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

[Snowysmom]

I buy Lee or Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans from Kohls. I like the Lee jeans and only buy them on sale.

For Halloween we would buy peanut butter cups, M&Ms, twix, 3 musketeers, milky way, and butterfingers and nestle crunch. We got alot of kids at the house. Now where I live they do not do trick or treating. I am buying candy for the grandkids bags only.

My dishwasher is working. The tech must have turned off the switch and did not tell me. I figured that out. I ran the shower for 5 minutes and got hot water for most of that time. It took a bit to warm up. It is still very slow to warm up in the kitchen and bathrooms. I still want the plumber to come back. Maybe the temp needs to be increased a bit. I am so stubborn that I had to keep looking into it. I hope that the only problem is the temp setting. Prayers never hurt either.

 

[lynxstch]

@Snowysmom..you sound like me 'stubborn and want to figure out what is wrong yourself'. I hope that the issue is resolved, but I am glad that you have the plumber coming back tomorrow, just to make sure. That will be one less thing you worry about before your trip!

 

[PollyannaMom]

We are in a pretty popular neighborhood for trick-or-treaters, and I like to make up clever little treat bags (some with various chocolates and some peanut-free) - this is what I have this year:



(There are a few non-food items there too, just in case of other allergies.)

Depending on how many bags I make out of that, I may grab some chips as well.

And as you can see, I've already been into the peanut butter pumpkins!


ETA - This post has some of my creations from past years:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/what-candy-do-you-give-on-halloween.3710373/post-59826115

 

[bobbiwoz]

This is such a great time of year to be at the Fort!…

You are right, and it’s a great time to rent a bicycle and ride around the Fort looking at all the great decorations!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Wow such a nice afternoon surprise to come back to all of your new shares, thank you, friends.

Thanks to God, Dad's appointment with a new doctor went well. He was able to get his ears cleaned for the first time since Covid which made that an extra blessing. The weather here is in the upper 70's, and just lovely. I am blessed with height at 5'8" and also that I am healthy now (was not pre pandemic). I am also thin. For me, the last few years I have never understood why "short" on a lot of jeans or pants is sometimes a dash long or just right for me! For jeans, I also like (glad this brand works for you, too, Snowysmom), Gloria Vanderbilt's classic high-rise jeans. Also, at least this was true, pre pandemic, two pairs of the same exact jean in the same exact color and size/style may fit differently! Crazy! Truly among other things God willing when it is safe for me to get out again. I will never take being able to do so in general for granted or for clothes. Going to JC Penney or Kohl's will be such an extra blessing! This coming from someone who isn't a true clothes shopping fan! Prayers all of you find needed clothing and at good prices!

Do any of you have a Burlington Coat Factory near you? I look forward to going their one day, too. As we get closer to the end of the year and are discussing clothes, I'm reminded that each year (at least out here) in December, the Burlington Coat Factory has a wonderful community promotion. When you bring in a gently used jacket that no longer works for you (I have one heavier jacket that is now a tent on me) during the time the promotion is being offered, you will be given a 10% off coupon towards the purchase of a new jacket. A ton better is that the jacket you bring in will be rehomed with someone in the community truly in need of a new jacket. Blessing! I love that they do this and wish more places would follow suit.

I don't celebrate traditional Halloween in any way. When I would participate in Trunk or Treat, I would try to get a variety of and also hand out these Christian pumpkin and other stickers. I think one year I may have also handed out pencils or tiny buttons to go with whatever my theme was, too. Thank all of you who do make safe Fall fun for kiddos. None come around this street. I do remember in years past Sue sharing with me how much fun she and friend of hers would have sitting together on her porch watching and greeting kids.

Hooray for precious time with the baby, AuntieMe3! glad you got my note. Keeping you in extra prayer and one day,
God-willing when Covid is behind us, the two of us absolutely will meet! We are two CA Quackers after all!

