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

[keishashadow]

Official retirement in 41 days.

Woo hoo to you too! I had a bit of a snafu with mine. Originally, made an exploratory call during covid when I was first eligible to go out. Spoke to nice agent, wanted to hear how it would work for early retirement etc.

She gave me a number and a link for info where I could calculate the monthly rate by potential retirement date. Ended call. Almost fainted when I saw a notice in mail & email that my first “check” would be deposited within two months. She had accidentally started it.

Bit of a mess. At least you can “change your mind” once via repaying the funds to them. All good. Went out a couple of years ago once I hit that magical monthly number I had set in my mind.

Was able to secure rez at Atlantic and Blue Dragon for our upcoming return to EU

We have one @ both for end of June for us & the ‘lil. Please let me know what u think. I’m leaning toward Blue Dragon to suit their tastes. Me, I’m up to try nearly anything.

Spent the morning at a recycling event to rid ourselves of a big flat screen tv and an old dorm fridge, both broken. Happy to get them out of the garage even tho it took such a long time.

In an hour or so, heading south to wheeling, WV nearly 2 hrs each way. Yeehaw. Taking DiL & ‘lil with us. Going to Cheddars there (none near us, a family favorite lol) & then to finally watch my two older DS football team play this year.

Tonight’s game against souix city is right up my alley (arena on 14t street), promotion billed as:

Have a great weekend all!

 

[Robo56]

Good Monday morning everyone












Enjoy a hot beverage of your choice this morning.

Tonight’s game against souix city is right up my alley (arena on 14t street), promotion billed as:

Did you all dress up in Halloween Costumes?



Cloudy start to the day here no rain in the forecast though. We are going to be in the 90’s the next 10 days…..…..oops………..I was accidentally looking at Orlando weather. It is actually going to be beautiful here some upper 60’s days and some upper 70’s days. I will take that.

Had a nice relaxing day yesterday…just chilling and reading.

Today need to get back to a few things I want to do in the yard.

Everyone have a great Monday doing whatever makes you happy.

 

[Lynne G]

Beautiful sunny day here. Before that rainy and oh my, may have to break out my lightweight winter jacket mid week. 57 the high on Thursday, with rain every day Wednesday thru Saturday. At least the forecast says high 60’s the high for Sunday and Monday. Good thing, as holiday weekend this weekend. Woot! Opening of our shore area too, officially, lol, as when so many like the shore when it first starts to get warm temps. Eh, our part of the sea doesn’t get warm enough for me, until August. Not that I’ve been in the water down our beach for many years. I have swam in the gulf though, when it felt like bath water, in August. And that was much warmer than our shore area even in its warmest in August.

Ugh, that back to routine. And DH was up with me, as he likes to be ready very early, as thankfully, little one took him to his doctor appointment, that was at 7 this morning. But at least I was out the door a little over an hour before they left. We are lucky that the VA is not that far, though in the city on the opposite side of where I have my week day routine local. So I am very glad little one can take him. Though I agree with her, their location is not a fun drive. To be fair, mine in the afternoon is almost as bad. One thing I will surely not miss. But at least time of year will soon get a 5 or so minute earlier afternoon commute, as when school not in session, happy to have that little bit less time soon enough. Though our school kids go until mid June, and not go back until after Labor Day. Ah, bring on that Summer heat. Hehe, asked a FLA friend if there’s much difference in hotness of temps in June, July, and August. She said nope. Hot all summer. Woot! For the first time in June, we will be enjoying that hot weather for a week. I think we have most gone in most of the other months though. Hehe.

So, a Most Marvelous Monday.

And time of year, we hear a lawn mover. Including right now.

Sigh. Back to routine.

 

[keishashadow]

Politics aside, was difficult to read this post yesterday. Prayers to all who have shared this journey.

"Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support."

Did you all dress up in Halloween Costumes?

Enjoy that warm weather!

Haha we passed on costumes. So many good ones came out The team gave out a slew of the same prize (4 pack season tix for next year)



More pics below of outing

Eh, our part of the sea doesn’t get warm enough for me, until August.

