Something About Nothing............ #14

[macraven]

Lynne saved us again for avoiding getting stubbed toes !
Good girl.

 

[Sue M]

Schumi stay safe tomorrow. I was watching BBC tonight. Looks scary with those winds and closing flood gates in some coastal communities.

Hope I can get some sleep tonight. Last night I woke up at 3:00am and couldn’t get back to sleep. .

 

[schumigirl]

It's the end of a boring work week for me. Tomorrow I need to take Caspian for a nail trim. That will be fun - not. Saturday we are going to a comedy show in Roanoke. I have no idea who the comedian is, but dh swears I will like him.


Definitely a bucket list item for me. I will even take a studio room, if I can get the Savannah view.

Sounds like a wonderful, relaxing space. Do you have a window with a window seat? That would make it prefect for me.


I'll be tho odd one out and pass n the crab legs. We have never eaten at Cape May, but it is good to hear a good review of a buffet.

No Spring break? I am so glad that B gets hers this year. I hope y'all are able to find some days that work for both of you.

Almost time for dinner. I was craving hash brown casserole, so it is breakfast for supper tonight. Afterwards we will watch the first Jurassic Park movie.

No window seat in that room, one of the guest bedrooms has one thought that is very pretty in the Bay window. Our bedroom had them in the bay window when we moved into this house, but we removed them as I wanted a large comfy chair and smaller table there and it does look better, but I agree they are very pretty.

Hope you enjoyed the movie after all this time.

Schumi stay safe tomorrow. I was watching BBC tonight. Looks scary with those winds and closing flood gates in some coastal communities.

Hope I can get some sleep tonight. Last night I woke up at 3:00am and couldn’t get back to sleep. .

Thanks Sue, we aren`t getting the worst of it thankfully, but it`s bad enough. Hope you had a better sleep last night.





It was weird going to bed last night, we looked out and it was so still, eerily quiet and definitely felt like the calm before the storm. It`s started now. At the minute rain is pounding down but that will be gone in a few hours and we`re just left with horrendous winds. Lots of public transport and buildings have closed for today which is unusual.

Our last really bad storm in the UK was 1987, where the weather man famously announced live on the weather there was no hurricane coming and everything would be fine.......famous last words! He never lived that down. We`ve had storms since then of course, but that one was completely devastating to so much of the UK.

So, today again, no plans to go out at all. Bacon for breakfast today and will slow cook chicken thighs today for dinner tonight in some kind of sauce, haven`t decided what yet, but will be a winter warmer of a dish for sure. Lunch I have no idea, we`ll see what we feel like, might make a small quiche up.

But, quiet indoor day ahead waiting for this horrendous weather blast to pass.

Happy Friday.....it`s the weekend.....
​

 

[Lynne G]

Oh that got my attention. Phone buzzed. Warning! Severe Thunderstorms Watch issued. Throughout our the night, heard the wind whip around the house. That huge, kinda fat, long line looking line of yellow and red weather radar blob had past by us not that long ago. It was much louder rain than older one in the shower. Eh, guess we are wet this early morning, though traffic does not sound like the roads are wet.

Let’s just say, older one was lucky I’m still not back to the office. He could not find his car keys. So mom, can I take your car? Yeah. When little one wakes up, I’ll ask her where they are. They ran out yesterday, to go to the bank, and I’m sure she drove his car. He said when they returned, dad had just arrived too, so he knows she did not open the door.

Ack, that wind was loud. But hey, 60 degrees out right now. Woot. And after a very windy morning, saying 40 to 50 mph gusts, it’s a gloriously sunny afternoon. But that very loud wind gusts we are having this morning is blowing those those temps twenty degrees cooler by noon. As such, with it predicted to be 41 degrees at noon, I will be in my jacket, maybe stuff gloves in jacket pocket, and sunglasses. Should take that lunchtime walk in the windy mid morning, though not really. Yeah though at 8 am, we will be at 48 degrees says my phone.

But so happy, it’s a Friday! Yay, yay, yay!

And ooh, thought I smelled Schumi’s bacon. Hope all is good as your storm passes.

Sue, hoping you got a much better sleep last night.

That’s it homies, a most fabulous Friday may you have. And hoping to see a live report post from Pumpkin. Hope she is having an awesome time.

