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

[bobbiwoz]

@tazdev3225, yesterday I spent a few hours watching the Mummers parade, and I did enjoy it. What was wrong with the broadcast? It was the first time I spent more than just a few minutes watching the parade. I took a break from it and did go back when the string bands were performing. I wish they were able to do their complete performances, but that will be another day due to the bad weather that sent some participants to the hospital!

I watched some of the Rose Bowl parade as well. Those floats are absolutely amazing!

I made pork stew yesterday and we’ll have it in a day or two, I like it best after it sits a few days.

Shop Rite has lobsters on sale, and Nancy will come to CM for a massage, and we’ll have some lobsters together. Tom thinks they’re too much trouble, so he’ll have something else. Tomorrow she’ll come down again with Garry, and we’ll celebrate my birthday. It’s not the way we originally planned this time, we would be getting off the cruise today!

@Pea-n-Me, diarrhea as a side effect of medication or a possibility due to other health concerns isn’t easy to deal with, but I am doing it, and I do have other friends that have to as well. We know we have friends to commiserate with! I struggle with it, mostly at night when I should be sleeping.

I wish you all a good day.

@flyingdumbo127, I look forward to hearing that you are soon going home!

 

[tazdev3225]

I woke up to snow on the ground yesterday and today. Thankfully a quick sweep was all that was needed but Chewie hates it. She can't find her favorite potty spots under the snow.

@bobbiwoz - I had a hard time with the commentators. Having grown up with many family members in the parade, some of the comments just had me shaking my head. One especially about music not being taught in schools anymore so it's a good thing we have string bands to teach kids about music. I know 2 music teachers and one was highly offended by the comment. Then they had the mayor on at the start of the String bands and they talked over the performance. I just miss the days when I went to South Philly.

Probably a good thing we canceled the get together at my mom's. I caught a head cold and am really stuffy. Not something I need to pass on to my parents, dad especially.

I took my tree down on Wednesday, very early for me, but with the kids coming over I needed the extra room. The rest of the decorations will come down Tuesday. I didn't even turn the lights on half the time. Dad being sick took a lot out of my holiday spirit. I did get some new light sets for in the house at 75% off with an extra 15% off. Next year will be more festive. I told my mom that I want to take a Christmas Market cruise 2027 in Europe but they all sail when we have the tea. She told me I am needed for the tea, I do such a good job with the chance table. Even though she said no more I didn't think she would give it up.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@tazdev3225, ok, you are more aware of what’s going on in Philly, and I thought it was true that music isn’t taught in the schools any more. I heard the mayor speak and didn’t realize they were talking over the music. I hope you can “be there” another time!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Shaws is coming into the space in 2026

There is a Shaw's near my in-laws' house and I run in there sometimes on my way home. They're higher priced than where I usually shop, but I have good luck finding specialty things like the British candy my nephew likes.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good evening, friends. Hugs all-around and prayers always. Dear Bobbi, it will bring me sheer joy to share that I am going home when that time comes believe me especially after today. Grace always of God I continue to get stronger and steadier. I will next have therapy on Monday but will do exercise on my own this weekend. My lower legs and knees do need a rest. I feel better moving which is so positive. Love and sweet dreams to all.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

@Pea-n-Me, diarrhea as a side effect of medication or a possibility due to other health concerns isn’t easy to deal with, but I am doing it, and I do have other friends that have to as well. We know we have friends to commiserate with! I struggle with it, mostly at night when I should be sleeping.

I’m so sorry you have to deal with that, too, Bobbi, and that it’s caused you to have to alter your plans at times. That really stinks. It does seem to be a common problem with some of these medications. I had CDiff during chemo last spring and that was something else. I’ve taken care of patients with it forever but of course, until you experience something yourself, it’s not as meaningful. That was infectious so I didn’t want to use anyone else’s toilet and mainly stayed in the house until the antibiotics were finished. But it was really horrible. Just barely make it to the bathroom it comes on so suddenly. Going places was very difficult when I did have to go out. Work is something I’ve also had to take into consideration for dealing with diarrhea. It’s hard to get to the bathroom to pee when I’m at work, let alone sit on the toilet for extended periods several times a shift. That just wouldn’t work. My 12+ hr shifts are also really long, with three or more hours in the car there and back with few places to stop on the highway and in the really bad area of the city I have to travel through that I wouldn’t want to be getting out of the car, etc. So I’ll continue my leave for now and see how it goes. I’ve had a lot of other side effects that I didn’t get into here that are also a problem for work, and my oncologist said in her most recent note that we can expect more to come with this new med, that’s why I’m worried. But I have a healing mass coming up and will continue to believe that it will all somehow work out.

