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

[lynxstch]

Good morning! Cool start, but will be mid 70's again. These will probably be the last of our warmer days for awhile. Calling for rain all day Thursday.
I got all my chores done yesterday-dusted, vacuumed all the rooms. Washed the kitchen and bathroom floors, and washed the rugs. Went outside and moved the rest of the branches, sticks etc into the burn pile in the middle of the garden. We have a huge Cypress tree in the back corner of our property, and I put all the broken stuff there for the summer so I could use the garden for the garden, lol. I now have a huge brush pile to burn. Just need a rainfree, windfree day to do it, and before it gets so cold that I have to turn the water to the back off for the winter.
I am envious of all of you who are heading for Disney soon. Like Jen, I am hoping that you all have great weather, low crowds, and a lot of fun. And yes please, do post some pictures when you get home.

@Snowysmom -- I hope that you get your heat and hot water fixed today. And you will probably be so excited about your trip this weekend, that you will get to the airport in plenty of time! Put your mind on all the fun you are going to have instead!

@Pea-n-Me Hope you are feeling better today

Nothing on my to do list, unless the handyman comes to put in the peephole, and put the last of the floor trim down on both doors. Then that job will be 100% done.

Off to make my grocery list and balance the check book (not a big deal since I pretty much do it every couple of days), and pay a couple of middle of the month bills

Have a great day

 

[easyas123]

Good morning everyone. I'm in between two different Teams meetings so I thought I'd pop in here. I'm several days behind, so I just went to the page w/ 1000th post and skimmed thru....sorry if I missed anything!

I'm finally feeling almost 100% again. I still have an occasional cough totally try and clear some congestion but not nearly as much as before. Yay.

Good to hear.

(Lots of garlic.)

Is there such a thing as to much garlic? mmmmmm garlic

I will slow down a bit and really think about my options and talk with the kids again. No one is buying during the holiday season so I have time.

I was thinking - what if you sell your current place and rent for 6/9/12 months? Let things settle down and take your time deciding on what & where you want to purchase a property.

Last night DD told me she ordered Hello Fresh.

My SIL has standing order with them, three meals per week. They like it a lot.

I wonder sometimes if how safety conscious we (as a society) have become with our kids/grandkids in more recent years has us "missing a window" for them to really catch the independence bug?

I think we (as a society in general) have done this and in doing so have created some stagnating young adults. To be sure, not all of them. But some of them. But it's not new....a friend of mine from high school moved to China for a few years w/ her husband. We were in our 30's at this point, and her mother insisted on calling her every single day to make sure she was okay. This went on for the 3 years they lived there. We have other friends- the wife keeps such close tabs on their son (who is a good kid and doesn't get into trouble) that she has trackers on his car, phone and cameras all over their house so she can keep tabs on him 24/7. He's 20.

A friend at work made the toy box and another friend painted it.

That turned out beautifully!

Good morning, it was another frosty morning here,

We had frost Sunday morning, it was patchy & on the car window.

I will be calling You Customize It soon and will definitely share the outcome afterwards.

I was wondering if returning it didn't work out if you could gift it to someone else or use it as part of your holiday decor, as a fruit bowl or to hold decorations.

I was planning to make chili last night

Made chili on Sunday. Haven't made it in forever, but it was good to have again.


So good fall morning to you all. Same old same old around here. Looks like youngest is wrapping up his time in the Army and has his last weekend of whatever it is they do this weekend before he is officially out. He was telling us last night about a job offer he has received and thinks he will be taking. If he does he'll be moving over to the western shore of MD to be closer to his potential work place in Bethesda. He will be home for at least another month, and I'm sure we will see him often as he'll be back & forth a lot. Still, it will be back to a empty nest soon for us I think - and that is okay with us. After all, isn't that the goal to get them up & grown, educated and a value to society and then off to start their own, independent life? Of course, I'll miss my live-in dog sitter!

