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

[Judique]

Good morning. It is sunny again today. Getting last minute things done for the trip. Reiki was interesting yesterday. I did relax a bit. She also does a bit of hypnotherapy as a side thing. It is about finding your happy place and being able to go back to it when you need to by doing a small unoticeable movement with 2 fingers. I have to practice that. My happy place is Main St in MK looking at the castle, walking down the street, hearing all the sounds, and just being there.

I hope to check in now and then. Have a good Sunday and a good week.

Hope your trip is the best!

The castle brings out the best in many of us and sets happiness in motion. I love seeing it in the early morning while the streets are still slightly damp from overnight and everything smells fresher.

This morning I'm picking up my grands and keeping them overnight. I'm meeting DD and then taking them for a small breakfast before I do an errand.

We are still busy changing out my DD's floor upstairs. It's going slow but I wouldn't want it to interfere with anything fun! A friend has offered to help and I'll bring them in when all the prep work is done.

Put up the Hunter ceiling fan that has been sitting in my basement for years. Turns out I dislike the color of the light kit globe. For my colors I think I prefer a white globe, and this came with a caramel or toffee colored one - that's Hunter's color names. The fan is identical to others they sell and they sell it with white. However I bought this fan for $24.97 on clearance at Costco, so buying it in white was not an option.

I'm now working to find a replacement globe that will fit that I also like. It's not that easy as sizes are very varied - as in the height and bottom opening have to be specific. An option is to remove the light kit which we did. But I like the idea of a light up there.

Oh, and Hunter sells the replacement piece in white. But, they want $45 plus s&h for it and I want to spend about $25 all in.

I wrote this early this morning and forgot to hit send.

 

[Judique]

Good morning everyone. Bright and sunny, temps into the 90's.

@Kirby Great news about James, continued prayers that he gets stronger and stronger. That is awful about Carol. Her ex is a piece of work. It's so sad that the kids are being put in the middle of it. I am sending prayers for the emergency hearing this week, that her ex doesn't get what he wants. That would be devastating for all involved.

Luke was here for about an hour yesterday and then had to head out. He had a 4+ hour drive back. At least he was going into the Bay Bridge and not coming out, when traffic on a Sunday night is always a nightmare. He texted that he had no problem, zoomed right across, while outgoing traffic was at a standstill. It was good to see him, even if only briefly.

Already watered the garden, picked squash and a few cherry tomatoes, and 1 lone almost fully ripe yellow one. It was caught up against the main stem and I was afraid it would rot right there if I didn't get it out now.

Off to clean the bathrooms and wash the floors.

Have a great day

View attachment 779968

I've lost about a dozen red tomatoes because they either dropped off or got bitten off by deer or the gopher or groundhog or whatever is out there at night. This afternoon I picked 5 and gave them to my neighbor.

The plants look awful but are still producing like crazy. The cherry tomatoes are delicious.

Good Luke was going the right direction on the bridge.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Judique, hope you had a great day. Thank you always for the extra love and care you give to your granddaughters! I am always just happy being at DL

 

[PollyannaMom]

Good morning

Had a successful afternoon yesterday sorting and pricing donations for the flea market. There were quite a lot of donations already, and it was nice to see the other ladies. We'll have another couple of sessions before the event, and I expect quite a bit will come in this weekend.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Kirby good news for james. Carol's ex is awful. Prayers things work out for your DD

Tazdev prayers for your father

Everyone seems very busy. Santas Village was nice. The grandkids had a great time. We rode the roller coaster that is going away. We got alot done. I know Chris was with us in spirit. Today we are going into North Conway to the 5 and 10 and Zebs. Zebs is a general store with all kinds of stuff and goodies. The kids can pick out a toy. Not sure what else is planned as I am staying out of the loop on purpose.

Have a good day.

 

[easyas123]

Wedding was a LOT of work, but turned out real nice and the kids had a good time - so that's the point, right?!?!

