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

[Judique]

Good Morning. Happy Independence Day. Another rainy dreary day here. It looks like the afternoon may brighten up a bit.

@Pea-n-Me Your DD's decorating ideas sound nice. Doggies have a way of christening new floors. .

@flyingdumbo127 Glad your Dad can stay home today. How nice that you could talk with your friend.

I may go find the Trader Joe's that is in this area, trying to avoid route 9 for most of the ride. I really do not like that road with all the ins and outs for plazas, restaurants, etc. I went to the condo yesterday to see if they were working so I could get in again and look at the basement. No one was working and the condo was locked. At least they do lock it. I may try again tomorrow as it will be rainy again today. I also want to get an idea of where to place furniture. I will have to buy a couch for the living room. I do not like furniture shopping. Now if they could just let me know when the closing will be I can get the condo ins set up.

I would like to ask those who have gone to WDW solo where you eat or make reservations. I am looking at Ale and Compass at the Yacht Club. Is this a good place for solo dining? Are there other good places? I need to go places where Chris and I have not gone which was really very few. We didn't do much dining in the Boardwalk/Beach club area. When I do a pretend ADR I put in one person and get all these weird times. Then I put in for 2 and get more mainstream times. I will put in for 2 and just show up. Also, any other advice for traveling solo in WDW would be appreciated. My friends and family are telling me I can do this but I am anxious. I go in September.

Have a good day.

I like Ale and Compass for breakfast - they have a set menu and a buffet thingy. You can order something such as eggs benedict and the buffet which gives you your juice and coffee plus all the sides such as biscuits and gravy, smoked salmon, fruit and rolls and other breads. I think there are also eggs and bacon and sausage on it as well but can't exactly remember even though we ate there in May. For 2 of us it was a bit over $50, maybe $55? So didn't break the bank.

We usually go early and do a walk in. I've really gotten away from reservations as I'm sort of anti-planning now.

I also walk in at Big River Grill but it's so noisy. They will wrap something to go for me, so I like them for that. I've had Cobb Salad, a salmon plate, cheese soup - I don't recommend it, and a burger - all of which were good, except the soup. Long ago I've walked in at Flying Fish, which I loved the food choices, but stuff changes.

And, having just been at Swan in May, I liked the Java coffee shop there for grab and go, plus it had good coffee and opens earlier than the Disney options at 6am. It's on the ground floor and easy to find. Lots of nooks to sit comfortably throughout the ground floor and enjoy a coffee and snack.

Boardwalk Bakery has disappointed me with it's sandwich options. Beach Club Market Place is okay. Blue Zoo in the Dolphin was pricey but awesome but so long since I've been.

And of course if you are using a park ticket you have all of the Epcot choices, but probably need a reservation. When I'm there I'll go the places in France - usually can get in. Or, I'll take out something from the french bakery in France whatever it's called.

Another easy singles option in Epcots future world is Sunshine Seasons. The food is usually ok and it takes the stress out of the dining alone thing. Sometimes I can deal and sometimes I can't/won't do the table for one thing.

We have our next trip in late October/early November plus another in early December. One might hit the chopping block, but with DVC you almost have to book it or you won't get it.

EDIT for Ale & Compass - I've only had breakfast there. I've had breakfast many times. I have never even looked at any other menus.

 

[lynxstch]

Bottom of page, just bumping up.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Judique, Snowysmom, and all in my dear Quacker Family, may your upcoming WDW trips indeed be full of inside and out. I love the Sunshine Season name of the restaurant.

Evening hug to all and wishes for a good night's rest

 

[PollyannaMom]

Sitting at a park area, people-watching and waiting for fireworks to start

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Have a good time, PollyannaMom! Be safe

 

[Snowysmom]

Good morning. The sun is out today and it is going to be hot.

Off to work. Have a good day.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Foggy morning where I am. The fireworks show was really good. More traffic getting home than we expected, but the viewing spot was perfect, so we'll just park smarter next year.

 

[footballmouse]

Good morning!

Hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July fun.

I've been off work since Friday so I haven't been on here at all. It was so nice being off. Friday Mia was over so we went in the pool, she loves to splash and kick. Saturday and Sunday were crappy days, looked like it was about to rain all day. Met the kids for dinner on Saturday and went to a baby shower on Sunday . Monday was the first day that it didn't look like rain so I finally was able to drain, clean, and refill the pond. OMG was that ever a job, I am so sore! Took me 5 hours working on that. Usually Mitchell does all the hard work and I just run and get stuff for him or hold something. Yesterday it was really nice out so I sat out on my deck and in my pool all afternoon.