PollyannaMom, I never watched Backyardigans but the name sounds familiar. I am pretty sure it was a hit at one time with some kids I taught.

Easyas, when you find comfortable clothing that is a blessing! I do hope you are able to soon find some that work well.

Good to hear, Lynn, that Walmart’s shelves were better stocked. Dad will be going to the one Walmart near us an hour or so away on Monday. you got today what you needed. Thankful the new TV is working well. I remember thinking our current TV was awfully big, too (because our old one was one of the older fashioned bulkier styles) now the size doesn’t even cross my mind. I ignore both Bixby and Free on my phone. I deleted a bunch of unwanted apps and extras that apparently the latest Samsung update decided I needed. Just want the phone to work for basics. How is handyman Dave doing? Thanks for the Time and Tru reminder to check out their line online.

Old Navy does have a nice range of pant choices, Carol! I remember years ago liking their colored corduroys. So glad gave you a happy memory, too! Enjoy your own nicer weather, my friend.

Huge , Snowysom! ITA with Footballmouse that your trip later this week is an extra blessing due to timing. Try to not think about all this and just have FUN!

Wow, how fun, DisneyMommyMichelle and a fantastic opportunity for all of your family especially your kids! I’ve never been in an RV just read about such trips in books, but the idea sounds fascinating. Travel these days and me don’t mix but I’d love to hear some of your trip memories if you want to share. Oh, and please definitely let me know should you ever come back out here to Disneyland post Covid! Truly so glad God led you to joining us!

Such a lovely Autumnpicture, dear Pea. How are you feeling? Keeping you in prayer extra and I am sorry to hear about your sister. Truly hope she gets over Covid easily. Sitting on the porch with pups sounds so lovely. Enjoy for me, too!

Wow, I just realized for most of you it's going on 6pm. Only going on 3pm here. Have a great rest of the day, dear friends. Be well!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Spaghetti and salad for dinner, even though Ham was on my menu plan. LOL

Watching a debate between the two candidates for governor of Maryland. I already know who I will be voting for so may not last long.

What’s everyone getting for candy this yr?

I am not getting any. We do have a few kids on the street now but in the past they have not come here and neither has anyone else. Also on a road where the houses are far apart and kids will go to the neighborhoods where the houses are closer. And not even sure we'll be home by then and could be going to DD's house if we do.

Burn pile is down to ashes,

I burned our pile of sticks yesterday. It was pretty big.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Do any of you have a Burlington Coat Factory near you? I look forward to going their one day, too. As we get closer to the end of the year and are discussing clothes, I'm reminded that each year (at least out here) in December, the Burlington Coat Factory has a wonderful community promotion. When you bring in a gently used jacket that no longer works for you (I have one heavier jacket that is now a tent on me) during the time the promotion is being offered, you will be given a 10% off coupon towards the purchase of a new jacket. A ton better is that the jacket you bring in will be rehomed with someone in the community truly in need of a new jacket. Blessing! I love that they do this and wish more places would follow suit.

I do! That is a great program.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Oops wrong thread!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Oops wrong thread!

 

[tazdev3225]

Good evening.

Managed to get both doctors appointments taken care of today. Jim's feet are doing great in the new shoes so far. The foot doctor was happy about that. I went to a new optometrist. I haven't liked the one I had been going to ever since the owners sold to a chain. The people working there are rude and when I had an issue with my last pair of glasses they were far from helpful. I have an astigmatism which causes me to see double. I have had prisms in my lenses for about 15 or 20 years and it really helps. The new place I went to today did a much more thorough exam and looked at the glasses I have never worn. I paid for prisms, and they are NOT in those glasses. It's no wonder I couldn't see with them. My new pair will be ready in about 2 weeks, and I am so looking forward to them. Not much of a change in the prescription although he would have doubled the prism. He tweaked it a bit but since I don't have an issue with what I am wearing now the doctor didn't want to push it. I am so thankful I decided to change.

