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

[footballmouse]

Happy Monday!

We're getting a few days of warm weather here in Cinti, all before the cold, rain, and possibly snow hits on Wednesday.

I finally had an entire weekend off!!!! Friday night I started getting my Xmas decorations out. Saturday I was supposed to go to the shooting range with the boys but I cancelled. I had a feeling they were planning on getting me a gun for Xmas and then I got to thinking that I don't have any time to go to the classes that I'll need to take. Sure enough, I texted Evan and that was their plan. I told them that I didn't want it since I can't go to the classes and I'm was backing out of the shooting range for the morning. I ended up getting ready and I hit the stores. Stopped at TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, and finished up at Dollar Tree. I got the dogs some new toys, got Mia some Xmas pj's and slippers for her St. Nick stocking, and some clothes that I'm just going to give her. I'm going to tell Evan and Bailey that I want her to wear one of the outfits when I take her to see Santa. I got some new decorations at Hobby Lobby for my kitchen. I never really decorate my kitchen so this year I decided to hang small wreaths on my cabinet doors. Later that night I met Jacob, Mitchell, and the girls at a Mexican restuarant for dinner. After dinner we walked around 5 Below that just opened next to the restaurant. Yesterday I ran to the grocery store for a few things, did quite a bit around the house, and watched the football games. Jacob was going to stop over to get his Xmas tree from the basement and while he was there he was going to bring mine up. Well, he didn't come over so I still don't have my tree up. Tried to put up the lights outside but something must be going on with the outside outlet b/c the lights weren't working.

Got my lunch and breakfast all made for the week. I'm really busy this week in the evenings so I had to figure out what I was going to do for dinner this week.

Tonight I have a hair appointment and then I'm working for someone at the hospital from 7-11 pm. It's going to be hard to get up tomorrow morning but I'll take the extra money.

That was my weekend. Have a great day!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Going to be close to 70 today. By Thursday we'll be in the 40's through the weekend.

I didn't do much of anything yesterday. Moved some things in the new shed so I can put the newer deck chairs and cushions in there, swept it out and put the covers on the mowers. Not really necessary, but since I have them I may as well use them. I vacuumed and then cleaned both bathrooms and called an end to chores. Did some online Christmas shopping and watched some tv.

@footballmouse Glad you finally got a well deserved entire weekend off. Sounds like you made the best of it.

Have a good day everyone

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Also glad you got to enjoy time off Footballmouse.

Lynn, I'm glad to also hear you had an easier day yesterday too.

Have a good evening, friends

 

[Snowysmom]

Good morning. It is 40 now with temps heading into the 50s. I walked at the lake yesterday. They mowed down the corn fields that grow every year with the wild type of corn that the animals love to eat. They also cut back the vegetation on each side of the paths. The paths are so much easier to walk now so instead of staying on the main wide path I was able to walk the paths through the woods and have plenty of room on each side. I want to go back again today as it was very nice and very soothing. My weekly meeting with my boss was interesting. They are adding more to my duties. I had hoped to ask to cut back my hours this summer but instead they are adding to my list. Not sure they will agree to it but I will still ask as all they can do is say no. As long as they understand that it may send me to full retirement sooner if they do not agree.

Have a good day.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Bigdear Snowysmom and please take care of yourself. I truly pray your boss appreciates you, I know I do, my friend

 

[bobbiwoz]

Good morning! @Snowysmom , here it’s 49° heading into the mid 50’s! Not sure if the fish will be thinking of food. If they come up midday, I will give them a little.

I’m feeling the same, really good actually,, but I know there’s some tough times ahead. I have an appointment with surgeon oncologist December 5.

We will get Dr note and use the travel insurance we have to cancel our DCL Merrytime cruise next month. We have decided to go to WDW for the 5 night stay we have booked. We are also keeping our Red Cross commitment to host Coast Guard recruits for Thanksgiving.

On Sunday we visited our friend who has been in out of hospitals over a year and a half period, but he was well enough to go out to eat with us. There were 7 in our happy group. It felt so good to be there with him.

Meanwhile his wife, my friend since our oldest sons were in nursery school, gave me something that seemed strange at first. It was their son’s spelling book from first grade. She put a note on the cover, see page 95. This was there:


Well, I had to share the picture with our son! He’s the Matt W. that her son really liked….45 years ago. Friends, they are what’s really important!

Wishing you all a good day!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Going to be mid 60's again. Summer texted me last night that we're expecting a huge snowstorm this weekend, but when I look at the weather channel it shows some rain on Wed night, temps mid 40's with rain Friday night and maybe Saturday. I can't imagine that a storm is going to hit where she lives in WV and not get to me at the same time.

