It's April! Let's Celebrate Spring in All It's Glory.2016-04-01T10:12:39-04:00

Home Forums General Quacker Chatter It's April! Let's Celebrate Spring in All It's Glory.

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi All,
      Welcome to the new month. I hope we will be seeing lots of spring flowers soon. I love this time of year with all the new life outdoors. It really is a season of rebirth.

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I am sorry to hear about Ethan’s grandfather. I will say a prayer for both him and Ethan. It doesn’t surprise me that Kaylee was relatively unaffected. She is still pretty young and the concept of someone dying is not really on their radar yet. When Kim died, Kendall and Lachlan did not really understand what happened either. I think Jenny just told them that she went to heaven and we wouldn’t be able to see her anymore and that Uncle Brent would be very sad. That’s about all you can do as you don’t want them to dwell on it either. I hope Ethan won’t be too sad. I will pray for him.
      You are right-I guess it is more fun to buy guitars and boats than plants. lol
      I don’t imagine that we will have to start cutting grass until May. It’s supposed to be really cold here again by Monday morning. We get a little taste of warmer weather and then it disappears. April is the teasing month and then it seems like we go directly from cold to hot. We had a lot of rain yesterday-it really poured at times and then the temperature dropped about 20 degrees.
      I hope that you will like this new doctor a lot and that she will help you. And take another look at that kidney scan just to be sure everything checks out okay. At least you won’t have to go to that stupid doctor anymore-good riddance to him.
      Have a good weekend. I hope we all do something fun!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello everyone……I am here, and I am not forgetting to check the box this time!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      At least he is not in any pain anymore. From what we were told he was in so much pain and did not know anyone anymore. He did not know his wife at the end. It was just really sad that she could not have one last conversation with him. That was hard on her. She is a nice lady.
      I feel for Tillie. It is hard to wear a brace when you do not feel comfortable wearing one. I guess when we get that age we will not want to wear stuff like that either. I feel that way about the back brace. Makes you look like a invalid. It is just a way of life.
      I do like that deaf man on dwts. It seemed to me like he had a hard time with the fast dance. He did really good the first week with the slow dance. I do not see how he does it if he cannot feel the vibrations to help with the beat. I cannot remember why he said that he could not feel it. Maybe because of the crowd and all the noise. I hope that he goes far in the competition and they get it all worked out for him. I do like that the judges are trying to keep things fair. It must be hard on them to judge him. You are right about that one girl. She is so tall and sometime that makes it hard. But she does have such a bad attitude. It is hard to like her. I get she goes this week. It really makes you wonder why she agreed to do the show. She never smiles. Poor Mark he has to try to dance with her and get her to do the dance. We will see what happens.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      We just heard your area is, or had, awful storms, with tornado’s. I hope everyone you know is safe. That is so scary. Those storms are coming here, but, they will not be as dangerous.
      Tillie really hates the braces. But, without them, she walks on the outside of her feet- they are completely turned to the side, and she can barely walk. Go figure. She hates the brace, but thinks it ok to walk like that. Her slippers do not even stay on her feet- they fall off. I think you are correct. She does not want to look like an invalid. But, she looks worst with no brace. Somehow, in her mind, she does not.

      I know that Tom is on tonight…yahoo!! I love Blue Bloods. (Ihave no idea why I have red lines…LOL)

      You and your family are in my pryaers. The loss of a grandparent is so awful for a child. Our relationships with our grands is worth gold. A grandparent is sucg=h an important part of a child’s life.

      Hope you have a good night!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      They are having the visitation for him on Monday and the funeral is at the same time. That will make a long day for all of them. I guess his wife just wants it over. She has been going thru so much for so long she must be tired. I just hope that Ethan will be okay with all of this. She is keeping out of school for a couple of days. I am not sure that is the right thing to do or not. He may have been better off with his friends for the day. It is hard to know what the best thing to do is.
      It is cooler here today then it was yesterday. I am not sure what the weather will be for the rest of the week. I hope that it is not bad on Monday. That will be a mess if it is. We sure do not need rain.
      I think that any doctor would be better then that last one I had. He was not very good at all. Well he did not work out for me. Maybe someone else he does really good with. I hope so because he had to go thru school. I wonder how he ranked in his class. I hope it was not last but it seems like that is where he was.
      The pictures that you posted on here are really cute. I love the picture of the flowers. I cannot wait for all the flowers to bloom. It is a little scary for all the things that are blooming around here right now. If we get really cold weather it will kill the flowers and hurt some of the trees. All of the pear trees are blooming and had such pretty white flowers but now they are falling off and they are not looking good. Usually after the flowers come off they are really pretty and green. I hope that this is not a bad sign. Our red buds are blooming also. It is early for them. This crazy weather.
      We are supposed to go to a surprise birthday party and a play tomorrow. This should be interesting. I hope that they are not both at the same time. The party is for one of our friends so if we do not come it would be bad and if we do not make it to the play that will be bad also. We sit her for weeks with nothing to do and then everything happens at once.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good week-end. Hope you have some fun things planned to do.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      What is going on with this new front page. I cannot find anything. The birthdays are gone, cannot find my page or anything else. I hope they fix this soon. This is aggravating. We just get this site figured out and they change things again. We better hang on to each others e-mail addresses or we will not be able to get in contact with each other. I am really confused as to why they are doing this. If you are having better luck then I am please let me know how you are getting thru.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I found you!! But I’m confused. Do I have to sign up again & put up a whole new profile, etc? I went to look for my page & couldn’t find it. I could be doing
      something wrong. Bear with me. I’ll catch on eventually. (I hope).LOL
      We had another gorgeous day today. It’s gonna cool down this weekend, & have showers by Sunday & Monday. But by mid week it warms up again & we could
      see our first days of 80 F temps!! That’s rare to have temps that high in April. We’re lucky if we see those temps in June. We have running jokes here. Summer doesn’t
      start till after the 5th of July. We don’t tan out here, we rust. And it goes on & on.

      I’m not sure who asked me, but prawns are large shrimp. They’re grey color raw, but when you cook them they turn a bright pink. the restaurant I spoke about
      is a fish house. They serve other things too, but mostly fish menu. I’m still full, Lol. It’s a good thing I’m not allergic to them!!
      I had another busy day today. It was payday, so I went to the grocery store for Kay & got her groceries. Then I went & got mine later on. I’m going out again
      tomorrow, just to get out of the house while the sun’s still around.

      Silly me, I didn’t think to take pics. I was soo busy looking around, I didn’t think about it. Which is odd cuz I used to be picture crazy. I bought an expensive camera in
      the 80’s & I took a ton of pics over the yrs!! I don’t even know if they make the film anymore. I have thought of getting a Canon camera when they have one on a TSV
      on the Q. But I don’t drive anymore, so it’s harder to get out to take pics.
      There’s a set of dinnerware of Temptations I’d love to have. Its the 20 piece dinnerware set in OW pattern, in Oceanfetti. I LOVE that color. It’s basically Caribbean blue!!!
      I wish they’d put it on more than 2 or 3 easy pays. Sigh. Maybe it’s a good thing they don’t. LOL.
      Well, I’m signing off for now.
      I hope you all have a great weekend.
      dianne

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    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      You can get to your page easy. Just look on the right side of the main page and click on my page on the list. Also you can click on your name and it will take you to your page. The Birthdays are still there just scroll down. At the top of the page go to Be Social and then click on discussions to get here.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Thank You so much Sue. I didn’t even know all these changes had happened. They like to keep us hopping! Just when we get used to something one way they go ahead and change things again! lol Such is life!
      Talk about April Fools-I woke up this morning and looked out the window and lo and behold everything was white-so look it-it’s probably coming your way.
      Gail

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      I did not know about the changes but they did not change much. If you use the topics at the top of the page you can find what you want by using the drop down box. Also at the right side under my account you can find your page and friends etc.

      We are to get an arctic blast of cold 20’s at night 30’s in the daytime. But they said we would only get snow showers so we will see. The wind is the thing and we have had that for sometime. No use to fix your hair as soon as you go out the wind swirls it all around. My cousin was here from Kansas and they were staying in a cabin in the mountain. So Monday when they went to go back to the cabin a tree had fallen across the road when it blew down. So they called and ask if I would be home and could they come by. So they were here until 10PM when they got the tree removed. Actually they stayed that long to see Dancing with the Stars. He said he never remembered it being so windy here. They are saying we may have power outages.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi everyone,
      I hope Sue’s explanation helped everyone to find things. I didn’t even realize all the changes have happened. We are getting strong winds here too. And the snow stops and starts but at least there hasn’t been any accumulation yet. I hope there won’t be. We are going tomorrow to look at some open houses up by a lake in Wisconsin just to get out for the day. I am taking Rocky to the dog sitters for a day of doggie daycare. Otherwise I worry about leaving him for more than a few hours. This way he will be with Sharon and have company and someone to keep an eye on him. I know I overprotect him but he is the last of our dogs and will be 17 the end of May so I think he deserves special attention. It’s worth it for our peace of mind to pay someone to watch him for the day. That way we can relax knowing that he is being taken good care of.
      Adele, that growing thing sounds neat. I’ll bet JJ will enjoy watching that. It sounds like things are progressing with Gary. I’ll bet you’ll be glad when he can totally care for himself again. As to Tillie and the brace-I get it. I don’t mind wearing it and having people think I’m an invalid. I have no more pride. lol I just don’t like putting it on period. It’s the struggling to get it into the shoe and having to wear tie shoes with it that’s the problem. I’m sweating by the time I’m done with it all. When one is a chubbo it’s hard bending over to get the shoes on and get them tied. Also I like wearing sandals in the summer so I have a system now that I only wear it if i am going someplace where I am doing a lot of walking. If I am not walking a lot I just wear whatever shoes that I want to-usually something that slips on. The guy that made the brace told me he was shocked when a woman cried when she had to wear one-I was shocked that he was shocked about her crying-he must not know women at all. We all like cute shoes not a big clunky old brace in a big clunky old shoe. Of course she was upset. I just did my crying in private. lol
      Dianne, that oceanfetti is a beautiful color. I am always drawn to turquoises. I probably shouldn’t mention this if it’s a temptation but this weekend everything is on six easy pays when you use a Q card. I hope i haven’t been an instrument of temptation. lol I think Adele is allergic to shellfish so that’s probably why she didn’t know about prawns. I glad that I don’t have a seafood allergy since I love all the shellfish! Delicious!
      Colleen, isn’t it funny how we can have nothing to do for weeks and then one weekend there will be a bunch of stuff. I hope that you get to do everything.
      I think a lot of times nowadays they have the visitation with the memorial service right afterwards. I can remember years ago when there would be a two day wake and the funeral Mass the following day and then the journey out to the cemetery followed by a big luncheon. That made for a very long week.
      Last night when we over to Jenny’s Kendall put on a fashion show for us and modeled all the new clothes she got with her Grandma. She was really proud of herself, She definitely has her own sense of style and puts things together in the cutest way. Of course not to be outdone then Piper had to model things-like old worn out bathing suits that she would have on sideways-or shirts on her head-or underpants with socks on her hands. I guess she has her own individual sense of style too-except that it is semi-nudist! lol We have more fun with those kids! Greg is over there today helping Adam work on making the basement into a family room. It will be nice when they get it done.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I have not found the birthdays in months, and gave up.

      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      that color of temptations is real pretty. I hope they offer easy pay for it, so you can get them. I love the easy pay too. I love not paying any interest.
      I was the one who asked about the prawns. That is real funny. I live on the coast too, and we have a lot of seafood. I have never heard shrimp called prawns. I am allergic to shellfish, so I cannot eat them anymore. It took a while to discover that, and I was always sick after going out to dinner…LOL
      We are getting blasted tonight. They have blizzard warnings up- can you imagine????? It is April, for God’s sake.
      I do not know what you did wrong. But, I sent you a friend request a while ago- not sure you got it. I hope you can find your page. Gail and Sue are good at that- maybe they can help.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hi Sue!
      Thanks. Now I may be able to find the birthdays again…..LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      We are getting blasted tonight, with blizzard warnings. Bobby went to do our food shopping a bit ago, as I told him he may as well go today, and not get drenched tomorrow.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue
      I forgot to say, that was nice that you had a visit with your cousin. I hope they got home safe. This weather has been strange, and dangerous. Global warming is pon us for sure.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!
      those kids are so funny. I can see Piper with the shirts on her head now. Kendall gets up-staged at every turn by her little sister. They are such fun, and you must absolutely adore them.
      I love the stories we all share about our grands, and pets. It is like sitting and having coffee with each other.
      Tillie’s new tops came, that I am getting her for her birthday. She wanted the ones I got, of course, so she can wear the same thing I am in….LOL the pretty flowered tank, with the cardigan over it. She wanted the blue and pink ones. She is just too funny.
      I ordered her new sneakers in a size larger, so she can try them to see how they fit. I hope they work for her.
      I hope you get good weather, so it will come here. The next 2 days are going to be awful.
      Are you planning on getting another house, or just looking? I love to see what décor others use, and get ideas.
      Have a good one!
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Well HELLO HELLO HELLO to ALL!!!!!!!! So very happy to be back with you ladies after what seems like forever. We are physically okay, but not sure about the mental part. We have been so very very busy with taking care of Jerrys Mom and trying to help her with all the many things needed to be done for her. She is doing so much better, and I have to say it is from all the things that Jerry has been doing for and with her. I am very proud of him for being such a loving son. I can only hope that if a time came in our lives for this type of help that our boys would be there for us like he has been for his Mom. He has not missed a single day in three months of either going to get her, take her to doctor appointments, or other things like her car insurance, homeowners insurance, drivers license, etc. that needed to be taken care of. And then there has been a long list of bills, property taxes, and on and on that he has helped her take care of. Enough of that. Just know we have had our hands full to say the least.
      I know that I have missed so many things that have been going on in everyone’s life but so hope everyone is doing well, and that all the family is too. Everyone here is okay. Sarah has a baby belly now, and is really doing well. They just told us a few days ago that they are moving out in two weeks into an apartment. I know it will be a good move for them and for us as well. I think we all may have gotten on each others nerves every now and then, and it will do us all some good to have a little breathing room, but I must admit, even though I put on my brave face, and told our son that I completely understood, that I have shed a few tears over this. They are grown, and I want them to be happy, just know I will miss them and will miss hearing their footsteps upstairs and just knowing that they are there. But I think Sarah is ready for her husband to be all hers and not husband and our son too. Like I said, I really do understand, just hurt a little, will miss them both, and am anxious for the baby to make his appearance. They are moving close to her parents; which is okay, but a much longer drive for us. She seems to be feeling really good now, and really has not gained much weight.
      I fell a few weeks ago. I was out walking and decided to walk out to the barn which is about 400 or so feet from our house. I had my cell phone in my pocket, thank goodness, and when I tripped over something in the grass I just went sideways and down I went. The grass was pasture grass, so it was about a foot high, and I think I got my foot caught in some kind of weeds. One of the dogs kept running over to me and licking my hand or face as if to try to help me. I called Joey and he and Lisa came and helped me up. I didn’t tell Jerry at first. mainly because I didn’t want to be lectured about how I should not have walked out so far, but finally told him and by then I knew I was just fine, but it was a real wake up call for me. I simply could not get myself up. I felt so helpless. It was a blessing I had my phone. God was watching out for me. So now I don’t go anywhere without some kind of phone, or someone with me.
      I will close for now, and hope this gets through to you all. I surely hope all is well with everyone. I have missed our chats so much. I surely hope not to be away so long now. Take care everyone. Will be checking back soon. Hugs from Tennessee and me, Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      It is so good to hear from you. We were getting a little worried. I am glad that you are okay. It was a good thing that you had your phone when you fell. It is hard to think that you cannot go outside and walk where you want to. I have to take my cane with me. It helps me to keep my balance if I start to fall. I am just clumsy so that is my fault. I need to be more careful.
      Our new baby is here. She is a little girl name is Aliza. She is really cute. Cannot wait for you to have your new grand daughter. You are going to just fall in love with the baby the minute you see him or her. Do they know yet what the baby is going to be? Just have fun spoiling her or him.
      That is nice that Jerry is doing so much for him mom. Your sons will do that for you two also. They do try to be there for the two of you now. They have always been there for you. It is hard to take care of a mom like that. My mom mostly depends on my brother. He is the only boy and her is still her baby. So she has him do most everything. Which is fine with me. My one sister and I go there when she needs us and to visit but not for anything to do with her banking or her medicare. He takes care of all of that. Thank the Lord. It would have been nice if Jerry’s mom would have let Jerry take care of things from the beginning. She has learned a hard lesson.
      It is hard when the kids move home and then move out again. It is like the empty nest syndrome all over again. We have gone thru it a few times. Now it has been awhile since they have moved in. We are hoping that they do not for a long time if ever. You miss having them around and seeing the kids all the time. So do not feel bad about feeling a little hurt. We all do. You will get use to it again and be happy.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I have been doing the birthdays and now I cannot find them at all. I have looked all over the place for them. I wrote to Tiago and asked him to help me find them again. He should know where he hid them. I do not know why they did not let this site alone. There are too many of us that have a hard finding things the way it is.lol
      When is Tillies birthday? She will be excited to get her new tops. I have not ordered anything for awhile. I still have a lot of easy pay going on and need to get it paid. I just hope they do not show another top that I cannot live without. They had a pair of Ryka sandals that I really want but am not going to buy them. I keep telling myself that. We will see how long that lasts. Did you buy anything new for yourself?
      I hope that the new shoes work out for Tillie. She will get use to the brace soon. If she ever wears it and finds that she is more comfortable in it she will want to wear it. That has to be hard on her to walk on the side of her feet. You would think that it would hurt. Does she walk like that in all her shoes? I guess if she is use to it, it does not hurt anymore. It is hard to get our mom’s to listen to us.
      I cannot believe that you are getting more snow. Wow I hope that it is not as bad as they are saying. Is Johnny still working for the post office? Hope if you get the snow he will not have to walk a route and deliver mail. That is a cold and wet job. Did he get hired permanently yet? I sure hope that he has. He seems to really like the job.
      Well that is about all from here. Hope that Gary is doing okay. It will be great when he can take that brace off and be comfortable. it is good news that his legs are not as swollen.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Colleen,
      When you are on the Quacker home page go over to Be social and click. A menu will appear and click on Quacker social-then scroll down the page and the birthdays are down there on the right hand side like they were before. Hope you can find them. If you can’t I will try to explain it better.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Sounds like you had a nice fashion show with the kids. Kendall picked out some nice things and they go together. She is really good at shopping. She does good for her age. Poor Piper. She is going to be a nudist for a long time.lol Her fashion was one of a kind. She picked some strange places to wear her socks and under pants on her hands. She definitely has a style of her own.lol She is so funny.
      Have fun looking at houses. It is fun to look at all the different styles and decorations. Are these model homes are ones that people live in? We use to do that to find some colors to put together. Have a good time looking. It was a good idea to put Rocky at the babysitters or dog sitters. He will feel better and so will you. It is so hard when they get older like that and you do not want them to be alone. Especially since he looks for you. He may try to go up stairs.
      That is surprising that the guy did not think that a woman would cry when she found out what the brace looked like. I figure there are some men that get upset also. It takes awhile to get use to that stuff. You did really well not crying in his office. You can wear your sandals still though. I wonder if her injury was worse then yours was and she has to wear it all the time. You just have to figure these things out. You may not be able to wear a high heel again but that is not too bad. There are a lot of people that cannot wear a heel anymore. We all just take things differently.
      We went to the grocery sore the other day and they had lobster tails on sale for $4.99 a tail. We bought two of them to see what they were like and they were very good. I would like to go back and get more but I imagine that they are all gone by now. That was such a good sale. Have you ever seen that commercial where they have all those lobsters and clams that they boiled and they just dump them on the table and everyone just starts eating. Now that is one place I would love to be. Can you imagine living close to the water where catch all of that. You could have it fresh whenever you wanted. That is making my mouth water.
      The birthday party was a surprise for Joe. He walked and we all sang Happy Birthday. The look on his face was priceless. They got a lot of pictures of him when he came in. It was funny. Ruth had to tell him all kinds of stuff to keep him from finding out what was going on. I had to threaten Ron to keep his mouth shut. It all just worked out really good. They had some good food also. A bunch of the ladies brought different food to help Ruth out.
      We did not make it to the play. Ron is not feeling good and I did not go because no one else from the family was going. So I did not want to go by myself. We have gone to her other plays so she should not be too upset with us.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night. Will talk to you later.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Sue,
      Thanks for the info on how to find our page. I still cannot find the birthdays. I will keep looking though.
      Thanks again
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      So it’s not just me that’s confused. But do they change the site without warning? My question is WHY???!! I’m confused enough as it is. I don’t need someone making it
      worse!! I was able to find the birthdays. They’re on the Quacker Social Home page. Just scroll down past my account list & there they are.