I am in the Gloria Vanderbilt jean section. I love the line "Amanda" I believe it's called. They are my go-to jeans. I have black and white jeans for dress, and blue jeans for every day. I need short because I have short legs, I take after my dad with that. I can never get capris because they go to my ankles. I don't like short shorts and prefer the Bermuda length. I'm just not happy with Kohl's which used to me my favorite store. I am a somewhat classic dresser. Jeans and Polo Shirts or colored T's and a button down for dressier occasions. They are trying to get to high end, so I have been getting tops at Boscov's lately. I do have several Burlington Coat Factories in my area, in fact 2 are within 10 minutes from my house but I never shop there. My bigger issue is shirts. I had a huge assortment of Disney T's, mostly Mickey and Grumpy. My mother has gotten into my head, and I can't make myself wear them. She keeps telling me I am to old for them now.

Halloween candy is an interesting topic. I never gave out candy because I had my kids to take out and then I had the grandkids. My husband was always at work. The kids are all older now, so I am giving out "Krabby Patties". My church was given three cases of them, so I took 5 bags. My husband is sitting outside while I am staying in or visiting with neighbors. I do need to trim my Butterfly Bush back before Halloween. It extends into the driveway. I got the good candy too: Butterfingers (for me), and then an assortment of Reese's Cups, Almond Joys and Kit Kats. They are only if we run out and I am in a generous mood. I allow myself one or two pieces a day as a treat.

It's Wednesday so I am off to bed soon to watch my Chicago shows. Jim is going back and forth between football and the Phillies game. Hope you all have a good night.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I truly hope you enjoyed your impromptudear Carol. Sometimes unexpected meal choices can be the best. No mail yet here so far today. We never did get any yesterday. Mentioning this before our ballots were due to come yesterday. Governor race here too along with a ton of propositions. Don't care for all the advertisements and often times the unkindness that goes into that. Definitely tired of all the solicitations and will be glad as always when the election is over.

I'm so glad you do have a Burlington out there, PollyannaMom! Theirpromotion really is great. One day it will mean a lot to me to get to support it.

Pea, you are never in the wrong thread here!

dear Taz and praise extra to God. I am so thankful extra to Him that Jim's shoes are working out well and that you did go see a new optometrist! Yay that this office treated you the kind and professional way that they should. Very cool that you are another "Amanda" fan. Krabby Patties will always make me thing of Sponge Bob. A show I did not care for at all but will always have a place in my heart because the school age kids I so loved back in 2002-2002 enjoyed that show tremendously.

Wishing all of you sweet dreams with love.

 

[Snowysmom]

Tazdev Glad your shoes are working out and that your found a good eye doctor. Finding any kind of doctor is not easy.

I am tired of all the political nonsense going one now. Everyone is just mean spirited and nasty. I try to avoid them.

My shower was hot throughout today. I get hot water in the sinks but the kitchen is still very slow to warm up. I am still going to have the plumber come back and maybe raise the water temp. I want him to explain why it takes so long to get hot water some places. I am a pain in the neck but I have to be now.

It is supposed to rain at some point today. I go into the office for a bit then I will finish packing. Off to Kenny's tomorrow right after work.

Have a good day.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We have only gotten one trick or treater family since we moved here in 2017, and that’s probably because I practically begged a friend on the next street over to bring her children! I told her I would take their picture, and it worked. There are very few full time people on our block, so its not on anyone’s route. We are near Coast Guard Housing and that place is bustling with fun activities for children. My friend is a Coast Guard family, so that’s where they were going next.

So, I buy chips/pretzels and hope for visitors, or we eat the goodies ourselves.

We also are expecting rain today. I hope for a bike ride and some time to garden for a bit before the rain.

Good day all!

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

I did not sleep well. I kept thinking about not making it to the airport in time. Plus Kenny is dropping me off at the terminal with all the luggage and the kids and then parking which makes sense. I think I will need a pack mule to move the luggage and keep an eye on the kids!