We are peopled out though...hosted a rehearsal dinner for about 40 Friday evening. Then the wedding, then folks in & out on Sunday morning. Yawn - we were tired! Just about all cleaned up, rental folks ought to be here today to pick up tent & chairs & tables & bar and whatnot. Looking forward to Labor Day weekend to do nothing & go nowhere! I had online meetings this AM at 8:30, 9:30 and again in a few minutes then I'm on the road this afternoon,. My folks are here till Friday, I've got to go to NC on Monday & Tuesday, next weekend is my BIL's party, then we go Lake Tahoe for a few work meetings. On the flip side, I suppose if I had to pick being busy vs. not being busy I'd rather be busy!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Good morning!
The renting family has been very attentive regarding feeding the fish. All three children have been here.
Connie is resting at home after her back surgery. She’s sleeping a lot, but her DH does make sure she walks a bit.

Todays water Lily is a white one. I see more buds, so I am hopeful that some morning we’ll have a few blooming at once!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Sunny and 90 again today, chance of storms this afternoon. We need the rain again, everything is starting to out.

@easyas123 Glad the wedding went well. It sounds like you are tired and need a break. You'll need a vacation to recover from everything.

@Snowysmom Just relax and enjoy the trip. Go with the flow and let it take you where it takes you. Old memories, new memories, they're all good!

SIL still has the loaner truck from the dealer. She was at Walmart Sunday and got too close to a parking pole and scraped the side of it. She's so used to having both front and back cameras on her's (this one only has back up), that she was closer than she thought she was. She already put a claim in with her insurance, even though I told her to check with the dealer first. The dealer called and told her the 'parts' to fix hers were in. We're both confused, because there should only be one part, the fuel pump. Hopefully it will be fixed today.
I just took the trash out and swept the sidewalks and driveway off. Went through the garden, more squash, more lettuce, a few more cherry tomatoes. I planted 8 cherry tomato plants and so far I've only gotten ripe ones off of one plant. I figure they will all turn red at the same time and I won't be able to keep up with them, or give them away fast enough, lol. Lesson learned, next year a LOT less plants are going in.

Have a great day ,

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning

Dad and I only have 15 minutes or so left to watch of Picture Perfect Christmas. It's a feel-good movie that I recommend for light cozy watching. What's funny is how much hot chocolate everyone drinks! I do hope the actors really are drinking these bigger cups or that they're not real. Dad is right that sometimes it looks like only a sip is taken. My 6ounces of plain cocoa made with milk seems healthier no--a dash anyway

Dad is currently doing followed by Ralphs Usual Tuesday morning chores. I still pray and give thanks that sooner than later I will safely be able to help him with this again. We're hoping he finds a big at Ralph's for Sue that maybe she could make out. We will be going by a small Von's (Pavilions by us, same chain) tomorrow morning on our way to Sue's house to pick up for her. Reminder to order donuts ahead of time from a grocery store! Dad when he called yesterday found out that this location of Von's (not surprisingly) sells out of daily fresh donuts almost immediately every early morning. We're so glad that a kind bakery worker will be putting a dozen aside for us tomorrow morning. We will call later to confirm! We do have $5 off a $5 or more floral department purchase at Von's that we could use for for Sue or even belatedly for Glenda. Blessing extra to have options and discounts, these days, especially, too!

Dad will be celebrating a milestone birthday next February. I prefer not to publicly post his age or name. Some of you already know both I thank all of you so much last year for contributing to his birthday crossword puzzle surprise. He is still working on actual puzzle books he was gifted from this! God absolutely graced this gift by making it possible for me to get contributions from all 50 states! I am starting to think about now, because I would want plenty of time to compile anything, what I could do similarly for him in 2024. I would need any contributions probably by the end of the year to allow plenty of compiling time!

I am thinking of trying to get him as many cards or postcards as will be his age! Most definitely it would be awesome for contributions to once again come from all 50 states. I would compile all received cards into a birthday scrapbook or mini binder for him. What I mean by "mini binder," is something more the size of a Dollar Tree pocket photo album that holds 4X6 vertical photos. Except mini binders I think are 5X7. I have seen at Staples similar such things along with sheet protectors to go inside them.