      Hi Barbara,
      I’m new to the group. I’ve been on here a whole week (or is it 2)??

      Did you guys really have a blizzard? that’s insane for this time of yr. I can see it in the higher elevations like we have out here, but that’s just CRAZY!!! I hope it doesn’t
      last long. Here today gone tomorrow.

      Not much to say this time around. Just glad I’m not the only one who’s confused with the new site.
      Have a great Sunday!!
      dianne

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dianne,
      Yes they do change the page without warning. I stay confused.lol I finally found the birthdays and got them done for today and yesterday. I do not know why they have to keep changing things. It takes me forever to find things again after they change. Do they not realize we are old and not as up on things as they are.lol
      I really like the temptation that you put on here. Is that a set that you have? It is really pretty. I only have the one set and it is a orange color. It is really old. It does come in handy sometimes. It is really nice for casseroles and things like that. Wish I would have gotten a set with the lids. Do they even do that anymore.
      We had lobster tails the other night. They had them on sale for $4.99 a tail. They were really good too. You just have to drop them in boiling water and they are done in 5 to 6 minutes. I hope that I can get back there to get more of them. We had them with baked potato. It was a lot cheaper then what we can get them cooked at Red Lobster. If I lived by the ocean I would be out catching my own. We would eat them all the time.
      Why is it that the things that you really want they do not put on easy pay or not enough easy pay so you can buy it. Now if you want a camera they probably will have that on six easy pays. They do that on computers also. We have been taking more pictures now then we use to. Ron gave me a camera for Christmas this year. I just forget to take it with me though when we go places.
      Well that is about all from here. We are not getting any of the snow that the other girls are getting. Those poor girls get a lot of snow. Especially Adele and Sue. Gail gets her fair share but I do not think as much as the other two do.
      Enjoy the rest of your week-end and will talk to you latter.
      Collen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      You are so right about Piper wanting to upstage Kendall. I think she didn’t like so much that everyone was looking at Kendall instead of her. lol So she had to figure out a way to get in on the act. Believe me she probably was put out not getting to go on that shopping trip. What a diva!
      I think that tank and cardigan that you got for Tillie is so pretty but for some reason I have never gotten it. I think because they tend to show it in the spring and by this time of year I don’t want to be thinking about buying sweaters and for me that would be winter wear. I don’t wear sweaters in summer.
      I wonder if one of the reasons that Tillie doesn’t like the brace is because she has to wear shoes with it and it is just much more comfy to wear the slippers. I know that’s another reason that I don’t like my brace. When i am home and I sit down I always just kick off my shoes and often curl my legs up on the couch. When I have the brace on I can’t do that-so it is just not comfy. Just a thought.
      Here’s the deal with looking at the lake houses. Greg has always wanted a lake summer home as he loves fishing. We had the opportunity years ago to buy my parents lake house in northern Wisconsin but it was right after we got married and basically we had no money so we had to take a pass. So we have our boat and Greg doesn’t like putting it in and taking out of the water every time so the last few years we rented a slip and kept it in the water all summer. But he still has this idea that he would like a lake house and that Jenny, Adam and the kids could make use of it too. So he has been looking online for the last few years. We don’t want it too far up north as the drive is too long. There are some nice lakes closer but many are good for fishing and not for swimming and he knows if it’s not good swimming it’s a definite no from me and the kids would not use it either. So we have this constant back and forth. Basically, I think it’s just a really expensive way to find a place to park the boat. lol I can no longer take care of the house that we have let alone a second home. Now if we had a smaller home here maybe i might say yes but he is no way ready to downsize and give up the pond and the putting green and driving range so we are kind of at an impasse. Although I wouldn’t want to give up the land either as I like the privacy but the house is getting to feel too big.So this is just kind of an excursion so that he can see if this is even something that he would really want to do. I doubt very much that this would ever happen for real at this stage in our lives.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hello Dear Barbara,
      Welcome back!
      I’m glad that Sarah is feeling well. When is the due date again. Your life will change when the little one comes and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without him or her.
      You will be sad for a little bit when they move out but then you will be glad to have your privacy back again.
      I’m glad Jerry’s Mom is doing better. He has been really busy with her and is a good son.
      Glad that you had your phone when you fell. It’s a scary feeling not to be able to get back up.
      We missed you and are looking forward to hearing more of your adventures. Get any good Quacker lately.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      Yes they can change the site without warning. I think they change it to try and draw more people into the site. Tiago works on it and also Jeanne’s grandson James. they did warn us ahead of time when they changed the whole thing a year and a half ago. We were afraid we would lose our discussions since so few people participate anymore but they did keep them but you never know for how long they will do that. I wish that we could post our own videos like before. I miss that.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I love lobster too. I hope you can go back and get some more and keep them in your freezer if they are not all sold out. That was a great deal.
      I have not worn heels for years-so I don’t miss them at all. I don’t even know how those people walk in those 5 inch ones.
      The houses we are looking at are open houses where people are living in them. See the post to Adele for the full explanation. Gosh before we built this house we walked through hundreds of model homes to get the feel of the things and the space that we really wanted. I loved building and picking everything out. I would do that again if the opportunity ever presented itself. It was lots of fun. That’s when there was a building boom and there were models to walk through. You don’t see that much anymore since the housing market crashed.
      Was Kylie in the play that you were supposed to see. Which play was it? I’m sure she’ll understand if you missed it. I hope that Ron is feeling better today. I hope we won’t run into more snow in Wisconsin today. I think parts of it had quite a bit.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello Barbara!!!
      it was so nice to see your post. We were all worried about you.
      I am so sorry to hear about your fall. Even though you did not do any damage, I am sure it was traumatic to sit there and have to wait for your son to come help you. Thank God you did have your phone. It is sad when the universe makes us realize we are older citizens, and have to take precautions. Cell phones do have a good purpose in our lives. I am sure I do not speak for myself in saying we are all so very happy to hear from you, and know you are ok.
      How nice that Sarah’s pregnancy is now showing. It makes the coming of the first grandchild a lot more real, when you can see the evidence. I bet you are all thrilled to see the developments, and the pictures of the ultrasounds. They are so much more developed than the ones I saw for the girls, 19 to 26 years ago. It is good she is having a problem free pregnancy. You will miss them for sure. Especially when the baby is born.
      Jerry is a good son, and great husband. He is taking such good care of his Mom, and I know she must be thrilled to be able to stay in her home for now. He must be tired form all the running around.
      So happy to have you back with us. We have a new Quacker- Dianne. She loves to decorate, just like the rest of us. She has the prettiest kitty!
      We are good over here. Gary is recovering from the shoulder surgery, and Tillie is dealing with having to wear her foot brace every day. Tillie will be 90 in May, and we are taking the family and a couple of friends to Bertucci’s- Tillie’s favorite restaurant for a little celebration. Steph is making centerpieces, and a decoration for her chair. I am ordering her favorite flowers for the room- roses, and a corsage for her wrist…..even though I was painfully reminded at Marissa’s graduation that a corsage is very 1960’s.
      Hope your weather is good. Ours is quite weird. Snow and high winds today. We didnto get too much snow- about 4 inches- more on tap for tomorrow, though.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi colleen
      Tillie’s birthday is May 8th. I got the same tops se wanted- as soon as she knew I got them, she did. I bet whatever I wear to her party, she will have on. She did that for Rissy’s graduation , and the last time we went to the hairdresser. It is becoming a joke around here.
      Jhonny is still with the Post Office. he is going to get drenched tomorrow. On Sunday, they deliver packages, and he works form 10 to end of package delivery- whenever they are done. He has only one day off, and sometimes it is either Tuesday or Wednesday. He is not permanent yet. But, a lot of the guys who started with him, either got fired, or quit. It is not an easy job, but he loves it. We are all hoping he will get a permanent position. he is a good worker, and never complains, so I hope he has a good shot.
      The snow we got last night, is melting. More on the way starting at 3am, lasting until 8pm, is the last I heard. It will melt fast this time of year.
      Tillie’s new shoes- New Balance will be here tomorrow. I hope the ones I picked will work. I have to get ones that have Velcro for her. She has been being good the last few days, and wearing her brace.
      Gary is doing good. The shoulder is healing, with little pain, and the legs are getting a lot better too. I hope he can get that miserable sling off soon. He still spends half the night in his chair, as he cnanto sleep in the bed for long.
      Hope your weather is good, and it comes here fast!!!!
      How is Aliza doing? How about your Mom?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      We did not get a blizzard. They called it blizzard conditions, due to the high winds. We were lucky, as we only got a small amount of the winds. Cape Cod got blasted with winds. there are a lot of people up here with no electricity. I am happy we are not one of them!
      I hope your state is having good weather, and you can go out and enjoy the spring. We have one more day of snow- tomorrow. I hope it is not too bad….LOL
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Happy Sunday to All. It is so sunny here today, but the wind is blowing and the air is really cool. It was a beautiful day yesterday, and one of our dear neighbors that we have known for years called us and asked if they could bring their grandson over and fish in our pond out back? We of course said yes, so they and his Mom and Dad came and went fishing for a few hours. He is 3 and was such a good little boy. He wanted to show me and Jerry how he fished and the worms and crickets, and of course he was running all around with our dogs and they were having so much fun. He would take my hand and lead me over to some leaf or something he wanted to show me; and then before he left, he came over to me (I was sitting in a lawn chair by that time) and he hugged me and kissed me and told me that he had had the “funniest” day ever! I tell you, my heart just melted. I was a glob of mush, he was just so sweet and reminded me so much of when ours were little. Neal and Sarah will be having a little boy in August. Yes, seeing him on those ultrasound pictures was so cute. It really made it real to us, and in a way I think to Neal too. I guess you all can tell that I am more than just a little excited. I know in my heart that we may not get to see him as much at the beginning since she will be living so close to her Mom, and I know she will want her Mom to be the one to be there and help her, but I am willing to bide my time and wait our turn, because I know Colleen is right, that before much time passes they will want us to take him too. Sarah can’t be still. She likes to be on the move all the time, and I feel that having a little one will be a bigger adjustment for her than our homebody son, Neal. But we will see. I know it will be a very big change for them both. Sarah works at St. Jude Hospital now. You have probably heard of it; since it is known the world over. I know during Christmas that HSN does ornaments that all the proceeds go to the hospital. So she does have a lot of experience with children of all ages who are suffering with childhood cancers. It just breaks my heart, and I know it makes all of us thankful for good health of the ones we love.
      I am on “mess hall duty” today, self inflicted. Since I know they are leaving soon, I up and volunteered to cook chicken and dumplings today. I have also done a cake. Haven’t frosted it yet. It is still waiting for you, Adele, to come whip up something yummy to go on it. I haven’t decided what flavor the frosting will be, but will probably go with my stand by chocolate. Everyone seems to like that. Joey and Lisa may not be able to stop by today. They already had a day trip planned somewhere, and that would be good for them. He was supposed to be off Friday night, but worked since they had someone who is sick, and that would have made the shift harder for the ones there. I plan to call our son in New Mexico later today and see how they are doing. He has put in his official retirement paperwork with the Air Force, so January 2017 will be the date, but he has so much leave accrued that I think they will be leaving there around September of this year and he will just be using up the leave he has built up. Not sure where they are going to yet to call home. He has talked to us a lot about here, but his wifes family is in Florida, and I think she wants to go back there. I am very happy for them. I cannot imagine being 43 and already having 25 years in. He went in so young. But now he can just do a part time or even full time job of his choosing, if that’s what he wants to do. I know several companies have approached him with offers. His wife is a nurse, too. Lots of nurses in our family LOL
      Jerry and his Mom are riding over to Arkansas today, to visit some places where she and Paw Paw used to live. Its only across the Mississippi River and then about 25 miles. He wanted to take her on an
      “adventure” as he called it. He is loving this time they are having together. He really needed this closeness with his Mom, since losing his Dad. She spends a lot of time over here, too. She sits in the Lazy Boy and they watch a movie, and she drifts off to sleep. She will be 90 in December, Adele, so she has something in common with Tillie. We have already talked about doing a big party for her birthday too. I think everyone should have a celebration on their birthday. I have a niece who shares my birthday, and she is exactly 20 years younger than me; so when she complains about how old she is, I always tease her and say, just think, I’ll swap you my age for yours. Ha ha. By the way, she is a nurse too! LOL
      Well, those dumplings aren’t going to cook themselves; so I better get busy. So glad to have a working computer so I can talk to you all. Hope everyone is enjoying the day. Oh yes, Gail, you would think with all we have had going on that my Quacker buying would be little to none, but somehow I have managed to save room to feed that addiction. My latest was some yellow pedal pushers and a green striped top. I’m still decorating it as Jeanne would say! Tale care everyone/Bye for now. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I agree with you on having two houses to keep up with. That is really a pain to keep up with one. That is not how I would picture my retirement. We do not have a boat though and do not go to the river that often anymore. We use to float and have a good time doing that but I got to where I could not get off the raft and that was not fun. So we quit going. Ron did go with the girls for awhile but they have not done that for awhile. They have their families to do things with.
      I do not like wearing the back brace.It is not as much trouble to wear like the braces you and Tillie wear. It is just extra weight to carry around and I would rather just wear my outfit and not worry about putting that brace on. It also wrinkles my tops and makes then look bad. I am just a whiner though.lol
      It is nice not to have to move at this point. The house is the way we want it and we do not have a lot of up keep on the house right now. The yard does take a lot of work thats because Ron keeps cutting down more of the trees and giving him more land to have to mow. If he was smart he would have just left it alone and just had that smaller amount to mow. You know men they are never happy with the way things are. I say that we have little maintenance in the house but that is not exactly true. We need to tare the carpet off the floor in the bathrooms. We need to get some new carpets in the rest of the house. Ron does not agree with me but we do talk about it. He even bought the tile for the bathroom to make me happy. It is still in the box under the bed. I am going to call his nephew that lays tile and see what he would charge me to put it down. He also does carpet. So he may become my new best friend.
      I am hoping that tomorrow will not be too cold. I am going to have to wear sandals with my dress to the funeral. This thing is going to be different. They cremated him already. So tomorrow they will have his ashes and some pictures of him sitting around. Then the minister will say a few things and say some prayers and that will be it. It will be different. They are having the dinner at the house and so we will probably come home after the visitation. We will stop and get a sandwich on the way home. That is going to be a lot of work for her with all the people being there. That is the way she wanted to do it though so it was her decision. I just feel really bad for her. She is younger then we are and she was younger then her husband. She still is working. This is going to be hard.
      I am not sure what play this was. They have to do things on the cheap side because the school does not have enough money to do to anything big. This one about a boy that dies and comes back to let everyone know that he did not commit suicide. Kylie played a mean kid and did not have a very big part. Not like in the other plays. They have a new teacher and this one does not like Kylie as much as the old drama teacher did. That is how it is sometimes though.
      I finally got the mess cleaned up on my e-mail. So it is usable again. I do not know how many people they sent that stuff to. Just thought I would let you girls know.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That is funny that she wears the same tops as you do for everything. That is a form of flattery though. She thinks that you have good taste. My mom does not wear all the sparkle and shine that I wear. She wants one top like mine but they do not have the color like mine in her size. So she wants the light pink. She will look good in it. I will get that for her for Mothers day. I think that if she ever wears the sparkle and shine she will really like it. She needs to sparkle sometimes. She is wearing dream jeannes though.
      I am glad that Johnny likes the job. i hope that they hire him on permanent soon. That is terrible that they are making him wait for so long. He does a good job and they need guys in the post office like that. It would be nice if he knew so he could be sure of where he will be working and not just waiting to see.
      I am glad that the snow melted right away. You did not need a lot of snow on the ground again. Hope that the snow will not be bad enough to get Johnny soaked. That would make his day miserable. We had strong winds around here last night and it blew a limb off a tree close to the house. It just missed Ron’s truck. That would have been a mess if it would have wrecked his truck. It is the one that he drives all the time.
      I keep forgetting to tell you about the butternut squash that Daphne made the other day on the Chew. She was making a dish that was healthier the mac and cheese. She use butternut squash and pureed it to put over the macaroni. It looked really good. She said that it was a kid friendly dish. She did put some cheese in it but cannot remember what type. I am going to try it and see what it taste like. Will let you know after we try it.
      I hope that she likes the shoes and will wear the brace more with these shoes. Sounds like Gary is on the mend and will be done with that sling soon and then maybe the rest of it. He will be able to do things for himself again. That must be hard on him since he is use to working all the time. He will be glad to get back to work.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night. Forgot to say this. Mom and Aliza are doing really good. Aliza is growing and she is so cute. We will see her tomorrow.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      That little boy sounds really cute. That was so sweet that he come up to you and gave you a kiss. He sounds like a little cutie. Just wait until your grandson gets here. He will be so cute and lovable. He will be the cutest baby that you have ever seen. We have six of them like that.They just are all so cute. Even when they get bigger and their teeth get bigger then their mouths.lol
      Your dinner sounds so good. We love chicken and dumplings. So did you end up putting chocolate on your cake? Have you ever put some soda in with your frosting? we have done that before and it tastes really good. I used Dr. Pepper once and everyone liked it. We did it with white icing. You can use orange soda or any kind that you have in the house. That just gives it a different taste.
      St. Jude would be a hard hospital to work at. I do not think that I could work with all the sick kids. It would be hard to not get attached to them. She has to be a special person to work with those kids everyday. IT would break your hear to see some of them as little as some of them are.
      It would be nice if your son would move back home when he retires. Then you would be able to spend some time with him. You have not been able to for such a long time. Do they have kids still that live at home? It would just be so nice to have them home with you again.
      That is nice that he went on that road trip with his mom. A trip down memory lane. It is always good for them to get alone time with their mom. It is so nice that he is getting to spend that time with his mom. He sure has missed a lot of time with her. She is in the same group with my mom also. She is 93 though so three years older then Jerry’s mom and Adele’s. It is hard when they get older like this.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I’m sitting here watching an old episode of Columbo. I love the old shows better than anything they have on the air now. Give me Lucy, Ethel, Andy, Barney, Columbo, Matlock, Perry Mason,
      etc. I could recite the dialogue from some of them. Lol.
      Well, the rain has returned. But it isn’t supposed to last long. Just a day & a half or so. Then it’s supposed to warm up mid week. I hope it does the same for you guys. I saw on the news tonight how bad it got on the East coast. Poor Boston, they got hammered last yr, & it’s happening again.
      I took some pics of the trees around the bldg. that are in bloom. I hope they show up. Never mind, I cant find them yet. I’ll try to find them tomorrow.