@Snowysmom Since you're thinking of retiring anyhow, the ball is kind of in your court as to how much more work you let them add to your job.

@bobbiwoz Glad you have friends like that!

I need to take a lot of trash down to the street, I cleaned some more yesterday and threw out another big bunch of stuff. If I haven't used it in the last year, it's going

Have a good day

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Wise words to Snowysmom dear Lynn!

Love the spelling book note dear Bobbi. Èxtra prayers to you.

 

[Snowysmom]

Lynn You are right about work. However, I am not planning to retire until probably early 2026. I do have to go along with things for now. I will not let them give me too much. I feel that what they are adding now is it. No more. And I will ask to decrease hours next summer and give my reasons for it. I have kind of a niche type of job in the company and I do it fairly well. Others have told me they would not want my job but I have it down to a science. If they want that to continue without having to train someone else then they can compromise with me. If not my plans to retire may accelerate. Right now I need to keep busy.

Bobbiwoz Glad you are feeling good. Sorry you have to cancel the cruise but a trip to Disney is a good thing. Wishing the best for you. I love the spelling book.

Good morning. It is 37 now with temps going into the low 50s. Tomorrow we are getting rain. And I have to drive into the office but it looks like it will hold off at least for my drive in. We do need the rain. I did get to the lake yesterday and took the long walk around the trails. I really enjoy that. Today is Market Basket for a few odds and ends. Hopefully I get out of the store for under $75.

Have a good day.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Brrr, please stay warm dear Snowysmom. It's been cooler here but not that cold. May your grocery shopping go smoothly and at a savings. Dad and I find digital coupons really can make a big difference. I have already added some for this new week at Ralphs. Out here Ralphs sales weeks are Wednesday through Tuesday.

Speaking of discounts, I noticed Walmart+ is offering a discounted membership through December 2nd. I hope this helps one or more of dear you save.

Happy Wednesday, friends always with love.

 

[lynxstch]

Good Wednesday morning. It's sunny now, going to be 65, but calling for rain later on. Still no sign of the snowstorm that supposedly was coming this weekend.

I brought in my garden flags and doormats yesterday, unhooked the backyard water hose, drained it and put it away along with the hose hangar, and turned the water off. I won't need it again this year.
I haven't heard from Summer since Monday, despite the fact that she was supposed to be going grocery shopping with me today. She hasn't answered any of my texts and when I call, I get voice mail. I guess she's upset because I said no when she asked me if I would loan her the layaway fee for the chair she wanted. It's not a little fee, it's the 10% you have to put down, which would be almost $200. If it were for an emergency, I would consider it, but that's not an emergency. If she's not here by 10, I'm leaving to go shopping anyhow.

@Snowysmom I usually go in for 'odds and ends', and it always costs me more than $75 lol The prices are insane these days

Have a good day everyone --

 

[Judique]

Lynn You are right about work. However, I am not planning to retire until probably early 2026. I do have to go along with things for now. I will not let them give me too much. I feel that what they are adding now is it. No more. And I will ask to decrease hours next summer and give my reasons for it. I have kind of a niche type of job in the company and I do it fairly well. Others have told me they would not want my job but I have it down to a science. If they want that to continue without having to train someone else then they can compromise with me. If not my plans to retire may accelerate. Right now I need to keep busy.

Bobbiwoz Glad you are feeling good. Sorry you have to cancel the cruise but a trip to Disney is a good thing. Wishing the best for you. I love the spelling book.

Good morning. It is 37 now with temps going into the low 50s. Tomorrow we are getting rain. And I have to drive into the office but it looks like it will hold off at least for my drive in. We do need the rain. I did get to the lake yesterday and took the long walk around the trails. I really enjoy that. Today is Market Basket for a few odds and ends. Hopefully I get out of the store for under $75.

Have a good day.

I have a 2 part perception on continuing to work.

I have a friend my age who retired a bit earlier than I from our situation. She had all the same credits as myself but had to take retirement due to an illness that was preventing her from performance at the time. Within a few months she was healthy again.
But, that meant she took her pension plus SS prior to age 65, if I remember correctly it was maybe a year and a half earlier than myself. I retired at 65 with my pension but did not take SS until age 70. I also had another smaller pension through my exhusband, so in effect I was doing okay with no outstanding debt.

Friend, on the other hand had smaller amounts coming in, but there was some assistance as she had a longtime room renter living with her and sharing bills such as food and whatever. (I don't know all the details.) She also had a larger home than me.

