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

[Judique]

Good morning.

Changed the towels and sheets and am washing the ones I took off now.

Watching Once Upon a Christmas Miracle now. Watched Catering Christmas before. Definitely in the Hallmark Movie mode now.

May go to Baltimore for some shopping this afternoon.




Not me. I want left over turkey. And we are making our 4th kind of Christmas cookies.

I bought a turkey today. Fresh one, but I'm not ready to cook it whole. I'm not hosting a meal. I got it on sale for 69 cents a pound by accident. I was asking for the ones that were on sale for 69 cents and had pulled this one into my cart. When I got to self-checkout it rang up correctly for what it was but it wasn't on sale.

I canceled the transaction but someone still had to come over. I told them I was pretty sure I had the wrong one but they went for more help anyway and came back with the flyer. The store employee adjusted the price to the sale price and said Merry Xmas.

Anyway tomorrow morning I'm going to section it into pieces and freeze part of it.

Son is having the whole family for new years brunch. Friend is doing xmas day. I'll be cooking something for each but not sure what. Might make a large lasagna as I do that well - usually.

 

[Judique]

Oh! I was able to get Roblox gift cards at Kohl's plus Amazon cards and some various other cards for odd gifts here and there.

I don't really know anything about Roblox other than the girls do it online and younger DD was going to get them some credit, so I was able to help her out.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Enjoy your new kitchen table, Lynn! That is so sad about Summer for her and extra for you and Don going through this with her. Extra my friend.

AuntieMe3 and I'm so glad you got yourdone and had some fun while doing so. What a blessing your celebrations to come will be, praise God! And, your treats sure sound tasty!

Judique and enjoy your turkey. I'm grateful to hear that your celebrations will be in part a potluck, so you aren't needing to cook everything! How kind of the cashier!

Have a good night and sweet dreams, friends with love and a hug.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Made the garlic chicken, broccoli (with melted pepper jack), rice pilaf and salad. Salad had cranberries, walnuts and Gorgonzola in it. Got a few raised eyebrows from the men in the family, but DD and I loved it, lol. Had to use up some mushrooms too so did those in the garlic drippings from the chicken and some spices. Pouring rain so didn’t grill. Got some pics.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good evening.

Made brown butter chocolate chip cookie dough to bake later. Have to make the brown butter and cool it, then make the batter and it has to chill.

Jack and I drove to Baltimore to a Coffee and Tea Store where we wanted to buy some gifts. Traffic was bad so we took back roads that I hadn't been on in decades. A lot was pretty but so much growth. Then on the way home we stopped for dinner.

I was asking for the ones that were on sale for 69 cents

I should have bought mine when they we on sale at Thanksgiving. Lesson learned.

Salad had cranberries, walnuts and Gorgonzola in it.

That looked really good.

Off to bed soon.

 

[Snowysmom]

Good morning.

Thoughts and prayers to all who need some extra care and help. Thinking of dazedx3 this weekend.

I know what people mean about not having too many holiday goodies around to be tempting. I have bought some goodies that I am eating slowly over the season. have to have peppermint bark. I have to make sugar cookies Monday or Wednesday to give to the kids. I have been making these since 1976. Chris loved them so I keep making them. I will keep a few but not many. The chocolate cake and pumpkin turnovers I am making will stay with the kids.

It is spitting snow here right now around 35 degrees. I went to get coffee and went to Market Basket to pick up a few things. I got the grandkids (Jeff's kiddies) some cookies for when I see them today. Next up is cleaning the bathroom and organizing the stuff I need to bring to Kenny's house tomorrow.

Kenny's court date went as well as it could. He is happy with the outcome. They figured out child support for soon to be ex which seems fair for all. The weekend custody arrangements will be what DS needs with his schedule. That is a big relief for me. The judge is considering the custody arrangements as far as splitting up the time whether 50-50 or what she deems reasonable and she will send that ruling out soon. Overall it went better than expected so I can breathe now. Kenny went to a friend's house in the town we used to live in so he came over to see me and we went out for a burger. We got to do alot of talking so I know why everything happened. We had a good talk. He just seems less stressed now.

Kenny has the kids for Christmas Eve day which is when we are all getting together at his house for gifts. Then Christmas Day he and I will go to Jeff's to see what the grandkids got from Santa. Back to the condo after that. Then I will go back to Kenny's Dec 30 until New Years Day. I just don't want to wake up alone on the holidays.