The issue with post cards is that there is no way to affix a post card so the picture and message on the back could both be seen. This is why I am thinking of the small binder with sheet protectors, this way each picture and index card could go in 1 shared pocket. They both would just have to be vertical and the same 4X6 size.

I could also ask for each person to either send me a postcard or email me a picture of a special place to them in their state and then decorate a 3X5 or 4X6 at biggest index card with their related message on one side only! Do you think that is too complicated?

I have considered a decorative box that could just hold any cards. He would enjoy a whole lot more an album already put together. I would absolutely appreciate any ideas! Thank you all so much

Sounds great, PollyannaMom! Thank you for doing all that. I would have enjoyed helping you! that the sale goes very well indeed.

Snowysmom Zeb's sounds like a ton of fun to browse inside. I hope it was Continuing prayers that this trip provides you safe fun along with added peace in some way. Thinking extra of dear you.

Wow, sounds like quite the event, dear Easyas! Gad for your sake the wedding work is over. Now may you all look back and truly cherish the love and memories plus, of course, God willing a lifetime more to come. and please do get more rest!

Bobbiwoz, continuing for Connie. Please do let me know if you would like me to send you a card for her. You know I will happily do just that. Thank you for your extra love and care to her right now!

Your poor SIL, dear Lynn I certainly pray for brighter days ahead for her that's for sure! Always, as you know happiness to dear you!

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone. I will check back in later.

 

[dazedx3]

Hello everyone,
I‘ve got cream puffs in the oven. I’m taking them to our last grief group until it starts again in October. I’ve suggested meeting up socially in between so I’ll see if there is interest this afternoon. Well, I better get moving, cream puffs were probably not the best idea in 90 degree weather. Hopefully the cream holds up

 

[lynxstch]

@dazedx3 Cream puffs sound delicious!

Sunny and 84. Going into the mid to upper 90's tomorrow so I got the yard work done today.
SIL just called me. She lost her balance in the driveway this morning and fell on her butt. Ambulance took her to er and she just called and said she fractured her hip and they will be doing surgery tomorrow morning. If you can spare a few prayers for her, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I am thinking of trying to get him as many cards or postcards as will be his age!...Do you think that is too complicated?...I would absolutely appreciate any ideas! Thank you all so much

What a neat idea!

I do agree that getting too picky about size and specifications might be counterproductive, though - people might think it was too complicated. What I might do is use a binder like this one:




and punch holes directly in the cards. Then you wouldn't need plastic sleeves, and it wouldn't matter if all the cards were the same size or not, or even if it was a mix of standard and post cards. You could just turn the pages like a book, and see all the sides.

(You could also do that even more inexpensively with just a big binder ring, but I get the impression you like the neatness of a book cover to it all.)

 

[bobbiwoz]

@dazedx3 , I love cream puffs! What a yummy treat to bring!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Cream puffs do sound very tasty, dear Dazed. Thank you for your kindness of baking them to share with others in your groupI absolutely do pray that someone will choose to continue meeting!

dear Lynn and of PEACE to your SIL! I feel terrible for her indeed. I'm so sorry. PM me if she would like a card. Something tiny I could possibly to do bring her an extra smile. I could, of course, send it to you to give her.

so much, PollyannaMom!You and everyone else should know, simple is forever my preference! Dad would enjoy some type of book better than just loose cards in a box. Although that could work, too. I definitely would not want to ask anyone to remember to only write on the right inside of the card (where design is in this example)!

Most of all, I would never want to intentionally place more of a favor upon anyone! I don't like asking for any favors for myself sort of.... I'd rather do something for someone else This is meant for my dad who all of you know is so special to me. Would mean a lot to do this for him. I completely agree that any size cards or postcards or pictures+ a note is the way to go. My only extra requests would be that anything be directly sent to me so a card for dad would need be inside an envelope addressed to me so he wouldn't know it was for him and that a card or post card be glitter free!