It's nice temp for us in Myrtle beach by beginning of May

The French Canadians invade that area like clockwork starting watch March (even this year I'm told). Mind boggling with the low water temps. Hotels dirt cheap then, guess that sweetens the pot

Floated on raft in my pool yesterday, barely made an hour Gauge said water was 72, felt more like 62

Won't even hit 60 degrees starting midweek, brrr

And DH was up with me, as he likes to be ready very early, as thankfully

Glad to hear he was out and about. Several VA facilities here, all located on 'the right side' of town for us. I admit to searching for alternatives to driving into or thru the downtown area, just too much hassle. Thankfully, Oakland & Shadyside hospitals easy for us when no rush hour

They are so busy that they beg those who have private insurance (in addition to their VA benefits) to utilize those plans as patients wait so long to be seen here. Good to know that the Mr does have that option if push comes to shove tho

Had fun, they had me at the pyrotechnics lol

We didn't leave cheddars hungry we had steaks, lil got one of my go tos there - the appetizer special. They have the best spinach dip. So much fort for under $13. The margarita is mine, cheers


Even worked in visit to Cabelas first this one had one of best taxidermy (even had African Savannah area with an huge elephant) and aquarium area. Not to mention the find of new trucker hat that I'm told is cool

 

[disneyseniors]

In an hour or so, heading south to wheeling, WV nearly 2 hrs each way. Yeehaw.

LOL, had to laugh at my one and only trip to Wheeling WV from Columbus, Ohio when I was a child. I went to some country venue with my Mom and Aunt. I was bored stiff and had to sit on those hard backless benches and listen to music I wasn't into. I wonder if they still have that old "Opry" style venue now?

. It is actually going to be beautiful here some upper 60’s days and some upper 70’s days. I will take that.

Robo, we had the mid 90's a week ago which is Not normal for us. Now it's 50's and windy which is more like N. Mn. weather. Your temps sound wonderful. Yea for Spring!

Even worked in visit to Cabelas first this one had one of best taxidermy (even had African Savannah area with an huge elephant) and aquarium area.

I love visiting Cabelas close to Minneapolis. Have you ever been to a Scheels outdoor store? They have wonderful displays like Cabelas plus the one in Fargo has a ferris wheel in it. I love those stores. They have a good selection of clothes, shoes, etc, besides hunting gear. (I might be prejudice because one of my grandson's works there

Just a quick catch up for me: Since the 90 degree weather, we have now been in the 30's and are getting into the 50's today. Yipee!!! The strong wind is making it feel like 30's. I'm glad I have been holding off going shopping for our flowers/schrubs. It's been hard to hold off, but we would be busy covering up our new plants if we had bought them. The end of this week we are going to get all our flowers and schrubs. The weather should be safe by then, I hope! You never know in Mn.

I've been under the weather for a couple of days, so have been sleeping, reading, and doing pretty much nothing for a while. It won't last long and then back to the routine.

I know I've missed mentioning some others but here's a shout out to Lynne, Robo, Schumi, Charade, Pumpkin, and DJ. If I have missed someone I claim "old age", LOL.

 

[keishashadow]

I wonder if they still have that old "Opry" style venue now?

I think so, not sure. It’s definitely “country” there.

Have you ever been to a Scheels outdoor store?

No, never heard of that store, sounds interesting though. I do enjoy poking around in a destination sort of one.

The strong wind is making it feel like 30's.

Eek! & i was whining about it dipping into the 50’s here soon lol

I've been under the weather for a couple of days,

Feel better soon!

I’ll join you in a shout out to those who have gone a-stray. We will keep the fires burning, if only to try to keep warm during our cold snaps LOL

 

[Robo56]

Good Tuesday morning everyone












Enjoy a nice cup of warm beverage this morning.

Haha we passed on costumes. So many good ones came out The team gave out a slew of the same prize (4 pack season tix for next year)

Those are some scary costumes.

