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

[Kirby]

It sounds like he and you all are coping pretty well with your son’s diagnosis and plan of care. Just one thought I had, sometimes hospitals like that have a network of local rooms from volunteers who offer their home spaces up for situations like that, ie someone from out of town staying locally for a month for treatment. He could maybe look into that to see if there’s anything like it there. It may have nosedived with Covid, but you never know. Even with a hospital/patient discount, a month in a hotel can really add up. Keeping you all in my prayers.

We are doing pretty well. There are moments though. There is a hotel called Hope Lodge near or next to the hospital that has inexpensive rates for those receiving cancer treatments. They have been able to book a room for about 12 days at the end of his 30 days of blood work testing. They are still looking at other places near that hospital that have lower rates for the other days they are there. I'll pass on your information to him. Thank you!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Just so grateful Kirby that James is getting good care and that he has lodging options. my friend always.

Have a good evening everyone with sweet dreams.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We went to Longwood Gardens and took Jack's sister with us. She fell about a month ago and broke sometime around her knee cap or tibia. She is supposed to be non-weight bearing but isn't, but uses a wheelchair until she sees the doctor next week. Anyway, she really enjoyed being out of the house on this beautiful day.

We got the movie Nomadland out of the library. Got about halfway through and it stopped playing. I may see if I can get it working tomorrow.

Off to bed soon.

 

[Kirby]

We got the movie Nomadland out of the library. Got about halfway through and it stopped playing. I may see if I can get it working tomorrow.

Have you read the book? I found it very interesting. Haven't seen the movie yet, curious to see how well it follows the book.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Kirby Continued prayers for your DS. I like that they have inexpensive hotels around the hospital. I know they have that in Boston too. It helps so much.

Good Morning. Rainy here right now. I just got back from Wegman's. They had Christmas candy out so I went to get some for the grandkids and kids stockings. Got some other stuff too.

I saw Jeff and the grandkids yesterday. The grandkids were so fun and cute. He told me they booked a WDW trip for next August with friends. This way Aimee and Sam get to go on a trip. Jeff is telling me to sell my condo now before the economy really hits the real estate market but I am not ready to make a decision like that without getting all the facts and info. I really believe that most people are not looking at real estate during the holidays. I have to have a chat with him as I think he is not happy with me for some reason or reasons and I need to find out why. He just seems a bit distant. Time to talk!

Kenny is coming by today. He is going to change the batteries in my smoke detectors. I have high ceilings and me on a ladder is not a good idea. If the ceilings were lower like at my old house I could do it easily. I hope he can go out to lunch too. I need to chat with him about everything too. I want to be sure he is not upset at what I want to do. He does not seem to be upset by it and tells me that I need to go where I would feel best.

Have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

Good chilly Sunday. It was 34 this morning and our high will be 42, but at least the sun is coming out. I did manage to get the Christmas lights up on the porch yesterday. Was mild out so I figured may as well get it done. I also called Dave (handyman) , found out he was in GA trying to buy some land. He says when he comes back at the end of the week, or the beginning of the next, he will be here to put down the new kitchen floor (again). The one down now barely made it a year. In fact, it was a year this coming week.
Laundry is already done, going to make a Stouffer's lasagna for dinner tonite with a salad and garlic bread. Just want something easy to make. Off to put warm water outside for the cats, and fill the bird feeders. We had squirrels yesterday also, and had 2 chipmunks, which I haven't seen in awhile

Have a nice morning

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Happy Sunday from cool CA,

Dad says it's a dash warmer this morning. I'm grateful truly he feels that way especially since he is headed out to CVS and Pavilions. I'm looking froward as always to watching online worship. Carol, when I looked at the email yesterday, seeing "How Can I Keep from Singing?" made me smile. I used to like that Enya song. Plus, more importantly, indeed with God as my Guide how can I keep from singing!

