment!
I also love the pictures, Pea. Aw to two of our Quacker family dogs so cute! Grateful your DH was okay.

Bobbiwoz, I hope you get some rest in today as well!

Carol, thinking of you, much you and your DH are feeling better. B&B and AuntieMe3, the same!

Have a relaxing Monday, friends. I'll check back later.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Extra loving prayer to you as well, Frog. I love Judique's wise and kind words. No matter tell your children you love them. Hug them more. Another idea is to leave a card or note in there bedroom or bathroom, somewhere for them to discover on their own, apart from you. Make it clear you are not seeking a reply. You simply want to say an extra "I love you." Think lunch box notes for kids. I would be happy to send you some postcards and even a couple blank cards if you would like. Remember, it doesn't have to be fancy. Have any stickers? LOL, those I'd be happy to send you some of for sure. Put one or two on an index card and create your own instant note. Could even do the same idea with a Post it or piece of scrap paper. Sometimes, something to hold onto and look back on can be very healing. PM me anytime and know I care. As a P.S. Dad will be going to the post office tomorrow. So, if you want, PM me today and I would be happy to get some supplies out to you tomorrow.

I love the idea of little notes!

I have extra cards and stickers here as well, so please add me to list of folks willing to share. You can PM me your address and, if you'd like, any special interests of the kids that I could try and match the supplies to.