When do you (all of you) think I should start this? I would want any contributions by the end of this year at the latest so that I would have all of January to decide on how to put it all together.

O/T to cards, as I have shared, I love Sprouts Brand Original Applesauce in the glass jar not the individual plastic cups. At the moment, this is sadly being re-packaged by Sprouts and not available anywhere. I love this applesauce as has anyone else I have recommended it to that have tried it, because it is completely sugar free, all natural (very healthy) AND truly tastes sweet like a real sweet apple. I have never liked Motts brand and also know I don't care for First Street (Smart and Final) Brand. Any Quacker suggestions? I don't want any flavor, no cinnamon just plain sauce. Thank you

Have a great rest of the afternoon everyone with all my love always.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

officially wish our very own AuntieMe3! I meant to post this earlier. We miss you, AuntieMe3that you are well and have been safely enjoying a truly happy day. Hope to see a post here from you again very soon.

Sweet Dreams everyone with love, always.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good morning!

Happy Birthday @AuntieMe3! Hope you, family and doggie are well!

Glad you’re having a good time in NH, @Snowysmom! I know it’s bittersweet. Good thoughts for you, too @dazedx3.

So glad to hear the good news about James, @Kirby. And agree w others about EH!

@easyas123 Congratulations on pulling off that wedding, it must’ve been really nice!

@bobbiwoz Hope your friend is on road to recovery.

@flyingdumbo127 I like the album ideas. I can send something for Dad! @PollyannaMom I love that ruler!

@tazdev3225 for your parents. Hope your knee is ok.

@lynxstch I can’t believe your SIL broke her hip! Is this the same one who had the SUV problems? Yikes!

Good thoughts for all!

Sorry I had to run the other day, but we wound up having an impromptu nice afternoon in the pool, with the dogs. It was so relaxing! Then we grilled. Perfect summer day. Will include some pics. Grady so trusting! And Toto just loves it.

Last night we went to DS’s game. He was pitching, and doing well (I think he’d already had three K’s and they were winning 3-0) when all of a sudden there were two massive lightening bolts just behind the field out of nowhere. Batter said, “I’m outta here!” and they all ran off the field as it opened up and poured! Game wound up being cancelled, as the field was under water in just a few minutes. We’d gathered the dogs and all our stuff back in the car, too. Felt bad as DS had made a work switch in order to play and it’s an hour drive there. Oh, well. Playoffs are coming up soon. We listened to a Disney podcast in the car on the way there, which was fun. We also booked Disney the other night for later in the year when we’re going down for a wedding, so we have that to look forward to.

This afternoon I am having my SIL over to hang in the pool and then grill. It’s her bday, but I’d actually forgotten that when I invited her. Another BIL will join us for dinner (DH’s sibs; SIL also recently widowed). We have steak tips and chicken marinating, I made Mom’s potato salad late last night when I got home (had cooked the potatoes earlier and let them cool), I’ll make a green salad today, and SIL is bringing fresh corn from the farmer’s market. I bought some bakery cupcakes, too, which I am looking forward to! (Man, they’ve gotten smaller and the price has gone way up!) Today I have to dust (ugh), vacuum again, and give the bathrooms the once over, etc. I did most of the straightening up yesterday. I also have to run out to a thrift store - I’d seen the cutest little thing the other day but I forgot to grab it on my way out, I hope it’s still there. It’s a little ring holder or something but it’s a dog laying on its back holding the holder which is like a big bone. Will have to post a picture later, lol. Idk what I’m going to do with it, but I liked it! I’d picked up a never-used cooler and a footstool for DD’s apt which is a pretty blue in her color scheme, and she loved it. She has one week left of class (really struggled w an assignment all day yest, had to record herself presenting the research project she’d done and technically it was really hard to do), then she has one more 8 week class and she’s done! We will then start working on the apt. Right now it’s loaded w stuff.

I hope everyone has a good Wednesday!

