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

[theluckyrabbit]

...

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...

Do you mean LIttlejohn's toffee? (Yum!) They have a website (https://littlejohnscandies.com/) where you can order the toffee. Maybe that could be a nice surprise for your dad some day.

 

[Judique]

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!

View attachment 725938
At home. View attachment 725939
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.

Aww, sorry the rain got your memories! I try to do the artwork every time in AK.
I'm not a great artist by any means but it's a fun experience for me. In November we went and couldn't seem to get signed up. First we entered from the wrong side and spoke to a less than helpful individual. By the time we got around to the correct area it was too late. When I'm there in January I will do it if it's still offered.

 

[Judique]

Yesterday we got our family/friend celebrations sorted out. We will eat at friend's house which is close to my house on Xmas Day. I'll cook my turkey, so it's good that I didn't hack it to pieces. We all have our assignments so there shouldn't be too much stress for anyone. I also have to make the gravy as older DD got a bit obnoxious to her friend telling her, no, we can't have gravy from Trader Joe's - ask Mom to make it, which is how I actually ended up volunteering my turkey as friend hadn't bought one yet. Yes, my gravy is delicious! But I would have eaten TJ's with no fuss made.

New Year's will be brunch at son's home. As it gets closer I will figure out what he wants us to bring. They are spending Xmas Day with his inlaws. Right now doesn't work for me to entertain at my home. It's just too much work and too much leftover. I was happy that they decided to go there. It's much closer for them to bring a tiny baby. I will see them later this week to drop off my gifts for baby. Not like she is old enough to rip them open or know that it's from Grandma.

This year every card I've gotten has family pictures. One brother has his dog in every picture! Now I'm almost sorry I didn't steal some thunder and do a grand baby/grandma card with my 3 DGD's. Maybe next year!

So far I haven't received any of the 'all the things we've accomplished this year' card/letters. I actually enjoy reading those but have never done one. But usually I get three or four of them. I guess there is still time.

 

[Snowysmom]

Everyone is so busy getting ready for the holidays. The picture of the Christmas trees at the White House is lovely.

@bobbiwoz Sorry your trip home was such a mess and that your pictures got wet. I like the picture of them. Very nice.

You have to love those family letter's. (Or maybe you don't) We used to get a few of those. I don't miss them.

It is cold here, around 32. I have been out and around getting coffee and went to Target to pick up a Lindt assortment for my therapist as well as some other goodies. I took a walk and will load up my car soon to drop off stuff at Kenny's house. Jeff and I had lunch together yesterday. We talked and he understands that I need to start over some place else and it is best to go to an area that I already know and like. He just wants me to do what I need. He is concerned about the real estate market come 2023 but I told him I sold high and bought high. Maybe this time I will sell in the middle and buy in the middle. It all works out. Plus I am in a niche market of over 55+ condos. He does think I should sell asap and stay with Kenny. But, I want to be sure I make the right decisions so am moving slowly. Plus I don't really want to put my stuff in storage and live with Kenny for a long time. I have a kind of PTSD when I go to stay at his house. I went there right after Chris passed and my life for 9 months afterwards was there and it wasn't the best to be honest. Not Kenny's fault, just what it was. I want to try to go from one condo to the next. If I had to stay for a couple of weeks I could do it. The real estate agent in Kenny's area says she will try to make it work for me and she will work with the agent I have to sell the condo. Right now there is nothing for sale but hopefully after the holidays people will want to sell before the downturn.

I did get to see Jeff's kids and had a nice time with them in the afternoon. They are excited about Christmas. At lunch Jeff talked to me about going to his in laws on Christmas Day in the afternoon and for dinner. He asked a couple of weeks ago and I was lukewarm about it. They are very nice and very inclusive and I have known them for a long time. I just don't want to be that elephant in the room person. Jeff assured me they want me to come and asked if I would. So, I told Jeff I would go. It made him happy so that works for me. I just have to try not to cry too much but there is a nice bathroom right off the kitchen so I can escape if needed.

Time to load up the car. Have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

Yesterday we got our family/friend celebrations sorted out. We will eat at friend's house which is close to my house on Xmas Day. I'll cook my turkey, so it's good that I didn't hack it to pieces. We all have our assignments so there shouldn't be too much stress for anyone. I also have to make the gravy as older DD got a bit obnoxious to her friend telling her, no, we can't have gravy from Trader Joe's - ask Mom to make it, which is how I actually ended up volunteering my turkey as friend hadn't bought one yet. Yes, my gravy is delicious! But I would have eaten TJ's with no fuss made.