Lunch was nice with my friend as always. We could talk for days but have to leave when the restaurant closes. She is such a good listener and has so much good advice. She says the same so we help each other.

Have a good day.

 

[frog3101]

Hello and welcome to the weekend. Sending hugs and prayers and warm thoughts to all.
I don’t have much to report, just can’t believe we are so close to Christmas. I finally started my shopping yesterday and plan to get a bit more done tomorrow. My kids go to school through Wednesday and then are off for break until after the New Year. I work through Thursday and then too am off until after the New Year.
It is going to be a busy week.
Take care all.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all--
@Snowysmom --Glad to hear that Kenny's court date went well. Sounds like a fair arrangement was made for all. You can breathe a sigh of relief over that now. I am glad that you have family to spend the time with at the holidays.

@frog3101 --Hang in there, you could have the same kind of good outcome if it comes down to a court case

Its cold outside, only going to mid 30's all week, then frigid (as in 20's daytime/11 overnite) for Christmas weekend. Brrr. At least there's no snow in the forecast

I already stripped and remade the bed. Going to make a quick trip to the market to get chocolate and butterscotch chips to make my fudge, I forgot them Wednesday. I have 1/2 a bag of chocolate ones in the pantry, but not enough to make the fudge. Still trying to decide whether I want to make the saltine toffee. I may make just 1/2 a batch. I usually store it well enough that it lasts a couple of months.

Nothing else new going on around here.

Have a nice morning, stay warm!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning.

Baked a batch of brownies for the reception after the Christmas Concert tomorrow afternoon at church. Had breakfast and currently baking the chocolate chip cookies from the dough I made last night. I need to get up from the computer periodically to fill more cookie trays to bake.

Last tray in the oven now.

Today is going to be busy. Leave here at 3:30. Pick up Sarah and Tessa, leave by 4:30, and drive to Annapolis (1 hour 15 minutes) and meet Andrew for a fast food dinner. Then the five of us go to the White House for a Christmas Open House at 8. It will be a late night but worth it. Andrew can only get a limited number of tickets and it is too late for Carter and Marty, and Jen was there last Saturday. Really looking forward to it. One of the best perks of his job. I will post pictures.

Market Basket

Is that a regular grocery store? It sounds like a smaller market by its name.

Kenny's court date went as well as it could. He is happy with the outcome. They figured out child support for soon to be ex which seems fair for all. The weekend custody arrangements will be what DS needs with his schedule. That is a big relief for me. The judge is considering the custody arrangements as far as splitting up the time whether 50-50 or what she deems reasonable and she will send that ruling out soon. Overall it went better than expected so I can breathe now.

So glad this went well.

Still trying to decide whether I want to make the saltine toffee. I may make just 1/2 a batch. I usually store it well enough that it lasts a couple of months.

I wonder if that is what we refer to as "Christmas Crack". We make with pretzels but have had it made with saltines. Cover them with a layer of melted brown sugar and butter, bake, cover with chocolate chips and spread when melted. Then cool and beak into pieces. It would never last a couple of months here. It is addicting.

Better shower and dress. Catch you later.

 

[Snowysmom]

Market Basket is a major grocery store chain in New England. It used to be called Demoulas when I first moved to this area and owned by the Demoulas family. I find myself calling it Demoulas more than Market Basket. I don't know if you remember the big strike they had years ago where the whole chain was shut down for quite a while. It made national news. Market Basket has the best prices in this area, on most items. Their produce is not the best which is why I usually buy that elsewhere.

Saltine toffee sounds interesting.

Carol Your evening sounds like it will be great time.

 

[lynxstch]

I wonder if that is what we refer to as "Christmas Crack". We make with pretzels but have had it made with saltines. Cover them with a layer of melted brown sugar and butter, bake, cover with chocolate chips and spread when melted. Then cool and beak into pieces. It would never last a couple of months here. It is addicting.

Yes that's it, but my recipe calls it Saltine Toffee. Have never had it made with pretzels, but then again, I don't care much for pretzels. To me Christmas Crack is Christmas Trash, but I guess either of them could have a bunch of different names.

Better shower and dress. Catch you later.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Good morning...or I guess afternoon for most of you...lol Up early again with Miss Dolly. DH is an early riser but she'll stay with me until I get up, she seems more attached to me than any one else right now..., which is sweet but I'd like to be able to sleep in again...lol She's outside exploring and I'm sitting on the couch, watching some Christmas shows. DH was up and out of the house early, not sure where he went. I'm hoping he brings home something for breakfast. LoL

Salad had cranberries, walnuts and Gorgonzola in it.

