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

[Judique]

Look at this spoiled pup...
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Saturday I did pretty much nothing...lol We watched TV and napped. Yesterday, I made choc chip cookies and Reese peanut butter cookies. Had to clean up to the cookie supplies to make dinner so I still have more baking to do. DH worked from home today so i took advantage of him staying with Dolly and I took a last minute trip to Target and a home good store. Im thinking I've gotten all my gift shopping done now, we'll see when i start wrapping everything...lol Now I need to go the grocery store sometime this week for Christmas Day food. We usually have appetizers/snacks to munch on all day and this year, we're adding sandwich stuff. DD ordered some tamales from a coworker so we'll have that too.

Going to see sweet baby A and her momma tomorrow afternoon(DD works from home so she'll be here for Dolly).

Hope you all have a good night.

Sweet puppy!

And yum, tamales! Not sure what variation your tamales take but I used to love the smaller sized ones we would get in South Texas. We can also get them here in Maryland but they are more the Central America much larger ones as opposed to the Tex Mex variety.

 

[Judique]

I expect your grandkids will think it's "super cool" (do they still say that? ) to have both of their grandmothers with them on Christmas, and it's nice for the two of you to get to know each other.

I think it's super cool to have both grandmothers there for the kids. I do understand how it might feel a bit strange for @Snowysmom but she's a good spirit who is reaching out by going and being there with her family. Sounds like good people all around.

I really hope you and the other GM get pics together with your grandchildren and actually print them out and save them. Digital records aren't really forever. I've seen pics of my maternal grandparents and they were alive until I was about 10 for GM and 20 for GF, but I've never even seen a picture of my fathers parents that I can remember. I have none of either. My father was the youngest of his family, married late after doing service in WW2, and parents had passed while he was overseas or just before he left.

My grandchildren's great grandfather is still living and in an assisted living facility in our area. I have one pic of oldest GD with him and her GF. I keep telling my kids to get multigenerational pics when they get an opportunity. These are memories that can't be recreated later. The past matters.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@PollyannaMom , ok, I don’t go on either, so, I’ll stick to not posting pictures. Sometimes there’s a specific FB page for the particular class of recruits, and I have joined that and posted there.

Thank you!

DSis left her hearing aide at her CM house, so today we will drive up to Toms River and bring them to her. We will also meet her and some friends for pizza up in Seaside Heights. That’s a place that’s dear to Tom and me, it’s where we met June 10, 1966. ( I may have mentioned that before, a time or two!)

We hope to go to a bank up there to try to get me on the bank site where Tom does most of his on line banking. He has tried to teach me his way of paying bills, and I have decided his way is not my way. I need to be able to access everything and figure out my own way.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all.
@AuntieMe3 --what a sweet picture of Dolly. She looks like she is happy that she's found a new furever home
@Judique --You said--but I've never even seen a picture of my fathers parents that I can remember--I have seen one picture of my paternal grandparents, but I never met them. They were alive, I was just never allowed to go there, for some unknown reason. My parents were divorced when I was 5, and I don't even recall them ever being mentioned after that. My maternal grandfather passed years before I was ever born. So I only had a grandmother and a great grandmother in my life growing up

Its very cold outside, and going to 38. I need to make a quick stop at the little market over the PA line for a few of their sales items, then I am coming home to clean the house. I want it all done before the weekend, so I don't have to do any of it then.

Have a nice Tuesday morning,,only 5 days till Christmas!

 

[tazdev3225]

Good morning everyone.

Love all the pics that have been posted.

@bobbiwoz - I had the luggage thing happen at the airport quite a few years ago. It was on the trip with my mom which was memorable in its own right. I saw our luggage sitting on the tarmac from the plane. Thankfully no real damage. I have taken to packing everything in Plastic 2-gallon bags since that trip. Keeps everything protected which was a good thing when we came home from Alaska in July. The shampoo bottle burst open, and the damage was contained to the plastic container.

I have everything wrapped and ready for Christmas. Tomorrow and Thursday will be laundry and an extra deep cleaning of the house for Christmas Day. Good thing I planned that one as I decided to spill my entire cup of coffee in the living room this morning. No real harm done other than a couple of extra towels for the laundry and I'll move the couch out to mop under there. The floors I had my grandson down are water resistant, and as it turns out coffee resistant. Friday and Saturday will be baking. Mikey and Crystal are coming to help with that and I am really looking forward to spending some time with them. I miss the days when I babysat them and baked cookies at their house with them. I cannot wait to try Mikey's brownies and truffles.

I am wanted to make cannoli dip for my house and my in-laws Christmas Eve gathering but I am having a hard time trying to find something to use as the "dipper". I did find some cinnamon sugar pita chips so I am hoping that will work. That or I may buy sugar cones and break them up. I could skip it altogether as I do have an extensive list of things we will be making. I also need to make sure I keep some of the goodies separated as we have nut allergies in the family.