New Year's will be brunch at son's home. As it gets closer I will figure out what he wants us to bring. They are spending Xmas Day with his inlaws. Right now doesn't work for me to entertain at my home. It's just too much work and too much leftover. I was happy that they decided to go there. It's much closer for them to bring a tiny baby. I will see them later this week to drop off my gifts for baby. Not like she is old enough to rip them open or know that it's from Grandma.

This year every card I've gotten has family pictures. One brother has his dog in every picture! Now I'm almost sorry I didn't steal some thunder and do a grand baby/grandma card with my 3 DGD's. Maybe next year!

So far I haven't received any of the 'all the things we've accomplished this year' card/letters. I actually enjoy reading those but have never done one. But usually I get three or four of them. I guess there is still time.

Same here,,for 22 years we have gotten them from one Sister in law and her husband, another from their son and family, and a third from their daughter and family--nothing this year, seems strange not to have them to read.

 

[lynxstch]

Good cold morning. 32 will be the high today
@Snowysmom --Have a great time

@bobbiwoz Sorry to hear about your tough time getting home, and having wet luggage and ruined library book and Disney art work. That stinks!

Summer just texted me her lab work results from the other day, and none of them look good. Every single thing is way higher than it should be. She's still having pain in her kidneys and can't empty her bladder fully, so has to call them again tomorrow. She starts taking her double dose of chemo meds today, so she expects to feel horrible tomorrow. Still trying to convince her to let the kids clean the house, do laundry, etc. She put the tree up all by herself yesterday, none of them helped one bit. Her dishwasher broke 2 days ago, so I told her to let the kids wash them..after they finish making their own meals. It's ridiculous that she gets no help. Skylar told her he would get her a new dishwasher the next time he comes home from being on the road.

We watched the Beauty and Beast 30'th anniversary thing last night. H.E.R. made a beautiful Belle, and while I love Josh Groban's voice, I think they could have come up with a better Beast costume than they did. We really enjoyed it though. Don has never seen the movie, and when we went to see a travelling Broadway version of it, he slept through 1/2 of it,,lol

Off to sweep the floor and give it a quick wash. It's still clean, but I want to keep it that way

Have a nice day everyone,,stay warm!

 

[Judique]

Everyone is so busy getting ready for the holidays. The picture of the Christmas trees at the White House is lovely.

@bobbiwoz Sorry your trip home was such a mess and that your pictures got wet. I like the picture of them. Very nice.

You have to love those family letter's. (Or maybe you don't) We used to get a few of those. I don't miss them.

It is cold here, around 32. I have been out and around getting coffee and went to Target to pick up a Lindt assortment for my therapist as well as some other goodies. I took a walk and will load up my car soon to drop off stuff at Kenny's house. Jeff and I had lunch together yesterday. We talked and he understands that I need to start over some place else and it is best to go to an area that I already know and like. He just wants me to do what I need. He is concerned about the real estate market come 2023 but I told him I sold high and bought high. Maybe this time I will sell in the middle and buy in the middle. It all works out. Plus I am in a niche market of over 55+ condos. He does think I should sell asap and stay with Kenny. But, I want to be sure I make the right decisions so am moving slowly. Plus I don't really want to put my stuff in storage and live with Kenny for a long time. I have a kind of PTSD when I go to stay at his house. I went there right after Chris passed and my life for 9 months afterwards was there and it wasn't the best to be honest. Not Kenny's fault, just what it was. I want to try to go from one condo to the next. If I had to stay for a couple of weeks I could do it. The real estate agent in Kenny's area says she will try to make it work for me and she will work with the agent I have to sell the condo. Right now there is nothing for sale but hopefully after the holidays people will want to sell before the downturn.

I did get to see Jeff's kids and had a nice time with them in the afternoon. They are excited about Christmas. At lunch Jeff talked to me about going to his in laws on Christmas Day in the afternoon and for dinner. He asked a couple of weeks ago and I was lukewarm about it. They are very nice and very inclusive and I have known them for a long time. I just don't want to be that elephant in the room person. Jeff assured me they want me to come and asked if I would. So, I told Jeff I would go. It made him happy so that works for me. I just have to try not to cry too much but there is a nice bathroom right off the kitchen so I can escape if needed.

Time to load up the car. Have a good day.

