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

[easyas123]

I was thinking Xmas tree stand when you said it, and wondered why your stand needed a seat

Yeah- I can now confirm it was a seat for a tree in the woods tree stand!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My SIL sent me a pic of how the crockpot turkey meal we brought over today came out.
Looks better than ours! (With string beans! )

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Sweet dreams friends

My Dad is expecting a call back from our Empire representative Josh by Tuesday the very latest. We were very grateful to learn today that for an extra fee of course, but still, Empire will help my Dad clear off furniture probably the day before installation. We will get that confirmed. That would be a tremendous blessing. Empire does move and put back furniture itself. Once we have a set date my Dad can call a couple of recommended housecleaners to come after Empire is completely done.

As soon as we know for sure when our major floor work will be done (we are counting on having it and the apartment cleaned within two weeks) my coming home will be so much easier. Plus, we would have time to figure out bathroom options and obviously inform the facility and find out what assistance they will offer. I would also call my insurance once we have a flooring date.

Meantime, I am so hoping my roommate situation might be taken care of by the middle of this coming week. That would make staying here enormously healthier.

There is always hope that a personal situation will resolve to allow me and my Dad true peace and the possibility of my getting more therapy coverage. We would know this by mid next week too. I just want to clarify that for both of us this would still be the absolute ideal. No question.

Regardless, what matters is that we are moving posititively forward.

Hugs to all.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

They have counter top reverse osmosis systems that I may look into. That way I don't have to worry about cutting into the water supply under the sink. I really worry about leaks.

The counter top RO systems look interesting!

We have a leak stop valve (https://www.amazon.com/Express-Water-Shutoff-Connect-Connection/dp/B01KKOK8ZW?ref_=ast_sto_dp) for our RO system. If the valve detects water leaking, it will shut off incoming water supply. So far, so good -- no leaks and no standing water under the sink!

 

[Snowysmom]

Mona I hope things work out for the best. If your insurance has home care that would help out alot.

theluckyrabbit Thank you for the info on the undersink RO systems. It is a work in progress and I am slow making decisions. LOL!

Pea That food looks delicious. Definitely something to make for dinner.

Judique Hope you are having a nice trip.

Good morning. It is 41 now with temps heading to around 54. It was chilly yesterday afternoon at the soccer field. I felt bad for Ethan's team as they only had 5 kids show up, the minimum needed and they all had to play the entire game. They were tired. We went out for dinner afterwards at a Hot Pot restaurant. You cook your own food in soup broth. Not a fan. Today I am heading to Jeff's for a visit. I have been to the gym this morning, ran the dishwasher, and will do a few other things. Kate invited me to join her and her mother for bridal gown shopping. It is the day after I get back from Sedona which is OK if I get back on time. It was nice of her to ask me. I am still on the fence about going anyway with all the flight issues and they will only get worse as time goes on. It doesn't look like there will be a resolution anytime soon. I cannot afford to be stuck in Phoenix after the trip as I need to be back to work on Monday. No one does my work except for a few daily essentials. If I cancel I will still take a few days off and maybe head to NH for a couple of days. The tour company has a couple of other programs I am interested in so I can use the credit for one of those. I believe my friend and her friend will still go. They are retired so have some wiggle room in their schedule that I don't have.

Have a good Sunday.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. We hit the freezing mark overnight. A pretty hard frost is on the grass. I also realized last night that we change the clocks next weekend, (way too early), and that it will be dark out by 5:30

I did way too much yesterday and am feeling it today. I did laundry, including both beds, cleaned the bathrooms, and passed the vacuum. Then I water sealed the front steps. When the sun finally got around to the back, I moved everything off of the deck, power washed it, and when it was dry, put a coat of waterproof on that. My back was protesting, but I wanted it done. I was so tired I didn't have the energy to cook myself dinner. Papa John's owed me a free pizza, so I called and asked if I could make it a small one and have 6 wings with it. They make the best garlic parmesan wings. He said that was fine, so half of each of those and a small salad was my dinner.