      I;m signing off for now.
      Have a good week, everybody.
      dianne

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      So, it sounds like if you found a small lake house, that had just enough room for the kids to “camp” in the living room while everyone was there, it may work. A big house would be way too much work, and I totally agree. It would be an expensive place to park the boat. But, if everyone used it, it would be good.
      This aging affects what we want to do, as we have the time to do it. It stinks.
      I know what you mean about the house feeling too big. Who wants to clean space you do not use, when we have our limitations. It is a tough call.
      Piper is quite the character. I tell you, she is going to be an actress some day. She may win an Oscar. I hope we will all be alive to see it.
      You are right. Tillie loves her slippers, and says she is uncomfortable when she is in the recliner in the brace. She does not want to put it off and on all day long.
      It is snowing here again, and they did not call school off. I think they made a huge mistake today.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      That little boy who came to fish sounded so cute. Pretty soon you will have your own little grandson to cuddle. And you can tell us of his adventures. I’m sure before long Neal and Sarah will be asking you and Jerry to watch him so that they can go out to dinner or something. Or they will need childcare while they are working. I’ll bet you will get plenty of opportunities to be with the new baby. How far away will they be moving?
      It is funny how many nurses that you have in your family. You have been a good influence. I had two cousins who were nurses and they both ended up marrying doctors-I’m not sure if any of their children went into the medical field as they were quite a bit older than me and I have lost track of them. It is amazing that a person can retire from the military and still only be 43. Your son could now have a whole other career ahead of him. It would be nice if they could move closer to you but I can understand that she might wish to be closer to her family too. Maybe there is a happy medium somewhere.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I’ll bet if Ron hears you calling his nephew to do that tile work he will be right there to do it himself. That’s usually how Greg is if I want to get someone else in to do something. Our house is about 20 years old now so we do need to do some fixing up. We need new carpeting in places. We need our hardwood floors refinished and I want to make some changes in my kitchen. I’m hoping to get these things done in the next couple of years. If we can agree on everything-that’s the biggest stumbling block sometimes.
      I hope that it was warm enough to wear those sandals to the funeral. My Mom was already cremated before her visitation so there was just an urn there too. I don’t think we even had a picture. It actually was kind of weird but that’s how she wanted it. We didn’t have any luncheon after the actual funeral service and burial mainly because it was Christmas Eve and there was just a few people there anyway. When my Dad died they had the luncheon after the funeral at my parent’s house too. It really wasn’t that much work for my Mom as all the ladies came in and cleaned her house before and after and they supplied all the food and really did everything for her. That’s when they lived in Louisiana and I guess that’s how they did things around there. So maybe that’s how it will be at this funeral too so there won’t be too much work for his widow.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I totally understand what Tillie is going through. I hope she can figure out some sort of happy medium. I think that is so cute that she wants to wear the same Quacker as you. Greg’s birthday is May 9th-the day after hers and Jenny’s is May 1st-so I have had two stubborn Taurus bulls to deal with! lol
      Piper has Greg totally wrapped around her little finger. He was over there Saturday helping Adam with fixing up their basement. When he was leaving Piper asked him -” Grandpa when are you coming back?” Now how can that not melt his heart.
      The parts of the house that we do not use like the kids old bedrooms and the spare bedrooms I just kind of give a lick and a promise to most of the time and then give them a good cleaning if someone is staying over and using one of them. They really don’t get that dirty just sitting empty with no one using them-so they are cleaned on an as needed basis. lol
      Well we did learn that we are probably not interested in Lake Wisconsin properties yesterday. The problem is you don’t get nice sandy beaches unless you go farther up north-and we don’t want to make the trip that long otherwise it will be too far for Jenny and Adam to use on the weekends. I would be totally happy with a backyard swimming pool and a month in Florida during the coldest part of the winter but the problem with that is it still doesn’t take care of Greg’s love of fishing. I think the more we look the more he will realize how impractical this whole thing would be though. Who knows. It was a beautiful day yesterday though so it was a good day to be out and about doing something.
      How much snow did you end up getting?

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      Some of those old shows are good. I like to mix the old in with the new. Another DWTS tonight. I wonder who will go?
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      That cake sounds great. To “josh” it up, you could do fresh strawberries on the top of your chocolate frosting. I found out a new way to glaze them for half the time and effort. You get either strawberry or raspberry jam and bring it to a boil- then dunk in the strawberries, and put them on a rack to cool them.
      Since you had such a good time with that little boy, can you imagine how much joy you will have with your own Itty Bitty? You cannot imagine the feeling of love with a grandchild. It is si hard to explain. When I first saw Steph, I swear, I loved her more than her mother….LOL
      I did not realize hubby’s Mom is the same age as Tillie. They deserve a party. I am not telling Tillie until 2 weeks before the party, or she will work herself into a dither. We are keeping it small, as she gets very anxious around a lot of people. Family, Marissa’s boyfriend’s family (who were here on Easter), and a couple of my friends who have known her forever. Steph made favors for everyone, and some chair cover for her- not sure if I said that before, or not. God help our aging brains…LOL
      I think we have a Shriners Hospital here too- not sure how close it is. They do wonderful work. They are Angels. It sounds like your hospital is the original one. Do you know how many there are across the country?
      It is so wonderful to hear form you again!
      Watching the snow right now. It will not end until tonight. I cannot believe what I am seeing.
      Hope you are having good weather!!!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Colleen
      We will all be thinking of you at the funeral today. Our prayers are with you, and your family. these things are so difficult. I feel so bad for your grandson. It is so hard for children to process, and move on.
      Our prayers are with you today.
      Love,
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi colleen
      I am glad you get to see Aliza today. I be she grew a whole inch since you last saw her. They grow so fast when they are Itty Bitty’s. Sad that the visit will be at a funeral.
      Tillie’s shoes will be here this afternoon.
      So far, we have about 4 inches of snow form today’s storm. It is going to snow until late tonight. I cannot believe what I am looking at. I hope this melts fast, like yesterday.
      I have the Chew on- nothing of great interest yet. I had to record it, as one of GAry’s peeps were here, so I am a little beind on time.
      You are so lucky the branch did not fall on Ron’s truck. There were a couple fo people uo this way who died, when trees fell on cars- 3, so far. It is awful when that happens. I hope the wind stopped at your place.
      DWTS is on tonight. I wonder who will be gone. I vote for the cranky tall girl. We will see….LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      Oh, nothing is in bloom up here….LOL Just the white fluff all over the state. So far, we are up to 4 inches right now, and climbing. You would think it was February. I hope it melts as fast as yesterday’s snow.
      I love the reruns of the Golden Girls the most. We watch them every Saturday morning. Gary loves Columbo, and Perry Mason.
      I hope the rain stops for you, and you get some more sun. The rain is so depressing.
      do you watch the Chew? Colleen, Gail and I love that show. DWTS is on tonight- who are voting for to go home?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hi Gail
      It is hard to find a happy medium. Greg loves to fish, and it is hard to get a boat in and out of the water all the time. Your idea sounds good. Would he be happy with renting a house for a month in the summer- at the right spot for fishing? That may work.
      Piper is so cute. he must have wanted to sleep over with that cute face wanting him to stay!
      So true about the dust. the rooms not used as much so stay a lot cleaner. My worst room for dust is the bedroom. That room dictates when I need to dust the house. That is my least favorite activity. As I said before, I would clean 20 toilets to dusting the house….LOL But, it feels so good when you are done. I dusted yesterday, and have only one more room to do. I just had to stop- the dining room- will be doing it when I finish answering my Quacker friends.
      Hope your day is going well, and your weather is good. We have about 4 inches of snow so far, and it will snow until late tonight. Good God!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello girls….I am voting for the cranky tall woman to go. she doe snot look happy at all to be on the show.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dianne,
      I love to watch Murder she Wrote. That is a good show. I use to watch some of Hart to Hart but they did not make enough of them to keep showing them every night. So quit watching them. I really like Gun Smoke. It brings back memories of when we lived at home and we would all be sitting in the living room and watching it. That was the only day that we could have chips to snack on in the living room. We also go a soda and that was a big treat. We watch Andy Griffin show and Diagnosis Murder. There are others we watch but cannot think of all of them.
      We are finally getting some nice weather. We did not get any snow but we are further south then Gail and Adele. Adele got a lot of snow last year. I cannot believe that he has that much snow now. This weather is crazy. Hope that your rain stops soon and you can get out again and enjoy yourself.
      Have a good night
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Well I am going to try to get a hold of him but will wait until Ron is in the house. Ron keeps saying that him and Joe or going to put that tile down together. We will see. what happens. His nephew is hard to get a hold of. A lot of the family does ask him to do this for them. So he is busy after work also.
      That would be nice if you could find a cabin for a month and you could go swimming with the kids and Greg could go fishing. We went to a cabin like that when we were kids. It was a fun place. It was in Wisconsin. I do not remember where though. It may not even be there any more. But it is a good idea. Did Adele suggest that one or is that something that you were thinking about. You two come up with some good ideas.
      The funeral was really long today. They had visitation for 2 hours and then they were going to have the service. We left early because my back was bothering me and we forgot to bring the pain pills. We got there at 11 am and the service was at 1pm. So it was too long for the kids to just sit there. Maybe it is just me but that was a long time. They were showing pictures of him on a screen and they had one with him with a bunch of bananas on his head. Kaylee just that was so funny. She sat with us most of the time. Ethan just kept going back and forth from Tammy to us. So it was hard on him. He cried his little eyes out. It was really hard on him. I think that he will do okay though. He was not afraid to say what he thinks. So that is good. It is hard to know what to do for a funeral like that. They did have a small picture of him sitting by his ashes. Then the pictures that they were showing on the screen. I hope that Ron does not do that when I die. It was harder on the kids to see those pictures like that. I do not know how they end a service like that. I guess they just take the ashes out with them and go home. I will have to ask Melissa. They did not tell his son. He did not want him to know. He did not go to see his dad that often so he did not even know that his dad had cancer. That is so sad. I guess if he was a nicer person they would have called him. He would just have been a burden on Tammy and the rest of the family.
      Well tomorrow has to be a better day. Well maybe. I have to go to the social security office tomorrow so that will not be fun but maybe it will not be too bad. Any time you have to deal with anyone that is with the government it is a pain.
      Well that is all from here. Now that I have depressed everyone I will go. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I wrote to Gail about the funeral just read that. I am going to try and be more cheerful now.
      I am with you I think that tall cranky person should be voted off the show. I thing that Flute did a better job last week. That girl is not going to do very well. She does not want to be on the show and should have not accepted that challenge. I do not understand why she agreed to come on there. We will see.
      I cannot believe all the snow you have been getting. It is too late in the season for that much snow. It may stay on the ground longer then the last snow. How many more inches are you supposed to get. I cannot believe with all that snow the kids had school. I wonder if they thought that it will not stay on the ground long enough to stay home. Did JJ go to school or did she keep him home? Hope that he stayed home and was not out in that mess.
      I have not watched the chew yet or dancing with the stars. I will watch both of those shows after Ron goes to bed. He is watching a Trump speech on tv. That is so boring. I wish that he would watch it in the bedroom and I could watch some of my shows in here.
      Well Melissa is on the phone will talk to later.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Am I being cranky or does this box in the upper right hand corner saying Watch QVC bother anyone else. It kind of gets in the way and I have to adjust my posting box so that it is below it. I know in the big scale of things and problems in the world it is a small thing but for some reason it is making me crabby. Maybe I am just in the mood to bitch. lol I guess I’m thinking if I wanted to watch QVC I am quite capable of just putting the channel on my TV. Okay-I’m done.
      No I don’t think renting a place for a month in summer is the answer. First of all, Greg still works so he doesn’t have a month off at one time. And if he did I would rather just get away from the cold for a month in the winter. We both used to go up to places in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota as kids and I think he’s trying to recreate some of that for his family. Of course the place we used to go in Minnesota had no running water except in the main lodge so there’s no way I am going to recreate the outhouse experience at this stage in my life! lol He doesn’t take the boat out and put it in every time anymore. The last three years he has rented a permanent slip for the summer. When it was at a resort we used to get free swimming passes for the summer which was nice but now they have discontinued that perk unless you want to pay extra.
      We had a lovely day Sunday while you were getting snow we hit 70 degrees-but now we’re back in the 40’s with more rain expected. It just seems like we go from 40 to 80 with none of those nice 60’s or 70’s in between. Has your snow melted yet?
      I haven’t watched DWTS yet. Monday has two hours of The Voice and two hours of DWTS which is a lot of TV! I was so tired last night that I fell asleep after the Voice and haven’t watch DWTS yet. Piper wore me out as she insists on my undivided attention the whole time that I am over there. Poor Lachlan, she doesn’t want me to do anything with him. She definitely has that third child baby of the family personality. I recognize it as i was much the same way. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      You didn’t depress us. You were just talking about what went on during your day. We all do that-and sometimes it’s happy and sometimes it’s sad. We are all here to share the ups and the downs. That’s what friends are for. I hope poor Ethan will be okay. This has been very hard for him-he must be a very sensitive child.
      That is sad that they never even told the son that his Dad was sick and had died. He must be really estranged from them-and that is always sad when that happens in families. You know I don’t know what they do with the urn at the end of the services. My Mom’s visitation was one day and the services the following day and no one kept her ashes. They were buried at a gravesite next to her second husband’s ashes. Kim was cremated but not until after the services so the funeral home called Brent to pick up the ashes after they were ready.
      I hope your visit to the Social security office wasn’t too bad. You are right. They are always crabby in the government offices. What is up with that? When you go to the DMV they all look like they have just sucked on lemons. And my goodness if you try to crack a joke no one even smiles. I figure you have to be there anyway so why not at least try to be a little more cheerful-it will make the time pass quicker.
      I hope you get those tiles down now that you have them. Are those ones that you got at Costco? We have to make a trip out there soon since we have gotten our rebate checks to cash in from using their credit card. That’s a nice little surprise at the end of the year.
      Gotta go let let the dog out. Talk later.
      Gail

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello everyone. Bright and sunny here today, but chilly. I bought one of those windchimes on the Q that has paw prints all over the chimes, and I have it on our patio. It sounds just beautiful in the wind, but it takes a kind of strong wind to make it chime. Gail, you know I am such a softie for all the goodies and decorations outside. I even have one of the Plow and Hearth wind spinners, the one with the colored ends that go around in a circle and is about 6 feet tall. Thought my mister was going to faint when he saw that box, he said What in the world have you ordered now? I said, don’t you worry your little head, dear, it won’t cause you a bit of trouble and will make me happy LOL And I do so love to see the things spinning in the wind. I think it takes me back to a child when I just loved those things you held in your hand and blew on to make them spin. When I grow up there is no telling what I will be ha ha. Gail, I am so with you about this annoying little sign on the side of this page. It is driving me crazy (crazier). We must be kindred spirits. How can such a little insignificant thing bother me?BUT IT DOES. THought I’d lose it over that silly six easy pay sign that kept popping up every time I opened the Q this weekend. It almost made me not buy anything, ALMOST ha ha I am in a really silly mood today. Hope I didn’t take an extra dose of my medicine and am just too goofy to remember. But the way I feel, I like it, so all is not lost.
      Colleen, I am really sorry to hear of all you all have gone through, and poor little Ethan. My prayers are with you. Forgive me for not mentioning that sooner.
      Jerry is off and running with his Mom today. They have gone to some city office to get a copy of her deed to her home and to make sure they have a copy of all her property tax information and that everything is up to date. We think we have it all paid and taken care of but just want to be sure. Jerry’s Mom was never a very touchy feely kind of Mom, but since all this has happened, and she and Jerry are together so much, she will just walk up to him and hug him and kiss him, and tell him she really loves him and thanks him for all he is doing to help her. It really makes him feel so good, and he needs that. They stop and eat dinner or lunch. He takes her in the restaurant, and they are so funny together. She is tiny, and he is tall and he just swings her around and calls her “cricket”. I am so glad he is there for her. They have even been to the funeral home, because she now wants to be buried close to us and Paw Paw and her other two sons that are already there. She and Paw Paw had bought all the things years ago; but she has had it all rearranged now. We were so fortunate to get a place at the head of Paw Paw. She had no problem just walking right in and saying exactly how she wants it. Me, on the other hand, haven’t gotten up courage enough to go “pick” out all the things that are needed at that time. I can’t even decide on music. Jerry says it is just a part of life, but it gives me such a strange feeling, and I;m not sure why; because I have a very strong faith. Now isn’t this just the most joyful discussion. Boy, I bet you girls missed me while I was gone. ha ha Mabey my happy medicine is wearing off LOL
      I so understand why people choose King Arthur flour. I absolutely love it. Tried some regular brand the other day when making some biscuits, and I could tell immediately the difference. Adele, have you ever made a strawberry cake or icing? I want to bake one, but not a “fussy” one, just something simple, if there is such a thing with a strawberry cake. I am making a banana pudding today. I always make a little extra custard, and I must confess, it’s for me to taste before I put together the pudding. I love it. I make the old fashioned kind that you cook. By the way, if any of you have a broccoli salad recipe; I would love to try it. I had one the other night at a friends, and it was delicious. I asked her how she made it, and she said she took it out of the container she bought at the store ha ha. I want something easy and fresh I can make for Jerry and I. He loved it too. And how do you all cook asparagus? Mine always comes out hard. What am I doing wrong?
      Okay, girls, time to make the tacos. It’s quick and easy here tonight. By the way, Adele, how is Aziens tree doing? Jerry accidentally cut a whack out of one of his oaks that line the drive the other day with the side of the mower, and now he is spraying everyday. Neal just said, “tell me Dad did that and not Joey” I had to laugh. They know how he prizes those trees. I have a feeling this little grandbaby is going to wrap us BOTH around his little fingers in no time flat though and we will be spending as much time as they will let us around him.
      Take care, everyone. Talk later. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      If you knew the son you would understand why they did not tell him. It is sad that he had such nice parents and he turned out to be such a jerk. We just hope that he stays away from Ethan and I think that is one thing that his dad was afraid of. It is sad though. You should have your own child there to see before you die. He did have the grand kids and his wife and her girls there and Melissa. He was happy about all of that. So they did what he wanted and that is the best that they can do. Ethan is a little better he went to school today and that was a good thing. They are going on leave for 2 weeks so Stephen can get all of them away from there for awhile. He said that he thought they all need the break. They work that out with the school because it is an army base school. So the kids go when their parents get a leave. It is nice that they work it out like that.
      Well I found out what they do. They went back in and just picked it up and carried it out with them. I thought that was simple enough. I have no idea what they will do with it now. I did not ask. Stephen talked to me last night for a long time and he told me that is what they did. He said that Tammy was so tired after all that at the church and people came to her house for a dinner. They left a little earlier hoping would take the hint and leave also. He did not say if they did or not.
      Well I got a letter from the government about my insurance. I have to prove that I had insurance this year. They had a record of my medicare that I have and they still wanted more. So I went our ss office and they said that I should just throw it away. So I hope that they are right. That is what I am going to do with it. They said that the only way it would affect us is if we got a return. Well we will not get a return that is for sure. If anything would have to pay in. So I have them time and office that I went to so if I run into a problem the information will be there. This new insurance is a waste of time and money. One thing that I found funny when I went in there was they had a guard. He asked me if I had an pocket knife or mace in my purse or pepper spray. I was surprised that they asked that. I wonder how many people come in there and do harm to the people in there. There was about five people in there today and none of them looked dangerous. It was a waste of time. I guess it was okay if you had a gun. It was funny.
      Did you do anything this week-end? Piper is something else. It is good that Lachlan is such a good kid. He does not feel jealous of Piper. You and Greg are fair with the kids and I bet you both find away to include Lachlan.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Barbara, I have a good strawberry icing recipe. It is simple but does take a lot of beating. But I could eat it with a spoon.