I have decided to bring Crystal on the DIsney trip in June and Ella is NOT happy. She is being quite selfish in my opinion. This is HER trip, she earned it getting straight A's and Crystal never did that, I made the bet with her, and it isn't fair to bring someone else, and she ranted on. My daughter wasn't included in the "bet" as I tried telling Ella, but she said it's HER trip and she wants her mother there since I WON"T go on rides she likes. I tried telling her yet again that I CAN"T, not won't, but she was in no mood to listen. Crystal went out with me yesterday and said she doesn't need to go if it upsets Ella, but I am not budging at the moment. I wanted to take Crystal to Europe on the Scotland tour. The tour is not happening this year and the cost would be around $10,000 for the alternate trip. That is just way too much money. Disney will cost half that for 4 people. We would still celebrate Ella's accomplishments of course. My other thought as I explained to my daughter is having Crystal gives me a travel partner. She doesn't like the "wilder" rides and I can't do them. While my daughter and Ella are off enjoying them Crystal and I can be off somewhere taking pictures. I am hoping my daughter can talk some sense into her today.

I have an easy day today - just food shopping, then I will be relaxing getting ready for the big push for Christmas.

Have a nice day and stay warm.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@tazdev3225 thanks for the idea. You saved yourself lots of work and it’s a great idea.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I am wanted to make cannoli dip for my house and my in-laws Christmas Eve gathering but I am having a hard time trying to find something to use as the "dipper". I did find some cinnamon sugar pita chips so I am hoping that will work. That or I may buy sugar cones and break them up.

I think the pita chips will be tasty! If you really want the waffle cone flavor, though, they do make these:

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Auntie, what a sweet picture! It made me smile. I’m so glad she’s settled in with you all so well.

@bobbiwoz I think when you put the hashtag (#) with the word it brings the pic to a certain place. I know when people do that it can take people there right away. For instance there is a horse rescue I follow on Instagram that uses hashtags with each horse’s name, so that if you click on them, it takes you to pics of that horse alone. I find that really handy when I’m following the stories because there are so many, it’s hard to keep them straight, and I can see their backstory that way. And the @ with the name is similar, but with a username, like here. I’m just not sure that posting from here would do that, but I think it’s possible, and where the pic would go, maybe Instagram? I don’t do FB so I am not sure about there. Maybe you could ask on the tech board? At least it does sound like social media pictures are allowed. They probably just do that to sort of keep track of the pics and make sure nothing bad or embarrassing is posted. Perhaps you could ask the person in the CG who sent that out. I would love to see pics! It’s such a special thing that you do!

I am fortunate that some older cousins on my father’s side sent me a bunch of pictures of my grandparents, great grandparents, and aunts and uncles, etc., from when they were younger. I also have some on my mother’s side, too - not great grandparents, but grandparents. (I was the youngest on my father’s side and one of the youngest on my mother’s, so some of my grandparents were really old when I was born - my grandparents were all born in the late 1800s.) I actually inherited the large framed pictures that hung in my maternal grandmother’s house for years. (One is the only picture she had of her only son, my mother’s little brother, who was killed at age 4; the other of her husband who died at age 36 from pneumonia.) I have them in storage. I sort of worry about what will happen to them long term. Interestingly, my aunt on my mother’s side is often in pictures from my father’s side. My mother met my father through her sister’s best friend, who was dating my father’s brother. So as youngsters, they were often all together. I love seeing them that way! My mother wasn’t a “picture person” so she didn’t have a lot of pictures other than those thrown in a drawer. From pictures like that of older people I have no idea who they are. My MIL was really good about it and I was able to go through her albums and take screen shots of a lot of people, for my kids, especially. Nice because she had names written down of who is who. I love old pictures! My favorite is of my father’s baseball team from the 1930s that has my father, two uncles and my grandfather on it. I made copies and framed them and gave them to my sibs, and one to my son to keep.

Well, my elderly friend is in the hospital and could use some prayers, if anyone is inclined. She fell, as I was worried she would, and hurt herself pretty good, sadly. It will be a long road for recovery. I am going to call her this morning and have some flowers sent to her room. It’s the least I can do. (I keep looking at the beautiful plant she sent me a few weeks ago which sits on my kitchen island.) I might be able to pop in to see her tomorrow, too, as she was transferred in to my hospital for surgery (not good as it means it was complicated), but it will depend if she’s awake and alert when I’m able to run over. I feel so bad. They won’t be able to send her home from rehab unless it’s determined she’s safe at home.