I hope the housing gets sorted out for you as soon as possible. Glad you have a place to go for the big day. Make the best of it! I say that from the heart as I've been there/done that/still doing it. I've been through divorce and then the death (heart attack) of my youngest DD's father when she was just 10 months old. My kids were much younger than yours and my extended family were far from me, so I had to make our own holidays mostly. The trauma of finding a nesting place happened during the divorce so that wasn't an issue a few years later. My home was already mine.

It was a long and winding road but I think it strengthened me. I understand about not wanting to live with your son at this point. You are making your own place and that's part of moving forward. Hopefully when you put your condo up for sale it will be snapped up and you will have found a spot you can be more secure in.

A funny thing, my son keeps wanting me to move to his area in Montgomery County. I started there years ago and loved a lot of it but long term it didn't have what I value. It's not my cup of tea at all. Way too congested. I prefer my more rural area and the only thing I sometimes dream off is being closer to the Bay. Like walking close. Up on a hill looking down at the water. That ship has probably sailed as prices for waterfront are not affordable. Lucky for me it's just a short ride away, and Maryland has plenty of parks and spots where you can have public access.

 

[Judique]

I'm always snapping the 'take snapshot' button on the friends of Blackwater cam site, where I watch the migrating birds. Here is this morning, not long after sunrise.

 

[Judique]

Yesterday I was watching another cam, that one in Refugio, Texas. It was a feeding station for birds, I think, but I could be wrong about that. Anyway, no birds but a family of Havelina (wild pigs) showed up and spent time digging in the ground under the feeder, I assume for seeds.

Used to live south of there near Kingsville, Texas when ExDH was in the Navy. One middle of the night we had to head for the base to get medical help and a herd of Havelina crossed the road in front of us right after driving onto the base. You never know what will take you back to a point in time. That was my first and only time seeing these wild creatures, but they took up the road and slowed us to a stop for a minute as they crossed.

 

[PollyannaMom]

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

So sorry they got ruined in the rain. I'm glad you thought to take pics first. - You did a great job on it!

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

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.

That's so annoying about the bags. I know they can't load or unload if there is lightning, but they could have at least taken the bags inside with them!

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

Beautiful trees!

Summer just texted me her lab work results from the other day, and none of them look good. Every single thing is way higher than it should be. She's still having pain in her kidneys and can't empty her bladder fully, so has to call them again tomorrow. She starts taking her double dose of chemo meds today, so she expects to feel horrible tomorrow. Still trying to convince her to let the kids clean the house, do laundry, etc. She put the tree up all by herself yesterday, none of them helped one bit. Her dishwasher broke 2 days ago, so I told her to let the kids wash them..after they finish making their own meals. It's ridiculous that she gets no help. Skylar told her he would get her a new dishwasher the next time he comes home from being on the road.

I agree..it's ridiculous she doesn't get any help. Her kids are a bit older, right, like early teens?

Sick me or not, my kids had chores to do daily, and if they didn't do them, they didn't get to have any fun. The kids did their own laundry from about age 16, unless I had half a load or something or they just had a couple things to wash, then they'd throw them in with mine. (I did all the towels together, but they had to do their own bedding!) They also had to maintain their rooms to at least a minimum of crud + cook one meal a week (from age 10ish on, with help from DH until they could do it on their own...and I mean it all, from planning and shopping to cooking and cleaning up). Weekly cleaning the bathroom they used most often (not the master bath); taking out trash; cleaning the kitchen every day. Vacuuming or sweep/mop if needed. Punishment for not doing their chores meant more chores, including washing windows and wiping down baseboards or the fridge. I was the mean mom, but all of the kids came out of the house able to clean and cook for themselves.

ETA: my eldest sister was married to an OTR driver (our dad was one too for a time). She had the same issues with her kids that Summer has...they just wouldn't listen to her or help her. They didn't listen to dad/stepdad either, when he was home; but he was too busy doing drugs and drinking to care. They are all grown now; one has passed of a drug related heart attack; one is in and out of jail and psychiatric hospitals; one is an alcoholic and struggles daily; one is so flighty, she can't keep a job more than a month; one is so straight laced and tightly wound, she says to make up for her lazy life childhood, she has struggled to get her life toghether; and one floats from place to place. They all say they wish their mom (or stepmom, in the case of 3 of them), had got them on the right path when they were kids/teens.

--------------------------
Hi all. Just haven't had much to say lately, lol. I don't really like going on the Dis on my phone, and I haven't been on the computer much. I've posted in a couple threads but not much interested in doing a lot of that rn. Sorry for missing all y'all's stuff!