We didn't leave cheddars hungry we had steaks, lil got one of my go tos there - the appetizer special. They have the best spinach dip. So much fort for under $13. The margarita is mine, cheers

Looks like a very happy camper at the table there.

We have a Cheddars not far from us. Don’t visit often, but I have always had good food there.

I've been under the weather for a couple of days, so have been sleeping, reading, and doing pretty much nothing for a while. It won't last long and then back to the routine.

I hope you feel better soon Ruth and get back to your normal routine.

Sending good thoughts and prayers to Mac. You are missed. This is a thread you started many moons ago. Without you there would be no Sans. I hope you are well.

Carole you are missed on the Sans.

Pumpkin hope you and your family are well.

Sending out good vibes to some Sans family who have not posted for a long while….Patty, Tink, Monykalyn, Lori and many more…..you are missed.



Not much happening here in my neck of the woods. Stormed over night and more rain this morning.

I did get something’s that needed to be accomplished in the yard yesterday. I need to get some peat moss and mushroom compost picked up to work into the soil of the planting bed under my kitchen window. I will try and get that today if the weather breaks.


Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

Beautiful sunny day here. Before that rainy and oh my, may have to break out my lightweight winter jacket mid week. 57 the high on Thursday, with rain every day Wednesday thru Saturday. At least the forecast says high 60’s the high for Sunday and Monday. Good thing, as holiday weekend this weekend. Woot! Opening of our shore area too, officially, lol, as when so many like the shore when it first starts to get warm temps. Eh, our part of the sea doesn’t get warm enough for me, until August. Not that I’ve been in the water down our beach for many years. I have swam in the gulf though, when it felt like bath water, in August. And that was much warmer than our shore area even in its warmest in August.

Ugh, that back to routine. And DH was up with me, as he likes to be ready very early, as thankfully, little one took him to his doctor appointment, that was at 7 this morning. But at least I was out the door a little over an hour before they left. We are lucky that the VA is not that far, though in the city on the opposite side of where I have my week day routine local. So I am very glad little one can take him. Though I agree with her, their location is not a fun drive. To be fair, mine in the afternoon is almost as bad. One thing I will surely not miss. But at least time of year will soon get a 5 or so minute earlier afternoon commute, as when school not in session, happy to have that little bit less time soon enough. Though our school kids go until mid June, and not go back until after Labor Day. Ah, bring on that Summer heat. Hehe, asked a FLA friend if there’s much difference in hotness of temps in June, July, and August. She said nope. Hot all summer. Woot! For the first time in June, we will be enjoying that hot weather for a week. I think we have most gone in most of the other months though. Hehe.

So, a Most Marvelous Monday.

And time of year, we hear a lawn mover. Including right now.

Sigh. Back to routine.

May, June, July, August, September, October are hard to tell apart except for the lows.
You got a shot at drought and hurricane monsoon in the same week. Dead calm to tornadoes and hurricanes. Bugs at dawn and dusk are like a zombie apocalypse. Paradise.

 

[Lynne G]

Ah, rain to start again, in the next 34 minutes. Rainy day for us, as had to even use my windshield wipers on the commute. So many cars in front of me, had to wait an another light before entering. Guess many much more were wanting to be that early bird.

Ah and who do I see in this rainy day?



Yeah, you’d better be in camo given this rainy Wednesday, as rather be where you are. But happy, as already in the middle of this week, where we get over this hump of day feeling, then Friday, that fabulous one before a three day holiday Monday, is then only a day away. Woot! One more week, and next week, is the last one of May.

Summer is almost here, and today and the end of this week, we have 20 degrees lower, and rainy days, with cool feeling like early April. Sigh. But hey, means Sunday and holiday Monday is back to dry conditions and 10 degrees warmer. But starting that week day routine next week, with rainy Tuesday and Wednesday predicted, with ending the week into June with 80 degrees predicted for next Friday. Woot! Woot! Bring on those much warmer days, and not as much rain. Though we are still below our enough rain, to fill the water table, even with all the rain we seem to have had last month and this month. Today, 1.05 inches to fall. Good thing I brought my umbrella in.