No solid plans this upcoming weekend. I (still) need jeans. Eldest & husband going Sika deer hunting Thursday-Saturday, and youngest has Army. I'll probably spend a few hours in the big tractor and a hour on the zero turn and then decide if I want to go jean shopping in the afternoon. I've been in the mood for potato soup and was thinking about making some - I know it's rather simple, but I've never made it before. Or I could make lamb stew w/ dumplings? Either way, I'm kinda feeling like making something Sunday in the vein of comfort/cold weather food. We will see what I come up with. I need to reorganize the big freezer anyway.

Time to sign into my second Teams meeting. Toodles -

 

[Snowysmom]

Just stopped in to say, I have heat and hot water!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Just stopped in to say, I have heat and hot water!

 

[Judique]

That's what she ordered, 3 meals a week. If we like the meals, it's in line price wise with how we spend now.

We have sort of a 'whatever we feel like' budget for food. Our biggest issue is making decisions in advance. Almost every day we play the 'what do you want?' game for dinner. Both of us are hoping the other has come up with something delicious, maybe new and different. Often DD resorts to ordering in and always asks me do I want anything. I rarely want delivered fast food. Too many calories, carbs, fats and whatever else is bad. We spend a lot. And worst of all we waste too much (in my opinion.)

Not too worried about the spending. Just want to take away some of the decision making process. I guess I'm bored with some aspects of the process.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Popping in between my Zoom class this morning, and in-person class at the library in a little while. Lovely fall sunshine out there, so I'm looking forward to heading out!

 

[Judique]

I'm typing on my DD's old laptop which works fine but is too big and is not a touchscreen or a 360. Mine started to make a small noise and I'm afraid it's going to need another repair. May be time to get something else, but I want a powerful laptop that's packaged small. 13 inch, but not a chromebook. i7 processor. 16 to 32g. touchscreen. all the bells and whistles. I spend a lot of my time on a laptop and I want something I like.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning everyone,

Cooler today so far much like yesterday. Fall just might be in the air out here. I do well remember some 100+ end of Octobers. All good, of course, grateful to God for all! Dad and I finished watching last night Winter in Vail a Hallmark movie we recorded a few weeks ago. It's been on before. We both enjoyed the setting (albeit freezing looking to me from afar) and sweet story. I really liked the dad and the older lady who he had long time friendship with. Was glad the two got together at the end of the movie. For a cozy, predictable, of course in parts, movie, I'd recommend with a cup of hot chocolate in your hand! We still have The Secrets of Bella Vista and Falling for Vermont to watch before we record any new movies. I forgot. Have any of you seen either of these? Dad is finishing up at Ralph's followed by a quick trip to the post office and then home.

Thank you for your kind prayers for my dad, DisneyMommyMichelle! Proud of your daughter from afar! She has a good head on her shoulders that’s for sure. truly glad to hear you and your family also have an upcoming WDW trip in the works, how fun!

How are you feeling, dear Pea? Big hug, my friend. Thinking of you!

Happily editing my original message to you, dear Snowysmom to say hooray! Beyond grateful to God that at last you have heat! Please just have FUN at WDW!

Hug, Footballmouse. Prayers you did get some good rest night. I’m glad to hear that you’re only working a half day today. God Bless Mitchell and of course all your assorted crew, too!

I always love to read that there’s nothing on your to do list, dear Lynn! Most days just reading that list exhausts me lol. How is your new ?

both of your meetings are going smoothly, Easyas. Always great to see you, my friend. Yikes! That is both sad and scary about the 20-year-old Thank you so much for the bowl suggestions. I never did think of using it as a decorative piece. I did make my first try at asking one friend if she knew anyone that might want it—no. Will keep trying. Dad will be taking the bowl to the post office this morning so we will know how much it would cost to be sent back. Figure that part is free to find out. I am waiting to hear back from Tracie, the kind rep from You Customize It, for confirmation that indeed the narrow rim bowl is of similar weight to the kid’s bowl just bigger. Will go from there. Enjoy your extra time with your youngest! Keeping him and his future plans in prayer as well.