Hopefully the fireworks are done in the neighborhood. Carly was scared to death. It was horrible last night because the neighbor next door was setting them off which made it sound like it was in my front yard. Carly was trying to either lay on top of me or she tried getting behind the couch.

Baked a couple of salmon filets over the weekend and I've been putting one on top of my salad, it was so good. Kinda bums me out that I can't really eat salad, the lettuce or spinach leaves tears up my stomach, but I really wanted a salad and I figured since I was home I could deal with it. I have enough left for one more meal so that will be dinner tonight.

Looks like people are starting to show up at work, better starting doing some actual work. Have a great day!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Sun is out and we're going to hit 90. We never did get any rain yesterday afternoon or evening. Same as @footballmouse Someone was setting off fireworks that sounded like they were in our front yard. The dogs all around us were barking, and my cats were all in hiding. They didn't start them until after 10, and woke me out of a sound sleep.
Going to try and get grocery shopping done early this morning before it gets too hot outside.

Then I have to come home and do some light cleaning for company tomorrow afternoon.

Have a great day

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We had a quiet evening of the 4th. It was rainy, and we were all tired. DH had bought steaks to grill, but it was pouring out, so we ordered Chinese. The only place that was open was the place that DH and DD like, and I was disappointed with it. The only thing I enjoyed was the mushi pork, and I have a hot and sour soup for later today. DH took the rest into work for him and his longtime coworker to share. (They always share meals, each brings stuff in every other day.) We heard some fireworks going off in the evening, but they weren’t super close, so the dogs were fine. Grady was more unsettled earlier in the day when thunder was rolling by, as he was out w DH in the sunroom with all the windows open. Work was pretty good until we had an emergency right at the end of the shift, so I left late, but all turned out well for the patient, thankfully.

I never answered the qotd about games before. Not super into board games, though we had all the classic ones over the years here. Played more when I was growing up. Especially cards. We just cleared out a large bookcase that had all our games on it and I have to make a decision on what to do with them all. I feel like I should save them or I’ll be buying them all over again someday if we’re blessed with grandchildren in the future. So we’ll see. But some of my favorites were Clue, Monopoly (of course), Pictionary, a Disney one I can’t think of the name of, Operation (when I was little), some I can’t remember the names of like the one you shoot bugs (?spiders) into a bucket and that involved marbles and sticks, lol.

My mother taught me how to play jacks as that was all she had growing up, so I was one of the few kids who knew how to play that among my friends. I way more loved outside games, and I was always outside growing up, hardly ever at home, even late at night. In my neighborhood my favorite game was Relievio, but we always played kickball, Red Rover, hide and seek, sledding, whiffle ball, etc. Then as I got older and hung out in a park we always played basketball, softball, Red Rover, things like that, and I used to run with my dog on local HS tracks (late at night, which I wouldn’t do today!). I also played team softball.

I hope everyone has a good Tuesday!

 

[lynxstch]

Home from shopping already. Temp is at 86 and climbing fast. AC in Walmart not working right, everyone was sweating up a storm.
My Sister in Law (the one with the new truck) called me this morning and said her engine light is on. She called the dealer and they told her as long as it wasn't flashing it was safe to drive, and gave her an appt for July 18. She got a message on her app a little while later, saying power train failure, take to dealer immediately. That means either the engine or the transmission could have a major problem. She called back and they told her they were overbooked for today and tomorrow. She said then I'm going to sit there until someone looks at it and finds out what the issue is. She's scared to death to drive it. She just had it inspected on Monday, but I think this is just a coinicidence, not anything the inspection station did. The only saving grace is that it's fully under warranty so they have to fix whatever it is.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Home from shopping already. Temp is at 86 and climbing fast. AC in Walmart not working right, everyone was sweating up a storm.
My Sister in Law (the one with the new truck) called me this morning and said her engine light is on. She called the dealer and they told her as long as it wasn't flashing it was safe to drive, and gave her an appt for July 18. She got a message on her app a little while later, saying power train failure, take to dealer immediately. That means either the engine or the transmission could have a major problem. She called back and they told her they were overbooked for today and tomorrow. She said then I'm going to sit there until someone looks at it and finds out what the issue is. She's scared to death to drive it. She just had it inspected on Monday, but I think this is just a coinicidence, not anything the inspection station did. The only saving grace is that it's fully under warranty so they have to fix whatever it is.