We have Cabela’s, close to the mountains, but not a bad drive, and many more stores around it now. I like going there, but not fond of seeing stuffed real animals. Do like their live fish aquatic area, though.

Ruth, I hope you are felling much better today.

Robo, hope your rainy day is not today, and nice to have a garden now. Pretty flowers to look out from your kitchen window soon enough.

Ah also ready to put on that sweater jacket. And, get another cup of tea. Cool feeling inside office today.

Wonderful Wednesday to all.

 

[Charade67]

Hello everyone. It has been a mostly quiet week so far. Today my boss was getting on my last nerve, but thankfully I have the next 5 days off. Tomorrow i am getting a hair cut, then B and I are going to the newly opened tea room. The English woman who used to own it sold it to a Canadian woman. It should have some of the old menu plus some new items. Later we may go to a movie.

Was rather surprised to see the HP VQ disappear! Had expected, if anything, they would sell some sort of pass/LL sort of thing going forward

I wish they would sell individual express passes like Disney does with the lightning lanes. I would have paid a little extra to ride the HP ride.

Was able to secure rez at Atlantic and Blue Dragon for our upcoming return to EU.

Please let us know what you think. I would like to try the Blue Dragon.

In an hour or so, heading south to wheeling, WV nearly 2 hrs each way.

What’s the attraction in Wheeling? It’s about 3.5 hours away from me

I've been under the weather for a couple of days, so have been sleeping, reading, and doing pretty much nothing for a while. It won't last long and then back to the routine.

Hope you are better soon.

Ah, rain to start again,

Sounds like our weather. I’m enjoying the cooler temps, but now fond of all the rain. Our lawn was getting out of control.

I’m sitting here about to fall asleep as I write this. Perhaps a pre dinner nap is in order.

 

[Robo56]

Good Friday morning everyone

May, June, July, August, September, October are hard to tell apart except for the lows.
You got a shot at drought and hurricane monsoon in the same week. Dead calm to tornadoes and hurricanes. Bugs at dawn and dusk are like a zombie apocalypse. Paradise.

LOL……sounds about right…….there is a price to pay for living in Paradise…….but for the most part it is pretty sweet.

Robo, hope your rainy day is not today, and nice to have a garden now. Pretty flowers to look out from your kitchen window soon enough.

It has been nice the last couple of days here Lynne. Hope you and your family have well.



Good morning. It is a cool start to a Friday morning here. Only 52 when I woke up this morning.

I did amend all the soil in my plants in the house and outside. I had to order some bone meal online for my tomato plants as I could not find any around here.

I have a nice sized planting bed under my kitchen windows so I needed to get that dirt turned over and get some peat moss and mushroom compost in there and mix it in. Everything is planted. So will have to see how it goes.

I did watch the VIP grand opening on Wednesday evening and the regular grand opening of EPIC Universe yesterday. Universal put on quite the shindig Wednesday night for all the VIP’s and stars. Fire works were pretty.

So nice to see the park getting lots of praise. It is beautiful for sure.

The park did not appear to be to crowded yesterday on opening day. That being said, Celestial Park never appears to busy. It is when you get into the different Worlds that you see the people.

I saw the MOM ride had a 300 minute (5 hours) wait at one point and the line really long.

Here is my idea for fixing the issue with the MOM ride. The VQ system just did not work. Not sure if Universals website could have been part of the problem or not?

I think perhaps they should try this. Set up a couple of electonic kiosks with TM’s there to streamline the process. Have the person scan their park ticket and let the machine printout a small return time ticket with a QR on it.

They are pretty adept at knowing how many people they can move thru the ride every hour.

Once the person arrives for their ride time. Scan the persons return time QR and scan their picture (this will stop folks from trying to sell their return time ticket to others).

This would allow people to not be standing in lines for hours.. They could be having fun at the other worlds, enjoying meals at the beautiful themed restaurants or shopping until their return time arrives. It’s a win win.