Judique, I’m of no meal planning help since I happen to be the simplest eater ever, lol. Do you and your daughter have similar tastes? If so, perhaps you could agree on what to try for a couple of meals. For example, if you both have a craving for spaghetti or another pasta dish before you next go shopping, check ingredients and stick to making that dish for dinner on X night. It can be hard indeed to use up something due to quantity or just not caring for it. I hope you do like Hello Fresh!

PollyannaMom. Please enjoy the lovely Fall weather out an about for me, too. Have fun at the library! I also hope, of course, that your meeting goes well.

Happy Tuesday to all! I will check in later.

 

[Judique]

Well, I read everything on page 1002, and I'm resting after eating a very late breakfast of Jimmy Dean sausage patties and french toast made from pepperidge farm french toast flavored bread. Made enough for DD, myself and maybe 2 others but between the two of us there is one piece of french toast and one sausage patty left! It tasted really good.

I had a decaf with mine and DD drank milk. Put the leftover in a baggie and if it doesn't disappear by morning I'll eat it then as my early breakfast.

Before making breakfast DD came down and helped me put a cabinet back in place. It's been a pain since we got a new fridge 2 or more years ago. The new fridge was maybe a 1/4 inch too high and that meant the cabinet doors didn't clear the top of the fridge. So, in order to get something rarely used such as my waffle maker or turkey roasting pan down we had to pull the fridge forward. It's on rollers so I could do it, but who wants to? The front top of the Samsung fridge has a cover for the door hinges that was just a tad higher. The back was regular height and when I measured I was slightly off.

So, yesterday we took the cabinet down and I got out my carpentry tools and adjusted it to fit. After that I was exhausted and went to bed. This morning that heavy thing needed to be lifted back up and secured back in place. It was a lot easier to drop down then get it back up! With the help of 2 ladders and some blocks we did it! Almost gave up but DD is pretty strong. I'm not so if it weren't for her (and my ingenuity) we would have needed a handyman.

Now I have to spend some time putting all the stuff back up there. My kitchen has 10ft ceilings so this cabinet is pretty tall, but is great storage for someone who has never met a small appliance she didn't buy......

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Judique and good for you! You are a talented handywoman and so is your DD! So glad you also enjoyed your French Toast.

No email yet back from the You Customize It rep. Dad will go to the post office this afternoon on his way to the return library books. I shall keep all of you posted and thank you again for your help and care (always)! to all.

 

[Snowysmom]

It is so nice to turn on the hot water faucet and get hot water. The things you take for granted. The plumber who came to repair the pipes was surprised I had been without heat and hot water for so many days. It was kind of surprised too but the guy who came out on Friday said that if it was the middle of winter and below freezing they would have prioritized it more.

I went to the post office to send some chocolates and puzzle books to Joe's sister in the nursing home. There were 2 employees waiting on a long line of customers and then suddenly one left leaving just one person. Some people had waited almost a half hour. I think I may start ordering from Amazon and having the items sent from there. It will be easier and probably a little less expensive once I add in postage and my time to go to the post office.

I had thought about renting for a while but then I have the same issue of where do I rent, here or there? My heart and soul really tell me to do something new and different. I don't want the decision on where to live to be settled by which son can help me out more. Right now I am hoping not to need alot of help. As I get older and things change maybe many years down the road I could always move closer to Jeff. I am not going to rush into any decision and if it takes longer than I thought to get there, then so be it. Right now I feel like maybe the actual condo is what matters more than the location. How do you tell a real estate agent that you are looking in 2 different areas 45 minutes apart? They will think I am crazy.