You are going to have your hands full! I'd hop out, get a luggage cart before getting the kids out, and load it up. If the younger is a runner, a wrist leash or backpack leash might be needed (or you may want to use one just for your peace of mind) and the older one can hold the youngers hand or hold the cart.

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.

We are restarting our Hello Fresh subscription this week. I stopped it over the summer, because I was a bit about leaving food on the delivery truck for 6+ hours in the Florida heat and humidity. We do 4 meals a week; usually the vegetarian or the ground meat options....I worry about getting bad 'woody' chicken breasts, and meh on certain cuts of pork. It does make things easier...I get in cooking ruts, and need a boost to get out. Plus the portioning for just the 2 of us is better.

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.

One year, about three years after we were married, I got confused on when our anniversary was. DH had me convinced it was the 19th, when it really was the 21st. I fell for it so bad, I even changed the date on my social accounts. I was so mad at him when I pulled out our mc to check!

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.

I like to have chili with fried polenta cakes. DH makes the polenta with Better than Bouillon beef broth, and Parmesan cheese to bump the salty flavor, then chills, cuts and fries it. Mmm, now I want chili!!

@PollyannaMom that's so funny about Winnie the Pooh in french....LOL I wish I would've thought of that when DD was little. We used to watch some shows so much, I can still recite them word for word if they came on today. I think your DS is around the same age as DD, was he into Bear in the Big Blue House? That was my...or I guess you could say DDs favorite. I just read it's coming out in Disney+ soon. I can't wait.

BitBBH came out when the girls were aging out of that type of show, but DS got to watch episodes when he was little. He'd wake up and climb into my lap, still mostly asleep; and go "Chokate mik, mama. Bear, mama" (Chocolate pediasure, as he needed to get some weight on his bones, and he wasn't a great eater). He got to watch Bear while I got showered and ready for work, while having his pediasure and some peanut butter toast (his favorite), before going to daycare.

What kind of jeans do people buy? I bought some jeggings recently on Amazon (which had come up on my Instagram feed) they fit well and are super comfy. Was a little hesitant to try them, but I’d buy them again. For a long time I didn’t realize that Amazon has a clothing line. I discovered it when DS needed some chinos. I bought him theirs and was impressed with the quality.



What’s everyone getting for candy this yr? One of my favorite things I ever gave out was orange filled Devil Dogs. They were a big hit, and were a special just for Halloween. But they don’t seem to carry them anymore. I did see some Chocolate Twinkies that were supposedly for Halloween, so I bought some thinking I’d give them out, but they have no special packaging on them at all, just clear plastic, so it seems a little weird. (Of course one of the boxes was almost empty that seems to happen a lot around here and then everyone denies it while smirking!) I read somewhere that kids like getting potato chips, not sure of that but I did see some bags before that would work out if I decided to go that route. (My kids will give me a hard time tho.) I do like giving out full bars if we give out candy, and I did see some in the store, hopefully they’re still there. I thought we were supposed to have a candy shortage this year? Doesn’t seem that way. Must’ve been a rumor started by the candy companies so we’d buy early!

I have two pairs of jeans, lol. It's Florida...too hot for jeans 99.6% ! I'm barely 5'4", so if I get short length pants, the barely hit the top of my shoe, and if I get regular length, they are too long. (don't even talk to me about long length, lol). I have 2 pairs of 'capri' shorts and if I unroll them, are long enough to be pants on me, haha.