It's been the same old thing, with the exception of doing online Christmas shopping and prepping for our trip. LOL We did celebrate DH's upcoming birthday last night, and went to III Forks. Food was amazing; service terrific.
Vanilla old fashioned (this was very very good, DH had two)

Peach moscato sangria


fried lobster bites with pinot grigio butter and asparagus

8oz filet mignon, parmesan crust. charred brussel sprouts. Six cheese au gratin potatoes



42 day aged, 28oz ribeye. white stuff at the front is smoked sea salt they lit on fire.


Dh got a slice of their six layer dark chocolate cake for free for his bday; it was soooo dark and moist and rich.
We ordered the key lime pie. That was the best key lime pie I've ever had...so very tart.



STarted packing for our trips; have one suitcase filled with gifts and wrapping stuff; and started a pile in the bedroom for more stuff to pack. We leave in....9 days, woohoo.

Anyways, just thought I'd stop by real quick. Have a good day!

 

[lynxstch]

@Bianca and Bernard --said
I agree..it's ridiculous she doesn't get any help. Her kids are a bit older, right, like early teens?

oldest boy is 22 (full time job, never finished high school, next is 17 year old boy (never finished school, part time job), next is 16 year old girl (she's doing online school, part time job), and the youngest girl is 15 (only one going to school). The boyfriend of the 16 year old is 17 (his mother took him out of school at 16. The girlfriend of the younger boy is 16 (not going to school). So they are all more than old enough to get off their butts and help her.
I don't know how the state lets the boyfriend and girlfriend live there. They should both be in the system. All they do is sit there and play video games.

Sick me or not, my kids had chores to do daily, and if they didn't do them, they didn't get to have any fun. The kids did their own laundry from about age 16, unless I had half a load or something or they just had a couple things to wash, then they'd throw them in with mine. (I did all the towels together, but they had to do their own bedding!) They also had to maintain their rooms to at least a minimum of crud + cook one meal a week (from age 10ish on, with help from DH until they could do it on their own...and I mean it all, from planning and shopping to cooking and cleaning up). Weekly cleaning the bathroom they used most often (not the master bath); taking out trash; cleaning the kitchen every day. Vacuuming or sweep/mop if needed. Punishment for not doing their chores meant more chores, including washing windows and wiping down baseboards or the fridge. I was the mean mom, but all of the kids came out of the house able to clean and cook for themselves.

I had chores when I was younger too. She has never made them do anything, which is why they refuse to do it now. But I don't understand how they can refuse to help her when they all know how sick she is. I told her this morning, that if she keeps this up, she will die, and they will get a really fast, tough lesson in life.

ETA: my eldest sister was married to an OTR driver (our dad was one too for a time). She had the same issues with her kids that Summer has...they just wouldn't listen to her or help her. They didn't listen to dad/stepdad either, when he was home; but he was too busy doing drugs and drinking to care. They are all grown now; one has passed of a drug related heart attack; one is in and out of jail and psychiatric hospitals; one is an alcoholic and struggles daily; one is so flighty, she can't keep a job more than a month; one is so straight laced and tightly wound, she says to make up for her lazy life childhood, she has struggled to get her life toghether; and one floats from place to place. They all say they wish their mom (or stepmom, in the case of 3 of them), had got them on the right path when they were kids/teens.

He is just as bad as the kids. He is the father of the 17, 16, and 15 year old. The oldest boy is Summer's first husband, but is in jail on drug charges, once again. When he's home he sleeps most of the day, and plays video games all night. Even though he has come here and helped us out with things occasionally, I have never heard her say that he's done anything around their house to help her. It's just insane to me.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

@bobbiwoz I’m sorry your pictures got ruined from the wetness. Someone else I know was there Thursday when it was raining so hard, sounds like flights were even stopped for a while. I remember one time we were coming back from a trip in upstate NY in the pouring rain and we had our suitcases, which were duffel bags, up on the roof of the car. Everything got soaked, too. Sad part was that we’d done all the laundry before left and had to do it over again when we got home! Ugh!

Sounds like a nice time at the White House @Breezy_Carol. How lucky to be able to go there! Is it a long ride from your house? Love the pic and looking forward to seeing more.

B&B nice to see you! Happy Birthday to your husband! Every birthday of his must be special after his kidney transplant. Where are you going?