Today the only things I'm doing are putting all of my summer pjs, and all my shorts except for 2 pairs, into a tote and putting it downstairs. I already had to bring up some leggings and sweatshirts. Then I want to get out the front porch Christmas lights and make sure they all work. I'll wait for a warm November day to put them up (a 15 minute job) and then not turn them on until Dec 1. Trying to have things done ahead of time for the holiday. I already ordered and got Hallmark cards, and stopped at the post office and got Christmas stamps. I bought a few gifts throughout the year, so most of the shopping is done. The grandkids only want cash so that's easy to take care of.

Have a good Sunday

 

[flyingdumbo127]

May I join you for a cozy day dear Lynn that sounds wonderful! Enjoy

Please take care of yourself dear Snowysmom. Do what will bring you peace and extra joy!

Happy Sunday to all.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The pet shelter called and asked if we wanted to visit Bonnie today, of course we did. Looking forward to her coming home for good on Tuesday !

 

[PollyannaMom]

Went to my first Trunk or Treat today. I wouldn't want to see them replace Trick or Treat on Halloween, but it was fun, and the kids seemed to enjoy our car:





It's hard to see in the pics because it was still light out, but the game, lanterns, and "floating" candles all lit up:


(They threw ping pong ball "eyeballs" into the cups.)

 

[Snowysmom]

Good morning. It is a chilly 33 degrees here now with temps heading to around 52. I had a nice time with Jeff and family. The Halloween bags were a hit. I got them a Where's Waldo Halloween book that they like. I got Sam a little reader that he asked me to read to him twice. It was fun. Jeff is trying to talk me into just going to Sedona regardless of the flight issues with the air traffic controllers. When I told him I didn't want to be stranded in Phoenix and had to go back to work he told me that it not a reason not to go. He told me I should be retired and just assume I am for this trip. And yesterday morning I did wake up with the thought that I should just go. You can tell I am really stressed about this decision. I don't do well with flight delays and a cancellation would send me over the edge. Oh well, I still have a week and a half to decide.

Have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning, 34 now heading for 60. They said that yesterday and we didn't get above 56. Calling for rain on Wed and Thursday.

I went through all of my clothes yesterday, bagged up 2 bags for Goodwill, threw a lot of old stuff away. Had Walmart deliver some new clear totes I can see through, labeled them and folded up and put all of my summer stuff in one, and stuff that's a little outsized in another, just in case. Now there's room in my dresser drawers, and closet and the stuff downstairs is stored nice and neatly.

That was the extent of my chores. Dave did get back to me and said he would come and winterize the mowers for me, and that he will have time to rebuild those concrete steps before it gets too cold.

I forgot to put the roast in the crockpot yesterday morning, so that will be dinner tonight. After dinner, I sat down and binge watched the entire second season of Nobody Wants This. It was good.

I don't have any 'must be done' chores today, so going to take it easy on my back. It's still a bit stiff and sore.

@Snowysmom- Only you know if you want to make that trip or not. If it's causing you all this stress, and it's going to cause you stress while you're there wondering if you'll be able to get back, maybe that's why you're on the fence.

Have a good day everyone

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I agree with dear Lynn dear Snowysmom. As I said yesterday, my friend, do what brings you joy. Remember Sedona isn't going anywhere. Perhaps you can work out a better time to get there. Extra love to you and you, of course, Lynn, too

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Monday!

Working 3-12's in a row starting today. I'm not liking this cluster anymore. I used to but that job wasn't as stressful and I was very comfortable in that position. I'd much rather do 2 days, off a day, and back on for 1 more. But it is what it is, this rotation usually only pops up every 3 weeks.