Judique You are a very good handy person with all your do it yourself projects. I used to plan meals for shopping lists and to know what we would be having each night but now I just wing it. I am not really into cooking any more. I do have to do more cooking from scratch but only easy meals. I have been looking online for some easy recipes and have a few. I like the idea of sheet pan meals. I could get 2-3 nights out of one recipe.

Pea-n-me I hope you are feeling better. The meatballs looked really good.

Flyingdumbo127 I hope you get a good resolution to the bowl issue. It is so hard to buy online. Things aren't always what they appear.

We are all getting prepared for the Disney trip. Jeff and Aimee are shipping baby formula to the resort. Thankfully it is easily available now. Between all of us we will have 4 checked bags. I have one checked bag. My carryon contains snacks and candy for the kids. That is different for me. I will finish packing Thursday night. After work on Friday I will be sure the condo is tucked in for the week and head to Kenny's. The one good thing about this place is that it is easy to travel from here due to the security and being on the top floor. Check that appliances are off, the heat is lowered a bit, no water running, and then just lock the door and put on the security system. Off I go.

Have a good rest of the day.

 

[PollyannaMom]

We still have The Secrets of Bella Vista and Falling for Vermont to watch before we record any new movies. I forgot. Have any of you seen either of these?

I actually just watched Secrets of Bella Vista! (I started it yesterday afternoon and finished it this morning.) Some predictability, as you said about the other film, but I sort if find that comforting about Hallmark movies. The settings were nice, too. I enjoyed it!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good later (except for me and AuntieMe3, still just after 1pm here) afternoon, friends,

Still no further word from Tracie. dad will be headed shortly to the post office. My thinking cap is definitely still on as to who I could possibly ask that might want it--and give me at least most of the $25 for it! I so dislike asking people for favors for me and have extra never been a fan of asking anyone for money so doubly hard with this. I do know Terri often uses something called Next Door. I could ask her, depending on what dad finds out at the post office, whether that might be a way to get the bowl sold. We don't use Craig's List or any social media. Certainly, do not want anyone coming to our door! I'll keep all of you updated. As a post office p.s. to be sure I have shared this with all of dear you, On January 23rd of next year, first class stamps which are now 60 cents are going up to 63 cents. Postcard stamps which are now 44 cents are going up to 48 cents. Plus, come July 2023, the same thing will happen again with stamps. A couple weeks ago was when package prices went up through at least January. Not sure whether that cost increases twice or just (bad enough) once a year!

with extra Snowysmom all-around. Thank you, always for sending puzzles to Joe's sister. I won't be mailing out any more packages this year. I will be purchasing some extra stamps before the increase and then will need to cut back. I keep in prayer as long as God wills of course, that I am able to still serve Him, spread faith and joy, care through happy mail. Means so very much to me to be able to do extra because as all of you know I am homebound right now. Dad and I sure do order a lot on Amazon, Target, and Walmart! So much easier all-around to have something come directly to us! Safer of course, for him, too, which is what matters most to me. Thanks so much on the bowl. ITA online ordering is nowhere near the same as seeing something in person!

PollyannaMom, I love how you put that about Hallmark movies! ITA! I feel the same way about books I have kept and have re-read and along with some TV shows or movies to rewatch. Comfort and extra simpler joy, assurance in a way, too. So glad you did enjoy the movie. I will share how I like it. I hope you had a good trip to the library! I so miss being able to go there and browse

That's all from here for right now

 

[Snowysmom]