Both of us turned 71 within a month of each other in 2024. A few months ago my friend returned to work. It had become difficult to afford the lifestyle she had prior to retirement. There were home reno expenses, and other things necessary, nothing frivolous in my opinion. Costs have just gotten higher. Her income was not keeping up. She's lucky that she could return at her age and has enough health to do this.

I could do the same job she took. I first of all, don't want to, and second, don't need to.

The difference is by not taking SS until 70 I learned to live a certain way, plus my benefit increased by 8% per year. (Now I have to live about 10 more years to make it pay off.) But, the end result is that I'm secure and 'free' from the obligation of a day to day commute plus another 8 hours working.

I say this from the perspective of a 'single' person. Of course I have my DD living with me and she provides support - I rarely cook anything and there is almost always another person in the house. She pays for certain things such as cable and internet and Hello Fresh. She's generous with anything we might share. I always have to live with the possibility she might move out and that is her choice. But, overall, her financial impact if she left wouldn't affect my life much. The biggest thing would be the loneliness of being alone. (I'd probably try to find another person to take her place.)

Anyway, my point is that working longer may be beneficial to some seniors for various reasons. One, future financial security and two, a connection to the outside world. I have to work at that. Some of it is through these boards as in posting with people who have common interests. As far as 'connection' is concerned, I love my freedom and don't regret my choices, but there is still a sort of void that work life provided. It still is there, but mostly in the background as people pass on, move away or in my friend's case, go back to work. She took several Disney trips with me and now our schedules don't mesh. I miss that. She's not available for a quick lunch. So in another aspect, I have to work at making contacts to prevent peer isolation. I'm not the 'senior center' type.

I know I'm starting to ramble, but what I'm saying is leaving a job can have various impacts. And staying can be very stressful. It's a big decision.

 

[Snowysmom]

Judique Wise words. I am actually thinking almost the same way which is why I am still working at almost 69. I do like the social interaction with coworkers by email, zoom, and my every other week trips to the office. In fact when I am in the office I probably talk with everyone more than I work. What I am finding is that I have to schedule trips around my work schedule which means no time off the first week for sure. I don't like to take time off the last week of the month as I am usually busy getting ready for our first week of the month. So I have 2 weeks when I feel free to take off some time to travel. Family and friend trips need to be carefully scheduled. I am getting tired of that and I am getting tired of playing catch up when I get back. But, I have to find other things to do instead of work. My idea was to cut back on hours sometime next year if they will agree to it. Then I can figure out things from there. I doubt the big boss will agree but it does not hurt to ask. I feel bad for your friend going back to work after retiring but it seems like many people are doing just that. She is lucky to have found a job and is healthy enough to work each day. I do have my DH's SS and small pension. I did an analysis with my financial company and I can do it. But the social interaction is a big part of the picture. I also do like having my own money coming in to add to the pot. Decisions, decisions for sure. But I will try to cut back first and then go from there. We never know what tomorrow will bring so keeping options open is a good thing.

Thanks for the thoughtful insight.

 

[easyas123]

I finally had an entire weekend off!!!!

Nice! Sounds like it was a nice weekend, too. Glad you enjoyed it!

I’m feeling the same, really good actually,, but I know there’s some tough times ahead. I have an appointment with surgeon oncologist December 5.

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

till no sign of the snowstorm that supposedly was coming this weekend.

I was wondering - where do you get your weather out of? We get ours (news channel that is) out of Baltimore. They've been talking about 6-12" coming up "your way" for the last 24 hours or so, in fact they said we'd probably see some sorta wintery weather -probably nothing more exciting than a flurry or three - over our way. Anyway, I think they issued a 'winter weather warning' or something along those lines for Garrett & Allegheny maybe Cumberland, can't recall counties. The in-laws in Swanton, Keyser and over near Elkins are expecting some snow - we'll see if they get it or not! Sounds like it may skirt your area? The weather has been odd this fall. Warmer & dryer than usual. Well I've said it before, I'll say it again - I hope we here on the upper shore get a decent snow or two this winter. As it is we are expecting a fair bit of rain overnight which we are really in need of.

Hi everyone. Been keeping up with the thread best I can, but not much new to report. Been busy, looking forward to Thanksgiving. Tossing around the idea of taking a last second trip somewhere at the end of January. Finally done mowing, deer are making themselves at home in the field behind the house so much we've taken to wondering about them if we don't see them all each evening. But it is hunting season, so there's that.