Picked Mia up Friday so she could spend the night. On Saturday we met Mitchell and Erin for lunch at a pizza place. We went to Blaze at Disney Springs back in August and it was really good. Found out there is a location in Cincinnati so we headed there. Afterwards we went to Bass Pro Shop. OMG, I think Mia was making her Xmas list!!!! I did make a mental note of some of the things she liked. She kept going back to a truck and boat trailer. I guilted Evan into buying her a horse (one of those horse's on a stick) for her Halloween costume (she's going to be Jessie from Toy Story). When we were leaving she informed Evan that she wasn't going home with him, she was coming back to Grandma's house to sleep. So she spent the night again. They picked her up early Sunday morning b/c they had family pictures scheduled. We had fun, she thought her room that I painted was very pretty. After Bass Pro, we stopped at the park to play.

Last night my sisters and I went to see the Broadway show "The Notebook". A friend of one of my sisters gave her 4 tickets. It was good, a little sad. My mom had Alzheimer's so it hit a little too close to home.

@Pea-n-Me: I make a recipe similar to that for Thanksgiving. I use a turkey breast. Always turns out really good.
@flyingdumbo127: Hopefully you'll be home soon and you insurance will cover a nice chunk of in-home help.
@Judique: Have fun in Florida!
@PollyannaMom: I've never done a trunk or treat before. Those weren't a thing when my boys were little. I have read that people aren't big fans of these anymore because they feel that it takes away from the trick or treaters on Halloween. I never thought of it that way but it does make sense.
@lynxstch: Looks like you had some commotion in your neighborhood. Not sure if I would have refused treatment after hitting a windshield, but that's me.

Gotta get back to work, have a great day!

 

[PollyannaMom]

@PollyannaMom: I've never done a trunk or treat before. Those weren't a thing when my boys were little. I have read that people aren't big fans of these anymore because they feel that it takes away from the trick or treaters on Halloween. I never thought of it that way but it does make sense.

We never went to them when DS was a kid either. But this one was sponsored by DH and DS's lodge, to raise money for a local autism charity, so we figured it was a good cause.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

That looks awesome @PollyannaMom! I’m afraid we won’t have many trick or treaters as our area had an event this past weekend which seemed well attended. Plus we may be getting a Nor’easter again Friday night. I just don’t want to be stuck with candy. I always liked to sit outside on the porch with the dogs and a glass of wine. We’ll see what happens.

@Snowysmom I tend to agree with Jeff, but I know it’s a worry. I always thought it would be kind of fun to be stranded somewhere and have to call work to say so like so many others did over the years. It would’ve been fine for me but not for DH with his job. We came close once during Hurricane Frances in 2004, but we made the decision to get out of Dodge (even though we wanted to stay) cause DH was already pushing it taking a vacation when he did. My sister was feeling how you’re feeling but flew last weekend to see her daughter and everything was fine.

DS is flying today. I still always get nervous when he’s up there. He switched airports and is now in with the big guys on the runway. His flight instructor told him to “Just get up there then get out of the way!” Unfortunately when he switched he had to repeat a lot which costs a lot of money and time, but he’s still plugging away while getting as much OT at his regular job as he can to pay for it. I worry about how hard he’s pushing himself but I did the same thing when I was his age, and eventually things quieted down. That happens when you’re young, right?

@footballmouse I always did my weekends as three 12s in a row. They were always super busy with less help and I dreaded them too. It sounds good to get them done but then you’re exhausted afterward so it counter-affects any benefit there may have been. I’m glad Mia loves her room at your house.

Love to all.

Starting Week 3 of radiation. Starting to get some burns. One is on an incision area from surgery. Had to put special cream on it this weekend - kept me awake a little bit being uncomfortable, but it could be worse. There was a little old lady there the other day she seemed a little lost, gown kept falling off. I helped her a little bit, told her I was both a patient and a nurse, and the look she gave me was so cute when she looked up at me. It actually made me bawl as I walked out the door. I think I just miss doing what I do, and am still adjusting to be on the ‘other side of the bed’.