That salad looks sooo yummy.

Thinking of dazedx3 this weekend

More thoughts for @dazedx3 from me too...

Kenny's court date went as well as it could. He is happy with the outcome.

Glad everything went well.

Then the five of us go to the White House for a Christmas Open House at 8.

How exciting. Can't wait to see some pics.

Hope you all have a good day...

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good morning! Sounds like everyone is busy!

It poured here yesterday all day. Awful. Didn’t want to go out in that. Heard there was quite a bit of rain down in FL so pulled out two of my raincoats along with my regular WDW jacket and washed them all. Not sure which of them I’ll bring, but thinking we should also bring some umbrellas. (Side trip to Dollar Store today; not bringing our good ones.) I bought DH a light backpack thingy that he likes a lot so he’ll be able to carry his own stuff and not stick things in my bag.

Here it is grey and cold today with maybe just some spitting rain. Dogs need exercise after staying in yesterday so we’ll do something with them today. Toto, at 9, is content to lay around the house, but Grady needs to do things. I am going to have to ask the guy at the kennel if he will let him play with other dogs or something cause he’ll go nuts if he doesn’t. DD arranged for the teen girl next door to watch her hamster. She’ll go over instructions with her tomorrow. She was surprised when I suggested an amount to pay her. “What?” Yup, gets expensive!

DS is off for the weekend but he has a class today. We’re hoping he gets out a little early so he can join us for our mani/pedis. DD was teasing DH this morning imitating some of the manicurists on TicTok gagging doing some of the nasty feet they see. That was funny. (His feet are nowhere near that - I usually cut his nails for him, lol.)

I got the package put together for my patient so it’s all set for tomorrow when I have to work. (Not normally my weekend but in order to get Thursday off I had to switch it out.) Wound up getting stuff for nails - two things of pretty polish, polish remover pads, cuticle cream and a mani set, along with a little bag to put it all in, sugar free gum, two little packs of Walker’s Shortbread cookies, a puzzle book, and some lotion for sensitive skin. Others are buying things, too. She’ll be happy. I also got DD’s boyfriend’s present put together so I think I’m finished with gifts. I picked up some Disney gift cards for us but will hold onto them until we get down there. Sending the box today, hope it makes it on time.

I was in the store the other day and it was a festive atmosphere, music was playing, and all of a sudden I started to cry. I think I just got a flash of Christmases past and my mother and my in laws and for a few seconds just really missed them all. It surprised me a little bit, or, I should say, I wasn’t expecting it just then. (Naturally I think of everyone gone during special occasions and such.) I can imagine how hard it is for Snowysmom and my SIL, frog and dazed this year, etc. Keeping them and everyone in my thoughts and sending love and prayers and good thoughts for all.

Have a good Saturday.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Market Basket is a major grocery store chain in New England. It used to be called Demoulas when I first moved to this area and owned by the Demoulas family. I find myself calling it Demoulas more than Market Basket. I don't know if you remember the big strike they had years ago where the whole chain was shut down for quite a while. It made national news. Market Basket has the best prices in this area, on most items. Their produce is not the best which is why I usually buy that elsewhere.

Saltine toffee sounds interesting.

Carol Your evening sounds like it will be great time.

We never really had Demoulas/Market Basket stores here until relatively recently. I like it. It is a little big, and usually super crowded, that’s the only problem. I’m one of those people who thinks of things halfway across the other side of the store that I forgot (despite my list). Getting back to the beginning is challenging, lol, especially if I think of something else (very likely). I usually shop at a lot of different places depending on where I am. There are places I stop after work closer to there. Took DH to one of my usual haunts this week after his appt and he got a kick out of it. (Somewhat of a hole in the wall but good food and produce. Got the garlic chicken there already marinated and vacum sealed. Wished I’d gotten two pkgs but I think I can make my own. Man, it smelled good cooking in the house!) Not a big fan of the supermarket closest to me but I will run in there if I have to.

Yes that's it, but my recipe calls it Saltine Toffee. Have never had it made with pretzels, but then again, I don't care much for pretzels. To me Christmas Crack is Christmas Trash, but I guess either of them could have a bunch of different names.