 

[Charade67]

Happy Friday morning. Today is laundry and errand day. Caspian did surprisingly well at the vets this morning, so he got some treats when we got home. I need to take my old towels to the humane society and still need to clean my car. Also need to start gathering information for our income taxes.

After Charade posted her dinner, a very late dinner was ours. And yep, copied her, potato casserole, with eggs, bacon, peppers and cheese. Saved some plain potatoes I fried in pan, as little one won’t eat the potatoes mixed with the above. And she also had some chicken noodle soup for her dinner.

Just cheese, onions, and ham in mine. There was enough left over for breakfast this morning

Hope you enjoyed the movie after all this time.

I though it started a little slow, but it was pretty good once the plot picked up. We will probably watch the second one tonight.

I'm off to go do something productive.

 

[Charade67]

I think I have found something more annoying than dealing with insurance - trying to set up an account on the IRS website.

 

[soniam]

I think I have found something more annoying than dealing with insurance - trying to set up an account on the IRS website.

I have never done my own taxes My mother has an accounting degree and worked for the IRS for a couple of years a very long time ago, so she did mine before we got married. After we got married, my husband did them. He usually has more stock issues anyway, especially now. Mine was usually pretty cut and dry.

 

[Charade67]

I’m just trying to get a copy of the statement from the last stimulus payment to give to my accountant. I understand the need for security, but they make you Jim through so many hoops and then the site still verify my identity. I’m supposed to be getting a call back. This is such a pain.

 

[soniam]

I’m just trying to get a copy of the statement from the last stimulus payment to give to my accountant. I understand the need for security, but they make you Jim through so many hoops and then the site still verify my identity. I’m supposed to be getting a call back. This is such a pain.

To get an account at the university from which I graduated, in order to get an electronic copy of my transcript, I had to correctly answer 10 detailed questions about my info and classes when I was in college. Luckily, I have a good memory.

 

[Sue M]

Stormy day for Lynne and Schumi Hope power stays on!

Charade glad kitty did well for nail trim! When we had a cat first hurdle was getting him in the carrier.

Soniam I’d rather chew off my right arm than do my taxes. We’ve used an accountant for years. Same guy. He’s great. Worried he’s going to retire soon ugh. After 30+ yrs it’s like visiting an old friend.

Going for a dog walk before rains start. Then drop off daughter at bus then go get my lantern at Costco and other errands.

Burgers for dinner tonight. Husband picked up some premade from our butcher. Mine without bun. Maybe make some bacon and put avocado on them. Making a salad and for them fries. I may sneak a couple lol!
Have to pick up a pork roast for Monday Birthday dinner for the Mr. it’s his fav meal. Daughters, fiancée and brother in law will be here.

 

[soniam]

@Sue M to the Mr!

 

[Lynne G]

Yay, a happy birthday to Sue’s DH.

MIL lost power for a few hours this morning, and thankfully we did not. Sunny and still windy this afternoon.

Older one came home. Little one showed him where she stuck his keys. Now he knows, as has a not as early, but still has an early start time tomorrow. I’m sure I will be awake when he says he’s up.

Nit sure what for dinner. Maybe Chinese or pizza. Will see what the kids want. Had chicken for lunch, and reheated some for older one when he came home hours later.

Yep, after my DH came home from his 2 and 1/2 years overseas tour, I gave my taxes to an accountant. We have stayed with her ever since. We think she does a good job, and since a few years ago, has filed them electronically for us.

So sunny out.

 

[schumigirl]

I though it started a little slow, but it was pretty good once the plot picked up. We will probably watch the second one tonight.

I'm off to go do something productive.

Have to admit they’re not my favourite movies, but we can pass a couple of hours watching them…..hope you like the second one.




Well, storm has finally calmed down some, we’re down to 50mph winds tonight which is so much better than today, it did get wild. Sea was soaring and trees surrounding us were billowing like crazy, but no damage thankfully, they’ll check properly tomorrow when it’s light.

Dinner was beautiful, made Chicken Fricassee, empty plates again which I like to see the effort appreciated…..watched Deadpool tonight with Ryan Reynolds, such a good movie…….

Opened a bottle of Pahlmeyer Chardonnay we were given as a gift couple of years back and it was beautiful……worth waiting for.