I would not be a happy camper with a brand new truck having that happen!

DS’s engine light came on the other day. He took DH’s car to work and dropped his car off at the service place. Turned out when they put it on the computer analysis it was just an oxygen sensor thing, and they were able to fix it, but it still cost $300. I was glad he didn’t drive it like that, just in case.

 

[easyas123]

Good afternoon to you all. Hope everyone had a good July 4th holiday. We did - didn't do a whole lot over the weekend, but we did relax a bit! We went and saw the new Indiana Jones movie on Tuesday morning - it was a fun adventure don't-have-to-over-think-it type of movie, which is just what we were in the mood for! Did get us talking about Jungle Cruise and watching it again, maybe this coming weekend.
It feels like a Monday - I'm out of whack from the long weekend. I'm on the road tomorrow afternoon for some meetings. Over this coming weekend we have some family coming over, not sure what that will look like in terms of timing yet.
Been getting the odd T-storm now and again but so far the weather isn't keeping us from getting anything done. Our wheat and sunflowers are going gangbusters, and our new grass is finally starting to look a little thicker & healthier.

They are going to stop here on Thursday afternoon with my other sister and brother in law who live locally and visit for awhile.

That sounds like fun - enjoy your visitors!

It was a Bobcat

That's cool - I've never seen a bobcat in person, I'd really like to.

Me and a couple of mockingbirds are going to have it out!

Oi! My husband has a ongoing battle with two mockingbirds in our yard and they fight amongst themselves as well flitting from roof to tree and back again having their flying arguments!

And I'm officially old. I finally ordered a little round stool seat for my shower.

No - that doesn't make you old. It makes you smart!

I would like to ask those who have gone to WDW solo where you eat or make reservations. I am looking at Ale and Compass at the Yacht Club. Is this a good place for solo dining? Are there other good places?

While I haven't gone to WDW by myself, I do travel here & there for work and don't mind dining alone at all. I have had breakfast at the Ale & Compass, although it's been a few years. It was good! So far as what would be good places???? well I think any place that you'd like to go back to or try for the first time would be a good place! Don't let dining alone keep you from going in any of the restaurants. The thing about dining alone is...no one cares. No one is looking at you, or even paying attention. Take a long a book, local newspaper or magazine to read. Or people watch. Or sit at the bar is there is a sporting event or news show on that would keep your interest long enough. I'm sure you are going to have a wonderful time on your trip!

I do wish the movie had been more faith centered

I must admit, I'm not a Hallmark movie person, I don't think I'm terribly familiar with the channel - but I didn't realize they showed faith-based type programing.

I like Ale and Compass for breakfast

Ditto! In fact, now that Snowysmom has brought them up, I'm thinking about going there on my next trip.

I also walk in at Big River Grill

We do, too. But we eat outside usually.

Boardwalk Bakery has disappointed me

Agree with that. It's lackluster.

I never answered the qotd about games before

ME either - I'm not big into board games. We do play Mexican Train on occasion.

The only saving grace is that it's fully under warranty so they have to fix whatever it is.

That's good. I wonder - maybe they'll send a tow truck to pick it up and/or bring her a loaner?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi! We are still at WDW. Two pictures, top from Epcot and the other from MK FIREWORKS on July 3.

Our visit with my Sis, and Cousins was wonderful!


Today we are mostly swimming and relaxing. One last Flower Show concert tonight and we want to be there. Tomorrow we visit friends in Punta Gorda, and hope to be back at WDW to see Epcot Forever. We leave here on Friday to visit friends and on Saturday we head to Disney’s HH resort.


I have enjoyed the Seafood pot pie at Ale and Compass once, the second time my portion seemed to have mostly onions, very little seafood.

 

[PollyannaMom]

[RE: games] ...some I can’t remember the names of like the one you shoot bugs (?spiders) into a bucket and that involved marbles and sticks, lol.

Ants in Your Pants?
and
Kerplunk?

 

[footballmouse]

Ants in Your Pants?
and
Kerplunk?