One family member can bring all their family members tickets to be scanned at the kiosk because their photos will be linked to the ticket which is scanned when they arrive at the park.

Disney had something similar to this many years ago, minus the photo scanning.

Return time tickets just makes more sense until something else is figured out.

Just my thought.

Going to pick up little J from school today. I will see what my little buddy wants to do. He likes the carosel at the Mall. Will see how the weather goes in terms of how cool it will be.

Have a wonderful Friday everyone.

 

[keishashadow]

Consider yourself blessed if you find your



Off to grab supplies for party my youngest having tomorrow. I’m catering the main dish. Switching up the pasta to one with meatballs on the side. Will make them and my sauce today, always tastes better the 2nd day after flavors have melded

Waiting to hear how the ‘lil does @ PIAA today. They ranked her 16th in the state, not too shabby.

Those are some scary costumes.

There were some awesome ones, mostly horror themed. Wasn’t expecting such elaborate efforts

Don’t visit often, but I have always had good food there.

It always surprises me how so many chains’ quality vary from site to site, even in the same city. Miller’s in Orlando…I see you. Some of them are decidedly skipable.

Carole you are missed on the Sans.

She is

Sending out good vibes to some Sans family who have not posted for a long while….Patty, Tink, Monykalyn, Lori and many more…..you are missed.

They are

Sending good thoughts and prayers to Mac. You are missed. This is a thread you started many moons ago. Without you there would be no Sans. I hope you are well.

not the same without her here

I like going there, but not fond of seeing stuffed real animals

Lol i get it. When a brownie, our first camping trip was inside a huge hunting lodge. Winter & idea to slowly get us used to being away from home etc. We slept on the floor in main room with a giant blazing fireplace. So cozy, until they turned off the lights. Then, no matter which way I turned could see the animals eyes flickering in the fire light. Pretty sure I was up all night

It should have some of the old menu plus some new items. Later we may go to a movie.

Sounds like fun. Believe the mr would like to catch the MI movie

I wish they would sell individual express passes like Disney does with the lightning lanes. I would have paid a little extra to ride the HP ride.

Yes, I agree!

however, so many U fans are dead said against it…love winging it or working those EPs from the deluxe resorts. Might backfire on them with core base.

What’s the attraction in Wheeling? It’s about 3.5 hours away from me

Well, TBH not a whole lot. Can’t really recommend it. there’s Oglesby park, wheeling downs casino/dog race track, nearby shopping outlets in PA, moundsville, WV: Indian burial mound, long closed prison (haunted-tours) & the minor sports teams…

Including the football team - Miners my two oldest DS are coaching.

had to order some bone meal online for my tomato plants as I could not find any around here.

Never used that

The park did not appear to be to crowded yesterday on opening day.

Likely reason, throttled attendance. I do think a good idea until they get everything running smoothly

Once the person arrives for their ride time. Scan the persons return time QR and scan their picture (this will stop folks from trying to sell their return time ticket to others).

Like WDW old FP. Although I vote for adding a token fee if needed.

He likes the carosel at the Mall. Will see how the weather goes in terms of how cool it will be.

Who doesn’t like a good spin on one? Keep you young. Have fun.

 

[Robo56]

Waiting to hear how the ‘lil does @ PIAA today. They ranked her 16th in the state, not too shabby.

Good luck to her. That is a great ranking…….not to shabby at all. She is a very talented athlete. I know you are proud of her.

Never used that

I saw a Master Gardener who’s club did research on the perfect soil and fertilizer that would yeild the best tomato growth results and the addition of bone meal was one of the recommendations.

Like WDW old FP. Although I vote for adding a token fee if needed.

Exactly……..old FP idea with the addition of facial recognition might be a start……Not sure how I feel about adding another fee in addition to the ticket price.

Although some might be ok with paying for it.

I would not like to see Universal start charging fees for every little additional thing on offer……it does bother me a bit when companies start nickel and dimming you for every little thing…….the whole money grab thing is not attractive…..just my thought.