Now heading for bed……bacon will be sizzling tomorrow Mac…….and looking forward to dinner out with friends and the adult kids tomorrow night, steaks for us I know that much!

Have a lovely Friday evening………

 

[macraven]

You know if we pack the boat up now, all the homies could get on it as most of them love bacon too!

See you early morning Schumi!!

Do I need to bring my Hellmans Mayo?
I smother my bacon with it

 

[Lynne G]

Bacon?

 

[Lynne G]

Cinderella and I’m ready for bed. Night night time for those who won’t be scared, the light is on:



Night night all. And have a most restful sleep.

Yeah, I know. Aww, he’s cute.

 

[schumigirl]

You know if we pack the boat up now, all the homies could get on it as most of them love bacon too!

See you early morning Schumi!!

Do I need to bring my Hellmans Mayo?
I smother my bacon with it

lol.....we have Hellman`s mayo.....full fat of course and we will set one extra place for you!!!




We had the best sleep in this morning!! Love when we do that instead of getting up so darn early for no real reason......

Weather has eased some for today, but winds in the 50`s and 60`s again next couple of days......joy. But, will enjoy bacon today for lunch as it felt a little late to have it for breakfast, just had some toast with marmalade. And out tonight for dinner which we are really looking forward to.

Love having a glass of sparkly as I get my make up on and dressed is always part of the fun.

Apart from that we have nothing planned today, lazy day watching some tv, reading a little, bake a little and catch up with some friends on calls.

 

[Lynne G]

Good Afternoon Schumi. And think I am smelling that bacon, as lunchtime there. Sounds like a nice morning you had, even with the still windy day you are having.

That 40 to 50 mph winds yesterday only knocked out power for my MIL for a few hours. We just had some not big branches in our yard, that we easily picked up. But yeah, the wind was not only fast, it cooled ya, quick. Our wind chills yesterday were in the low 30’s. And today, we are still windy too. A beautiful sunny and balmy start to our Saturday. 25 degrees says the thermometer in the bright day, as I went outside to see the thermometer. But yep, was fast back in, as too cool out there, and had no shoes on. Hehe.

Older one is getting ready for work. He should be leaving soon. Then I will have that oh so nice quiet house I have on the weekends’ mornings. Largest screen and tea. Ahhh. And did also have a good night’s sleep. Though was up before I heard older one’s alarm go off. I made him some oatmeal, that he quickly ate. And he’s off. He should be back in time for dinner. So, since it will be a little one and me day, as DH is out and about today, I have no idea what I am doing. But right now, and probably until around noon, I will be in relaxing mode. Wash is already started, and decided the house should smell not only of fresh washed clothes and linens, but lit the oven, and have a pan of brownies ready. So sweet smells from my oven soon. Then will enjoy a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The other day, we picked up a small container of vanilla and a small container of cookies and cream. I am hoping the vanilla is still in the refrigerator. Perfect breakfast, yay! But I know there will be lots of brownies left, so I am sure when the rest of the family sees them, they will not last long.

Super happy Saturday, homies.

 

[keishashadow]

Stuck my head out front door this am, promptly hunkered back down. Yes, the dark spots are indeed snow flying sideways. Has already moved thru, mr cleaning off the sidewalks It’s still wildly windy tho. Good day to give my pooch a much needed haircut.

I would only rent from a company like David’s. Unless you know the individual you’re renting from it can be risky.

110%. I’ve only rented my points out a few times, usually find myself coming up short due to my nasty travel habit. I only will consider dealing with another DVC member as they know what to expect in the process

sheraton has offered us stays @ the Vistana with no required TS presentation. Last i heard, going rate was $299 or $399 for three nights. We just received a mailer regarding it, know they have an official TS website if interested In possibility

Catch is you are entitled to a $100 credit/cash but, have to do a face-to-face with the TS rep in the lobby. I’m used to dealing with sharks, being in real estate field most of life.

will say, we haven’t been back since. our section, cascades was great, the units we saw in the back didn’t look anywhere as nice…to each their own.

because the top 3 room rates are crazy now. $600 And my last Oct trip I stayed 2 nights and really liked it. I just wish they had EP!

i’m seeing just shy of $700 all in for dates I’ve checked. Um, no thank you, that is obscene.