I hope everyone has a good week.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Extra cheer and love to all. I should have an Empire update later. Roommate update by Wednesday. If nothing changes there at least I can advocate for help with that. Personal/therapy issue, I should have more information on later today or certainly early this week, too. My Dad and I are still praying for a miracle there for sure. Regardless of when I do go home, knowing the floors are done will be a huge relief.

I did call my insurance and will ask my Dad to call his doctor to find out (free to call) whether any or ideally all of the cost of a tub/shower conversion to walk in shower with a seat would be covered. Our current tub/shower one of the heavier doors is broken. Dad, safety-wise, a walk in shower would be an incredible blessing. Of course that would allow me to have a quicker shower opportunity too when I'm home. A p.s. of sorts is that my Dad said he did ask our management contact about this and he was told the owner refuses to allow this major structural work. My Dad will ask again and also find out whether the owner would agree to replace the two shower doors with a curtain. That would allow the much more realistic possibility of a shower transfer bench and hand held shower attachment. Both of these things would absolutely benefit us both.

Meantime, all that matters is I pray to be going positively forward in faith and kindness as called by God.

 

[Snowysmom]

Mona Hopefully a shower solution can be found to make it easier for you and your Dad. Glad the floors are getting done.

Bobbiwoz Looking forward to hearing about Bonnie coming home to her forever home with you and Tom.

Good morning. It is 33 here now and temps are again going to the low 50s. I walked at the lake yesterday and it was nice but a bit chilly. I saw a beautiful blue jay fly right in front of me. I don't see many blue jays around here. They were plentiful at my old house. We fed the birds in the winter. Kenny and his kids climbed Mt. Monadnock on Sunday. At first Ethan was a bit skittish about it but as they climbed and saw the views it made them keep going to see more. They did get to the top.

Have a good day.

 

[Judique]

Good morning all! I think I've caught up on reading!

Vacation is going mostly well! Arrived in Florida Sunday and spent the night at a very nice Residence Inn at Lake Nona. Was treated very well. Desk clerk asked me if I wanted points as my 'gift' for status with Marriott. I said no, I'd like a pantry item. He said, 'I'll give you both." I chose a nice bag of Tate's chocolate chip cookies as they will travel and the grands love them. Room was very comfortable, with great water pressure in the shower, comfortable to sit on sofa bed, and a king size bed to sleep on. In the morning breakfast was good enough. Parking was free, covered, and awesomely close. I used my free night from an old Marriott card that I keep just for these nights.

Getting to the hotel from Daytona on was a rain nightmare. Crawling on 4, then 417. That was a long, white knuckle drive.

Arrived at Disney the next morning and went straight to Animal Kingdom. Went straight onto the Safari - 12 minutes, mostly spent walking on. This was maybe 9ish. Saw a couple of animals new to me. One was a 'diker' or at least that was part of the name. The 2nd, I'll have to wait to get the name. My first Safari at AK was at a preview in April 1998, so I've done a lot of Safari's at AK. It's my favorite park. Afterwards I walked around a bit and eventually had an early lunch of Mac'n'cheese with pulled pork and crispy onions plus a bit of coleslaw at 8 Spoons Cafe. I'd eaten this back in February and the receipt was still wrapped around the gift card I used. s

This is a small setup with 3 tiny tables, so don't go looking for a huge sit down, lol. Anyway, yesterday the price was 12.99, while back in February I paid 6.99 - for the same thing. It was still good. Maybe Mickey sprinkled pixie dust or something because as I reached for a napkin, a scavenging white bird made a leap toward my lunch and managed to knock a tiny bit out as I tried to keep it for me! I was lucky the whole thing didn't land in the dirt, but I only lost a little and there was more than I could eat. (Bird didn't get 'in' the food, just startled me as I tried to keep it from spilling.)

I sat at a table with extra chairs since I'm just one and a few minutes later a couple of young guys from Philadelphia asked to join me. They were charming and we had a nice conversation until it was time for me to move on. I enjoyed the momentary company then headed of to ride the train to Conservation Station. Here I watched some technicians operate to remove a growth on a tiny bird. They have an overhead camera projected onto a screen so you can see the patient and 3 or 4 hands working so carefully! I waited until the patient made it through (hopefully they'll survive) and then headed out of the park.