I think it was nice that they capped attendance yesterday. I was expecting thousands in line for yesterdays grand opening.

 

[Charade67]

Happy Friday. It has been a long day for me. I woke up just before 4:00 and was not able to get back to sleep. Caspian was demanding food, but I couldn’t give him any since he was being sedated today for his annual exam. Dropped him off at the vet around 8:30 then B and I went out for breakfast. Back home I cleaned and did some laundry until it was time to pick him up. I watched some TV and eventually fell asleep. Just woke up a little while ago. I feel like it should be much later in the day than it is.

I think perhaps they should try this. Set up a couple of electonic kiosks with TM’s there to streamline the process. Have the person scan their park ticket and let the machine printout a small return time ticket with a QR on it.

I like this idea. It would keep people from getting time slots that they don’t need and make it more fair for everyone else.

Waiting to hear how the ‘lil does @ PIAA today. They ranked her 16th in the state, not too shabby.

Congratulations to her!!

however, so many U fans are dead said against it…love winging it or working those EPs from the deluxe resorts. Might backfire on them with core base.

I don’t understand that mentality at all. Single attraction pass would be great for people like me who travel on a lower budget. I don’t need express pass for everything. We only bought 2 individual fast passes on our last Disney trip and none of the multi ride ones.

I think it was nice that they capped attendance yesterday. I was expecting thousands in line for yesterdays grand opening.

I was so shocked to see the low wait times on the rides yesterday and today. I thought the park would be super packed. I hope we have reasonable crowds in January.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

Got Stella Nova room for tomorrow night for $118 total FL resident last minute. YAY!!!
Hope everyone is well!!!

 

[Robo56]

Good Tuesday morning everyone












Happy belated Memorial Day

Got Stella Nova room for tomorrow night for $118 total FL resident last minute. YAY!!!
Hope everyone is well!!!

Great price on the room. I heard Stella Nova is a nice hotel……….enjoy.



Good Tuesday morning everyone.

It is overcast this morning. Supposed to rain a little.

Hope everyone had a nice restful Memorial Day.

I did a little grilling and made some salads yesterday.

I need to get back in the groove of things this week. I want to finish a little clean up in the sunken garden out back.

Plan to get back to the fitness center down the road. I stopped by to make sure my key fob still worked and it did. I like to go early in the morning.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone doing whatever makes you happy.

 

[Charade67]

Great price on the room. I heard Stella Nova is a nice hotel……….enjoy.

I enjoyed my stay there except for the motion sensitive lights in the rooms.

 

[keishashadow]

Hey all! Sitting in airport hotel counting hours till I kidnap the Mr tomorrow for the mystery 70th BD trip. He's still playing along no idea where or how long.

Today, my youngest turned 32 Made him a nice steak dinner and sent him home with bagful of gifts and my pooch lol

Got Stella Nova room for tomorrow night for $118 total FL resident last minute. YAY!!!
Hope everyone is well!!!

That is a score! Enjoy We are (over) paying for Terra nova two nights end of June Maybe will get lucky too

I enjoyed my stay there except for the motion sensitive lights in the rooms.

Do they have the keycard option to keep on near the entrance?

Robbie I should know what a sunken garden is, mind going blank You need to post when finished

 

[drenalin'junkie]

So beat down right now. DW was a champ today. Pushed thru some discomfort with her leg and rocked. Rode MOM, Mariokart and Wing gliders w me.

 

[Charade67]

Do they have the keycard option to keep on near the entrance?

I don’t think so. If they did I completely missed it.

So beat down right now. DW was a champ today. Pushed thru some discomfort with her leg and rocked. Rode MOM, Mariokart and Wing gliders w me.

I hope she enjoyed the rides and the heat wasn’t too unbearable.

Meanwhile, we are having a weird cold snap here. Today it was just in the 50’s and rainy. Tomorrow should be in the mid 60’s. I think someone accidentally turned off Spring.