Carol, what a blessing to be able to go to Longwood Gardens in general and extra to be accompanied by Jack’s sister. Prayers all of you had a wonderful time. How frustrating about the movie ! Around here, when Spectrum is having issues, the TV picture will sometimes freeze, or voices will break up. I’ve had movies and CDs quit, too. I hope you get Nomadland playing.

Kirby and Carol, too, I’ve never heard of Nomadland before. I will Google and hope you both enjoy the movie. Kirby, it is interesting to see how a movie might expand on a book or vice versa. Continued for all of your family.

Big Snowysmom. You should absolutely not feel rushed into making any new home choice! I loved your plan of checking out different neighborhoods, senior centers, and tasking the time to check out a possible new home or two in each area. Should God lead you to one particular place, pray on it, maybe check it out another time and you will know, my friend I pray, always, for you to know added peace. I’m sorry you do feel at odds with Jeff. Prayers that sitting your conversation with him will resolve everything. Always know, we are in your corner and more importantly so is God!

Very pretty Christmas lights, Lynn, thank you for sharing them with us. I am freezing just thinking about it only being 42 there. Please stay warm and well, my friend. I’m so sorry you are once again having flooring trouble. I am also so grateful for Dave. He’s really does sound like a wonderful man.

Wishing all of you a warm and wonderful Sunday with love. I'll check back later.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Flag-retrieval was wet but efficient this morning. - Because we weren't rolling and bundling them (as they have to be dried before that) I think we actually collected a larger area than usual. We came home soaked to the skin, though!

Sorry no pics, but didn't want to get the phone wet by having it out.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Pollyanna and an extra to you and your DH for helping with the flag this mornings. Much prayer as I type this you are cozy and home for the rest of the day!

Dad and I did watch a little more of the movie and are enjoying it. We just saw round two of three of a Christmas Tree decorating contest. The first competition was up to each participant to choose a theme. This second round was "Angels and Evergreens." The main actress and her friend decorated their tree with pictures of local town angels in their lives and community. That reminded me of all of you and the faith and love you spread. I'd love to do something similar one day with a church. And, how fun it would be to as a Quacker family get to decorate a tree together.

Wishing all of you a good rest of the afternoon and evening.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Slipping thread to wish all of you sweet dreams with love and prayers that each of you are cozy as well.

 

[dazedx3]

Today was the funeral for my sister’s husband. It was really hard, a little too close to home. I feel a bit selfish but I was thinking about my own situation. Tomorrow is the burial and then Kris has chemo. Another long day.

Snowysmom… I really think your sons just want you to be at peace. They want what is best for you and maybe, are a bit frustrated because they don’t know how to help. They just love their Mom!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Today was the funeral for my sister’s husband. It was really hard, a little too close to home. I feel a bit selfish but I was thinking about my own situation. Tomorrow is the burial and then Kris has chemo. Another long day.

Snowysmom… I really think your sons just want you to be at peace. They want what is best for you and maybe, are a bit frustrated because they don’t know how to help. They just love their Mom!

I agree

 

[Snowysmom]

@dazedx3 Prayers for you and your family and for strength to get through today.

I talked with my older DS yesterday. He just wants me to find a good place to live whether it is near him or in the area I am in now. I have to talk with younger DS. I believe he is not happy with me right now. I know he wants the best for me but he has a different opinion of what that is.

It is cold here today, 35. Winter coat for my walk for sure. I have an appt with the SHINE person to go over Medicare Plan D plans. I want to be sure getting the least expensive is right. My work plan is not creditable for Medicare so I have to get a Plan D. I am not on meds right now. I also want to ask her when I retire how long I have to purchase Plan B and a supplement. These are things I really don't have the energy to deal with right now and the govt makes this whole process much more complicated than it needs to be. I am also so sick of all the medicare ads on TV and all the phone calls I have been getting.

Have a good day.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I think you are definitely right, @Snowysmom, that it's unnecessarily complicated! I'm not looking forward to that when I get there, and like you, I plan to go to an advisor when the time comes.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Good morning 42 here, and I’m staying in for awhile. Good for you going out for your walk, snowysmom. I hope your appointment with SHINE answers your questions.

