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

[Judique]

So far, it's been a great day with gloomy weather!

Picked up my statin at CVS and then went by Starbucks. Starbucks only gives your birthday freebie on your actual birthday, so I made a point of going today. Back at home, DD was baking bacon for lunch sandwiches so I ordered two chai tea lattes. One for each of us. I keep a SB card with a few dollars on it - reload whenever I get a credit card offer, so I was able to jump through their hoops to get my free drink.

It was delicious and when I got home the bacon was almost done. It's so much better in the oven. We made toasted bacon and egg sandwiches. Delicious!

While at CVS I found 2 small items: some trouser socks - I sometimes need thin socks. The other item was a soap box from the travel section for my bar of scented soap. I usually bring the toiletries I like with me when I travel. Sometimes I like the hotel soaps and sometimes I don't. I dislike the pumps that Marriott uses and don't care much for the Disney stuff either, but most seem to like it.

DD gave me a birthday gift of Disney money. I like that as I will actually spend it. And what's left can pay part of my DVC dues. Unless I have an unexpected expense, my trip is paid for with the cash, gift cards, vacation club rooms and two free Marriott nights.

I also have birthday rewards from Levy and Landry from joining their clubs many years ago. I'll do one at Rainforest or maybe even T-Rrex? Haven't gone there. I like AK's Rainforest Cafe breakfast. They loaded $25 to each account which is easily enough for breakfast for just me. It would work at Yak N Yeti also. Levy's - not sure if I will do the boat or Terralina. As a single all of these are walk in's.

 

[Snowysmom]

Happy Birthday Judique. Hope you have a great day.

Lynn thinking of Summer and Don today.

Pea Congrats to your DS on his promotion. I am not sure how they do jury duty. Last time I went they called people by prearranged groups. I got to the court room but was dismissed when I my answer to a question displeased one of the attorneys. It would just help my stress level if I did not have to go at all.

I hope Dolly does well with her nail trim. I have never had a dog who liked it. The training sounds like a good plan.

I was in the office today. Only a few people in as it is not my usual day to go in. If I do not have jury duty I will go in on Thursday which is my usual day. I want to see my teammates.

Have a nice rest of the day.

 

[AuntieMe3]

This is the one I use, and DH and DS both love it -

Thanks. I'm going to try it. DD loves tortellini so I'm sure she'll love this.

I hope Dolly does well with her nail trim. I have never had a dog who liked it. The training sounds like a good plan.

It was a disaster...we could only get her front nails done and even then, I don't think she was able to do all of them. It was like she was a wild animal trying to avoid capture, I couldn't hold her still and she was running all over trying to get away from us. I cried after the girl left...ugh. So dramatic for me but it was soo stressful. DH will have to be here next time.

 

[PollyannaMom]

It was a disaster...we could only get her front nails done and even then, I don't think she was able to do all of them. It was like she was a wild animal trying to avoid capture, I couldn't hold her still and she was running all over trying to get away from us. I cried after the girl left...ugh. So dramatic for me but it was soo stressful. DH will have to be here next time.

Oh, poor baby! I'm so sorry it didn't go well.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good afternoon friends from cool but dry LA,

Sorry to not be posting all that much lately. Thanks to God, dad and I are both doing much better. I still am somewhat leg achy but thank God no longer at all nauseous and plain tired as I was on Sunday. I just haven't been on the computer as much. I absolutely read all of your shares daily and you know each of you is always in my heart and prayers that is for sure! Thank you all so much for the dry and health prayers, too. AuntieMe3, we sure have had CRAZY and constant rain. Prayers that you are staying warm and dry! Aw, I am so sorry to read about your poor doggie Extra hug for her sure!

dear Judique! It sounds like you are having a great day for which I am so thankful to read.

to your DS, Pea! I knew he would do just fine!

Lynn, all went well this morning for Don. Continuing prayers as well for Summer.

Carol, I am so glad you enjoy warm soup with Sarah last night. This si certainly soup weather!

Snowysmom, always an extra hug with much care.

I need to open a Walmart package of a long sleeve T I got dad for his birthday so I can hide it away and he can throw out the garbage. I will try to come back later. Know all is good here and we are so grateful in all. Oh, and his plate has been shipped and will be coming this week. I am so looking forward to seeing that and will share when it arrives.

always!