For candy, I have picked up full size bags/bars of Skittles (in various flavors), Starbursts (various flavors), KitKats, Reese's, Hershey's, and M&Ms (various flavors). I have a bag of Smarties for little ones (usually DumDums, but decided to mix it up), and I have about 20 bags of chips (Rap Snacks brand, salt vinegar garlic onion BBQ and more flavor) for adults. I'm not sure if we get t-o-t here (first time in this house) but we live up the road from an elementary school, and I see some kids walking/ridiing, so maybe. If there are any left, we can eat them or DH can take them to work and share. I picked up the KK/R/H packs at Walmart for under $14 for 18 bars, and $15 for 18 packs of the M&Ms and Skittles/Starburst at Target. We are talking about decorating on the 29th; the 30th we are busy, as I'm watching the Broncos-Jags game that morning (in London) and that afternoon we are going to the interactive Van Gogh exhibit.

 

[tazdev3225]

Good morning.

Muggy here today. It's 62 but very humid. We are expecting heavy rain off and on all day.

I trimmed some of my butterfly bush back. At least now we can get by the car. I only have a little folding saw and it takes forever with that. I need to buy a pair of clippers or hope my son has them. My daughter has been on me because she thinks the bush is a safety issue as it blocks the view of my front door from the street. I can see her point; she is concerned for our safety as we have had a lot of thefts in the area. Of course, she NEVER locks her front door. If anybody can get by her 100 lb. German Shepherd, she said they are welcome to try. He's a sweetheart if you know him, but Murph is very protective.

@flyingdumbo127 - SpongeBob will always have a soft spot in my heart. My youngest Beth LOVED SpongeBob. One Christmas she had an all SpongeBob theme. I got her PJ's, a clock and Walkman, plus a lot of other little things as her presents. She also got a Cockatoo she named SpongeBob. Not sure the bird liked that as it turned out to be a girl. She would watch the show with Jay when he was little. They have always been very close, partly because of that show.

Laundry and donations on the agenda for today and then maybe packing tonight as it is my off night for TV. It would be nice to sit back and relax a bit tomorrow. I am heading to Panera's for Orange Scones also. My mom got me hooked on these. I'm getting one for her as a thank you for getting me to the airport and one for me as breakfast on the plane. I refuse to pay the outrageous prices at the airport for a muffin, although I will pay $3.50 for an orange scone? I may need to rethink my logic there.

Have nice day and stay dry those of you in the line for this rain.

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Thursday!

I had leftover chili last night, Mitchell had the tomato soup & grilled cheese. My aunt gave me some grilled cheese sandwiches from Costco that you put in the toaster. They are really good. I don't have the patience to make grilled cheese sandwiches, I always burn them because I'm doing 3 other things while they're cooking, these toaster ones are great for me.

Watched Survivor last night and I actually stayed awake for The Amazing Race too. Of course they had to put that stupid New Love Boat on in between my shows.

Trying to put in a Kroger order so I can pick it up on the way home from work today but it says their log-in is down. WTH, fix it.

As far a Halloween candy goes, I won't be passing any out this year, I have to work. If Mitchell sticks around, I'll see if he wants to pass any out, if so I guess I need to go buy some.

Jeans, I stick with Old Navy. I really like they way they fit and they have different styles.

Tomorrow night all the kids and I are going downtown for the Blink Arts Festival. We went a few years ago and it was so cool. A lot of the art is interactive so it was pretty fun. This is a quick little description, "The Nation’s Largest Light, Art and Projection Mapping Experience Returns to Cincinnati. Experience Street Art, Projection Mapping and Light-Based Installations." One of the exhibits we played on the last time were big teeter-totters. They lit up and as you went up and down music played, the faster you went, the faster the music was. I'm excited to go. It's going to be a lot of walking. I have to work day shift this weekend so come Saturday morning, I'll be dragging .

Nothing planned for tonight. I'm hoping Mitchell will finish up the hamburgers in the freezer and the buns . I'll probably just have a baked potato. I will watch Law & Order, Ghosts and So Help Me Todd.

That's it for me, have a great day!

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Wow that was getting long.

Penzey's has Pie Spice and Mural of Flavor for $1 each; Love Is Good gift Box free w/$5 in spending (online code Good, will add it to your cart automatically).