@Snowysmom Glad you got to have lunch with Jeff. Sounds like you’re got things figured out pretty good. My mother became a staple at my in laws for holidays. She lived with us, so it made sense. She always had a good time, and she was missed when she wasn’t there anymore. We usually had to do off-times holidays with my family due to divorces and work schedules and such. Funny because my BIL who passed last year was often the one sitting and talking to her every time I looked over. Hopefully they’re still chatting in Heaven.

Lynn, I hate to say it but it sounds like there is a lot of dysfunction in that household. I hope Summer can get some of her problems squared away and life can get back to normal for her.

I dozed off on the sofa last night for a bit and when I woke up I started doing some laundry and whatnot and wound up inadvertently packing, so the bulk of it is done. It’s a little challenging packing for winter trips there as you never know what the weather’s going to be like. Right now predictions fall between 46 and 75 degrees, but that can change. We used to go in January a lot when the kids were young and I remember having to take clothes for both warm weather and cold. Hopefully I don‘t forget anything but if I do, oh well!

I stopped in the Dollar Store yesterday to pick up some umbrellas and took one look at the lines all the way across the store and walked out. The store was pretty trashed, too, with Christmas stuff everywhere. No thanks. I did manage to get my box of decorations sent down and it was good timing as it will arrive the same time as us. Cost $55 to send but will save room in the suitcases. Trying to pack light. (Which doesn’t work real well for me, lol.) When I’m off in January I really need to sort through my clothes and get rid of some as well as straighten my bedroom out.

We did have our mani/pedis yesterday, even DH and DS, and we all had a good time. I liked the lady who did mine last time better, next time I’m going to request her. She did DS’s and he enjoyed it. At one point I looked over and she was putting clear polish on his toenails! They did DH’s too! Later at dinner we were laughing about it - they apparently didn’t know to skip it. They mentioned it but they didn’t understand them. So they said they’ll just take it off. But we did get a chuckle out of it. I think they put it on DS’s fingers too. DD was a little disappointed. She got the dip for the first time and it came out a different color that what it showed, more like a brown than a green, so it didn‘t match her toes. But she kept it. Next time she’ll have to figure that out. Told the boys they should probably go at least twice a year to tidy things up, lol.

Enjoy the rest of the Sunday, all.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Happy Sunday friends,

Dad and I are so thankful that he found us a Christmas tree this morning at Pavilions. Dad I'll take its picture later outside on top of our air conditioner because indoor pictures (poor lighting in here) don't always work too well. I will, of course, do my best to get the tree adopted permanently by a friend God-willing, it is healthy, come January. I never did find (yet) a small Nativity. Lol, I know I can be pickier about this. It's important to me that any Manger set have reverent figurines including animals and be glitter free. Should we get one, you know I will post its picture. The same with some type of ornament display stand or case which I really would love to find.

PollyannaMom, may the rest of your go smoothly. Thank you for taking the caring time to send Christmas cards. I know doing so can take a while. All who receive one from you will be much appreciative

Welcome , Bobbiwoz. I am so sorry about your artwork that you did such a wonderful job on, too the rest of your WDW trip was most enjoyable and that you got to view Candlelight.

Beautiful ChristmasCarol! I very much look forward to hearing about your night.

Luckyrabbit, Littlejohns is exactly the place I meant. Grandma LOVED going there. I know we could order online bit a whole white box of toffee would be too much. Years ago, we used to have them break off a chunk. They also have tasty fudge and other goodies. Thank you though so much and for the good memory.

Judique, I hope you do enjoy a new artwork experience at AK to come. Loved reading about your celebrations to come, may they all be safe and fun for all. Thank you for sharing about the cards. Love that your brother included his dog! are precious furry family members. next year you can include your own family/pets in a card or perhaps create an earlier seasonal card to send to some people with them in it. Wow! God’s morning glory sure shines brightly in your picture. Thank you for sharing.

Snowysmom. Absolutely you should move to an area that is familiar to you and almost more importantly that you truly feel comfortable in! Truly God will guide you their. Please don’t feel rushed into making a choice. Do what brings you peace!

Lynn, what an amazing family letter tradition! I’ve never gotten one from family (I don’t think) just a couple of church friends. They are interesting to read and mean a lot when shared. Summer needs to make her own choice not to take everything on herself all the time. I can imagine how hard it may be for dear you to know she so far isn’t. Sometimes it can take all of us a long time to let go and allow others to help. Continued prayers for Summer indeed.

Good to see you, B&B! So glad your DH had a good birthday. I like how is written on the plate.