 

[lynxstch]

Don's appointment went well. Summer's didn't

He is sending her to a spinal specialist. It is pretty bad. Her neck that's the worst so far but has to have another mri to do of the lower back. 2 spots where her spinal cord is being compressed and one spot where a bone growth is growing towards the spinal cord.

She is a basket case tonight, as can be expected.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Lynn. No words other than how sorry I am to hear that about Summer. Many prayers for all of you. Please do remember we care and are here with love always!

Feeling a bit better now, thank God and as I just posted in our very own dear PollyannaMom's wonderful gratitude thread, just received exceptional customer service from Walmart on what was to be a birthday gift for my beloved dad in a couple weeks. The shirt I got him is HUGE! As all of you know I do stay home due to Covid. The closest Walmart to us is almost an hour away. Dad may be heading out that way within a couple weeks. Not sure how long we would have to return. Anyway, an incredibly kind angel of a customer service agent has arranged for FedEx to pick up for free from us the shirt tomorrow! PLUS, because I had mentioned this was a to be a birthday gift, she is also giving me a promo code for $15 to use for something for my dad. No words just sincere extra thanks to God and for the Angels He sends us, too! I always also thank Him, for each of you

Postage Reminder to buy extra stamps and mail out anything requiring added postage by Saturday. Rates go up including on stamps on Sunday so for sure on Monday.

Have a good night everyone. Sweet Dreams.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you! DS was happy today. He was too exhausted to go out, all he wanted was a chicken caesar wrap so he got that and then took a nap after work. He did have a little soup when he woke up.

Lynn it sounds like Summer has some conditions that are fixable if she’s open to it. Maybe she just needs some time to let it sink in that she might need a procedure to get relief. All is not lost.

Auntie, I’m sorry you had that problem with Miss Dolly and her nails. Maybe she had a bad experience before? It reminded me of those videos you see on IG where the dog is hanging in a grooming sling and licking peanut butter or cheese off the wall while someone cuts their nails, or people putting Saran Wrap on their heads with some stuff on it so the dog can lick it while they trim the nails. (Videos below.) I used to cut my dogs nails but I don’t like doing it anymore. I think the dremel tool is a nice thing if you can get the dog accustomed to/conditioned to the noise, vibration, and having their feet touched. Once they realize all goes well a few times, they should get better at it. (Riskier with clipping as if you hit the quick, they lose trust.) Lots of treats and play afterward. (Toto always gets a plain BK cheeseburger after grooming. It’s a hard process for him even though they’re nice.) How did you trim your other dogs’ nails?

I remember when we got Toto our vet at the time saying make sure we touch his feet, as he’d known other Cairns who refused to have their feet touched. Toto was fine with his feet, but he totally refused to have his mouth touched. He’s better now than he was when he was younger, but I could never brush his teeth, and the vet techs had a tough time getting him to open his mouth. (They took him out back to get the job done I never wanted to know what they did, but he knows and he’s not talking!) He’ll let me look a little in his mouth now but not for long. Fortunately Grady’s nails were done when we first got him, and then I asked Toto’s groomer to do them the first time for us and he let her do them (I was nervous tho). Then she did a full grooming with him a few months ago. It’s time for the next nail trim, too. Sending good vibes for Miss Dolly and you.

I’d seen a tortellini soup recipe I wanted to try on IG (feastonthese) so I made it tonight. Saw the tortellini at Aldi’s today. It was pretty good, and I think it will have even better flavor tomorrow. Sausage tortellini soup w sausage, onion, garlic, carrots, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, milk, spinach, cheese tortellini and I added some grated black pepper. It didn’t call for grated cheese but I think a little on the top would’ve been good. (It did show that in the video now that I just relooked at it.)

@PollyannaMom I adore your recipes! So cute with all your notations.



I was disappointed with the cabbage roll soup we made the other night, it wasn’t as good as the first time. I think because I got the cabbage as an online order, it was way too big (I didn’t pick it out myself). DH put the whole thing in there and it overwhelmed it and there wasn’t enough flavor. It also sat heavy in my stomach that night I had trouble sleeping. So next time small head of cabbage.

Good night, all.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I saw this story on IG the other day and loved it. Saw it as I was searching for videos tonight and thought I’d share.