It's probably a bag or backpack.

that’s your reward for buying direct. I do still use mine decades later now & again. Otherwise for the tour, it’s ice cream & a ’picture…small print, took a pass on both Of them. We bought into our firs unseen, long again after a similar stay as our last trip with youth group at the values.

Hard Rock is really expensive right now. My July rate w/o any discounts is ~$700. I am hoping for some discount.

RP not far behind. Even SF is close to $400 My dates. Now, leaning toward beach component for that portion of trip at this point.

My TA had to book Columbus Day weekend for 1 day and then 3 days. The system wouldn't let her book them contiguously. Somehow, it's cheaper than July though. Seems strange.

IDK as expected for me. Columbus Day never took off in price until HHN announced in past years. There’s a sticky for that here lol

Not sure how they handle linked reservations onsite at Loews. While, they likely would let you stay in the room to avoid turning it, I’d be a bit nervous as to possibly being informed to move room during that ‘split reservation’?

with WDW CRO, even if they linked two consecutive reservations, have had to go down to the desk to to check back in…might be different now that you can do most things online.

Bought two pork steaks yesterday and get so excited just thinking about how much we enjoy that meat.

wouldn't bother trying to rent DVC points at Disneyland. There is only 1 hotel, and it's constantly full.

maybe if lined up with a broker before the 11 month window?

we have grabbed it at 7 months mid week in February, June & October in the past for studios. Nothing has popped up for us in at least 5 years (even 1 BR) for dates I’ve checked.

Dinner tonight was chicken parmesan

yum. Took two of my DS out to one of my fav italian restaurants on Tuesday for it.

Once I used Insure My Trip to get quotes. For our Summer 2023 cruise

i’ve have good luck always using them as a broker for multiple Cruise policies. Have put thru claims well above the policy cost twice without any pushback. An insurance co only as good as their reputation.

Problem with most ship policies it that it only covers issues starting day one of cruise Unless you buy air thru them. I’m more comfortable with having flight delays & potential pre trip issues in FL also covered along with pre-existing conditions waivers, etc. Never much more than what the cruise lines offered directly.

We had to cancel a cruise the end of March, 2020. No issues with getting a full cash refund via the insurance policy vs the credit RCCL wanted us to take. Also covered all other non-ref expenses (pre cruise/NF Hotel). Only thing they didn’t cover was DVC points. Not a problem as they refunded & extended them.

Did receive notice that the insurers quickly put in a covid exclusion re their general policy. We were lucky to squeak thru

However, I’m quite confused with the edict I’m seeing when pricing out cruises as to needing to buy covid insurance. Not even sure exactly what would be covered under it. Is that bundled into the general health/evac policies?

Don’t like it when they alter their flights after I have booked mine

well, depending on the airline, it’s often a buying opportunity to jump without surcharge to a pricer flight A day or three surrounding the change.

UPDATE: Cape May was very delicious BUT the crab legs are still only available as an add-on…$29.00 for approximately TWO medium sized clusters. Kinda bummed…especially since I did my due diligence in the researching, even planned our trip around that specific date. We did get them anyway…Patricia absolutely LOVES them… as do I! The rest of the meal was great and definitely IS a buffet now….at $42…a great deal in Disney currency!

glad you liked it. My middle DS always did for our trips together. Too much work for the size of them for me lol. never water laden there as the locusts would line up waiting for steam trays to be refilled in the past. always enjoyed their clams & mussels & whatever carved meat.

They have dungess claws at Crystal palace. First buffet that opened, we ate there a few days later. Had expected the high quality of those served on the welcome brunch on DCL ships. Absolutely not Just soaking wet meat inside the shell = not properly thawed out & that odd, chewy texture you get when it’s sat in freezer Too long. Could be they just hadn’t worked out the kinks, many who dined there after us say they enjoyed them.

 

[soniam]

that’s your reward for buying direct. I do still use mine decades later now & again. Otherwise for the tour, it’s ice cream & a ’picture…small print, took a pass on both Of them. We bought into our firs unseen, long again after a similar stay as our last trip with youth group at the values.