Pea, I'm sorry your mani/pedis were a bit disappointing. ITA with you about Summer's household, so wrong and sad. Dad said the last Dollar he was at was a mess as well without much of anything other than gift bags. I do hope you find what you need

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and I will check back in later.

 

[PollyannaMom]

PollyannaMom, may the rest of your go smoothly.

It did. The first place we stopped at had a "buy one, get one half off" sale on toys, which worked out just perfectly!!

Then we stopped at another place for something DS wanted and got the last one! And one the way home, we went to a different grocery store than I usually go to for something I hadn't been able to find at the two closer ones...and they had it!

So all in all a very successful shopping expedition.


After our busy afternoon, DH's parents came over and we went out to dinner with them. It was a place we already like but that was new to them, and we all had a good time. (We all brought home leftovers, too!)

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I will have to respond twice because I quoted on bot my laptop and iPad and they don’t transfer.

Today was church then a Christmas concert at church this afternoon. It lasted more than 2 hours.

I had chicken soup in the crockpot so dinner was ready. Fire in the fireplace and watching Sound of Music.

Carol, brown butter cookie dough makes me think of brown sugar! Is it similar?

Brown butter is butter melted then cooked until it browns and gets flecks in it. Then cooled back to a solid.

We got two family letters. One is from a couple we met once on a cruise in 2014. The letter is long and I don’t know any of the people. The other is from Andrew’s in-laws and I love the pictures and her stories.

A funny thing, my son keeps wanting me to move to his area in Montgomery County. I started there years ago and loved a lot of it but long term it didn't have what I value. It's not my cup of tea at all. Way too congested. I prefer my more rural area and the only thing I sometimes dream off is being closer to the Bay. Like walking close. Up on a hill looking down at the water. That ship has probably sailed as prices for waterfront are not affordable. Lucky for me it's just a short ride away, and Maryland has plenty of parks and spots where you can have public access.

Andrew lives in Dunkirk which is maybe 10 minutes from the western shore of the bay at Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. Surprisingly rural.

How lucky to be able to go there! Is it a long ride from your house?

A little under two hours but we went the long way and picked up Sarah and Tessa first.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Some more White House pictures from yesterday.

The East Colonnade entry hall.



In the East Room.



All of us at the Cross Hallway.



The Blue Room.




The gingerbread house in the State Dining Room.



Cross Hallway.



National Christmas Tree.

 

[Judique]

Andrew lives in Dunkirk which is maybe 10 minutes from the western shore of the bay at Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. Surprisingly rural.

Yes, I know the area very well. I often drive down and walk along the little boardwalk.

I almost bought a spot in North Beach/Rose Haven area many years ago. It was too close to the edge for me, with no sand, so I changed my mind. There were some houses in front closer to the water but I don't think they survived hurricane Isobel. Probably best I didn't buy that one. And then they started to build the newer places and the prices skyrocketed.

Several of my friends have bought little cottages in that area and renovated them into cutesy seaside summer getaways, or in one case, their tiny retirement home. Sold the big house to their DD and moved into a very manageable cottage. They winter in Florida and come back mostly in summer. Another friend lives up the hill a bit and has some view. The townhouses that were built blocked water views for a lot of people but at least they can walk the boardwalk.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Now to respond to what I quoted here.

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!

This exact thing happened to us leaving Orlando Easter 2004. Our flight was delayed several hours before we even boarded because of storms in the area. Then they took our luggage out and let it sit in the rain. We got home after 1 am and were tired and just drove an hour home before we knew everything in our suitcases was soaked. I had to purchase two library books that were ruined. I had bought my mother mints she liked that were in a metal tin sealed in plastic. When I opened them they were empty because the mints dissolved. I contacted Southwest to get them to at least pay for the books and they said they couldn't predict storms. I said they knew they were coming because the delayed our flight. They did cover the books in the end.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

What a fantastic shopping experience, PollyannaMom you had thanks to God. I believe He wanted to bring both you and your son, who has been through so much, extra cheer and reminder always of His precious Presence with you both.

Carol, thank you for the brown butter explanation. I will watch church in the morning. How awesome to receive a family letter from friends you made on a cruise. What a blessed experience all of you had last night. Wonderful pictures, thank you so much for sharing with us. I’m truly grateful Andrew was recognized by our president and hope he got to meet President Biden.

Judique, a little cottage bayside sounds just lovely! I would also want more of a beach (with some sand) setting for a home near or on the water like that.

Sweet dreams everyone!