 

[Judique]

Good morning!

Fell asleep early last night and have been awake since about 3:30am. Just finished my coffee and an oatmeal cookie. I baked them day before yesterday and we've been steadily snacking on them.

It's 42 here and the rain seems to be gone until later tonight. we are supposed to get up to 56 degrees so maybe I'll get outside this afternoon and sweep leaves of my patio. They just blow in and if I don't get them they become a dirty mush that sort of stains the stones, but if I power wash the stones will come clean. My intention is to screen in the gazebo. It's 12 by 12 and I think I'd like a bigger space, but not sure I want to spend the cash. I do really enjoy sitting out there.

I'm almost out of milk and creamer so need to go to a store. DD would just Instacart but I'm not into it. I spend a lot less money and time in grocery stores since she started Hello Fresh. But, I have to admit I'm getting a bit weary with the 'sameness'. I guess whatever we do, eventually we want a change. Still, there was a lot of freedom for me in the meal plan. DD does all of the cooking and says she enjoys it. I get to clean the mess she makes.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Snowysmom]

Good Morning.

Lynn Sorry for Summer. She does need to take into consideration doctor recommendations for treatment. Chris had stenosis of the spine in the upper spine which affected his legs a bit but nothing like Summer. Prayers for her.

It is 38 here now, going into the 40s today. I am heading to Kenny's after work. I am so praying and hoping I am told not to go to jury duty. Kenny got the appraisal back on the house. It was high so he has to decide if he needs to sell or if he can do a refi or home equity loan. I am so upset at this. I want the kids to have a familiar place to be. I have been following real estate in his town for months now and he could not sell his house for what they appraised it at. Even the appraiser admits that there isn't much in his size house for comps in his town. Please send prayers for Kenny as he tries to find the solution. Right now he is willing to be house poor to keep the house for the kids. I told him I would help where I can. I feel like since Chris passed our family has had many challenges in our lives and it is stressful and sad sometimes. Little Sam is the bright spot but other issues have been challenging or downright sad. We need some peace and calm in our lives.

Have a good day.

 

[PollyannaMom]

@Snowysmom

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Wednesday!

Judique - Happy belated birthday!!! Hope you enjoyed your day.

Snowysmom - I know how your son feels with the house situation. I had to move after my divorce but I was willing to be house poor so that I didn't have to move into an apartment. I wanted my kids to have a house with their own bedroom and I wasn't about to get rid of our pets. I tried to keep the living situation somewhat normal for my kids. I hope things work out for him.

Didn't do anything yesterday after work. I definitely do not like the winter months . I get home from work between 3:30-4:00 so there is no reason that I can't or don't want to do anything. I am usually in my pajamas as soon as I get home because I know I'll stay home all night. At least when it's warm and nice out, I want to go outside and do things, when it's cold and dreary I want to stay home. I went to bed at 8:45 and was asleep by 9:00 .

Recorded a new show and just got around to watching it last night, it's called Will Trent. It's a detective show and I really liked it. It was on again last night but I can't stay up until 10:00 during the week. I also watched the revival of Night Court. It was okay, I'll give it a couple of more chances. John Larroquette was funny so he may keep me coming back.

That's about it. Today at work, the cafe is having a baked potato bar so I'm looking forward to that for lunch. I don't normally buy my lunch, maybe once a week. I try to plan ahead so I look at their menus for the week to see which day I might want to buy lunch and I'll meal prep for the other days.

Have a great day!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning everyone--50's today, thunderstorms tomorrow. Crazy January weather!

@Snowysmom --prayers for Kenny that he can keep his house

@footballmouse -- We recorded Will Trent, but haven't watched it yet. We also recorded Alert, and watched the first one last night. It's just okay so far. One I like that I didn't think I would is Mayfair Witches on AMC (Sunday night).

Today feels like Thursday. With the holiday Monday, doing shopping and errands yesterday instead of today, has me all mixed up. I almost forgot to put the trash out for pickup, then suddenly realized it was Wednesday.

Time to get laundry in, I have 3 loads to do.