These are from Sunday. Toto has had that same “float” for years! It’s actually a snow tube, lol. He is a riot the way he “works it”. He can spin on it. He can walk along the edge of the pool, then jump into his float in the pool. And he wants everyone to play with him on it. In the second photo (which is a still from a video), DH and DS had been pushing him back and forth when one end of his float dipped and he had to jump in the water. He went under but he was fine, came right up, is a strong swimmer, but DS grabbed him, put him back in his float, he shook off, then was barking and wanting to play again! Grady is still a little hesitant about the water, but DS held him and walked around with him and sat on the stairs with him and he enjoyed it!











Toto was tired later on!

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Wednesday!

Boy is it going to be hot the next few days, hitting the 100's . I told my boys to make sure they have water with them since they work outside or in non-AC places. I also told them the signs of heat exhaustion.

Pea-n-Me - love the pool pictures with the dogs. They seem to be enjoying themselves!

I woke up Sunday morning just exhausted, tired all day at work. Well it caught up to me Monday night. I feel asleep on the couch watching the news and then woke up at 8:00, got up and went to bed and slept until 6:00 am ! So much for getting anything done that night. Last night I made sure the backyard was cleaned up and I got my ironing done.

A pipe is blocked in my basement so I can't run the washer. Of course, this happens right before I leave for vacation. Jacob is coming over tonight or tomorrow night to try to fix it . Old houses and pipes suck!!!!

Tonight I'll head to Evan's game with a stop at Meijer on the way there. I need to get dog and cat food. I usually have everything delivered from Chewy but they don't carry the cat food I use and I found another brand of dog food in a bigger bag and cheaper so I've been getting it from Meijer. I like the convenience of Chewy and I still use it for cat litter, treats and Carly's vitamins.

Started packing some things last night. I don't think my new Disney backpack is going to fit everything, I might have to go back to my old one. I'll see how it is Friday and then decide.

Off to grab something for breakfast, have a great day!

 

[Snowysmom]

Easyas Glad the wedding was fun,

Pea-n-me Love the doggie pictures

Flyingdumbo127Your birthday idea sounds nice. I like the binder idea.

We went to Glen ellis falls yesterday. Lots of steps to get to the bottom of the falls. The falls were beautiful. The we had lunch at Dairy Queen. We went to Zebs and the 5 and 10. So crowded. The actually limited the number of people going into Zebs and it was still crazy. I haven't been this time of year before so did not realuze how busy it is. Jeff and family are leaving today. Kenny heading to swim. I may drop them off and head to the outlets.

I am not sleeping well here. I would like to head back today but Kenny has plans. I am ready to go back. 3 days was enough for me.

Have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning everyone. Sunny and hot for the next few days, 95+ hot. Back to watering again as the predicted storms last night never appeared.

@auntie Me, I hope you had a wonderful birthday

@Snowysmom Sorry you've had enough already, but try and hang in there until it's time to leave.

@Pea-n-Me Great pictures, I love seeing the dogs in the pool. lol at Toto and his float, too cute. Yes, that's the same SIL with the SUV problems. She's got a loaner still while they are waiting for the master mechanic to have time to put the fuel pump in. She somehow scraped the loaner on a parking pole at Walmart and has to file a claim with her car insurance to cover the damage. They keep getting everything mixed up. They just don't get that the loaner is the same kind of vehicle, same year, same color, only thing different is the model and the VIN. They've sent her 4 different claims so far, telling her to use those, and none of them are right, lol. Only she is allowed to drive the loaner according to the dealer, so my niece can't even use it while she's in the hospital. I told her that if she still can't drive when she gets out of the hospital, to call the dealer and have them drive yours back to your house and pick up their loaner from there. Her surgery is at 12:45 today. Seems when she fell her leg shoved up into her hip and broke what the Dr calls the head, I assume he means the ball. They are replacing it, but it's just a joint replacement, not a total hip replacement.

I've already watered the garden, picked 2 more ripe yellow tomatoes, and some cherries, and that will be my outdoors for the day with the heat.