      1 C crushed fresh strawberries
      1 1/2 C sugar
      white of 1 egg

      Use a large mixing bowl, and beat together until very stiff. This will take about a half hour.
      Spoon the frosting onto cake or serve with individual slices.
      The icing keeps in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for at least a week.

      I made it once and did not beat enough and it slid right off the cake but it was eaten anyway. I know you ask Adele so maybe she has one too.

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      In answer to the question does that box on the right bother anyone, the answer is YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! I tried to find a way to delete it, but I couldn’t find one. Rats!!! I hate those
      things on the right hand side. When I’m on FB they drive me NUTS!!! I inadvertently click one sometimes & I wonder why I’m seeing what’s on the screen till I realize what I did.

      I cook asparagus by roasting them in the oven or in a fry pan on the stove. sounds weird I know, but they’re delish that way. I start out by rinsing them in the sink, cutting off an inch
      off the bottom. Take a cookie sheet and arrange them side ways (?) on the sheet. (so that the ends hit the sides of the cookies sheet). Does that make sense? Then I spray them lightly
      with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 & put em in. I check to make sure they’re not burning, & put a piece of tin foil over them to let them steam for awhile. They’ll be tender when
      they’re done. It depends on big they are. the smaller pencil size ones don’t take as long as the bigger ones. If you use the fry pan, I do the same thing, only I cut them in half & cook on
      med heat. cover with a lid to steam them. Check to make sure they don’t burn. It sounds strange, but when you boil them they tend to get over cooked. Oh, non stick pans are best. Just sayin’

      I never had a family to cook for so all I know is what I experimented with. I ALWAYS end up making more than I need, but the leftovers give me an extra meal or two for later on.
      It’s hard(!!!) to cook for one.

      You’re soooooooooooo right about the government workers are rude & crabby. I went into a DMV once & the lady at the front desk was soooooo rude, I told her don’t talk to me like that. Her eyes
      popped out of her head. Oh, I’ll tell em.
      One time when I worked for Hewlett Packard a bunch of us were sent to one of the smaller factories to help them out. When we got there, the employees were actually afraid to speak to their
      management people. We addressed ours by their first names. we weren’t afraid of em. So one of the fellow employees thought she’d show us who’s the boss. She said something to the effect of
      do what I say or I’ll rip your lips off. I calmly walk up to her & said Don’t ever talk to me like that again, I don’t like it.” I turned on my heels & walked back to my station. As I was walking away, I swear I heard a loud thud behind me. (it was her jaw as it hit the floor)! NOBODY had ever dared to talk back to her, let alone a complete stranger. (I’m sure she was kidding, but I wasn’t sure back then).

      Has the snow melted yet ?? I sure hope so. It’s been chilly here, but the heat’s on the way. From Wed. on we’ll be setting records for this time of yr. Thurs. & Fri. are supposed to be in the low 80s.
      Our normal date for the 80s is in May. So maybe it’s coming your way soon.
      I took most of the Easter décor down today. I’m leaving the spring things up tho.
      I’m going to try & send a pic of Mt Hood that I took a few yrs ago when I went up there with my friends. It was late Aug. so there isn’t much snow. I tried to take some pics with my phone
      of the mt today, but I can’t find them. sigh.
      well that’s all from here
      have a great day
      dianne

      Attachments:
    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      I’m glad that box bothers someone else besides me. I thought I was just being cranky.
      It is hard cooking just for one. I guess the best thing is to make dishes where the extra can be frozen for a later date. I often wish they would make smaller sized loaves of bread as I don’t like keeping it in the refrigerator and freezer and sometimes we just don’t finish the whole thing before it goes bad.
      We are still getting winter like weather here.I would like to see some actual spring like days in the 50’s and 60’s but those seem to be few and far between anymore.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Barbara,
      Glad the stupid box bothers you too. I thought that I was just being picky which is not usually my modus operandi.
      I too love those solar garden things but last year I had to control myself. However, I think I have some solar mobiles stored in the back bedroom which I will pull out this summer. I love that solar multi colored windspinner that you have. I had to tie my hands together not to order it last year. Now I see it is on clearance so it might be my last chance. Hmmmmm-something to consider.
      I’m so glad that Jerry is having this chance to be close to his Mom. It seems like she has softened since all this happened to her and that has been a good thing for both her and Jerry. I’m like you and am not ready to make any funeral arrangements. I plan on being around to bug my kids and grandkids for quite a while yet. lol
      I do have a recipe for a strawberry cake but it is kind of “fussy.” Also I have made a strawberry roll which is good too. I will have to see if I can scare up the recipes and post them. As to the asparagus-I cook ours in the microwave with just a little water in the dish. You’ll have to play with the amount of time as it depends on the size of the asparagus and how much is in the pan. I cook it in a covered dish with a bit of water and then drain it afterwards and add seasoning and butter or cheese. I usually make half cheese for Greg and half butter for me and just sprinkle on a little seasoning salt. We like it soft even though all the restaurants serve it on the harder side. We just never bought into those tender crisp vegetables-we like them either soft cooked or raw and crisp. Nothing in between. I don’t have any recipe for a broccoli salad as Greg is not a big fan but I think Colleen might have one.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I hope Melissa and her family have a nice vacation. I hope they are going to someplace fun for the kids. it will be nice for them to get away.
      Gosh I wouldn’t think that you would have to prove that you have insurance if you are on medicare. I know we have to prove it-there is a form we got. Not sure if it goes with the tax forms or what. Greg takes care of that. Speaking of which we probably won’t be able to get the tax stuff together til he is home this weekend so i will probably get yelled at when I drop it at the accountants. I should make Greg do it since he is the slow one this year. I have all my part done. lol
      I remember when I took Brent to the government building to get his passport for Kenya and Egypt they xrayed your purse on the way in and they were telling me that I had nail scissors in my purse that I didn’t even know about. Then I remember that I carried a tiny little sewing kit in my purse at the time and there was a little pair of scissors in there. It was the Courthouse which also houses the county jail so I wonder if they thought that I was going to facilitate a jailbreak with my nail scissors. Anyway, I guess I just gave them up to go in and picked them up on the way out. It was kind of funny as I had no idea what they were even referring to at first. Now I carry smaller lighter purses so there are less things to keep track of.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      What a beautiful picture of the mountains.
      I do the same thing with Asparagus. I love them roasted. I also roast red and yellow peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, etc. They taste so much better roasted, if I have the time. Other times, I steam them. Some timed on a holiday, I will roast a “medley” of them. Depends on my mood, and oven use. Vegies are so tasty, and good for you.
      Good for you, for standing up for yourself. I hate snarky people. I also never liked people who treat their employees “less than”, as I say. They need f to figure out, if they treat people like that, they will not get good work out of them. A pleasant work environment is good for everyone.
      We have snow on the ground, but, it is supposed to rain tomorrow. That should take the rest of it away.
      I hope you are having some sun, and better temperatures than we are….LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue
      One question. Is this the kind of frosting you have to put on, as you serve it? A lot of them do not hold up, if you store the cake for leftovers. It sounds yummy! I love strawberry or lemon anything.
      thanks for sharing your yummy frosting recipe.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      I agree with Sue on the frosting- that sounds fabulous. I have not made a strawberry frosting. they love the whip cream ones here, and I put the strawberries on top of the frosting. I am going to try Sue’s.
      I also love to roast the asparagus. Are you cutting enough of the bottoms off? You really lose about half, at least of the stalks. the bottoms are too stringy to eat. If you grow them at home they get real tall, and lose even more. I add some chopped up garlic, and either a little olive oil, or butter drizzled over them. Yum, yum, as Aizen says.
      Well. As we have not had a lot of snow, Aizen’s tree did not take a hit this year. It is a lot wider, and smaller than the ones I planted around it, so it will be amusing to see how it ends up growing. I am not sure you remember, but, last year Mother Nature attempted to murder Aizen’s tree. She did not succeed, but, she left it with some disabilities….LOL I will take some pics when the trees start to flower again. I love that tree so much, I may get another 2 to finish lining the property with them. All my neighbors asked me about them and I bet they will start popping up all down the street.
      Gerry and his mom sound like such a happy little pair. This is so nice for him, ant the end stage of her life. What nice memories he is making.
      if I put out any wind chimes here, they would blow to Tennessee….LOL We are supposed to get rain tomorrow, and hopefully melt all the snow. Someone said only in New England can you get all 4 seasons in one week.
      Hope you are good, and able to keep us up-dated on your life. We missed you.
      Gary is doing good. the legs are much better, and just about completely healed. The shoulder is doing good- no pain for him, so far.
      Adele
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen and Gail
      Poor Ethan. These things are so hard on children. They tend to blame themselves for everything, and you never know what they are thinking, unless you ask the question directly. how can you figure out what is in their mind, that they have not verbalized?. So hard when a grandparent dies. I wish we could all live until they are married.
      It is so difficult when there are family members who are estranged form the family, and cuase so much problems. It makes a loss even harder for everyone. My prayers are withyou all.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      That was a very long day. I have found they are trying to do celebrations of life, to make the process a little easier. But, when you make it that long, it is harder for everyone involved. they were probably trying to make it more positive, and did not realize how long that was making the day. The poor kids.
      I hope they are all healing. It will take a while. It takes an emotionally healthy adult 2 years to process a loss, and a child takes 7 years. When you think of it in those terms, it is very difficult. When I taught the class on loss, people were blown away by those facts.
      I was glad that woman got voted off on DWTS. the next person will be hard, as they are all trying so hard, and doing their best. We will have to see who goes next.
      JJ did go to school. Steph had Marissa pick him up, so she did not have to walk to the bus stop with Aizen. We got about 5 inches. A lot melted today, as it was around 43. It is supposed to rain tomorrow, so that should get rid of the rest of it.
      I hope your new tiles go down easily, and that Ron doe snot hurt himself doing it. What room are they for?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail, and everyone…………..the box is annoying. Totally agree. It is in the way.

      Well. I got the new spurtles today, and the edge of one of them looks like it will split. I am sending one set back. I got 4, for Mothers Day. I hope the others are ok. That is the first time I had to send a spurtle back.
      I can see what Greg is trying to do. Those are a lot of variables to match. the outside bathroom would not be on my list either. I understand what he means about a place for the kids to gather with the grand’s for vacations. I keep forgetting Greg is not retired. How could I, when we just had that discussion about the new staff person starting to help him out??? LOL
      I do the same thing. I fall asleep and miss the program I wanted to see. Gary yells…hey….and I am awake again.
      Piper and Lachan are funny. They must be so entertaining to watch. We are all blessed with grands that keep us entertained.
      The snow should go tomorrow- with the next torrential rain storm, complete with lightning. It is supposed to be a doozy.
      I hope your weather is better.
      how has Brent been doing?
      Hope your night is good. I have been trying to catch up with the posts, and hope I did not miss anything. there are so many people coming and going here every day, I have been “time challenged”.
      Adele

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Adele I just put the frosting on the cake and store leftovers in the refrigerator and it holds up fine. But you really do have to make sure your beat it until it is very stiff. The time I did not it slid off the cake but still tasted good. I hope you like it if you try it.

      We are cold and windy here. It was 22 degrees this morning but felt like 14. I agree about wind chimes. Barbara may see my garbage can flying by. I cannot keep the screens on my windows. They blow off so I brought them inside. We are to get snow Saturday. Are you getting any of that? Stupid groundhog sure did not get it right.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue.
      I forget what state you are in. We are getting snow on Sunday, I heard. We had the coldest night in history for April last night. Today was a little better- in the low 40’s. Tomorrow, we are having a horrible rain storm with huge wind, and thunderstorms. Can you imagine??

      I am going to try your frosting when the sweet strawberries start to come out. Ours have been so sour, I have to dip them in sugar. Kind of defeats the fresh fruit idea. I love strawberries.

      I have found that to be true with the whip cream frostings too. You have to get it just right. once I over whipped it, and ended up with frosting that looked like butter. Oh boy, did Tillie have another good laugh on me. She kept saying….”I told you not to over beat the whip cream”. We have to laugh at our mistakes.
      Hope your night goes well.

      I really have to make myself a list of every state everyone is in. I did make one, but, it got thrown out with the old calendar by mistake.

      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello everyone! Thanks for all the delicious recipes. I couldn’t wait to try the strawberry frosting, so I made it today; put the cake in the refrigerator, and it is GREAT. Sue, you are so right about beating it until it is stiff. I think storing what is left of it in the fridge will keep it together better. Trust me, there was not a lot left over. Strawberry cake just reminds me of spring and I am so ready for Spring. Sorry you all are still getting the snow and stuff. It is chilly here today; wind is really blowing. I think I just saw Sue and Adele’s solar light go zooming by LOL I thought that was so funny. I so appreciate you all telling me to cut the ends off of my asparagus. I was making it and it was so tough. Dianne, nice to meet you. Thanks for the olive oil spraying idea. You ladies are all such good cooks. I bet you have a good recipe for broccoli salad Colleen. This had bacon in it; I think cheese, mabey raisins (not sure about that) but I do know it had a great taste and I could have eaten so much of it. By the way, Dianne, I bought a cook book when the boys grew up and moved away that is called something like Cooking for Two and it has some really good ideas in it that I would not have though of. One of the ideas was to put a chicken breast (guess you could pick whatever piece you like) and some broccoli, carrots, one potato quartered, course seasoning of your choice, a little olive oil, some of that dry ranch dressing mix over it all, (did I say this is all on a piece of aluminum foil that you make into a packet after you have added all the things you want) close it up and bake on 350 for 30 minutes or so until it’s done. It sounds crazy, but tasted really good. When I buy like 6 chicken breasts, I just divide them up into 2 to a freezer bag, and then they thaw out quickly, and I can make a complete meal for the two of us in no time. But then again, Jerry and I eat breakfast food for dinner; so I may not be the best to give cooking ideas Ha Ha I have got to get Colleens potato salad recipe too. I know that must be delicious. By the way; since I seem to be on recipes; since you all are close to the sea in some cases; can anyone tell me how to cook shrimp where it doesn’t turn out rubbery? I know its supposed to turn pink, but mine just doesn’t do right.
      Gail, we have tile in every room of our home but the bedroom. I love it. We have the kind that has some kind of heating things underneath, and we turn it on in the winter, and the floor get nice and warm. I always have to have on some kind of shoes though; because walking on tile floors makes my legs and feet ache so badly. it is so exciting to make changes to your house. I love the planning I think as much as I do watching the new changes happen. Jerry and I went to many houses before we built our home those many years ago. Even if we didn’t like the home; we still got a lot of good ideas; plus it was so much fun for us.
      Got to go for now ladies. Seems everyone wanted pizza for tonight; so that’s what we are having and the delivery man just arrived. Take care, and thanks again for the great ideas. Keep “em coming!
      From the breezy state of Tennessee, Barbara

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Broccoli Salad

      TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + chilling YIELD:4 servings

      Ingredients
      10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
      1 cup fresh broccoli florets
      1/2 cup raisins
      1/2 cup sunflower kernels
      1/2 cup mayonnaise
      1/4 cup sugar
      2 tablespoons vinegar

      Directions
      1. In a large bowl, combine the bacon, broccoli, raisins and sunflower kernels; set aside.
      2. In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar; pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Stir before serving. Yield: 4 servings.

      Nutritional Facts

      1 serving (3/4 cup) equals 503 calories, 40 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 23 mg cholesterol, 512 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 10 g protein.

      Loading Image

      © 2016 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Adele I am in Pennsylvania.