Have a great day!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I had a problem overnight. Wound up with a fine red, itchy rash all over, I have no idea what from. Had to take benadryl, and I think I have to take some more. Going to hop in the shower, too. I never get stuff like this so it’s a head scratcher. It had to be something I ate at dinner time, I hope it wasn’t the soup! (Maybe the sausage? Or the tortellini?) I put some pjs on that were freshly washed but I haven’t changed detergent or anything. Ugh, I hate this!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning everyone,

Chilly 52 degrees according to my phone! Dad and I ae warming up the apartment right now by baking cookies. He will be bringing some of the cookies to Glenda and another friend at church tomorrow on his way to a financial appointment. The other cookies will go to the man he's seeing tomorrow with some possibly also going to dad's tax man (office in this same building) that he actually will be seeing next week.

We're hanging in there. Feeling slowly but surely better, thanks to God. Dad hasn't been coughing much at all this morning so far. I am praying not be developing what dad has had now for the course of a month or so a couple times. I still have a bit of a runny nose, dash of sore throat with a cough every so often. It seems when I sit too long which I know isn't good for me in general, i do have leg achiness. Making good progress and simply grateful always. Trying to stay warm and get all well.

Extraand love to all!

 

[easyas123]

I like AK's Rainforest Cafe breakfast.

We usually hit Rainforest Cafe for breakfast at Animal Kingdom, it's always good. We've been known to hit the outside bar at RC at the Springs a time or two as well

It was a disaster...we could only get her front nails done and even then, I don't think she was able to do all of them. It was like she was a wild animal trying to avoid capture, I couldn't hold her still and she was running all over trying to get away from us.

oof, no fun! We had a dog that was not a fan of getting his nails done, or shots, as well. We found that if we left the room it was easier for the tech/vet to do their thing with him as he was less concerned about us and what we were doing then.

Thanks to God, dad and I are both doing much better. I still am somewhat leg achy but thank God no longer at all nauseous and plain tired as I was on Sunday

That kind of feeling is no fun. Do you think you guys had a touch of the flu, or Covid maybe? Glad you are feeling better.

Don's appointment went well. Summer's didn't

He is sending her to a spinal specialist. It is pretty bad. Her neck that's the worst so far but has to have another mri to do of the lower back. 2 spots where her spinal cord is being compressed and one spot where a bone growth is growing towards the spinal cord.

She is a basket case tonight, as can be expected.

Well...maybe the specialist is a good thing, maybe they can make some other recommendations for a less invasive procedure OR calm her fears over the recommended procedure? Another set of eyes on the problem is a good thing. Glad Don had a good appt.

It was high so he has to decide if he needs to sell or if he can do a refi or home equity loan

That's a hard spot to be in. Perhaps, if he does have to sell, he can frame it as a "new start for all of us" type of thing for the kids, new bedrooms to decorate and that sorta thing.

Today feels like Thursday.

Tell me about it - it's been a weird week

Ugh, I hate this!

Hope it clears soon!


Foster pup has a new home (once the formalities are completed that is) to a couple just outside of Boston. It seems like a really good fit. Once the home inspection is completed, t's crossed & i's dotted they will come down and pick him up. I'm guessing next weekend, but we will see. It's about a 7 hour drive for them to get here.

I'm off in a little bit to head to Philly & pick my folks up from the airport. They are coming in for a week for a quick visit, youngest's wedding on Friday and to pack up a few things from the in-law suite they want to have us bring down to Florida to them next month.

Spag & meatballs w/ salad & garlic bread for dinner this evening with my folks, with wine from the winery we have just started selling our grapes to. It's a 2019 Cab, so not our grapes in this bottle, but will be nice to get a idea of the wine they produce.

Have a good afternoon everyone.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Safe travel and foster dog prayers, too, Easyas. Thank you always for your loving care. To answer your question, I'm not sure. Dad, I feel so badly for, has now had two bad colds. I just want him to be all well! I have been amazingly blessed to have not been sick since January of 2020. I think with dad he may indeed have a touch of the flu (despite having had the flu vaccine last year) which due to our crazy weather hasn't fully been resolved. Thanks to God, he is a ton better and I'm getting all well, too. I think I just have had a cold. No clue and sure hope not about Covid. We will never know whether Covid was what we both had in January and February 2020. So important for all of us to take care and stay warm and well, also get enough rest.