I saw Secrets of Bella Vista and agree with PollyannaMom. I did like how the main characters became sisters and the scenery was nice. Chris would say that at 15 minutes before a Hallmark movie ends the male and female leads have a crisis. At 5 minutes before the movie ends they figure out the misunderstanding, profess their love, and kiss. It is a formula. But some of the movies are just soothing and fun to watch. If the movie is interesting enough in the first 15 minutes I will usually continue to watch it. If not, that is it.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you for the well wishes! Had a little energy today - vacuumed (half a house), did laundry and (Lynn would be proud of me) stripped, washed and re-made the bed. Beat now, and my headache came back, just took some Motrin. Felt sick from all the meds today but thankfully now done w paxlovid. DD is having some weird post-covid symptoms and sleeping a lot. Was a little worried, but I guess it’s just the immune system resetting itself. And oh yes, Grady had an accident while we were sleeping this morning, so I had to clean that up. (Thankfully in the kitchen and not on the rug.) Not his fault so I didn’t correct him; he knew he did something wrong as his head was hanging, lol. We might have to teach him to use a bell or something. We haven’t been letting him up in our bedrooms so he had no way of letting us know. (Usually our dogs have access to us and can wake us up if they have to “go, but for him we’ve had to keep a gate up.)

I saw this today and thought of you guys. I feel like this was our garden this year.



Tonight we re-heated the spaghetti and meatballs and it was good. Forgot to say that last night we made a chicken stew with a rotisserie chicken and lots of vegetables. So good. (I think @easyas123 mentioned stew above.)

@Snowysmom and @TazDev so exciting for your trips! @Judique it sounds like you have a lot of nice trip options, too. @bobbiwoz it’s nice how many Dis’ers you’ve met, too! I’ve met a few and it’s always fun. Had an especially great time on one Disney cruise. Very memorable as it was my post-cancer-treatment trip. We are itching to do another DCL cruise - hard to believe our first was almost 20 yrs ago now. It’s a little challenging for us to all get the same week off right now, but I’m sure we can figure something out.

@Judique May I suggest you look into an iPad Pro 12.9” with a Magic Keyboard? It’s what I use for everything and I love it, will likely never have anything else again unless they can improve on it somehow. DD has one also and uses it for graduate classes. There’s not much it can’t do, and the color and sound are amazing. I know it’s hard to imagine not having a laptop, but at least check it out! It’s also easy to take with you - I throw it right in my bag(s), it’s lighter than a laptop. Very portable. They’re not cheap, but I’d say they’re well worth the cost. If you plan to use it on the road you can get one with built in 5G. (I just have the WiFi on the Pro but my old iPad had the 5G and it came in handy on the road. Not something I really miss right now.)

I hope everyone has a good rest of their evening!

 

[tazdev3225]

Good evening.

I totally forgot that my parents 67th wedding anniversary was yesterday so I called them today. My parents forgot too! I guess the thrill is gone.

I got a text from my granddaughter Ella, and she was so happy. She made the school Volleyball team. She really wanted it. Ella found Volleyball last year and went to summer camp for it in July, so she really seems to like it. She said parents usually can't go to the games, but I said I can always be the photographer. She laughed and said she will ask the coach. One way for me to cheer her on.

I managed to get the downstairs deep cleaned while my husband was at his monthly breakfast. One thing off my list. He even got a donation for the tea from the restaurant so that was nice. I am going to wind up packing at the last minute again for Disney. Every trip I say I want to get a jump on it and every trip I pack last minute. Now I can't decide what camera to take. I told Jim I wanted to buy a new one thinking he would tell me I'm crazy, he said go ahead.

@Snowysmom - glad your plumbing situation is fixed. I'm looking forward to our DIs meet on Tuesday.

@Pea-n-Me - those meatballs did look good. I wanted to make a pot of spaghetti this week, but it never worked out. It's on the menu when I get home.

@flyingdumbo127 - Sorry you aren't happy with the bowl. Hope you can get it resolved.

I am off to work on my packing list again. I need to tweak it. I also need to get a list of things for my daughter to pick up while I am away. I worry that Jim won't eat. So far he has 2 TV dinners, 2 cans of Chunky Soup and 2 cans of canned Ravioli. I think I'm going to make Shepherd's Pie on Thursday so that will give him at least one more meal and I'm getting my daughter to pick him up some chicken salad so he can have that too. He will be at our son's one night so he should be well stocked. He has been known to eat a spoonful of Peanut Butter and call it dinner.