      Barbara glad you liked the Strawberry frosting. I like it. I posted a Broccoli salad recipe, I think there are many ways to make it so tweek it to what you like. I don’t know about shrimp as I do not like them.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      HI Dianne,
      I love the picture that you posted of the mountains. That is so pretty. I could stare at that all day. We just have hills around here and we have one mountain. I am not sure if it is a mountain or not it looks like a big hill to me. It is called Buford Mountain. It does not have snow on it unless we get snow on the ground here. Maybe it is a miniature mountain.lol It does not look like any mountain that I have seen. Guess will just have to take their word for it.
      I always steam my asparagus. We have some coming in right now. Ron picked a few that were ready and we should have more tomorrow. I do not like when it grows in spurts like that. I want them to grow all at once so we can have a pan full or can freeze some of it. The way it comes in right now we have to eat it as soon as we have enough to cook.
      You are good at telling people what you think. I have to get upset and then I say too much. I love what you told the girl that worked at that office. She deserved to hear that. That thud probably was not just her jaw but a lot of the other workers that were in shock. You never know about people like that. She may have been serious and thought that she would let you know that she is boss. That is terrible that she treats people like that. I hope that those people changed after working with you girls.
      I am with the rest of you and that stupid watch qvc sign. They need to take that off of there and move it somewhere else. I agree with Gail. If we wanted to watch QVC we would watch it and do not need a sign to remind us to watch. Do you get QVC plus? They had a quacker show on tonight. It was pretty good but no new things. They are supposed to have a show on Saturday that has some new things then. It will be interesting to see. On the 14th they have a quacker tsv. It has something to do with the shirt with the fake zipper. I am not good at describing things. If you watched the show tonight you will know what I am talking about. We will just have to wait and see. They are not even giving us hints and it was not in my Insider mag. Oh well.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Well I just got caught up on all the posts from earlier today. I’m from the opposite side of the country, Oregon. I’m sorry to hear about all the terrible weather you guys are having.
      I hope it warms up soon. We’re setting records for warm temps for this time of yr for us. It’s supposed to be 84 tomorrow & back down to the 60s by the weekend, which is more
      like it. It’s all weird!! Our warm weather usually doesn’t start till May, if we’re lucky.
      Barbara, thanks for the tip about the cookbook Cooking for Two. Maybe David (ITKWD) will have one on his show sometime. I love to watch his shows. He’s such a clown.
      I made potato salad today. When I make it, it feels like summer to me, or at least on the way. It’s my grandma’s recipe.
      As for shrimp, I clean em, then saute them in butter just long enough for them to turn pink. It doesn’t take long. I season them with a garlic salt, or one of those mixed seasoning
      salts. I could eat shrimp till the cows come home. The local grocery store have em on sale for $5.00 or so per pound sometimes. I get a handful & have a couple meals out of
      them. I think it’s shrimp season out here, cuz the local stores are having them on sale.
      My dad was a hunter & fisherman, so I grew up eating game, venison, elk, salmon, trout, etc., so I’m used to that type of food.

      When I worked at Hewlett Packard, one of the co founders (Bill Hewlett) came to the plant, & I said Hello, Mr. Hewlett, and he stopped me & kindly told me to call him Bill. He said
      his mother didn’t name him Mister. so we were told to address everyone by their first name, even the founders of the company. It was such a wonderful place to work back then.
      I hear not so much anymore. It was a family, and employee oriented company. I sure miss that. You don’t find that anymore. It’s all profit, profit, profit based now.

      I’m glad that woman got the boot from DWTS this week. I could not believe her attitude!! She needs that chip on her shoulder knocked off.
      Well, I guess that wraps it up for me tonight.
      take care. I’m gonna try to send some more pics. wish me luck
      dianne
      dianne

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Melissa and her family are going to Galvastan Texas. Stephen’s dad lives there so he will know of some places to take the kids. I am just glad that they are getting away for a couple of weeks. Those poor kids had to see their grandpa while he was suffering with cancer and that was hard on them. You cannot hide it from them though it is a part of life.
      You must have looked dangerous with that scissor in your purse. Especially a nail scissor. That will really hurt someone.lol Those scissors would have to be awfully sharp because they are so little. Sometimes they go a little to far with this stuff. They did not x ray my purse. they just asked. So there was not point in doing that anyone could have told them anything. Well you know us old people we are really mean and you never know what we will do.
      Our taxes are easy now. We just take our things in to the cpa and he goes over it and tells us if we have to pay or if we are even this time around. It would be nice to go in there and have him say you are getting $1,000.00 back. That is a joke though. I do not think that we ever got that much back the whole time we have been filing taxes. The kids now days get a really good tax break for having kids. It is nice though they can use the money. Can you imagine what it would be like to have been able to collect that much when our kids were small. Oh well we are past that now anyway. Just glad that they have it for the kids today.
      I went to the new doctor today. She was really good. She has already set up blood work and ultra sound on my kidney and I have a lump on my ribs and she ordered an ultra sound on that also. She said that we would deal with the stomach issue in a month or two. She wants to get all the tests back that she ordered and then we will see what needs to be done about that. She is Spanish and she really has an accent. I could understand her though. I think that once I get use to her she will be easier to understand.
      Did you hear that Merle Haggard died today. He died from complications from pneumonia. Ron was really upset because he had never seen him live before and he was coming to Missouri on the 7th thru the 9th. They were going to try and get some tickets.
      I am with you on that stupid watch qvc sign that keeps popping up. I wish they would move that to the top with the other stuff so we can see what we are typing. I agree if I wanted to watch QVC I would turn it on without that sign reminding. me.
      How is the new guy working out for Greg at the shop? I hope that it is working out well for them both. How are the kids doing? I bet they are growing really fast. Kendall sounds like she is starting to grow up and into doing girly things. I bet you could have a good time taking her out to lunch. Piper is still a little too young for a lunch out with Gigi.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      You are right about that was too long for the wife and the grand kids. They needed to make it a little shorter or do it in two days. I guess when they suggested it she thought it would make things easier but it did not work out that way. It is over now and everyone is okay and going back to their normal routines.
      I was glad to see that girl go also. She had such a bad attitude and it made it hard on Mark. He really tried hard with her and she almost tried to make it sound like it was his fault. Well at least that is how I took it when they showed her talking about her memory that she wanted to dance to. I could have misunderstood but it sounded like it to me. I am just glad that she is gone. It is going to be hard to pick the next one to go. They are all doing pretty good. Even Flute was doing better last week. I like Jodie she is doing pretty good and she is really trying. I think they need more time before they vote them off the show. Maybe wait til the third show and give them a chance. Guess that would make the show last too long.
      That was good that they picked JJ up from school so Steph did not have to walk in the snow with Aizen and get him all wet from the snow. We had the rain that you are getting today. It just poured all day. Then this evening it stopped and it got kind of chilly again. I am ready for warmer weather to stick around for awhile. This one day warm and the next day cold is getting tiresome.
      These tiles are getting old. We bought them last year and he put them under the bed in our room and that is where they have stayed. I am beginning to think that they are never going to see the light of day. They are going in the guest bathroom. We need to tile the master bathroom but who knows when he will even attempt to do that one.
      What are spurtles? I must have missed that one somewhere on here. I do not think that I have ever heard of them or we call them by a different name. You really have me guessing what they are. Did you get them from the q?
      When does JJ get out of school for the summer? Our kids only have a month and a half to go and them they are out for the year. My oldest grand cannot wait to be out. She is anxious to be a senior and then go off to college. She is funny. We told her she is wishing her life away. She is like every kid. Things just do not happen fast enough for them. It is funny as we get older we want things to slow down.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Sue,
      That is terrible that it is so cold where you are and you are going to get more snow. Do you have any on the ground now? We get warm here and then cold but no snow we have had a lot of rain. I guess we should not complain about the rain it could be snow. Just be safe when if you have to go out.
      Your frosting and the broccoli sound really good. I am going to make the broccoli salad this week-end. That sounded really good.You have always had some good recipes that you have shared with us on here. That is one good thing on here. If you need a recipe someone has one to share with us.
      Well that is about all from here. Be careful if you get snow again. It is just too cold there where you are.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      Isn’t it nice that the board has some lively chatter going on once again?
      Adele, Brent is doing good as far as I can tell. We hope to see him sometime this summer.
      Barbara, We like breakfast for dinner too. Those heated tiles are nice. We have a heated floor in the master bath which is over the garage. That was out of necessity though as we had lots of trouble up there with frozen pipes since it was above the garage which of course is unheated. So Greg and Brent installed pipes in the floor that we run hot water through during the cold months to keep the pipes from freezing. I am so lucky to have a husband who can figure out ways to solve these problems and then fix them himself. I imagine he has saved us thousands of dollars over the years.
      Dianne, those flowering trees and that sunset are beautiful.
      Sue, thanks for the broccoli salad recipe. Sounds good.
      Colleen, I fell asleep during the Quacker show last night so I’m glad to hear there was nothing new. We haven’t had even a hint of what the TSV will be next week. Dish still doesn’t have the schedule right for Chick’s Night In-I wonder what is up with that-it doesn’t even show a Quacker show anywhere that night.
      I hope Melissa’s family has a good time in Galveston. A lot of people go to the beaches there so I’ll bet the kids will have fun.
      It sounds like the new doctor is being very thorough-so that’s a good thing. I hope the scans will come out good.
      I did hear about Merle Haggard. There have been a lot of famous people dying lately. Sad.
      The new guy (can’t remember his name) just started with Greg this week so I haven’t heard much yet. I hope that he works out and Greg can go back to part time.
      It is funny how when we are kids time moves slow and now it just moves so fast.
      Jenny took all the kids to the doctor yesterday. I think Lachlan needs a physical for school next year and a booster shot. Not sure what Piper needed. And I think Jenny is going to have Kendall tested for an allergy as she has a lot of stomach aches and last weekend she got hives after eating frozen yogurt-so Jenny is wondering if she has a dairy allergy. That would be ironic as her dad, uncle and grandfather all work for Dean’s Foods which is a dairy. Anyway, I hope they can get this figured out without too much testing. Anyway, hopefully I will hear the outcome today.
      By the way-I just noticed that we now can click on the link at the end of the posting in our regular e-mail in box and come straight to here like it used to be. I know when they first changed the site you couldn’t do it anymore but I don’t know if this a new change again or if it’s been like that for awhile again and I just never noticed. I know James said at one time they were going to do it-but then I sort of forgot about it until the other day when I tried it and it worked. I hope someone knows what in the heck I’m talking about. lol
      Gail
      P.S. We have watched American Idol since the very beginning. I even used to vote in the early years. I think I am the only one here who watches but tonight is the final program and even though I know it’s probably time for it to end it will be sad after 15 years of watching. Now Ryan Seacrest will have to get 5 more jobs. lol

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      Breakfast for dinner is great. we had that the other night. It is a great quick one, when you have no time, too.
      that chicken sounds real good. Anything with ranch dressing is good, accept the salt…LOL
      We just got high wind warnings for the entire Eastern part of the state. I bet Sue is getting them too.
      Tonight I am doing a real easy dinner- frozen Perdue chicken fingers, and frozen fries…LOL…as long as our electricity still works.
      Oh,oh- I thought Colleen was putting in the new tile- is it Gail?
      Hope your weather stays nice, and comes up here.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I am glad Brent is doing well. You will be so thrilled to see him this summer. That will be great.
      I hope they find out if it is a food allergy with Kendall. They make you so sick, and good to know what to avoid. Avoiding dairy will not be easy. So much has some from of dairy in it.
      I drove Gary around yesterday, and all I saw was new white Jeep’s everywhere. I have to stay off the road, or I will be in danger of going to the dealership.
      The Chew is on- I hope it is good today, as I missed a lot of them this week, and forgot to record.
      It is TGIT, and Scandall is having the season finale, I think. What will Olivia do now?
      How is the new staff erson working out with Greg? Good, I hope.
      The snow is melting from the rain. As awful as that sounds, that is a good thing for today.
      Hope your sun is shining brightly!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      the Spurtles come form the Q. In the Kitchen with Dave had them on again Sunday. They are wood, and have a curve, so you can both stir, and serve with them. I really like them.
      I felt the same way about DWTS. By the way, I cried through all the stories they told. it was very funny. It will be very hard to pick the next one to go.
      OMG- from the post I read form Barbara, I thought I had it wrong, and Gail was doing the tiles.
      All the recipes everyone has been adding are really yummy. I am embarrassed to say, I have not baked one thing since Easter. I still have some Greek Twisty cookies left. they keep great in a itn, and if they get a little hard, they are great dunked in your coffee, or tea.
      I have a funny for you. I got a Keurig Rivo brewer- for cappuccino, espresso, latte, etc. I love cappuccino, and finally splurged. I used my rewards points for the coffee club from Keurig/Green Mountain, and got a fabulous deal on the machine. It lists for 270.00, and I paid 100.00, with my rewards, plus free ship. I was so excited, I had 3 cups. well, I have to say that was a mistake. I got dizzy from all the caffeine. So, I did not have any yesterday. I will have a cup later today. It is such a treat to get something you really love. My only issue is, I have to keep re-arranging things on the counter to fit it in, comfortably. My other Keurig has to stay out, as, of course, because Gary does not like cappuccino. If the very un-social fish died, I would have more room. He will be 3 years old soon.
      I have not watched any of the extra Quacker shows on the other channel on Wednesdays. We already watch too many shows on Wednesday nights. Are they good?
      Hope your day is going well.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Colleen
      I hope your tests come out ok, and that the lump your new doctor found is nothing to worry about. You have had enough stomach issues lately to deal with. You are in my prayers.
      Do you like the new doctor better?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      Your pics of the trees and mountains came out great. It gives us hope for spring over here.
      I am allergic to shellfish, and have not seen able to eat it, since that was discovered. But we used to do this:
      Saute chopped onion, with garlic in a combo of butter and a little olive oil. Add some white wine, and cook until the onions are clear, for some sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
      Add shrimp, and cook unto they are pink- couple of minutes.
      Serve over angel hair pasta.
      It was really yummy. I used to love shrimp and lobster. It did not love me.
      The family owned businesses are being pushed out, all over this country, and it is sad. They cared about their employees.
      Hope your weather stays nice and sunny.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hi Sue
      You are the closest to our weather up here in the north. It has been a wacky, wacky winter. I hope the summer is actually summer this year, as we all need it. It will be so nice to sit outside again. I love to listen to the birds, and feed them. When I forget to fill the feeder, and I go outside, some of the birds squawk until I fill it again. I find that very funny. Either that, or I am thinking they want food….LOL
      Your broccoli salad recipe looks very yummy. Thank you.
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello to All – windy again here today, and cloudy; so we are due for some rain later. I have to run into town and pick up our medicines and things like dog and kitty food, paper towels, and our lovely dinner tonight we are having an array of frozen food specialties (chicken strips, steak fries, along with some added broccoli salad from Sue’s great recipe) and a frozen lemon icebox pie. So hopefully, I will be in and out of that store quickly. In your grocery stores, do you find that your most needed items are located on opposite sides of the store, so you have to end up walking from one side all the way over to the other just for a couple of items? In our store, milk and eggs are on the far left and bread and veggies are on the far right. I feel like I have been to a track and field meet just walking from one side to the other, and I know it really is good for me, but sometimes I just want a short trip there and save my walking for someplace else. Okay, I’m fussing, so I will change the subject. Sue, that broccoli recipe is exactly the one I know I was looking for. I can’t wait to try it tonight. Thanks. Gail, you are so right that all we have to do is say what we are looking for and one of the ladies will have the answer. It would be so nice if we could all just meet each other and spend the day together. But I really feel I know each of you from your blogs. Isn’t it something that we all live so far away from one another; and yet, we all have so much in common?
      The vet made a housecall to Ellie the other day to check on her eye again. She is such a good dog, and so smart. I love to watch her run. It is like she has a little prance that just comes naturally to her and she just sort of glides. The vet said the eye will have to be removed; so she is on a round of antibiotics, just like they give a person, before he does the surgery. I can’t help but worry, poor little puppy has been through so much, but I really trust him and I know he will take good care of her. He was so gentle with her, but she has had so much happen to her in the past that she knows when he comes around that something is up. Bet all of your little pets know when they are going to see the doctor too.
      The pizza was very good last night; but for some reason, I just wasn’t in the mood for a lot of bread; so I just scraped the toppings off mine, and ate it that was with a little of the crust. Scrappy man was more than happy to scarf up the left overs. ha ha
      Gail, will Brent be moving back to your area to stay, or just a visit? I know you all will be so happy to see him. Our son in New Mexico is going to come home around Fathers Day. They will be on their way to Florida. His wife’s sister is expecting, and the baby is due around that time; so they are going to spend time with her family too. We are all looking forward to a visit. It has been over two years now since we saw them. But it is hard when they are far away, but I will take his being in the states any day over places he has been with his job.
      Well, got to go for now. I want to make sure I get home before it goes to raining if I can. Just love hearing the birds chirping out side. I have a kitchen window open, and I can hear them. Take care, and have a good day everyone. Hugs to All – Barbara

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hi Barbara
      That is awful about your poor puppy. I hope the surgery comes out ok, and the puppy is back as happy as a clam.
      They certainly do make the supermarkets that way, so we are tempted all the time.
      We have been so busy today, we may end up with cereal for supper….LOL I will have to make this up to the troops here, or I will be in the dog house. Bobby has been working late too, so it has been crazy.
      that is wonderful that your son and DIL will be back up this way, before the baby is born. How great is that! What are they having?
      I hope the wind has died down and stays that way for you. We keep getting huge gusts every once in a while. It will be over soon here, and we may see the sun tomorrow.
      Hope you enjoy watching Scandal tonight- I love that show.
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Barbara, I’m soo sorry to hear about your puppy. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to my Jewell. I’ll be praying for her. And here I thought I was the only
      one who had a hard time in grocery stores. They recently remodeled the local store here & like yours they put the dairy on one side & the fruits & veggies on the
      other side. During the remodel we had a heck of a time finding things. About the only good thing I can say is I get my exercise going to the store.

      OK, I wanna move in with whoever said they raise asparagus!!!! We can’t grow em here. Their season is sooooooo short. I used to get a crate of em & freeze em, but
      I can’t afford to do that anymore. they’re almost $3-$4/ pound out here. they go on sale for Easter for under $3, sometimes $2/lb. May I ask a question for all of you?
      Is that expensive out there? I’ve heard we pay a lot more out here for food, rent, gasoline, everything. Right now there’s a housing crisis here in Portland. Landlords
      are giving little or no notice to renters, so they can raise the rent sky high. All they’re doing is putting more people out on the streets (homeless). And I’m not talking druggies,
      etc. I’m talking young families with kids who work but can’t afford the rent or buy a house. It’s gonna put us into a depression!! Mark my word. It’s horrible. It’s on the news every
      night. I’m glad I’m situated where I am. The construction is done now.

      I’m sending a couple more pics I took of Mt. Hood, & Mt. Saint Helens. St. Helens is the one with the rounded top. I took the pics today since it was a gorgeous day!!! they’ll
      be a bit blurry but that’s cuz I had to extend the lens out the window to get the pic. It wasn’t easy!!