DS had a rough day at work yesterday, he came home and had to talk about it for a while. (He works in a hospital and was involved in a really upsetting loss, everyone was crying there.) I also had a relatively young person go on us the other night, it was a trying shift to say the least, but at least we were able to get that person back. These things are really hard anytime, but this time of year, they’re even harder. It’s difficult to talk about them, too, I find, because everyone is already stressed and really wants to stay in their Christmas bubbles, but for many of us we have to deal with these things regardless, and we need to talk about them. (I think this is where “gallows humor” stems from, ie a way to make light of it with eachother because most other people don’t want to go there. Not that anyone was doing that, just thinking about this as a phenomenon.)

Well I am finishing my coffee and then need to do a final inventory of what I’m packing for our trip and get the dogs some exercise. Still worried about Grady in the kennel but hopefully he’ll be ok. Mother Nature is throwing a wrench in with predictions of weather in the 30s for some of the days we’ll be away. Hmm. So now I need to make sure I have warm things, too. Ugh. Wanted to pack light. Oh well, we’ll make it work.

Have a good Tuesday, everyone.

 

[footballmouse]

Hello!

Haven't been on for over a week. I've actually been busy at work last week and it looks like this week won't be any better.

I worked the last 2 weekends so I didn't do much of anything, except work. Mia came home from the hospital last Wednesday. It was a little hard going from seeing her just about every day to not. I finally stopped down last night to see her. She's doing good, finally over the 5 lb. mark, she goes to the pediatrician today for a weight check.

It was finally decided that everyone will be coming to my house on Saturday for Xmas Eve. I ordered finger-type sandwiches from the butcher and I'll pick that up Saturday morning. Most of the presents are wrapped, ran out of paper so I went out and bought more of that. We were going to have a gingerbread house building contest but I'm having trouble finding them. I'm going to check WalMart later this week.

I made Xmas cookies with my sisters last Thursday, I have a lot for Xmas Eve. I've tasted a few and we did pretty good.

Sorry about not commenting on other posts, way too many to go back and catch up on.

Have a great day!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning friends,

I'm gratefully wearing my nightshirt and slippers as I type this. How blessed also I was to have a warm bed last night. I do pray each day to in some way be part of God's wish for all His children that we all have a safe and warm shelter, needed food and supplies, and truly know we are loved and always by Him. Dad is at the followed by Ralph's and a quick gas fill up. I am praying he will stay at least mostly home tomorrow. Dentist prayers for him please on Thursday. Carol, I did watch some of the Christmas concert and enjoyed it. I LOVED that it was a reverent service with both children and adults singing. which IMO is how it should be. I look forward to watching Christmas Eve worship to come.

God Bless Miss DollyAuntieMe3, what a precious puppy. My grandma would have LOVED your Reese’s cookies. I would enjoy, I’m sure, the chocolate chip. Truly God Bless Baby A. May she along with you and the rest of your family have a most Merry Christmas.

Snowysmom, thank you for the update on your friend’s DH. Praises extra to God that his surgery is behind him, wishing him, of course, a smooth recovery. You know sugar are my favorite. I would have so loved helping you bake them, God-willing one day we will get to do that together. God Bless your MIL. I love that she invited you herself. Hugs, my friend, I would feel likewise. When I really don’t know anyone, I can be very quiet and shy indeed. I wish I could be there with you. I pray should you go, truly as you better be, you are made to feel most welcomed and included.

PollyannaMom and thank you for your kind words to Snowysmom. ITA that it will be “supercool” indeed and such a blessing for Snowysmom’s grandkids to get to celebrate Christmas with both of their grandmothers! That is truly something to cherish for all.

Very well said, dear Judique! ITA! Family time and sharing memories and the lives of both those still here on earth with us and those held dear who have gone onto Glory are truly such blessings to get to do. for making sure your family was/is included in doing both.

God Bles you and Tom truly dear Bobbiwoz and enjoy your lunch with your friends! I love that you will get to celebrate together at the restaurant where you and Tom first met! That is something else that is quite supercool!

Lynn, and I’m so sorry you weren’t allowed to know your grandparents, that doesn’t seem right at all. Prayers your PA shopping does go quickly and that you come and stay home safe and snug.

Taz, I’d enjoy trying Mikey’s brownies. I know you will cherish extra time with both Mikey and Crystal as will they with you! Prayers all will work out for a fun WDW trip for all of you indeed.

I loved your post dear Pea for how your family was connected early on, what a blessing and also supercool! for your friend and DS, too. Of course, I pray that you enjoy a safe, fun, and warm WDW trip to come!

for Baby Mia being home, praise God! Footballmouse we missed you. So good to hear from you.

Please take care out there friends, be safe, and stay warm! I'll check back in later. Have a great Tuesday.