IDK as expected for me. Columbus Day never took off in price until HHN announced in past years. There’s a sticky for that here lol

Not sure how they handle linked reservations onsite at Loews. While, they likely would let you stay in the room to avoid turning it, I’d be a bit nervous as to possibly being informed to move room during that ‘split reservation’?

with WDW CRO, even if they linked two consecutive reservations, have had to go down to the desk to to check back in…might be different now that you can do most things online.

maybe if lined up with a broker before the 11 month window?

we have grabbed it at 7 months mid week in February, June & October in the past for studios. Nothing has popped up for us in at least 5 years (even 1 BR) for dates I’ve checked.

i’ve have good luck always using them as a broker for multiple Cruise policies. Have put thru claims well above the policy cost twice without any pushback. An insurance co only as good as their reputation.

Problem with most ship policies it that it only covers issues starting day one of cruise Unless you buy air thru them. I’m more comfortable with having flight delays & potential pre trip issues in FL also covered along with pre-existing conditions waivers, etc. Never much more than what the cruise lines offered directly.

We had to cancel a cruise the end of March, 2020. No issues with getting a full cash refund via the insurance policy vs the credit RCCL wanted us to take. Also covered all other non-ref expenses (pre cruise/NF Hotel). Only thing they didn’t cover was DVC points. Not a problem as they refunded & extended them.

Did receive notice that the insurers quickly put in a covid exclusion re their general policy. We were lucky to squeak thru

However, I’m quite confused with the edict I’m seeing when pricing out cruises as to needing to buy covid insurance. Not even sure exactly what would be covered under it. Is that bundled into the general health/evac policies?

well, depending on the airline, it’s often a buying opportunity to jump without surcharge to a pricer flight A day or three surrounding the change.

The weird thing is that we bought resale, not direct. I thought the bags were for direct too We were actually offered it twice when we rented points.

Supplies look low at HRH for Columbus Day weekend though, so I though they would jack up the price. Maybe it was part of the reservation website being wonky.

My TA said to just let them know when we checked in. I have never been able to do the "online" checkin at HRH, like you can at WDW. I have checked in before hand online for HRH, but I never get a text or any communication until I go to the front desk. Even then, I still don't get any communication from them when my room is ready if I arrived early. So, I just always go to the desk anyway. I haven't done it at UO, but I haven't had an issue getting to stay in the same room at WDW. I haven't had to checkin twice at WDW though. Just talked to the front desk when I initially arrived. If it's a room type with a large number of rooms, then it's usually not a problem. Technically, they could make us move, but it's more work for them if they do.

I have tried putting in with a broker before 11 months. Some of them let you do it at 12 months to get on a list, and I have still never been able to get a studio. I have heard of GC owners who couldn't even get stuff at 11 months. It's especially bad now, because the owners have a backlog of points they need to use.

We have only bought cruise insurance 2 or 3 times. Two of these cruises we haven't even been on yet. With covid, we are being more cautious. Plus, the cost of our cruises is getting much higher. We haven't had to make any claims. The policy we just bought specifically mentions covid and covers trip cancellation and issues during the cruise due to covid, maybe even trip interruption. We have only bought for the cruise itself. We haven't had issues working out airline or hotel cancellations. The airlines have either given us a refund or credit. For hotels, we would usually only lose the 1 night/deposit at the worst.

We have had 3 Disney cruises cancelled by Disney themselves due to Covid. They gave us the choice for the first one in Summer 2020 of either a refund or a future cruise credit + 25% of the cruise cost, since we were paid in full at the time of cancellation. We chose the credit and 25% and have rolled that into our 4th cruise now for Summer 2022. Disney was fairly generous and lenient once they realized that that covid thing was going to last a while. They even offer a refund or credit if you test positive for covid at the port. They require that everyone, vaxed or not, test at the port with them with rapid PCR at their cost.

I didn't see anything about having to buy covid insurance, or any insurance, when we booked our Celebrity cruise for summer 2023. I thought that the covid insurance was a CDC recommendation that some of the cruise line were following for unvaxed cruisers. However, I think most of the cruise lines are requiring people that can be vaxed, barring under 5, to do so. Which cruise line was this for? Maybe once the vax status is entered, that requirement goes away. I have seen covid covered in the insurance policy that we bought, and it was covered in Celebrity's policy. I don't know about all of them though.