Cookies are done. We were able to give a small bag of them to the FedEx man who kindly picked up our Walmart return. That was such amazing service I got yesterday. The rest of the cookies, dad will bring to church tomorrow for a few people and then some of the remaining cookies will go to the finanical person he sees afterward. Next week, we decided to bake one more batch on Tuesday afternoon so that we can finally give some new year cookies to Sandro our wonderful Sparkletts delivery man when he comes Wednesday morning. Dad will bring a bunch of the cookies on Wednesday to his tax man. Blessing to try and coordinate baking with being able to share them with others in a few ways.

Off to have some warm soup. I do hope each of yoy has a good and warm rest of the day.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Wow, easyas, so your foster pup is coming up our way? Small world! Maybe we’ll see him around!

Mona, glad you are both feeling better. Have you considered going to the doctor’s? Especially Dad, since he’s been sick twice recently? They may need to rule out pneumonia with him. Maybe he could benefit from an inhaler or antibiotics or something. You don’t want him to wind up in the hospital. Do you have home Covid tests? All the wetness probably hasn’t helped, there can be mold spores in that and such. He should probably be seen. We want him to be well for his birthday! We care.

Snowysmom hope you’re hanging in, same with dazed and Kirby’s son, Summer, and frog, and everyone here.

Well I feel a little better. Used just my Dove soap in the shower. Took 50mg of benadryl and dozed off. Should’ve put a gate up, Grady kept coming to wake me up by pawing me and sticking his nose in my face. He’s used to doing something fun every day. Got up to let them outside literally a minute before DH got home. Was having a nice nap, too. I had used some new soap yesterday but I’m on like my third bar in the package, so I doubt it’s that. Skin is still itchy. Asked DH to pick me up some anti-itch cream and he came home with cortisone cream, which I already had. I wanted the anti-itch salve. I could get off my butt and go get some myself but I’m freezing right now and don’t really feel like going out in the ice and snow.

No idea what to have for dinner, maybe a salad, though I did buy some chicken yesterday and I saw some people making chicken cutlets on IG that looked pretty good. May try that tonight. Do any of you watch the old Italian “Nonna’s” cooking on IG? (There are a few.) It brings back so many memories for us, and they make it look so easy. DH’s grandmother didn’t allow anyone in her kitchen, she wanted to do everything by herself. I like watching the videos of cooking to see how it’s done, somehow that makes it easier for me to do, too, though I do know how to make cutlets. My mother used to make veal cutlets when I was growing up. We’ll see.

Quiet here today.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thanks, dear Pea so much. Oh no, I'm sorry you didn't get more rest. Sweet Grady, of course, anyway. I used to use Dove Unscented Body Wash as a soap in the shower. A few years ago, this product changed to wear even though it didn't say it did, it now contained scented oils and other fragrances which did not work for me at all. I am so thankful to God for His having me discover Oil of Life Sensitive Skin Body Wash at Dollar Tree! I would absolutely recommend it to you and anyone else to try. Plus, the price is right! Thank you also so much also health-wise. I will PM you either later or tomorrow.

Update is a sad one. I do want to pass along as an FYI. We tossed the cookies Dad and I both agreed they didn't taste right. We are loyal (and have been for all my life) to Nestle Tollhouse. We get the milk chocolate chips. This last bag (this has been an issue of late) the chips are NOT completely the chocolate color they should be. Instead, they are white/gray. The taste is very off and just yucky. I spoke with a kind customer service lady from Nestle baking who shared that what I was describing was something called "chocolate bloom." This happens due to temperature and/or storage issues. It causes a separation of the butter from other ingredients within the chocolate of the chips giving them the unappetizing appearance and taste! I am being sent a free product replacement coupon. We had a brand-new package that dad had just bought a week ago at Ralph's. We opened that to just see the chips and sadly those are disgusting looking! Totally grayish. I was able to print out the receipt. Dad will return them to Ralph's either tomorrow or for sure on Friday. We were definitely looking forward to warm tasty cookies and being able to spread cozy cheer through them. God-willing we will with the next package. I will let all of you know what happens.

Dad's birthday surprise sweatshirt came from Walmart and his Amazon book is currently out for delivery. The special plate I ordered him is expected to come by Saturday. I am excited to see that. I absolutely pray we are both all well by his birthday! Thank you all so much for your extra care and prayers.