Have a good night.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good evening dear Quacker family,

Bowl update is that dad did have it weighed at the post office. The cheapest way to send it back would be first class. Cost is over $8! While that is a couple dollars less than I had guessed, it is still $8 more than I can afford really to spend on shipping. The bowl cost $24.95. So minus, let's say $9 even, that would mean I would end up getting back only $15.95 as my refund I do still have time to decide. I am also keeping in prayer options especially of thinking of someone that might give me more than $15.95 for the $25 bowl! I will keep all of you updated and truly thank you for your kind support and understanding.

Love your share, Snowysmom, thank you! I also like when characters in movies become closer to one another. Perhaps long-lost sisters That part sounds like bit of something new movie wise. ITA with both you and Chris! Absolutely within the last 5 minutes is when the main male and female characters finally kiss and realize they want to be together. Usually about 10 minutes before that happens one of the two either does leave the place, they met to go back home usually to a huge work promotion or in rarer instances they start to leave and have a change of heart or are met before they are able to fully leave by their match to be! It seems most misunderstandings are the result of one of the characters overhearing some of a phone conversation and choosing to not ask the other for details but rather (sadly) decide on their own that what they heard must mean their relationship is over. Still do enjoy some of these movies!

Oh, my goodness, Pea! You sure did do a lot in keeping with both Lynn and B&B! I am so very thankful you were up to doing so but yikes, that sounds like an exhausting to do list! My system has never done too well with meds either especially over time. Blessed beyond to not need any daily meds, dad is as well. I am referring to in the past cold meds or antibiotics or even low doses of Tylenol for that time of month. Can only imagine stronger stuff for longer, big Thank you for being kindly Grady understanding.

Many congratulations, dear Taz, to Ella! Rooting for her from afar. God Bless the restaurant for donating to the tea. That’s awesome! Hooray for fun packing lists and closer to trip planning! Excited for you. Jim will be fine. He can always order out, if need be, too. Thank you so much as well on the bowl.

Sweet dreams to all with love.

 

[Snowysmom]

Good morning. 45 here right now but supposed to warm up to the 60s. Tomorrow says 70 predicted.

flyingdumbo127 Sorry about the bowl disadventure. Things do cost alot to ship back when you have to pay.

pea-n-me Glad you are feeling a bit better.

Tazdev Happy Anniversary to your parents.

Have a good day.

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Hump Day!

Met my friends/co-workers for lunch yesterday. It was a nice place. I had the grilled chicken and avocado sandwich and a beer . One of the ladies that came retired about 6 weeks ago so it was nice to catch up with her. Another one moved on to a different job so it was nice to see her again. My dogs were happy that I got home earlier than usual.

Made chili for dinner last night. We put our chili over spaghetti and top with cheese and diced onions. Very rarely do I make a big pot of Texas chili and eat it the normal way most people eat chili. The whole chili over spaghetti is definitely a Cincinnati thing.

Tonight it will be either leftovers or tomato soup and grilled cheese.

Evan's soccer game is too late tonight so I'll stay home and watch Survivor. Hopefully that goofy Love Boat dating show isn't on right after Survivor like it was last week. Normally it's The Amazing Race after Survivor, I don't like when they move my shows around.

Taz - congratulations on your granddaughter for making the volleyball team.

This morning was a "Where Am I?" game day. I posted a picture of It's a Small World for my kids to guess. Evan replied back first, his guess was "the little people ride". That definitely made me laugh.

Back to work, have a great day!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. Beginning of one last warm Fall day today,,temps will be mid 70's. I am running a little late this morning..we have to stop at CVS before going to the market. I still have 1 more piece of trash to take down to the street. The box for the tv was just too big and bulky for me to take down with the bags. Thankfully, our trash men will take anything we put out. In the city limits, you have to call them and arrange for them to pick up any bulky items, even big boxes.

Will be back later, have a great day