      Colleen, how did your tests come out? I hope they came out okay. I hope everything’s going well out there.
      That’s all for now. Have a great day tomorrow.
      dianne

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      HI Gail,
      I am sorry to hear about Kendall. I hope that she is just allergic to something that they put in the frozen yogurt. That would be hard for a child not to be able to eat ice cream or anything like that. Chocolate candy has dairy in it also doesn’t it. Maybe it will be something that she will grow out of. The poor kid. I hope that the other two are okay and did not have to go for anything serious. Maybe it is time for Piper’s buster shots. I cannot remember how often they have to go for them.
      I did tell them on the quacker site. I told I guess it was James. I got an e-mail saying that we should go to this site and look at the schedule and make sure that it is on. Last night I could not set it up on the dvr because it was showing another show that came on at 7pm and was still going at 9pm. So had to wait until it came on and set it then. They are supposed to have some new things on Saturday on the main channel. It will be interesting to see what they have. Will put that on the dvr also. I wish dish would get that all straightened out. They only seem to be doing that with the qvc plus schedule. I have not notice it on any other channel.
      That will be so nice when Brent comes home. Will his new girlfriend be with him? I bet you are excited that he is coming it will be so nice to see him and meet this girl. Sounds like they are happy together. I hope they are like this for a long time and he has found someone to be happy with again.
      I have never tried to get to here from there. I just come on this page and click on the person that has typed something on here. That way I do not have to go to discussions and go thru all of that stuff. If that made sense. I cannot type tonight. I have to keep going back and correcting my spelling. If that little red line did not come up I would not even notice it. Spell check is nice sometimes and others it is a pain.
      We use to watch American Idol and then we just got bored with it after awhile. It interfered with the news so that was not good.lol It is a shame to see it go. Ryan Seacrest will find a new project I am sure.
      He was good at doing that show and he will be good at doing another. Did he use to be a radio announcer? Those always seem to find another job.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night and will talk to you later.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I know what you are talking about now. I just did not know the name. My mind is going and it is really getting bad. I hope that you like the ones you get if you have to send them back. It is a shame they are not right.
      You bake all the time you need to take a break. If you still have cookies left you need to wait until they eat all of them before you start again. Things must be going okay and you do not feel the need to bake. lol The Chew is mostly reruns right now. I guess they took the week off after Easter. I hope they are not done for the year. They showed the one where Daphne introduced her new baby and had her little girl with her. So all the recipes were the old ones that they had shown before.
      You are so funny Adele. I cannot believe that you drank 3 cups. Caffeine can do some strange things to people. Well at least you did not get dizzy and fall. That is one good thing. I guess you will not drink that many cappuccinos. Did Gary notice that you were dizzy? If he is like Ron the only way that he would notice is if you fell or was staggering all over the place.
      I can’t believe that fish is still alive. They usually do not live that long. This one is kind of a pain so he will hang on for another two or three years.lol I am not sure what they life span is for a fish. Especially one in a fish bowl. Will have to look that one up. It is a shame that the friendly one had to die. You may have to find a new place for the fish. It is hard to find a good spot for one of those bowls that you put them in.
      I like the chics night in because they are more relaxed then the regular shows. They laugh and joke around and do not seem to be in such a hurry all the time They have a snack on there that Kristi makes and she shares the recipe on here. Last night it was cupcakes made to look like flowers. They were really cute. I did not hear her say what the drink what that she made. She makes something different every Wednesday night. Can you get qvc plus yet? It is a shame that you cannot.
      I do like this new doctor. I have only seen her once and she has already set up all of these tests. She found the lump and she wanted to have tests run on that right away also. I think that I am going to really like her. She is a little hard to understand she has an accent but I will get use to her. She does listen and she does what she can to help and find out what is going on.
      Well that is about all from here. Thanks for the prayers.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I am so sorry to hear about Ellie. I hope that she does well when they operate. Is she the one that got bitten by a snake? I cannot remember which one that was now. Have you had any more strays come and move in lately? We have not had any strays on our end of the road for awhile. I am glad of that.
      They say that they do that in stores so you will buy more. They also do that in Wal Mart so you have to go all thru the store looking around and you will buy more then just your groceries. I believe that because things are never where they use to be at our store. I do not buy more though. I just get aggravated that I have to search for what I want and sometimes just leave with out getting anything. I wonder how many people do that. It does feel like you are running a marathon.
      Your pizza sounds really good. We have not had pizza in a long time. That is funny that you scraped all the good stuff off and left the crust. Most everyone likes the crust but if you did not feel like eating bread I do not blame you for doing that. It would be good on or off the crust.
      That is nice that you son is coming home for Fathers Day. I can imagine that you are so excited for him to come home. Will the kids be with him and his wife are they too big to travel with them now. I thought they may be at the age where they are in college and have other things to do. Mine are only in high school and junior high and they always have things they have to do and they do not come over as much as they use to. It is sad when they get to that age. I wish we could get them to stop growing so fast. They just will not cooperate.
      Well not much else going on here. Take care and hope that Ellie will be alright.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Diane,
      You have posted some really pretty pictures. I like the mountains and the trees with the flowers. They are really pretty. I love to see the snow caps on top of the mountains. You really live in a pretty state.
      Gail and I both grow Asparagus. Mine is coming in now and Gail’s will come in later in the spring. So you could stay here until our runs out and then move in with Gail until hers runs out. You will have your fill of asparagus for the year. We keep getting more and more every year. They take a long time to start up really well. They are good though. We steam them until they are tender and they are so good.
      That is expensive when asparagus is in season and then they go up just like all the other veggies do. It is just what is in season is cheaper. Asparagus is still a little expensive probably they are hard to grow. I guess. We do not do much with ours though so maybe that is not it. Maybe because the season is so short. It is good though and sometimes worth the money if you have extra. If you are like us extra money is hard to come by.
      That is terrible that the landlords are getting away with that. It seems like if they keep raising the rent and putting people out on the streets they are going to run out of people that can afford the rent. Some people are so greedy. It is a good thing that you are where you are and do not have to worry about it. I will never understand people doing things like that.
      The pictures are really pretty. You did a good job taking them. You are good at taking pictures. I usually get too far away and do not get the lenses right and you cannot see what I shot. It is a gift to be able to take a good picture.
      My tests will not be done until the 18th of this month. They are wanting to do all of them on the same day. So that way I will not have to keep running back and forth. I will be glad when they are over with.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I haven’t talked to Jenny yet so I don’t know about the allergy test. I suppose it might take awhile to get the results back. I think they do a blood draw so she probably didn’t like that at all. Between that and the others getting booster shots I’ll bet she had to make a stop at DQ on the way home to get some ice cream to soothe the pain-but maybe not if she’s worried about a dairy allergy-now that I think of it. That would be tough if the other two could eat ice cream and she couldn’t.
      That’s funny about seeing all the new Jeeps when you were out and about. Perhaps a new one will be in your future. It’s funny that you said that because ever since I got my new car Greg has been kind of envious and eyeing it with jealousy. Mine has a much nicer ride than his Audi which has a sportier ride and I’m thinking he’s wanting to go back to the more cushy ride like he used to have. We’ll see how long it is before he decides to make a change. lol
      The new worker (why can’t I remember his name?) just started this week so it’s too soon to tell how things are going. I hope it all works out.
      I cried too during some of those stories on DWTS-especially the Doug Flutie one. I am such a wimp! lol
      We have had such weird weather this week. One minute it’s rain and the next it’s snow. At least none of it is sticking. We have a big brush pile in back that Greg tried to burn today but it was too wet as the fire wouldn’t stay lit. It always makes me nervous when he does that and I am glad when it is done.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      How nice that you can have the windows open. We are still shut up tight with the furnaces running. It’s still below freezing many nights. Usually we get our last frost after the first week in May.
      I’m with you. Sometimes after hiking through the store from end to end I am exhausted after getting back home and unloading the groceries and putting them away. It still seems like with only two people we still buy a lot of groceries. Maybe that’s a sign that we are not going out to eat enough. lol
      Poor Ellie. I hope that she comes through the surgery with flying colors. She’s been through a lot-that’s for sure. I can’t believe your vet will come out the house. Of course they do it around here for livestock but not normally for pets. He must be a good guy.
      The fact that we live all over and have so much in common is interesting. I’ll bet if we talked to women all across the world we’d find the same thing. We are all much more alike than we are different. In fact if women had been in charge of the world all along maybe it would have been a much more peaceful world. Something to think about, I guess. I often picture in my mind what I think everyone’s voice would sound like-so of course I think of you with a southern accent and Adele speaking like she is from Boston. In case anyone’s wondering we don’t talk like the Super Fans from SNL. lol Hey Adele, do you actually say “wicked”?
      Brent is just coming for a visit this summer. It will be a year since he moved back to New Mexico in June and we haven’t seen him since he left-so it’s been awhile. When he was away before i got used to not seeing him often-but then when they moved back I got used to him being around again. Especially after Kim died and he moved back in with us. That will be nice for you to see Buddy-how long will they stay? Is their daughter still living with them or is she out of school and on her own? I’m sure you all will have a nice visit.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      QVC plus is the only channel that I have noticed where the schedule is all mixed up. I think it must be Dish that has it screwed up but I would think that it would be in QVC’s best interest for them to get it right. If people cannot find the shows that they are looking for at the right time it would cut into their business. Most weeks they show the Chic’s show as being an hour later than it really is but this week it didn’t even show it as being on at all. So that’s not good for business.
      I think Piper and Lachlan were getting booster shots and Lachlan also needed a physical for school next year. I haven’t heard anything yet about the allergy testing for Kendall. I suppose it might take a few days to get results.
      I think the Quacker show this weekend is supposed to be their garden party show. I know there is another new butterfly shirt coming sometime. lol I saw the drawing.
      I think when Brent comes up this summer he is planning on bringing his new girlfriend.
      I don’t mind the spellcheck too much-I kind of like it-except it never likes when you type Quacker or when I type Lachlan. What I think is funny is auto correct when you text. Sometimes it makes up some funny words on it’s own.
      I was just kidding about Ryan Seacrest needing to find another job. I think he has about seven other jobs including his radio show. They brought back a lot of people for the final show tonight.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      I will have to check next time I’m in the store what the price of asparagus is. Since we grow it ourselves I never really pay attention to the price as we rarely buy any.
      We have to grocery shop at the SuperWalmart and it seems like they are always relocating items from one place to another. I preferred going to the regular grocery store for food items but that unfortunately closed down so WalMart is the only game in town now unless you want to travel farther and since I hate grocery shopping I just want to get it over as quickly as possible without more travel time. I think many items on both coasts and in large cities in general are more expensive than in smaller towns in the midsections of the country. But many things even themselves out. If I remember our other poster from Oregon said they have no property taxes where she lives in Medford. I don’t know if that is statewide or decided by individual municipalities. But it would be nice not to have property taxes. Although I then suppose that the things they fund like schools and other services have to be paid for in some other way-so one way or anther we all pay for these things. One thing that is nice about Oregon and New Jersey is you don’t have to pump your own gas. i would love to go back to the old days where someone else pumped the gas and checked your oil and washed your windows but I know that will never happen. For some reason I just don’t like pumping gas. Especially in the winter.
      We are still having cold weather here. The grass is looking greener but no budding out of the trees yet. Except the weeping willows are showing a tiny bit if light green.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Big fat snowflakes falling outside our windows! What ever happened to spring? BooHoo!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG Gailster…….we are getting your snowflakes on Sunday.

      Sun is shining in Massachusetts….hip, hip, hooray!

      Task for today is…..Frankie is coming to install the new curtain rods in the living room- all 6 of them, and then I will vacuum the toppers, and behind all heavy furniture, and wash insides of windows, as the winter is not done with the outsides yet. Let the spring cleaning begin…….even though Mr. winter is still lurking. We are putting new shades in the living room, so I need to get them ready. Trying to find a similar color, so I will not re-do the entire room. You know how that goes- change one thing, and then the whole room looks weird.

      I may be asleep in my chair before Tom Selleck is on at 10.

      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey girls…..it would sound like …..wicked….LOl

      We also paaak the caaa (park the car) , and soda is tonic.

      Last time I got something from Quacker, I tried to get on to talk to Angel, so you could hear my voice. I was going to do a shout out to all of you….LOL

      When is this weekend’s show?

      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG- wikit, auto corrected to wicked!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hey Gail
      I would get nervous with a pile burning too. Especially with the crazy wind lately.
      We are getting to be such wimps as we age. Everything makes us cry. On the View yesterday, one of them mentioned Sandy Hook, and I started all over again. I get so upset at those babies being murdered. That Christmas, I was so sad, because we had our JJ, and all I could think of was those poor families, and how devastated they were.
      So, is Greg going to steal your car, and get you another one, or one will magically appear one day in the driveway??? I am getting “jeep it is”. I have to stay far away from the dealership.
      they sent me an email on the new 2017’s- very pretty.
      If Lachan ahs an allergy to dairy, it will make ice cream season very hard. poor baby.
      Hope your weather is good today!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I am glad you like your new doctor. This one seems to care a lot more about you, the person. You deserve to be cared for, and listened to. I am so glad you found her.
      One of these days, I am going to have to watch the Qplus channel. It sounds like it is fun. Wednesday night has all the funny shows I love, so it is hard to choose, and how much can we record?
      Gary would not notice I was dizzy, until I fell in front of him, and then he would ask what the hell was wrong with me….LOL
      how is the tile floor coming? my only renovation for now, is new shades in the living room, and new curtain rods. the ones I have are the Continental rods, and they are so hard to get up and down. I am changing to the decorative ones, with the balls on the ends. they just lift off the supports, and are so easy to get back on too. Frankie is working for me today, to put them up, as Gary definitely cannot do that….LOL Since he will be moving the heavy couches out, I can do a good vacuum behind them to get the spots you miss. A spring cleaning, so to speak.
      Hope the sun is shining for you- it is up here, finally.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne!
      What pretty pictures! What a beautiful view you have.
      Our produce in Mass, is very expensive too. A tomato is usually about 1.00, at least. The produce is the most expensive part of the groceries. the red, yellow and orange peppers are at least 1.00 a piece, sometimes more. I make my list according to which vegies are on sale that week.
      rents out here are sky high. A 3 bedroom in the suburbs, with no heat is around 2000.00. In Boston, it is even more.
      Our sun is shining- I am so thrilled.
      I hope your weather is good too.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I am sorry to hear that you are still getting snow. We are supposed to get below freezing tonight and that is not good. We have a lot of things blooming and my forever rose is budding already and so are my lilacs. I just hope they do not freeze and ruin them forever. This crazy weather. Our weeping willows are also getting leaves on them. We will see if everything survives thru this freeze.
      That is the pits that they do not have that fixed yet. I just looked on the site here and looked at the show schedule. Guess we will have to do that until they get this mess fixed. We may just have to remind each other. It has really messed up my dvr but do not want to change it because of the chance they will fix it. I do not like to miss that show it is a lot of fun and they seem to be more relaxed on that one.
      That is sad that she cannot stop and get ice cream for the kids. Poor Kendall. I wonder what treat she can get her instead of an ice cream. This would be a hard thing to deal with. Hope that they figure it out soon and find out why she has stomach trouble. That is not fun to have stomach pain like that. Do the other two object to getting their shots? I hope that it does not bother them like it does when they are babies that is really hard on a mom.
      I think you are right about the show this week-end. Well we all know what top you will be getting if they have it on this show. A new butterfly top will be winging its way to your house. I think she said that there will be some flower tops on that show we will see. I am so anxious to see what the tsv will be on the 14th. It should be interesting. She said that it will go with the top with the fake zipper on the top. I need to look up the number on that top so everyone will know what I am talking about. It is cute.
      That check on the texts is something else. It is like it just pulls words out of a hat and puts it on there. Do you have trouble hitting the back space on the the phone. I will be typing something in on the phone and it will erase it all and I will have to start over. I know that I hit the button while I am texting. The you almost have to start all over. I am not as good at texting. At least on the computer I can find the keys and can type fairly fast. I would not win any awards but can get things done.
      I have a question for you. Do you call it soda or pop where you are? We call Pepsi and Coke soda but when we lived in Rockford they called it pop. When we got use to calling it pop we had to switch back to calling it soda. It is funny how things are called by a different name in different areas.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      I sure wish they would get rid of that Watch QVC box on here. It is in the way. Maybe someone will read this and move it.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      One thing about watching shows on tv in the summer they run re runs and on QVC plus it will be different each week. So when all the reruns come on you can watch Chics night in.lol It makes it easy on everyone.
      The tile is still under the bed. I am still trying to get a hold of his nephew. If I could get a hold of him he would be glad to put it down for us. That might inspire Ron to put this stuff down and stop making me wait. We have one more bathroom that needs to have tile laid. Men really do get lazy sometimes. We have carpeting in the bathroom now and I hate it. It needs to go.
      The new shades sound really nice. It is good that you have someone there to help you. You have to clean when you have someone there to move the furniture. I cannot move my couch either. Ron does that and we vacuum behind there and move the chairs and everything else. At least you are getting things done right away. You would have to wait for years to get things done here. It drives me crazy.
      I am sorry to hear that you are getting more snow there also. We are not getting snow but the weather is supposed to drop below freezing. That will kill a lot of the plants and trees that are blooming. We have dog woods and red buds that are all bloomed. If it freezes tonight they will probably not make it thru this freeze. We will see if they do or not. We cannot cover all of those up. They are trees and are not easy to cover. My mom was laughing at the neighbor. He was trying to cover his plants and the wind was blowing so hard that it would blow back in his face. She said she would go help him but the wind is too strong. It would probably blow her over. She said that she does not think that the cover will be on that for very long. I am not sure if it is a bush or flowers. They are entertaining my mom though.lol
      I cannot believe that prices that you pay for tomatoes and fresh veggies. I know that the veggies are higher here in the winter but cannot remember paying that much for a tomato. I guess it depends on how far they have to be shipped. We still live close enough to some of the southern states that grow veggies in the winter time. So it is not as bad for us. We also have those vine tomatoes and they are cheaper then the individual ones. The big problem with some of the ones they sell in the winter they are hot house veggies and they are not as good. I cannot wait to get our garden going. I am so glad that Ron did not rush and plant some more things in the garden. We have green onions. We also have been picking asparagus. I love when the fresh food comes in.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night and be careful with your spring cleaning. Do not hurt your back.
      Colleen

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hi Girls. Hope everyone is doing good today. Down South here we call the drinks by their name, like Coke, but when we visit Arkansas in some parts they say pop, and in others they call the name. It is confusing! I have a slow drawl to my voice. If I ever talk on the Q you all will know its me. When they say a person who is talking is slow as molasses, they really know what they are talking about. The first time I heard my voice on a recording, I was so embarrassed. I don’t think that Jerry talks as slowly as I do. Our cost of living is high here too. We have a 10 % sales tax and pay high property taxes too, but our groceries are not too bad. It costs more at different stores than others. Now our utility bill runs high too. We have that wood stove in our family room that heats up the whole house. Jerry did some kind of special pipes that pull the heat up from the stove and into the other rooms. He really is good at knowing how to do things like that.
      Yes, Buddy’s daughter is grown now. She was 8 when they married. She has always called Buddy Daddy and he adopted her a long time ago. She is a sweet child. Very talented. She lives in Florida close to her Moms mother. I always wondered why she didn’t live with them. I was hoping she might come live with us a while after she graduated, but she wanted to go to Florida.
      Colleen, I am so happy that you have found a good doctor. I will be glad when the tests are all done, and wasn’t that good of the doctor to schedule all in one day? I think you have a real winner there. Praying all goes well.
      I am so sick of this sign on the side of the page. It’s like they don’t want to give us a moment to just be friends and not push the sell agenda. Well, I am getting grumpy; so I will close for now. Have a great week end and hope the cold weather lets up for you guys. Hugs, Barbara