I loved Kerplunk!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Afternoon and Happy Wednesday, too! I tried posting this morning but once again, (this was an issue yesterday, too), I got a security warning. I hope that's not starting again! Fireworks were set off around here last night, too. I felt badly for a neighborhood who didn't sound too happy. Glad they are (I hope) over with. I wish it were cheaper and more available (I have read about this years ago in a book and possibly by now it is) to be able to see the colors without the noise (and fire risk).On the other hand, it is a blessing of reminder to me, how grateful I am to have hearing to begin with. I do try to always look on a positive side.

Told dad this morning that a preschooler, Peter, who I knew when he was 2 turns 20 today! Amazing to imagine him all grown up. His older brother must be at least 23 or even 24. Great family.

Grateful to be long home now from a morning out. Too much. Grateful we did get our money back from JC Penney. Like Kohl's these days, the quality of clothing at the JC Penney's we have been to, sure isn't what it once was. Dollar Tree was also very limited. Grateful to have gotten some needed items including more wipes and Up&Up Brand Plastic Wrap at Target. Next time I go out with the exception of my dentist (cleaning next Thursday morning), will absolutely be only to a couple places very near us.

I have definitely learned from the blessing of being able to go out a bit over the last couple of months that short, nearby outings, work best for me. I know, of course, that's also easier on dad which as all of you, is what truly matters to me. I may actually need to go out briefly tomorrow so that I can help dad at the post office weighing envelopes at their self serve kiosk before postage goes up this weekend. Reminder to mail anything requiring extra postage and purchase both needed postcard and first classs tamps by Saturday!

Easyas, Hallmark good question and always great to see you, my friend Hallmark doesn't often show truly faith based movies. I did thoroughly love The Blessing Bracelet earlier this year. The Gift of Peace which aired on Great American Family Channel was special, too. Some movies do include church scenes which I enjoy. Definitely a variety

Lynn, I sure wouldn't be happy new wise either! that gets resolved and at no cost to your SIL.

PollyannaMom, I had Ants in the Pants!

Bobbiwoz, beautiful picture! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

to all and enjoy safely the rest of the day.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I felt badly for a neighborhood who didn't sound too happy. Glad they are (I hope) over with. I wish it were cheaper and more available (I have read about this years ago in a book and possibly by now it is) to be able to see the colors without the noise (and fire risk).On the other hand, it is a blessing of reminder to me, how grateful I am to have hearing to begin with. I do try to always look on a positive side.

I saw a neat story on the news about some cities trying drone shows instead of fireworks. It's still a lot more expensive, but I think it might catch on as the technology gets cheaper.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Very cool, thanks PollyannaMom!

 

[tazdev3225]

Good evening all.

Hope you all had a good 4th of July. I mostly worked on my pictures. I took over 4,000 this trip and it is a lot to organize, We did go to my son's for a cookout. Sadly the one salad was out because of tuna in it, and then I couldn't get a second burger because he grilled shrimp and that was behind the burgers. If any of it spilled on to a burger I would be in trouble. This allergy has been so hard to handle as I would have loved to have some of the shrimp. We skipped the fireworks as it started raining and I was exhausted. I am not sleeping well because of the knee. I know I need to see a doctor for it but I also know the solution is surgery again and I am dreading it.

I realized that I have $125 in credit for American Airlines so I may have a quick solo Disney trip in my future. Air Supply will be at EPCOT in October and I have always wanted to see them. Jim is telling me to go. Logically it makes no sense to spend $2000 because I would lose $125 but who needs logic when it comes to Disney???

@Snowysmom - When are you heading to DIsney? I travel solo a bit and actually enjoy it.

Well back to the pictures. I will post a bit of a trip report when I am finished. Life does get in the way and the grandsons are playing baseball, so I have been at games of course. Wyatt is in the playoffs and his team had a great comeback last week to win. They were down 8-0 and won 9-8. Anthony's team is not doing as well. I don't like the coach and I can't put my finger on the reason, but he just rubs me the wrong way. I also find the team to be full of prima donnas, arrogant and think they are the best player on the team type of attitudes. They don't work as a team and I don't like the poor sportsmanship I see, or the language. If you strike out look at yourself, as that is on you. Anthony is doing ok and had a triple in the one game. It is a real joy to watch him doing so well. He is switching teams next year to the tournament team his high school coach has. They actually play with more national exposure so the hope is for him to get seen by some colleges. As long as he has fun!

Have a good evening and stay cool. We are in the 90's right now