A part time neighbor is coming for lunch today. Glynece lives in Baltimore and is just not ready to sell and stay here permanently. Tom is going for a few tests this morning. This evening we pack for our flight to Knoxville tomorrow. We head to Dollywood for 4 nights. Friends from GA will meet us there for two nights. We can’t wait to enjoy “ Christmas in the Smokies, “ with them. That’s a signature Dollywood production. It covers all the reasons for the season!

 

[footballmouse]

Good Monday morning.

A little update on baby Mia - I was able to hold her on Saturday. They removed her IV and took her off the bili lights. They did decide later that night to start feeding her from a pump. They added extra calories in her milk and she kept spitting up. The pump will take 30 minutes for feeding and they feel the tube was going too fast.

Yesterday the kids took me out for a birthday brunch. We went somewhere that I've never been but have been wanting to go so that was fun. Last night the girls from work had a goodbye dinner for one of the nurses. That was really nice, another place that I've never been before.

Working from home today so I was able to get on a taste test for later this morning, cinnamon rolls.

That's about all I have right now. Have a great day!

 

[lynxstch]

Good cold morning. 32 going to a whopping 40 today. Now they are calling for a wintry mix tomorrow afternoon. Of course, the one day I have to go out. Finally made myself a hairdressers appt. My hair is getting too long and annoying again. I figured I would do grocery shopping and errands while I was out. Still have to make an appt at US Cellular to go pick out new phones also

@footballmouse --so happy for you that you got to hold Princess Mia! I hope they can resolve the pump feeding issues. Sounds like she is really a little fighter, which is awesome-- I don't remember if I wished you a Happy Birthday or not, but I hope you had a great one!!
@bobbiwoz Have a great (and safe) trip!

@Snowysmom Good plan talking to someone about Medicare Part D. It gets so confusing. We used a local advisor also, who explained all the different options open to us, and ended up with SilverScript through Aetna. (they are changing the name of it slightly for next year, but I can't remember now what it is.)They changed a lot of their drugs this year to lower tiers, making it more affordable for some of the expensive ones. They really don't need to make it all as complicated as they do!

@dazedx3 --prayers and

Have a nice morning!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good morning!

Haven’t had a lot going on, just the usual. Have a doctor’s appt later this morning, then will take dogs for walk and DD and I will get lunch somewhere. Have to vacuum when I get home, lots of leaves dragged in from outside.

Glad you got to hold Mia @footballmouse! And hope you had a nice birthday.

@Snowysmom I hope you and Jeff can talk soon to ease your mind.

@bobbiwoz You must be busy planning your dinner with the Coasties!

Well I have to get ready soon. Have a nice day, everyone!

 

[easyas123]