 

[Snowysmom]

Bobbiwoz I hope you are feeling better and enjoying the holidays even though you had to cancel the cruise. Bonnie is so cute.

Pea It is hard with the side effects of meds. The healing mass will definitely help things to work out for you. I hope you are able to stay off work for longer and maybe even consider retiring. You have been through so much you deserve some peace and calm and relaxation.

Good morning. It is 18 now with temps heading to the upper 20s. I have a hair appt this morning and then over to Jeff's house. I am happy I get to combine the trips as my hairdresser is in my old area and then I can just drive to Jeff's which is about 25 minutes away. No driving twice up and down 495. Once is enough! I had a nice lunch with my MA friend yesterday. I have been craving chicken parm so gave in and got it. I brought home at least half of the chicken and left the pasta. We both have had bittersweet holidays so we helped to boost each other's spirits. I feel bad as she needs to make a decision about her 18 1/2 year old dog. The vet agrees that it is getting to be time. My friend is so close to making the decision. She knows she needs to think about her beloved dog and what is best for her. Not easy. I have been doing so much the past few weeks I am sore so this weekend will be a bit less work around the house and more resting a bit. I have started watching a BBC show Sense and Sensibility on Amazon. I have seen many different versions of it but still like the one with Emma Thompson. I finished The Pitt and am looking forward to the new season.

Have a good Saturday.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Carbon copy weather around here lately, 23 now going to 33. Will warm up into the 50's by the end of the week, so that's something to look forward to.

I did all of my cleaning yesterday except for stripping and remaking the bed, and then it will be a day of rest and cross stitching (as much as my eyes will allow). I started watching The Copenhagen Test on Peacock, but I don't know if I want to watch past the first episode.

Have a good day everyone

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Saturday hugs to all. It's a very cool for here day. Dad, God-willing, is planning to come for lunch. Stay warm and always safe, friends.

 

[Snowysmom]

Good morning. It is snowing lightly here with temps at 22 now and heading to near 30 today. I am waiting until it is light out to go to the gym, my Sunday morning place to go. It has been hard to walk outside with the cold and the wind. I had my hair cut yesterday and it definitely looks better. Then I went to Jeff's to see everyone. Jeff is my financial consultant as he is in finance and he keeps me informed. We crunched the numbers and I can definitely retire at the end of August this year. I could retire now if I wanted to but I have goals and timing in mind. It gives me peace to know I can retire. I am finding it hard to get my mind into work some days and know the time is coming. Now I am thinking about buying a mother of the groom dress and that I find daunting. I don't like to wear dresses but know I want to wear a dress to Kenny's wedding. There is a website that has these kind of dresses and you can have up to 4 sent to you to try on. I am asking my DDIL Aimee to assist me. I have no idea what looks good on me anymore. I am looking at teal blue, tea length, as I wore dresses in the burgundy color palette for the kids' weddings. I want something different. I am also going to look at Macy's.

Have a good Sunday.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I am also going to look at Macy's.

I actually tend to have really good luck at Macy's. MIL and I just went last week to buy dresses for some lodge events, and I wore my favorite of them yesterday.

The event was an installation of officers for a local lodge, but they held it at the Grand Lodge building in Boston, and a Scottish degree team did the ceremony. It was really cool, and the dinner after was great. - It was at Maggiano's, and I would definitely go there again.

Today is a quiet day as far as I know.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. This should be our last cold day of the week, with temps starting to rise tomorrow. Temp is 29 going to 36 today. Rain in sight for the end of the week. One of the outdoor cats (the male) has all of a sudden decided to only show up for breakfast. I saw him heading for the back of the yard and disappear yesterday, and he's rarely left the yard before. I'm wondering if there's a stray female out behind me somewhere. He wasn't here for dinner last night and he's never one to miss a meal. He was out here bright and early this morning, hungry as could be.

Nothing new here, have a nice Sunday

 

[Judique]

Good morning. It is snowing lightly here with temps at 22 now and heading to near 30 today. I am waiting until it is light out to go to the gym, my Sunday morning place to go. It has been hard to walk outside with the cold and the wind. I had my hair cut yesterday and it definitely looks better. Then I went to Jeff's to see everyone. Jeff is my financial consultant as he is in finance and he keeps me informed. We crunched the numbers and I can definitely retire at the end of August this year. I could retire now if I wanted to but I have goals and timing in mind. It gives me peace to know I can retire. I am finding it hard to get my mind into work some days and know the time is coming. Now I am thinking about buying a mother of the groom dress and that I find daunting. I don't like to wear dresses but know I want to wear a dress to Kenny's wedding. There is a website that has these kind of dresses and you can have up to 4 sent to you to try on. I am asking my DDIL Aimee to assist me. I have no idea what looks good on me anymore. I am looking at teal blue, tea length, as I wore dresses in the burgundy color palette for the kids' weddings. I want something different. I am also going to look at Macy's.