I'm finally getting a haircut tomorrow, I looked it up in my phone and I haven't had one since November. No wonder it seems so long. I'm getting headaches from having to tie it back all the time, and up at night. I can't wait. I'm going to do grocery shopping and errands at the same time, all in the morning before it gets too hot outside.

Have a great day, stay cool!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Dad and I had a crazy but so very blessed morning! We first went to Von’s where he had confirmed yesterday afternoon our donut order and was told a big note was left and all would be taken care of. When we got to the store this morning, the baker (I felt badly for him) had no idea and felt terrible. He kindly took the time to quickly get us an assorted fresh dozen donuts which thankfully they still had in the back. Dad and I went to a Trader Joe’s for a few minutes across the street where he was able to treat himself to a couple of things which, of course, made me happy.

Dad, I shared with a memory of that particular Trader Joe’s from a good 5 years ago. I had gone there one early morning doing some shopping for church summer camps. I knew some stores at that time offered local community donations and so I asked a Trader Joe’s manager. She beyond generously immediately shared that yes, the store gives out two $40 donations each month and that right then and there she would happily give one of the current months to me for church campers! So, kind! When we got back to Von’s donuts were hot in their box. By this time, it was very close to my 9am dentist appointment so we quickly went by Sue’s just to give the donuts to her caregiver so that they wouldn’t melt!

Grace of God, all went great for me at the dentist. I’m truly so blessed by the dentist I now have, and his receptionist is just so sweet. Dad meanwhile was able to run into a nearby Dollar Tree where he found a perfect balloon for Sue that she really liked. White balloon with Happy Birthday in pink and multicolored hearts and stars. Dad got a cute yellow teddy bear weight for it, too.

It meant the world to me to get to see Sue on her actual 100th birthday, wow! She absolutely is a beautiful lady inside and out who absolutely does not look 100! Dad and I got to visit outside (she did invite us in, but we didn’t feel comfortable yet doing so) with her for a good ten minutes. Sue did have other company. Her caregiver M kindly took a few pictures of the three of us together which are so special. Dad and I will get ourselves a copy at CVS and also one or two for Sue so she can share one with family.

After visiting Sue, we went quickly by church where I got to see Glenda for just a minute (she was in a meeting) and also another friend who I hadn’t seen since the pandemic started. That was so nice.

Dad and I made the mistake of going to Big Lots. Nothing. Horrible place. That’s how we learn. Ralph’s right here in our own neighborhood saved the day by having our Campbell’s Chicken Broth on sale and a wonderfully sweet fresh Fuji apple that we shared for lunch. Applesauce is much easier for me to regularly eat. This thinly sliced real apple was perfect! Now, I definitely know light pink/yellow Fuji’s are my preferred apple. We did get a Ralph’s Brand of Organic Applesauce that’s chilling in the fridge to try later or tomorrow. We will be checking in, of course, with Sprouts! Dad does go their every week or so anyway, too.

Thank you so much dear, Pea. I will post a reminder at the start of November and ask that any cards be hidden inside an outer envelope addressed to me. Dad’s crossword surprise states and contributors is something I do have saved on my flash drive which makes it much easier this time around to at least have a starting place. I am creating, of course, a new list for this. I LOVE all your pictures! Precious pups! Thank you for sharing. I’m so happy you do have a Disney trip to look forward to. Prayers you are having more pool fun today. PollyannaMom especially and also, Pea, I also like the ruler!

Footballmouse, you need more rest my friend! Prayers you did get some good extra zzz’s! Safe and Fun Disney prayers for you indeed!

Hugs, Snowysmom. Please take care of YOU! Three days would be more than my max, too! I hear you on wanting to be home. I do pray you have had fun and some happy memories of this trip, too. I would enjoy browsing in both Zeb’s and a 5 and ten for sure! How cool. Thank you also! I like the binder idea, too. Starting early in general and so I can set a mid-December deadline, will hopefully allow me plenty of time to compile all contributions and in different formats, if need be, too.

Please do enjoy your haircut, dear Lynn and tell your SIL she is in my prayers, too, please. Thank you!

Have a great and cool rest of the day, dear friends.