Good morning everyone! Long time no talk, hope everyone is well. I tried to go back and scan thru the almost 2 weeks pages & pages I missed, but I gave up! Hope everyone is well and hanging in there. Our trip was wonderful - I took a few photos but not many. I'm more into enjoying the moment/what I'm experiencing when it's a new-to-me place. My husband took a few photos though. Highlights ... Budapest. I'm ready to go back today. It was great, wonderful. So glad we went there a few days before our cruise. Travel was seamless, no delayed or canceled flights, no lost luggage. European airports are very easy to navigate, this time we flew thru Frankfurt on the way over with a connection to Budapest. We flew n/s home from Munich. United to/from the states. Lufthansa on our one internal flight. We stayed in the Castle Hill district in Budapest. Boarded our river cruise and it was our second river cruise with Viking (never have set foot on a ocean cruise), and they were as superb this time as the first time. There were about 150 people on board, food was great. Vienna was beautiful, we went into the catacombs of St. Stephens and visited the Hapsburgs. Cathedrals are so beautiful, they really draw you in and we really enjoy visiting them, even as a non Christian the artistry and workmanship can be awe inspiring. We also hit Schoenbrunn Palace, checked it out inside and walked the gardens and went to see the follies in the garden area, and the Central Cemetery which was massive. We walked the cemetery for almost 3 hours and didn't even see half of it. 3 million folks buried there. Amazing grave sites & crypts and whatnot. And we accidently walked by Heddy Lamar's grave site! Beethoven & Mozart as well. Also went to a Abbey in Krems and spent 2 whole days in Passau. Weather - was total crap. Cold (we were prepared) raining first 2 days (we had umbrellas, and didn't let it bother us - off we went) and foggy / gloomy. Only wore sunglasses one after of the entire 10 days, but we would rather have that weather than hot weather & crowds. Saw many of the towns already setting up for the Christmas Markets. So all in all another great trip and we saw a lot. Missed Regensburg due to low water levels but hey - next time, right?! We really have enjoyed the two river cruises but I think we will just start to do things on our own from now on, especially since we skip most excursions and just do our own thing anyway. Tentatively going to Wales next year, haven't pulled the trigger yet BECAUSE the morning we left one of our sons called us to announce his engagement! We were surprised, but not surprised and thrilled for them. No date set, looking like they want to do something small. Plus our other son is getting married "at some point" so we may have expenses related to one or two weddings that might curtail some of our travels. We'll see -

Got home and all the dogs had a good time with the house/dog sitter. No drama there, just how I like it. Good to be home, concentrating on Thanksgiving now. Looks like a small group of us - just 7 in total, so I'm planning on a slightly more casual, relaxed day. Or I say that now, I usually pull out all the stops and all the china for Thanksgiving, as it's my favorite holiday. Our new daughter in law to be shared with me it's her families favorite as well since they moved to the States and started celebrating it as Americans. She said it made her folks feel like they were part of "it all".

I really need to catch up on work - and call the internet people - it's been out at home for 6 days evidently.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Today was the funeral for my sister’s husband. It was really hard, a little too close to home. I feel a bit selfish but I was thinking about my own situation. Tomorrow is the burial and then Kris has chemo. Another long day.

I'm sorry you are dealing with all of this.
--------------------------------
@Kirby

@footballmouse Aww, so glad you got to hold Mia!

@Snowysmom hoping you can figure things out easily enough, without alot of stress

@lynxstch you can send that cold weather right on down to me! It was 47 this morning, but will be about 70 this afternoon. I have the windows open again; the cats love it when I do. They get so hyper at night on those days!

@easyas123 Welcome back! Sounds like you had a great time. Congrats to both your sons!
--------------

Not much going on here. DH worked from home Wednesday and Thursday last week, because we had a pesky little hurricane/TS come through. Lots of wind and rain; I filled two big Chewy boxes and one garbage can with sticks and palm tree debris from the front yard!

DH had a flare up of gout over the weekend, and decided to go to Carespot this morning, because his usual black cherry juice pills/tart cherry juice/ice and elevate routine wasn't helping. Has a prescription for Colchicine that I'm waiting for Walgreens to fill, so I can go pick it up. He's working from home again today.

Making ground chicken 'firecracker' meatballs with rice and glazed carrots for dinner. (what makes them firecracker? Choula hot sauce, apparently) The recipe calls for ground beef or pork, but I have ground chicken thawed I need to use, so that is what they will be! Tomorrow I'm making Carne Asada over cilantro lime rice and some sort of veggie.

I need to hop off and go get some housework done (just sweeping/mopping/vacuuming, and cleaning my bathroom) and two loads of laundry. DS needs to clean the hall bathroom that he uses; he's been doing the kitchen every night. He needs to help tomorrow with the yardwork too; both the front and back yards need mowing and trimming....the last time I did them was mid October! I can't mow, though, until he finishes picking up all the little sticks and branches (and sprays the wasp nests that flew into the yard with them), which he has to do today.

have a good day, y'all!