I made meatloaf last night; used chili sauce instead of ketchup and worcestershire; and a spinach and carrot salad. I was going to make porcupine meatballs, but got lazy and just went the meatloaf route. Leftovers for lunch, and dinner tonight will be spicy harissa barley bowls. Tomorrow will be banh mi meatball bowls; Saturday will be butternut squash farrotto, and Sunday hamburgers with jalapeno mac n cheese. (Hello fresh delivery today, can you tell?)

Today is all about planning out how we want to decorate the front for Halloween; and making a list of what we need to do to get it done. Other than that, lazy day!

Have a good day, y'all!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Early start today, as it's supposed to rain here later. I've already gotten the grocery shopping out of the way and am currently out with the cat.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning..lots of new posts to read, and most of you are making me hungry talking about food, lol. I am not a big fan of chili, as I don't care for beans, and I keep being told that chili without beans , isn't considered chili, lol. Now @Bianca and Bernard has me craving porcupine meatballs, and meatloaf, 2 of my favorites. Guess those get added to my menu soon!

We had some rain overnite, which was good, as it put out the rest of the burn pile fire, which was pretty much done when I went to bed anyhow. Calling for a high of 68, with chance of strong storms around noontime. Right now the sun is out, so who knows. Rain is fine by me, I don't have many chores to do anyhow, I can just catch up on a few shows. Didn't get to Survivor, Amazing Race, or any Chicago's last night. We have too much to watch, and tonight is another full recording night.

They say we will be back to mid 70's this weekend, so I guess I can plan on doing yard work. Hopefully it won't need to be done too many times before it slows down it's growing for the year.

@tazdev3225 --so glad to read that your husband's new shoes are working out, and that you found a reliable new optometrist that you like. Wow to no prisms ever being put into your other glasses.
@Snowysmom I think it's a good idea to have the plumber out today anyhow. It might ease your mind a little more

Have a nice morning all--off to figure out dinner, and throw 1 load of laundry in

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning. A lot to reply to.

I did get my cake for Andrew frosted last night. And baked brownies for Sarah's house warming party on Saturday. So Saturday morning I have to frost and glaze the mint chocolate brownies and make mac and cheese to take.

We are leaving at noon today to head to Andrew's house for the night. Babysitting tonight then tomorrow Andrew and I will go with Jack (DH) to the Marine Museum in Quantico where he has wanted to go for years.

I went to a new optometrist.

I also had to go to a new optometrist after mine, DH, retired. First "real" appt in 40 years and I am picky. The new glasses went back because they just weren't right'

All this talk of jeans and pants, who likes the new elastic waist, no zipper pants? Not me! And where are the pockets?

My mother has gotten into my head, and I can't make myself wear them. She keeps telling me I am to old for them now.

Never too old. I just bought a new WDW 50th Anniversary shirt this past visit and I am 69. What stops me in the cost. I also bought a Mickey tank top at one of the cheap, off site stores.

Funny Halloween story. When the kids were in high school, they weren't home on Halloween. It was a really nice night so we were sitting outside to give treats to the very few kids who came. It got boring. Our across the street neighbors (who have since moved) had a daughter in marching band with our kids. So, DH and I put on their uniform tops, got their instruments, and went Trick or Treating across the street. We thought it was hilarious.

It does make things easier...I get in cooking ruts, and need a boost to get out.

I totally agree with this.

we are going to the interactive Van Gogh exhibit.

I have heard great things about this.

stay dry those of you in the line for this rain.

Yep, we will be driving down 95/97 to south of Annapolis in it.

Of course they had to put that stupid New Love Boat on in between my shows.

I watched Survivor and Amazing Race. In between I watched Home Economics.

Jeans, I stick with Old Navy. I really like they way they fit and they have different styles.

Funny how different brands fit different people. I used to really like Van Heusen jeans until they stopped making women's clothes. Now Chico's fit me.

So Help Me Todd.

I watch that, then Alaska Daily.

Better get packing.