I’ve made that type of thing once or twice. I see a lot of variations of it, and other things, on Instagram. One was a chocolate-y peanut butter mix made into balls and rolled in pretzel and peppermint pieces, with a pretzel stick sticking up to pick it up. Looked pretty good and relatively easy. I save them for future reference, but I didn’t do any of that this year. In a way it was good not to have it around the house! We did have a lot of cookies at work. Someone brought in lemon Girl Scout cookies and those were my favorite. Now inspired to maybe try to make something tonight to bring into work tomorrow. We’ll see. (Just remembered one I saw which was three little white donuts on a wooden skewer with a small Reeses cup for a hat, two choc chips for eyes, and a ribbon or licorice whip for a scarf. Those might be fun if I can find all the stuff.

Auntie, so cute that Miss Dolly is attached to you already. She must’ve had a special lady in her past. Grady is a man’s dog. His owner was male who passed, then the son tried to care for him, but had to make the decision to give him up. Right away he was attached to my son, but now he’s moved more to my husband, probably because DH spends more time with him. (DS isn’t home much, he’s always working or out, mostly.) The way he looks at DH melts my heart. He loves me, too, and DD, as we often take them places because we’re home more. So he’s getting to love all of us, but he sleeps at the foot of the bed near DH. He’s lucky someone is almost always home here because he definitely has separation anxiety. I’m worried about him while we’re away, but he will be assured, I think, by Toto being there and relaxed waiting for us to come back. Next time will probably be less stressful. I like that this guy knows GSDs really well, too. I just hope he gets some exercise. Hugs to Miss Dolly for me!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I forgot to say, the salad had champagne vinaigrette dressing on it. So good. I am going to be craving that again soon. I forgot the croutons which would’ve also been good.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Happy Saturday friends,

Pea, so glad that you and your daughter enjoyed your dinner last night. Extra thanks for the Christmas surprise that you and your coworkers have out together. All of you are bringing kind joy to your patient! I thank you for doing so, my friend.

Carol, brown butter cookie dough makes me think of brown sugar! Is it similar? Wow! What an honor for all of you. Truly I thank Andrew and each of you, his family, as well for your service to our country. Have a wonderful evening. I definitely look forward to hearing all about it.

Extra praises to God all-around and always, dear Snowysmom. I am relieved for you and Kenny. I pray his children are doing okay and I thank you all the more this year for helping to make their Christmas special. God Bless your friend. She sounds like such a wonderful lady to be able to share with—so are you to her!

Thinking extra of you right now, dear Frog. I’m glad your kids will soon be on Christmas break. Much you and your family experience extra joy in growing of faith and memories you will make together this season.

Lynn, my dad would love your toffee. Years ago, he used to really enjoy an English toffee sold at a local store in the
Farmer’s Market. I do remember as a kid going to Ports of Call (AuntieMe3 did you ever go there back in the 80’s)? to a Carnation (I think) ice cream store that sold a delicious English toffee flavor. Enjoy your treat!

AuntieMe3, thank you again for giving Miss Dolly a loving home. Her name will always bring me a smile. Lol, I hope your DH did bring you a tasty breakfast.

Dad is out right now quickly at 99 and Sprouts. I will be carefully looking at Christmas movies this weekend hoping to find a good one to record. Any suggestions?

Love to all, I will check back later.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thread save!

that a very quiet thread means each of you has had a lovely Saturday. Thinking of you and sending a good evening with sweet dreamsto all!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I did another batch of cards this morning (I am super behind) and then some Christmas shopping this afternoon. - One store was very successful and the other a dud.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi! I wrote most of my Christmas cards today! I’ll be catching up with reading here soon.

I flew home from WDW on Thursday and our bags were left in the pouring rain because of lightning in the area. We were at the gate in the plane for nearly two hours. When the lightning stoped we found that the previous flight’s passengers’ luggage was still in our plane.

The contents of my bag were soaked. Sadly a brand new library book was inside since I had read it. It’s now Saturday night and pages are still damp. I have the book near our fireplace pilot light to help it dry out.

Our artwork from AK fell apart when I touched it. Luckily I had taken a picture of my Sister’s and my creations!


At home.
Glad to be home, and have this week before Christmas to prepare things. They don’t know the count of Coast Guard recruits yet, but we should find out about Wednesday.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

It’s late. Had a nice evening. These are the gold star family trees at the White House. More tomorrow.