Back to check in at Boardwalk Villas. I had a hodgepodge of a reservation which I didn't combine before I left home. In the middle is Moonlight Magic at AK, so I didn't want to have that messed with and maybe lose my spot. Plus I was still trying to get the Sunday night I spent at Residence Inn. Anyway, I had garden view and boardwalk view. The cast member asked if I wanted to make them all garden and I said, no, I'd like to keep the BW view last night and didn't mind switching rooms. I would put all but what I needed back in my car and go to a park until a new room was ready. That was the plan. However at 12:30pm this room was ready and I headed there to find I was on the Village Green - not requested, just lovely luck! I have the huge deep balcony on the 3rd floor. The lake is to the left with the tree between making a leafy view, but still so lovely! Back to the desk I went and the lovely lady added my BW view last night onto my reservation so I'm in the same room.

The plan was food booth dinner in Epcot but first I fell asleep and didn't awaken until almost 5pm! Rain was pouring down! I stepped onto my balcony (room overhead's smaller balcony gives some shelter) and could see the boats weren't running. I was hungry so I took the side stairwell to Screen Door. Pickings were slim! Thought about an uber or taxi (from under the front portico to Swan again under the portico) to keep dry but was hopeful the rain would stop early and I could walk to Epcot.

Went back to Screen Door and grabbed something small which completely ruined my appetite for the rest of the evening and later on made me sick. Rain stopped so around 7:45 I was able to boat to Epcot. Walked around enjoying atmosphere but couldn't chance eating anything. A little after 9 I headed back as I've seen the show many times, and could see some of it from my balcony!

So here I am having coffee and eating a pumpkin bagel and cream cheese. I got the bagels in Savannah at Costco where I stopped for a case of water, a wheel of brie, and some blueberries. In the parking lot I gave away one pack of bagels as they wouldn't make it since I can't freeze them. The lady was happy as she said she doesn't like to buy 2 packs, but next time she will and will share. They are good. I will keep them wrapped and refrigerated and they will stay fresh another couple of days.

This morning I'm not sure where I'm going but will eventually be in Epcot. Maybe DHS. OR MK. I'm in no hurry and only on my schedule.

If you made it through this post, Bravo! I was feeling a bit long winded today. Off to enjoy no rain. Somewhere maybe over the rainbow.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@Snowysmom for sure I will report how Bonnie’s Homecoming goes!

Yesterday was a particularly busy St Vincent de Paul day, and it culminated with a meeting last night. As our President ended the meeting, she mentioned that yesterday she met the dog she would be adopting after they come back from vacation. Of course, we each showed off pictures of our fur babies!!

Mona, praying that you get good news regarding at least one of your requests!

@Pea-n-Me once again your kindnesses helped someone.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Waving good morning dear friends. Paws and Bonnie prayers dear Bobbi. Thank you and Tom again for giving her a family.

Dear Judique, hooray your trip is going so well with indeed sprinkles of extra joy!

Dear Snowysmom, truly your walls sound so invigorating and peaceful. Prayers that they are.

Last night I learned today is the 90th birthday of a resident here. I have become friends with her son, S, who visits daily. I had an extra birthday card and got her son Sean's blessing to get his mom some surprise signatures. I got a few last night and will get more today. That brought me joy to be blessed to do.

Dad prayers please. He is truly exhausted. I wish he would stay home and rest at least one day if not two. I will keep suggesting he do so. He is going to call the two housecleaners who were recommended to me today. Yesterday he did talk to Sonia our management contact. By Friday someone from maintenance will come out to look at the bathroom. No full remodel, no surprise. It sounds like we can (at our cost most likely) have both a regular shower head and hand held shower head attachment installed. The shower doors will God willing also be removed. We will know more later this week. One thing at a time.

Happy Tuesday hugs to all.