 

[lynxstch]

@footballmouse -- How wonderful that Mia is home from the hospital already--that's a pretty wonderful Christmas gift (even if you don't get to see her as often). Maybe you will get to share some pictures of her soon.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I couldn't agree more, dear Lynn!

 

[tazdev3225]

Bump up. We were on the second page.

 

[lynxstch]

Wow, did I get a lot of good deals at the PA store. I got at least $150 worth of stuff, for $46.86!! They had Harry and David chocolate truffles (big box) which are like $14.99 on Harry and David site, for $2.99. I grabbed 3. Going to go back tomorrow and get more. I will give some to the neighbor, the mail carrier, and the paper carrier . They had 1 lb boxes of Russell Stover chocolate for $1.99. Got Don a huge jar of honey for $5.99 ( I was paying $7.49 for a smaller one at Aldi's). Got some Vans waffles, some belgian waffles, 4 bottles of flavored sparkling water. 2 rolls of Jimmy Dean sausage ($4.98 in Walmart, I paid $2.29). Got 3 bags of Barramundi sea bass for $2.49 a bag. 2 1/2 gallon's of Breyers, or whatever they call the size of ice cream these days . They had the frozen peppermint cocoa flavor I haven't been able to find anywhere. Its close to $5 in Walmart,,it was $2.29 at this place. Sister in law and niece went with me and got some good bargains too. Good thing that I have the new freezer, as it gave me space to grab all these deals.
Going down to 21 tonight, so I turned the heat up one degree. Just watched "The Wheel" that premiered last night, didn't care for it, removed it from my viewing list for the next 2 weeks.
Have a nice evening all

 

[easyas123]

eff's MIL called me yesterday to officially invite me to their house for Christmas dinner

I think that combining the families during the holidays can work really well. We include my one SIL's mother for everything ...she's by herself and a delightful woman. Prior to their deaths, my other SIL's parents joined us over the years as well.

I have an easy day today - just food shopping, then I will be relaxing getting ready for the big push for Christmas.

I placed and picked up my big holiday grocery shop today on my way home from work. I still have to pick up one or two things, and hit the liquor store, but at least my groceries are sorted for the most part.

Well, my elderly friend is in the hospital and could use some prayers, if anyone is inclined.

I'm sorry to read this. I hope her recovery goes well.

Sorry about not commenting on other posts, way too many to go back and catch up on.

Sometimes I feel much the same way, I think I miss a lot and can't catch up! I just try to keep up by skimming the last page, maybe two pages if time allows.

Wow, did I get a lot of good deals at the PA store.

Wow, nice haul!


Good evening all. I'm TIRED. Not sure why. As I mentioned above I picked up a grocery shop order on my way home this evening. I do have to pick up one or two items and hit the liquor store at some point, but other than that I'm done. Of course, I've yet to wrap a single thing. For some reason this year I'm just not very organized or ahead of anything. I was bad tonight, my dinner consisted of a healthy slice of pumpkin roll!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good evening.

Relatively busy today. Started at the Dollar Store in Elkton searching for peppermint candy canes. They are always so hard to find. I see a red and white one and it is cherry. There are cherry, lemon, and all kinds of flavors but not peppermint. I have been looking for a while. Then to my shift at the welcome center at church. Busy day as there was a visitation and funeral so lots of people coming that needed directions to the sanctuary. Kept me hopping. Home for a bit then yoga. Home for dinner and I just made a batch of meringue cookies. Going to bed soon.

Mia came home from the hospital last Wednesday.

home Mia! I am sure her parents are thrilled.

Sorry about not commenting on other posts, way too many to go back and catch up on.

We instituted a new rule that you don't have to read to post.

did I get a lot of good deals at the PA store.

Is it a chain? We just got a Grocery Outlet in Elkton but I haven't been in it and never seen one before.

 

[dazedx3]

I am so heartbroken… Early this morning the love of my life passed on. Kris was in quite a bit of pain so I know it was time. I had time to prepare,as you all know, but, somehow that really didn’t ease the pain. I‘m typing and crying my eyes out. I don’t know who I am apart from “us”

 

[Breezy_Carol]

@dazedx3 I am so sorry to hear this. We were all thinking of you and the wedding.
we are with you in spirit if we can't be with you.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I am so heartbroken… Early this morning the love of my life passed on. Kris was in quite a bit of pain so I know it was time. I had time to prepare,as you all know, but, somehow that really didn’t ease the pain. I‘m typing and crying my eyes out. I don’t know who I am apart from “us”

I was just coming here to ask about you, dazed. I’m so sorry to read this, right before Christmas. I don‘t pretend to understand how you feel, but I can send lots of love and prayers your way. I was hoping there were some good moments at the wedding. We’re here for you.

 

[AuntieMe3]

@dazedx3 I'm so sorry. Sending you love and comfort in this very difficult time. As Pea said we're here when you need us.