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara!
      I do listen for who calls in, and if it were one of you, I know we would all give a shout out, so we would know it is one of our good friends. It would be fun to hear our voices….LOL
      It is sunny here today- yahoo!
      Our electric bill was around 200.00, on a regular month. In the summer, with the air on, it got as high as 800.00, and during the holidays it went to about 400.00. We went Solar, and I have never been so happy. In the spring, they owe us money, and in the summer, when we got the biggest bills, we have not gone above 300.00. It is the best thing we ever did.
      We all hate that sign, as yo have to move up and down to see what you are typing.
      did you see my buddy, Tom Selleck last night? I love that show. I love the family dynamics, the partner dynamics, and Donnie Wahlberg is great too.
      I am tired today, so I will just clean the kitchen counters, and call it a day today. LOl
      Hope your day is bright and sunny.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I would do the same thing you are going to do- call your nephew to get the tile going. It makes you nuts when projects go on, and on.
      yesterday, Frankie got all the new rods up, and he pulled out all the heavy furniture, so I could vacuum behind them, and then he did it. He is such a good kid. We are so lucky to have him work for us. All I ended up doing was vacuuming all the valances (there are 10 windows) and getting them on the new rods. I even told Frankie how to pull them, so they will look perfect when they are all up, and he did a great job. I told him he was now qualified to go work for a decorator, putting up custom window treatments.
      I have to wait to order all the shades, as I am doing a 0% financing, and cannot do anything until the refinance on the house is completely finished, so it will not affect my numbers. I had a variable rate, for 10 years, and the rates are starting to go up, so I locked in at 3.5 for a fixed rate. There is always something you have to do.
      Tooo bad you cannot get your mom to video her neighbor- that would be funny for you to see too. All our tress were starting to show some buds. I hope they are nto dead- even the lilacs were getting some tiny leaves on them. It is cold again today. Not sure about the snow for tonight. I hope it is missing us.
      the sun is shining- but it is cold out there- in the 40’s.
      Hope your day is going well!
      I also hope you get an appointment with a gastro doctor soon, since you now have a doctor who cares about you a lot more than the other loser. How has your belly been doing?
      how is your Itty Bitty Aliza doing?
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Frankie is a good worker. That was nice that he got all of that done for you. That is really going to look nice when you get done with it. Ron very seldom gets things done fast. If I was asking him to do that it would take 3 to 4 years to get done. You are lucky to have Frankie there for you.
      It would funny to see that guy out there trying to get that bush covered and the wind taking it right off again. That freeze did not kill all of our budding trees. The dog woods do not look as good as they did at the beginning but as long as they get green leaves that will be fine. The red buds must be a stronger tree. The buds on them still look really good. Are you getting the snow they predicted? I sure hope not that is a little too much snow. We were about ready to plant some veggie plants but the cold stopped us and I am glad that we did not do it the other day when we talked about it. Now we will have to wait for the ground to get warm again. This time of the year I am ready for fresh veggies. Oh well will have to wait a little longer.
      My youngest daughter and her family are here. They came yesterday afternoon. They took us out to dinner. Ron kept trying to give them some money but they would not take it. So will have to figure out a way to give it to them so they do not know what I am doing. I tried to tell Ron to be careful about doing that because the kids will get their feelings hurt. So many just divide the money up between the two grand kids to spend on their trip. That way they will have to take it. They cannot refuse a gift to a child.
      Well am going to have to cut this short. Will have to start breakfast soon. They all slept really good and here I am at 6am on here. This is crazy. Could not hardly sleep.
      Have a good day
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I think that little sign makes all of us grumpy. It really does get in the way and it is not necessary. They always something extra that we do not need when they change the page on here. lol I need ot go to a computer class and learn about how to do things on here.
      Wood stoves are so nice. My sil has a wood burning furnace. Those are really nice also. They had theirs put in a few years ago. That really cuts down on the utility bills. Now if they could figure out how to us wood to run the air conditioner in the summer that would be really nice. Jerry is a smart guy if he could rig that to heat the whole house. We may have to borrow him and he could tell Ron how to do it. Then Ron and Jerry could sit and talk about it for a year or two.lol That is how long we have had our tile now. It is still in boxes under the bed. We just pull it out once in awhile and look at it.
      I was very lucky to have found a new doctor. She wants to get all the tests done and then decide what to do with the stomach. She was a nice person and seemed to care about her patients. She ordered all of those tests in one day and now I will not have to be running back and forth to the hospital for them. I appreciate the prayers. The lump is what really surprised me. She said that she did not know what it was so she ordered that tested also. At least will not have to wait for months to get all of these things tested. I do not think that the other doctor would have done anything at all.
      It is just going to be so nice to see your son and his wife. Maybe the granddaughter will come along and stay also. I hope that she does so you can see her. It is hard to keep up with them when they are out of school and on their own.
      Things here are high also. We use propane instead of natural gas. Sometimes that can get really high. Ron tries to get it filled in the summer when the prices are lower. We are lucky we only have to have the tank filled once a year. Our place is small though and is not that hard to heat.
      That is about all from here. Have a good day.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      it is too cold to plant anything up here too. It is funny, because Lowes is having a huge plant sale today. I bet nobody is there. The weather is just not cooperating. Our vegies will be late this year.
      That is great that your daughter and the kids are visiting. I hope you all have a great time. How long are they staying? It is hard to give them money, and not have them feel they are accepting charity. Giving it to the kids is a great idea.
      We are very lucky to have Frankie. He is a great worker, and cares about his job. We also love him, as a person, not just an employee. He has been with us for about 7 years.
      I made blueberry muffins this morning. that made Tillie, and Gary very happy. Bobby went out for breakfast. Marissa came by on her way to work, and took 2 to work with her, for herself, and her manager. I miss the early morning baking.
      I usually make muffins, and a corn bread once a week, so Gary has some fruit, and fiber in his diet. Since all his people are coming and going every day, I have not really baked in the morning at all. No bread, either. the nurse discharged him, so one person less will be coming. I want him to try to do a shower by himself, and then we can say goodbye to the aid. At this point, she is only helping him with his socks, and getting cream on his lower legs. I can do that. I will be glad when everything is back to normal around here. this has been going on for a long time- we are in week 7.
      Did you get anything form the show last night? I got Tillie the white lighthouse shirt for Mothers day, and I got the rose hoodie, with the tank. Could not decide what color, so I got 3, and will decide which ones I keep when they get here. I can never decide between the blue and purple, as to which ones match better with my zipper crops. the pink I will keep, no matter what. LOL
      Hope you get a nap in today, as that was early to get up!
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Another windy day here today. It’s on the cool side too but not snowy like I know some of you all are having. You know, we usually get ice here instead of snow, and Gail, I have always wanted to vacation in the North during a winter season and just be inside some warm cabin watching big fluffy snowflakes falling outside. It reminds me of some Norman Rockwell scene; but I know it’s nice just for a while if you have to be there all the time, and deal with the day to day things that have to be done. They just shut down things here; like it’s a major calamity, and I know you all would just laugh at the hysteria a tiny amount of snow causes here. People start rushing to the store buying up everything before it even starts to snow. I’m not sure if Southerners have a snow phobia; or we are just so overly dramatic about the way we react to any change. I can imagine you all have had just about enough of the white stuff and are SO ready for some Spring. I can hear the frogs just making their funny noises oiutdoors; so I know that means all the creepy crawly things I don’t like are starting to get out and about. The wasps are building nests in our wood piles that Jerry has out on the patio for our winter firewood. I have put out one of the hummingbird feeders, but I really think it is a little early yet. I have one of the old model hanging baskets from Valerie from the Q hanging on the patio; and it looks pretty bad; but a little bird builds her nest in it every year; so I leave it there for her. I saw Neal standing up on a step ladder the other day with his IPhone above the basket and he was making a picture; so I guess she has laid some eggs. There will be a lot I know he will miss when he moves this week; but I know “if Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” and I really know in my heart that Sarah is ready for them to be out on their own; as they should be; it is just kind of hard to let go. But I will put on that brave face and watch him and her and itty bit drive off down the drive again leaving me and Jerry and the cat and dogs to fend for ourselves again. Life goes on; the good the bad the happy and the sad.
      Okay, I’m getting mundane; so time to change the subject. I also bought the rose hoodie and matching tee yesterday. I think it will be so pretty with this pair of Quacker capri’s I have in white. Now, if I can just manage not to spill on those white capri pants ha ha. I usually end up wearing my meal; so I have learned to just put a dish cloth over my chest to catch what my mouth doesn’t. I am really in the mood for a milkshake for some reason. I didn’t cook anything today; which is kind of unusual for a Sunday. Sarah picked up an extra shift for tonight. They have rented a cottage in Destin Florida for next month and will be gone for about a week; so she said she was trying to earn extra for their trip. Neal is working tonight too; since one of his employees resigned unexpectedly and there wasn’t enough time to find coverage. Joey is working this weekend too; so we are just winging it tonight. Neal and Sarah went out for lunch before they laid down to nap before going in to work. So it may be a popcorn night tonight for me and Jerry ha ha He has gone to take his Mom some cornbread I made. She had said she wanted some of my cornbread if I was making any; so I just cooked her a small pan of it. She is doing so much better. She and Jerry rode to a few different long term care facilities one day; two of them were very nice. She said she would think about it; but she really loves her home; and she knows everything about it. The doctor said as long as she is doing as well as she is; and with Jerry helping her like he does that he feels okay with her staying in her own home for now. We had another one of those long discussions about how he and I were going to manage this place. My head tells me that we should just make up our minds and do whatever we feel is best for now and for later; but my heart just keeps putting off making that final decision.
      Yes, it will be so good to see Buddy and his wife (even though she grates at Jerry). She has a different personality (and so does Mr. Jerry) and if he says it’s black, she says its white, and Buddy and I just sit and smile at each other. They are BOTH too stubborn to give one inch to the other. I do hope our grand daughter comes too. Her Mom is so opinionated and she is so quiet, that I try to spend time with her and get her to talk with me. I have a feeling that her Mom dominated most of the conversations as she was growing up, and that’s why she is so shy and quiet. But she is so smart and talented.
      I just can’t wait for fresh tomatoes to come in season. Have you all ever had fried green tomatoes? Sounds yucky, but yum yum! By the way; the broccoli salad was delicious. It tasted exactly like the one I had eaten that was so good. Jerry loves it too.
      Guess I better go for now. It is so quiet here in the house with everyone napping and Jerry gone; that I am getting sleepy; so I better get up and do something or I will be asleep. I was awake at 5 this morning and just could not go back to sleep; so that’s probably why I am droopy now (sounds good anyway) Take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      It would be hard to sell plants when it is snowing outside. We have not had any snow but it has been cold and really windy. We will get everything planted a little late this year but that will be okay. We have not checked our asparagus yet but will do that tomorrow after we get home from Danyielle. We are babysitting for Aliza tomorrow.
      We had a busy day today. We fixed a big breakfast this morning and then we grilled some brats and sausages for lunch. My middle daughter came over with her two girls and they ate with us. They ate the rest of the Easter candy. So now that temptation is gone and I can wash that dish and get that put away. Did they finally eat the rest of your cookies? I can understand why you have not been baking a lot here lately. You have so much going on at your house. The parade of people running in and out is really a pain. I know that you have to be getting tired of that. I do not think that I would want all those people running in and out. It is nice that they were there when you needed them though.
      I love blueberry muffins. I do bake those once in awhile. I have made the cheese cake blueberry muffins. They are good also. It comes from a mix not from scratch. We all liked them. It does help to put extra blueberries in them. Sounds like your muffins were a hit. It is nice that Marissa came by to get some also. You will start baking again in the mornings when Gary is back to his old self.
      I have not watched last nights show yet. I will watch it when Ron goes to bed. So that way I can pick out what I would like to have and order it. I have a top that I want to get for my mom. Will have it sent to her for Mothers day. She really liked my top and she wanted one but they do not have that color in her size now. So will get her a pink. She will looked good in pink. I will have to watch for the things that you and Tillie ordered. They sound really cute. If I bought three colors I would have a hard time sending any of them back. I am greedy.lol You do really good at that.
      I will get to bed early tonight. I do not want to have to stay up again tonight. This has been a long day.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      You have had a busy weekend with the kids stopping by and babysitting Aliza. You will need a rest now. Was Melissa stopping by on their way to Galveston?
      We had kind of a boring weekend. Getting the stuff together for taxes. I made Greg drop it off so the accountant wouldn’t yell at me for waiting so long. lol Although she’ll probably have it done in a day anyway. Plus I didn’t realize that tax day is the 18th instead of the 15th because of some holiday in DC-like the bureaucrats need more days off. Then Greg wanted to stay around home and watch The Masters Tournament this weekend. We did go out to dinner Saturday night though-just to a local place.
      Plus the weather was crummy-cold and at time snow-but none that stuck at least. it is supposed to warm up and be 70 by Sunday.
      It looks like that the show on QVC+ has the right time this week so maybe it is finally fixed so it will now record automatically at the right time. We’ll see. I read on the QVC board somewhere that the TSV will be some sort of bottom. Pretty vague. If they are even right.
      You asked if we called soft drinks pop or soda-we use both terms but maybe pop a little more. I think it was Brent who told me that in New Mexico all soda is called Coke-that must be confusing-although I have an old friend who is very high up in the hierarchy at Coke in Atlanta and hearing something like that probably makes him happy. lol
      I hope that your tests go well this week and all the results are good. That was very considerate of the doctor to get them all scheduled at once so you won’t be chasing back and forth. That makes me feel that you finally found a good new doctor. You probably need a little rest after your busy weekend. It’s fun having the kids around but they can really wear you out too.
      Last Friday when we were at Jenny’s Piper herded us all into the family room after dinner so we could sit on the couch and watch her dance. What a little diva! lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I liked that rose shirt too but didn’t order it. I find that i just don’t wear the two piece sets that much. I just want to put on one tshirt and go. I’m an impatient dresser! lol
      I did get the turquoise shirt with the beach scene though and I imagine i will do some damage on Thursday with a TSV and Quacker on several times that day. Hoping for butterflies. lol
      I think you haven’t been doing that morning baking since your schedule has been kind of messed up with all the healthcare aides coming and going. When that stops you will probably resume your normal schedule. Plus you are probably tired with all the extra people in and out all day long so you need a little break.
      We haven’t heard the results from Kendall’s dairy allergy tests yet although Jenny is trying to do a two week trial of keeping her off dairy and seeing if she feels better. it would be hard for a kid to stay away from dairy as they eat a lot of yogurt and cheeses and drink lots of milk. We’ll see what happens.
      I don’t think Greg will try and steal my car but I have a feeling that he will be in the market himself soon. I see him looking at cars online frequently. We’ll see how long before he throws in the towel and gives in to temptation. lol
      We are supposed to have 70 degrees by the end of the week so it will probably be floating towards you guys in the east after that. So spring is coming!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      The snow would be pretty if you were on vacation in a cabin somewhere sitting by a roaring fire and watching the flakes fall. It’s having to go out in it and shovel etc. that is the bad part. I discovered there’s a place around here that does actual sleigh rides and I would like to do that sometime. Have you ever traveled through any of the northern states? Of course the best times to come north would be spring summer and fall.
      Even people up here go stock up on supplies if a big storm is supposed to be coming. I don’t think southerners have a snow phobia-it’s just something that is so unfamiliar that people don’t really know how to handle it. I know Brent chuckles at the people in NM when it snows there although they did get a big storm this year.
      I guess you will have to try to face Neal and Sarah leaving as a new adventure in your life. That is what I have tried to do every time we have had people move in or move out. I try to think of it as a new and different opportunity. Now it is a different story if you are counting on them to help with chores and such. At that point I guess we have to reassess and see if it’s possible to hire people to do things that we no longer can. That’s about all we can do if we want to try and stay in place. I don’t think any of us want to leave our homes but many is the day that I wished we hadn’t built a two story home-but that’s what we have and I will have to learn to deal with it-at least for now. Sometimes it would have been nice to see how things would be now back then but that’s an impossibility-so now we have to do the best we can however we can. I’m sure you and Jerry will figure out what’s best for you. I guess most of the time our dreams and our realities end up being two different things.
      I’m with you about the white pants. In fact I am such a slob I never even buy white pants. And as to the food always ending up on my chest. I often wear an apron when i eat to catch the excess that falls from my lips somehow. I have more stains on the fronts of my shirts from eating than i do from cooking! lol I think someone should invent adult themed bibs like have funny sayings or wine bottles on them instead of cartoon characters. Maybe Quacker could make and sell some sparkle and shine bibs so we can glow while we dribble. lol
      I have eaten fried green tomatoes but I must admit I was rather underwhelmed. I’m thinking it’s an acquired taste-or something that is better when you have grown up eating them. I will have to try making them again this summer when we have them in the garden. Maybe I didn’t season them right the first time. I will do some research on how people do it before i try it again.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      From your story of Southerners and the snow, I get this visual of people running into the grocery stores, and coming out running, and screaming, “the snow is coming, the snow is coming”……while their groceries are falling out of their bags. You did make me laugh. But, I have to tell you, up here it is pretty similar. People go to the grocery store when a big storm is predicted, and you would swear they think bread and milk will never been seen again.
      It is really sad that Neal and Sarah are leaving, and you will miss them terribly. Especially since they are having their first child. But, they do need to figure it out as a couple, on their own. I bet they will miss you too, and miss having someone in the house for those moments when you need an extra set of hands, some comfort, or a nice meal they did not have to prepare, and a goodie from the oven.
      You were not getting mundane, you were being a Nana. You have a right to feel sad. The house is going to feel so empty. Too bad Gerry’s Mom will not come to stay with you. She seems like such a nice lady, and you would enjoy her company. I hope she finds the right place for her needs, and does let her house go. It will be better for he, and Gerry.
      We will all keep our fingers crossed that your granddaughter comes for the visit. I am sure you will have some wonderful story to tell us on the conversation you had with her.
      I do the same thing when I eat!! Everything gets on the “shelf”, as I call it. We Quackers are all so similar, it is very amusing. Quacker Factory should do a sparkly bib for us.
      It is sunny here today, but is going to pour tonight, into tomorrow. No snow!!! Yahoo!! I hope we can get to putting out our bird food, and plantings soon. I have great hope our weather will break.
      Hope you have a good day.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I hope you were able to order a cute new Quacker top. I know I will keep the pink one, and I am leaning more toward the purple too. I will have o see how they match.
      Gary cancelled the aid coming today, and actually went out to see some customers. I told him to call me to check in, as I do not want home to try to answer the phone while he is driving. he wanted to see if he can do a few customers, without getting too tired. It is so nice to have the house to myself for a few hours. I will be swiffering the floors, and doing a jig.
      they all love the blueberry muffins here. They also love that blueberry tart I make for breakfast in the summer, when the blueberries are plentiful. I love the availability of simmer fruit.
      I still have one fudge egg, and a few truffles left to be bad with. The last chocolate bunny is half eaten. We are getting there, slowly but surely.
      I am meeting the girls form work tonight, for dinner. I hope I will be back by DWTS. I have not seen all of them in a while. Nancy will be there, of course. I am dying to be able to go out for lunch with Nancy again, as soon as Gary is out again during the day. I feel guilty leaving him home alone…LOL At least he is at the point where it is not dangerous to leave him alone. He sees his surgeon this Wednesday.
      Your breakfast, and lunch sounded good. I can smell the brats from here. I bet you will miss them all when they leave. It is nice to see the kids when they stop by. I love that.
      It is sunny, but it will rain all day tomorrow.
      Hope your sun is shining!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG Gail!!
      Is your warm weather coming this way? I have hope for spring, after all.
      Check out my post to Colleen and Barbara, for more news. Gary cancelled the aid coming today, and I nearly did the “happy dance” Dave Venible does. I am hoping we can say good bye to the aid. OT will still be coming, until he doctor stops it. The nurse stopped coming as of last week. So, we are progressing. You are so right. I am dying to get back to my little home schedule. I have not cooked a meal in a week. We have had sandwiches, breakfast food, and cereal. Tomorrow, I am making a pork roast, with roasted cauliflower.