Speaking of Thanksgiving...looking forward to it. Turkey comes out of the deep freeze tomorrow, goes in brine Tuesday. We are at 13 guests as of now, so not a packed house but a nice, busy house which suits me just fine! I love the hustle and bustle of a full house on Thanksgiving. Big house clean and grocery shop this weekend. Dogs getting detailed on Monday, I'll pick up my bakery order on Wednesday along with the fresh veggies. Did my big liquor store shop already and picked up plenty of wine.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, here's a QOTD - what desserts are you planning on having for Thanksgiving? I ordered a lemon custard pie from the bakery and I'll make a pumpkin pie & a apple crisp. My MIL is bringing a pumpkin roll. Oh - and we will have something chocolate...one of my boys is a chocolate fiend! Not sure which direction to go, but I'll think of something.

Have a good evening everyone.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Extra hug dear Judique and prayers always to you and your friend, too.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Speaking of Thanksgiving, here's a QOTD - what desserts are you planning on having for Thanksgiving? I ordered a lemon custard pie from the bakery and I'll make a pumpkin pie & a apple crisp. My MIL is bringing a pumpkin roll. Oh - and we will have something chocolate...one of my boys is a chocolate fiend! Not sure which direction to go, but I'll think of something.

My SIL is making carrot cake because Thanksgiving falls on my niece's birthday this year. DH's aunt is making something lower carb, and I might do some easy cookies.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Cookies sound tasty dear PollyannaMomI also want to thank you along with our fellow dear Quacker friends Snowysmom and Bobbi (please forgive me if I unintentionally left anyone else out) for suggesting All Free and Clear. Dad and I are happy with it. We both agreed that our old laundry soap that also said perfume free did in fact have a chemical odor. I had noticed a smell on some of my long sleeved Ts and the soap was the culprit. All thankfully doesn't have that issue

Thursday early hugs always with love to all.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Good morning! We had rain over night…about 1/2”! That’s great. We went to a noon lecture at MAC about the “Bubble over Cape May” that's meteorologist talk! It’s why we miss so many major storms.

Our Thanksgiving desserts will be kruchiki ( store bought) for the Polish Brunch we have, and homemade Apple pie and Ice Cream sandwiches bought and delivered from Graeters. Graeters is a Cincinnati Ice Cream company we really enjoyed when we lived in Dayton Ohio, and we like to include some on holidays! My sister may bring more desserts.

We will be hosting 2-4 Coast Guard recruits, from 9:25 AM until 8 PM when they have to return to base.

 

[lynxstch]

I was wondering - where do you get your weather out of? We get ours (news channel that is) out of Baltimore. They've been talking about 6-12" coming up "your way" for the last 24 hours or so, in fact they said we'd probably see some sorta wintery weather -probably nothing more exciting than a flurry or three - over our way. Anyway, I think they issued a 'winter weather warning' or something along those lines for Garrett & Allegheny maybe Cumberland, can't recall counties. The in-laws in Swanton, Keyser and over near Elkins are expecting some snow - we'll see if they get it or not! Sounds like it may skirt your area? The weather has been odd this fall. Warmer & dryer than usual. Well I've said it before, I'll say it again - I hope we here on the upper shore get a decent snow or two this winter. As it is we are expecting a fair bit of rain overnight which we are really in need of.

Hi Easy,
I get my weather from weather.com, the weather channel and local radio forecasts. As of right now, they say we'll be 43 and get some rain on and off tomorrow, but that it will be windy. To the west of us, Garrett County, and in parts of WV where Summer and my sister in law and niece live, they have a warning for 6-12" of snow. I don't see how it's going to miss me, but there's no warnings or watch for Allegany County as of now.
It had better not snow. I've been waiting for Wicked forever and I'm going at 11:45 tomorrow morning. I don't want to be driving in snow, so it had darn well better skirt this area completely. We're sort of in the gulley between west and east and a lot of times, we don't get anything when they get it on both sides of us.
We had horrible winds last night when the cold front moved in, scary winds. I had to go and rescue the deck furniture from the side yard and move everything off the deck very quickly.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning everyone. Cloudy and chilly compared to the 70 degrees we hit yesterday. That was before the cold front moved in early last night. The winds were awful for a few hours, stuff was blowing everywhere, windows were rattling. I'm surprised I didn't lose power. The next few days our temps will be 40's and 50's. Still saying just rain here tomorrow, and I'm crossing my fingers they're right so I can go see Wicked. I have my Wicked shirt and I've painted my nails pink and green, lol

I did shopping yesterday and the stores were like a zoo, even at 10 am. Took forever trying to get around people to get what I needed. I'm not sure if they were shopping for Thanksgiving, or because someone said the S word and people start to freak out.

Not sure what I'm going to get into today, but I'm sure I'll find something to do.

Have a good day.

Answer to Easy's QOTD Thanksgiving dessert. Since it's just me, I may or may not make my easy Blueberry Cream Cheese pie if I feel like it.