Have a good Sunday.

Don't envy you the mother of the groom dress thing. I was lost as I was afraid I'd step on toes with colors and also the actual 'finding something.'

I was convinced by myself to go with a blue shade but couldn't find a dress in the color that appealed to me. Mother of the bride wore a very plain medium blue so dodged that bullet. I'd asked repeatedly what color she would wear. Eventually I went with black pants that while standing still were full enough to look like a long skirt. Then I got a dressy top. I'm two sizes, skinnier bottom more full top which doesn't always make it easy. Long story short I felt 'slightly' over dressed but you could look at it two ways - some were under dressed for the evening and formal wedding. Not super casual but maybe a little too comfortable. On the other hand I attend very few weddings so times may have changed. No biggie except we are all memorialized in pictures, lol!

So enjoy the search and don't get stressed out like me. (Also had covid to contend with in 2021.)

Oh and I bought at Macy's.

 

[Snowysmom]

Judique The whole color thing makes me crazy. I like rose pink but the bride has pink as her color palette and the guys are wearing navy suits. She said her mom is looking at Burgundy but the bride does not mind if we wear similar colors. I did tell her I am looking at blues. I also do not believe that the bride's mom gets first pick even though I know it has been a custom. It is not my fault I had a son so I get to pick what looks good on me! Feeling feisty today!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Good morning! I had nice birthday yesterday, very low key and relaxing. In the evening I had cell phone trouble when my friend, Tom, texted that my cell phone kept going to voicemail rather than ring. Sure enough, so I called him, and he and Bev sang Happy Birthday as is our custom.

So, Tom spent some time on my phone, and we think it’s fixed.

I think I will take down my crèches today, maybe during the Eagles game.

Hopefully everyone will have a good one!

Bobbi

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Happy belated Birthday dear Bobbi with love. Sunday joy to all.

 

[Judique]

Judique The whole color thing makes me crazy. I like rose pink but the bride has pink as her color palette and the guys are wearing navy suits. She said her mom is looking at Burgundy but the bride does not mind if we wear similar colors. I did tell her I am looking at blues. I also do not believe that the bride's mom gets first pick even though I know it has been a custom. It is not my fault I had a son so I get to pick what looks good on me! Feeling feisty today!

Love this! I was asking through my son and he was less than interested. Eventually I met everyone between showers and such. Still felt out on a limb. It's all over and 2 grands later couldn't be happier.

 

[Judique]

Good morning! I had nice birthday yesterday, very low key and relaxing. In the evening I had cell phone trouble when my friend, Tom, texted that my cell phone kept going to voicemail rather than ring. Sure enough, so I called him, and he and Bev sang Happy Birthday as is our custom.

So, Tom spent some time on my phone, and we think it’s fixed.

I think I will take down my crèches today, maybe during the Eagles game.

Hopefully everyone will have a good one!

Bobbi

Happy Birthday! I had turned my volume all the way down and everything went to voicemail and I took probably days to even notice. Tuesday is my day to put away all my xmas stuff. I did pick up the WDW train and it's track today as the cats were using it as an obstacle course.

 

[Judique]

My friend who is going on my next trip with me called and asked for an alteration. At first I said no as I'm inside 31 days. Then I started looking closer and I think I'll be able to alter it and I called her back and said done deal.

It's not actually done yet and may go south but I'm okay with that as it's just the last day of 10 days away. I've had loads of Disney in 2025, 17 nights in Feb, Oct - 6 or 7 nights gone not all at Disney, Dec - left home Dec 2nd and got back home on Dec 11. It's that annual pass! It makes you go.

I wasn't going to go (after this trip) until February 2027. But today I booked a 1 bedroom at Hilton Head for Thanksgiving 2026. We had a family TG 2025 at Son's house which means family Xmas 2026. I figure DD will want to come with 2 grands.

I'll continue on to WDW, where I already managed three studio nights after the fact and hope to get 2 more and then back home after that. Waitlists are in place. Meanwhile, strategy is starting to form for Feb 27. After March 2026 I can buy MMB one time use points to book into my Oct 2026 use year. Love this! People in the DVC world are finally catching on to this deal. So many got upset about Lounge access they missed the big picture. Right now I have 2 studio and 1 one bedroom night at my resort and I want a total of 5 nights, even if I have to move but with 11 months to go, I'm fairly certain I'll get what I want.

 

[Snowysmom]

Happy Birthday Bobbiwoz!