      Tonight, I am going out with my old friends from work- Nancy too. I have not seen all of them in a while. I am so looking forward to getting back to going out with Nancy once in a while for lunch again. Gary is progressing, and life is good.

      I am hoping you hear soon on whether or not Kendall has a food allergy. I hope not, as dairy is so important, and good. How do eliminate all cheese, and milk forma child’s life? Not to mention the ice cream treats. It would be awful.

      I have to get y floor swiffering done…..LOL
      Hope you are having a good day, and Greg is not out buying a Lamberghini!
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Adele,
      The dairy allergy test came back negative. Her stomach hurt so bad Jenny had her in the ER last night. Strep test came back negative-sometimes little kids will get a bellyache from strep. Urinalysis showed a tiny bit of blood so that is being cultured. Jenny is taking her to a pediatric gastroenterologist next-not sure when. I am leaving to go over there in five minutes as Monday is my babysitting day. Hope she is feeling better.Poor thing.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I agree with Gail. Your kids moving out will be a new adventure. It will be better if they are in their own place when the baby comes. When they are new borns they cry all hours of the night. You will not miss all the early wake up cries. As we get older we are not that good at getting up that many times during the night. Well at least this old gal is not good at it any more. I do not mind coming in the day time to help out but not at night. Except now they let the dad have time off from work to help with their new born. That is nice but takes away from the bonding between grandma and the baby.
      It was hard for me when we moved back to Mo. and got away from all the snow in Rockford Ill. We lived there for years and things did not shut down when there was snow or if the weather was below zero. The roads are cleared a lot better in those places where they get a lot of snow. The kids thought it was great to get out of school for so many snow days. They thought that was really fun. It was all new to them. It is funny how each state handles snow and storms and any weather that is common to their area.
      Your are doing fine. We all have gone thru times like that and who better to open up to then the friends that we have on here. We understand what you are going thru. So go ahead and be as mundane as you want to be we will be here to listen.
      I did not buy anything from the show the other day. They had a couple of things that I liked but nothing that I couldn’t live without. We will see what they have when they have the TSV on the 14th. It is going to be a capris they had them on the e-mails that they send out. I am not too impressed with them. They have a zipper on the side and they did not look that comfortable. I do not like the zipper on the legs. It makes it hard if you sit with your leg underneath you or if you get into the floor. I do that more now that Aliza is here. I get down with on her when she is on her play mat and play with her. She is not starting to grab things and that is always fun when they start to do that.
      Popcorn sounds really good. That might be just what we need for tonight. Ron is actually watching an old movie instead of the news. That is nice for a change. He is watching Long John Silvers. it is with Jackie Cooper so it is really old he is a kid in it. I do not remember what year they said that it was made.
      We have eaten green tomatoes. My mil use to make them and she taught me they are really good. We have not made them in a while. Ron may pick some green ones this year though. I think when I told him that you were talking about fried green tomatoes it made him hungry for them. They are so good. Do you roll yours in flour or corn meal? We have had them made both ways. I cannot wait for the fresh veggies to come in and we can get them out of the garden.
      That is nice that Jerry’s mom can stay in her house for a while longer. That would be what I would want and not move to a retirement center. Did Jerry get his mom’s money back into her name and his brothers name off of it? I sure hope so. She does not need someone dipping into her money and breaking her. That is so sad that some kids act like that. Their parents take such good care of them when they are young and then when their parents get old they think they owe them something. One thing that we learned was our parents do not owe us anything. We were taught that since we were young kids. Once we are on our own that is where their responsibility ends. Most kids are taught that and feel that way anyway. What a shame that some do not realize it.
      Now I am getting mundane. So I guess that I will close for now. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Steve had to report in today so his leave will not start until tonight at midnight. His commanding officer wanted him to report in so he had to do it or lose his leave. That would have been a mess since his dad has been waiting for him to come to visit for a long time. They were out buying all kinds of food for the kids. It is funny because he called to see what ice cream that they liked. He wants everything to be perfect. They do not see the kids that often so I understand why they felt that way.
      You are right the bureaucrats do not need another holiday. Well at least that gave people three more days to get their taxes done. I do not blame you for sending Greg with the taxes this time. That was always Ron’s job. He always knew what we should do so I let him do it. It sure made it easy on me. If he messed something up it was all his fault and not mine.
      A woman came on here, her name is Lovita and she is looking for a top. It has A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes. Do you remember it? I cannot remember when that top came out. I looked on QVC and could not find it. I am going to e-mail Quacker and ask them and see if they remember it. Or if it is still available. I am sure if they remember they will let us know. They are good about looking things up for us. If you could help it would be appreciated.
      Well at least Kendall does not have an allergy to milk. That does not sound good that they found blood in her urine. That could be some type of infection. It could be a urine infection. Sometimes a specialist can find it. They do different tests then a doctor does. We will say a prayer for her and that they get this fixed fast. Poor little thing.
      That Piper is a character. I guess the dance was just fantastic and you all really liked it. Did Kendall and Lachlan sit and watch it also or did they go off and play? They probably have seen her dance a lot. She is just too cute. It will be fun when she gets into school. Jenny might hear from her teacher everyday. It will be fun.
      It was so much fun watching Aliza today. She is getting to where she will play with her toys now. They have a play mat on the floor to lay her on and play. She is starting to grip things and she is so funny when she does it. She can grab it but cannot let go yet. I do not think that she knows that she is holding it. She gets kind of mad sometimes. So you have to help her get it out of her hand. She still has that smile when she wakes up. She will just grin at you the whole time that she is talked to. She is just a little sweet heart. They want me to start watching her on Mondays. Danyielle has to work a full day on Monday and the other days she can go in when Kevin gets home. She will not have to gone as long. Kevin is so good with both of the kids. Owen did his homework as soon as he got home and showed it to me and then Kevin wanted to see it. So he told Owen what a good job he did. Kevin is making a good step dad.
      Well at least you got to go out and eat. Ron watched the Masters and the ball game. It was interesting with him and Steve there watching both sports. They would turn the channel to the game when a commercial came on. They did that until it was all over with. It was driving the rest of us crazy. So we all stay at the table and chatted. It was fun talking to the kids. Kaylee has another crush. The first one did not work out so now she is crushing on another boy. He seems to be nicer.lol Oh to be their age again.
      They sent out an e-mail with a picture of the tsv and I am not too impressed. It has a zipper on the side and those always bother me. I am really getting picky. I thought that it would be a false one like they had on the top that Angel said would look good with them. Maybe I misunderstood her.
      They will not do the testing until Monday the 18th. It is good that she is doing them all at one time. That does make things a lot easier. I just hope that they get them done quickly. I have to go in fasting and that is always a pain. You get so thirsty before they are done.
      Tomorrow will be my day to rest. I plan on sleeping in late. Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I probably will not buy anything on the 14th. Ron is not wanting me to buy anymore for awhile. I guess I will do what he asks unless I see something that I need. Who knows what they will have that I cannot live without. We will see.
      Well that is a good sign. Gary must be feeling better. How did he do today? Having a day to myself is what I miss. That is so nice. Was the aide okay with him telling her he could make it on his own now? He must have been just of tired of all those people coming in the house like you were. Besides that he did not get his baked good in the morning and he missed them. You can only give them up for so long. At the one grocery store here they have fruit at a good price all year long. So that makes it nice. I just have to watch where it comes from.
      You do not have that much Easter stuff left now. That is good. We really were glad to see that ours are gone. We do not have any of that cake left that we got. We did not have enough left to even freeze. The kids want me to order another one for next year. We will have to see how things are going next year at that time. If they get much higher we will not want to get it.
      I finally got the bill for my back brace. We do not have to pay as much as we thought. It was $170.00 so that was not too bad. It originally cost $2,000.00 so in the scheme of things we do not have to pay too much. I was shocked when I saw the price of the stupid thing. Oh well when it helps it is worth it. It is terrible that they are that expensive.
      I hope that you girls have a good dinner tonight and a lot of fun. What restaurant did you go to? Now I am being nosy so if you do not want to answer I understand. It is fun to go out to dinner with some friends. It is just nice to get out of the house. It will be nice when you and Nancy can go back to going out for lunch.
      I wrote in Gails post about the baby. It is too much to write down again. I put dwts on the dvr. It is getting to where they have too many commercials on there. It is better when I can just fast forward it and miss all of that. I do that with the Chew also. They just have way too many commercials and it is the same ones over and over again. Who want to watch all of that junk.
      Our weather is warming up also. It was cool today and we had a lot of rain this morning. The sun came out this afternoon and it is supposed to be like that again tomorrow. We are supposed to get into the 70’s also. It is going to be like that for the rest of the week. it will be nice for a change. We might get some things planted in the garden.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that you had fun on your night out. It’s good to get out and about.
      I’m glad that little by little you are whittling down the aides and the people coming and going. On top of everything else it is stressful to have people coming in and out of your house all day long. How did Gary do with making calls yesterday? Good I hope. He is probably happy to be up and doing again too. And everyone will be happy when you start cooking and baking again. lol
      So far Greg has not come home with that Lamborghini-but he said he will not be home for dinner tonight since a client is in from New Jersey and they are going out to dinner. Hmmmmm-I wonder if if I should be suspicious that he’s going car shopping instead. lol Except I keep all the checkbooks and I know they are all here-unless you can put a car on a credit card? lol
      Well Jenny is taking Kendall to Rockford to the pediatric gastroenterologist on Thursday morning. I hope that they can figure this out and that it isn’t anything serious. I did remind Jenny that Greg had ulcers when he was a child so maybe it’s something like that and maybe there is some sort of genetic factor.
      Whoops-I lied. Greg just came in and told me that he doesn’t feel good this morning so he is going into work to do what he has to do and then will be back-so he isn’t going out to dinner with Jim after all. I hope he isn’t getting sick right when the weather is just getting better-as he has just been chomping at the bit to get outside and do stuff and looking forward to golf season too. Hopefully it’s just a little bug that will pass soon.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      It’s a good thing that Melissa and Stephen aren’t in Texas yet as they are having lots of rain there right now. I hope it goes away before they get there. How long of a drive is it between where they are and Galveston? Do Steve’s parents ever come up to Missouri to visit them?
      I think I have that A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes shirt. It may be packed away right now though. I remember having a discussion with Debbie about it as we both may have purchased it and I remember us talking about the lyrics coming from a Disney song and I think I even posted a video of the song. So that means the shirt was probably from at least a couple of years ago when we had the old site and could post video. I would bet that they don’t make that shirt anymore. I think it might have been one of those “one and done” items. Maybe she could stumble across one on Ebay. If i unpack the shirt this spring I will give you the item number.
      Kendall and Lachlan didn’t watch Piper dance. I think they are not interested in her antics. Especially Lachlan. Piper was quite put out yesterday because she said last time they saw their cousins Lachlan and Finn would not play the game that she wanted. She was quite miffed that they wouldn’t play hide and seek with her and she kept telling me about it. I think she was surprised and shocked that she didn’t get her way for a change. lol Now from Lachlan’s point of view he probably doesn’t want to play with any girls when Finn is around since he is normally surrounded by girls with 4 sisters. He’d rather have his boy playtime all to himself.
      How old is Aliza now? I just love when they first start laughing and smiling. I know what you mean about when they first start holding things. It’s like they don’t know how to let go and they wave the thing around and hit themselves in the head with it. How is it getting back up off the playmat with her? I know it’s not as easy for me to get up off the floor once I get down there. lol
      Those braces are expensive. I know my ankle brace cost over a thousand dollars-I don’t remember the exact price as insurance covered most of it but it was a lot of money and then you add the expense of having to buy two different pairs of shoes in two different sizes to wear with it and it’s costly and insurance doesn’t help with the cost of the shoes.
      Monday is my babysitting day too-except I only do it for a few hours between when Adam leaves for work and Jenny gets home.
      It sounds like Kevin is a good Dad and stepdad so that’s a good thing. Does Owen like him?
      Greg was watching the golf and the Cubs game too at the same time-he was trying to watch the Sox but they were rain delayed so they must have been home and the Cubs were out of town.
      I kind of like the TSV so I will probably order a couple of colors. I think the zippers are cute but I do sit with my legs folded under me and sometimes the zippers do press into you then. I will have to remember that on the days that I wear them.
      I never can remember. Can’t you still have water when you fast overnight. It seems like someone told me that once but now I can’t remember for sure. I always have to ask again. Maybe it depends on the kind of test.
      Is today your day of rest because you are tired after babysitting? it does wear one out. Greg said he will probably be home early today since he was not feeling well this morning. He said he was sweating last night so I wonder if he has a fever? I hope he will feel better soon since the weather is supposed to be turning nice and I know he loves to be outside.
      Gail
      I hope Dianne will be back. She hasn’t been on for a few days.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi GAil
      We did have fun last night. I did not knw I was a surprise visitor. Only Nancy and Deb knew I was coming, so it was fun to see mu old Uniteers happy to see me. It was as if I had never left.
      Greg can still use his ATM card as a charge for a new car….LOL
      I think we can say good bye to the aid, as he did fine with his shower on his own yesterday. All we will have left is the OT person, who will be here shortly.
      Gary di ok yesterday, but, he was exhausted last night. I made him stay home this morning, and then he will see 3 customers this afternoon. he cannot go out everyday, like he used to. I think he needs t take it a little slow for the first 2 weeks. Doctor tomorrow, so we will see that he thinks.
      I hope they figure out what is wrong with Kendall. It is awful to have gastro issues. It disrupts your entire life. She is in my prayers.
      I also hope nothing is wrong with Dianne. After a couple of days, you get concerned. Maybe it is her computer that is acting up. I am so glad we are hearing from Barbara again.
      It is pouring here today. Hope your sun is shining!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG Gail
      ‘I just read this one about poor Kendall. I am praying they find out what is wrong fast. Has anyone checked her kidneys? that poor baby.
      I hope you find her a lot better when you visit.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      The aid Gary had was very nice. she would come in, and say “how is my friend today?” I told them how good she was, and that we loved her. So, now only OT is coming to the hose, and that may end tomorrow, after we see the doctor.
      I need to stop buying too, as I am running out of places to put everything. You just cannot help getting something springish, with all this yucky weather. In the Fall, I am a sucker for anything pumpkin.
      We went to Sue Chang’s in Peabody. It is Chinese, but really good Chinese. Kind of like designed food- they do not use any MSG, and their food tastes so good. We just got appetizers, rice and this very tasty spicy green beans. We all love it there. Nancy and Deb did not tell the rest of the girls I was coming, so it was a huge surprise, and we were all screaming- it was funny. By the time I got home, gave Bobby and Tillie their food (I promised to get them something),a nd got upstairs, I missed more than half of DWTS. I was glad they voted Marla off, because I did not like her nasty comment about immigrants last week. I bet the rest of the country felt the same way.
      that is fabulous that you will get to babysit Aliza every Monday. What a treat for you and Ron.
      Steph told me something funny. they went out to dinner at an Italian place, and when the food came, they were saying how good it was, and Aizen said, “Uncle Bobby, Uncle Bobby”. How funny is that when he thinks all delicious food is made by Bobby. When Steph tells him, he is going to laugh his butt off. I think they are coming by late tomorrow, as they have a bunch of errands to do, and Jhonny is off tomorrow. I hope we will be back from the doctor by then.
      hope your sun is still shining!
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hi Girls. Sunny and warm here today. Jerry had to be gone for a few hours with Mom going to buy groceries, and a trip to the Dollar Store. She loves that place. And she had to show Jerry all the bargains; which; knowing Jerry is a “get in the store, get what you are going in for, and get out” kind of guy, I bet he was pretty tired after both stores Ha Ha. But I really think he is enjoying this time they are spending together. I believe her brush with death made her want to spend more time with him, and I guess you just never get too old for your Mother’s love and attention. This is a hard week for me, watching the kids pack up their things, but I really try to be positive about it all. I know that Sarah is not close to me; and to be honest, I have lost my desire to try any more. If I come into the room where they are at the bar eating; she will begin to whisper to Neal. I know that ALL young people need their time together; but I have tried so hard to not be a “third wheel” in their life. So their leaving is bittersweet for me. I know Neal will want to come back for a meal; but I just have this sinking feeling in my heart that I am watching him walk away “for good” this time. I guess my biggest problem is that I really really enjoy having my family close by. I was sitting here alone with Jerry last night; and I found that the silence was hanging in the air like a weight. Isn’t that crazy? And yet I know that he and I will really enjoy our time alone too. Sometimes I blame myself for being too available for our kids when they have needed us; and now that they don’t; I feel left out. Am I making any sense?
      Hope little Kendall is doing much better. I so worry when a little one is sick. Sarah’s tummy is really beginning to stick out. It looks cute. You are right, Colleen, about those all through the night wake up calls with a little one. Jerry and I will probably just fall in the bed after our first baby sitting time. LOL I hate to admit but I can’t get myself up when I am on the floor; so I don’t quite know how I will be able to play with the baby down on the floor. We may have to build him a waist high play station built for the grands to be able to handle ha ha You all are so good with your grandchildren. I know I will be calling on you all for advise.
      Colleen, I fry my green tomatoes by dipping them in buttermilk, then in a mixture of corn meal that I had added salt and pepper and some Cajun seasoning. I can eat them for breakfast if I have them. I actually had a sandwich once with strips of bacon, some pimento cheese, two slices of fried green tomatoes; all on fresh sliced loaf wheat bread. It was delicious. I couldn’t believe it when I was asked if I would like one; and didn’t want to hurt the lady’s feelings; so I said yes.
      Poor Gary is probably just anxious to be able to do things on his own without feeling someone has to watch him. I had the most wonderful aides and physical therapists; but I just dreaded having them stop by I knew they were going to work me, and when I would get tired they would say “just ten more” and I’d be smiling and thinking “Lord, help me do them so she will go” They helped me so much, and I know them pushing me made me stronger.
      I woke up early this morning and couldn’t get back to sleep; so now I am drowsy. I needed to have taken a short nap today; but got busy with other things. I didn’t cook again tonight (come to think of it, that may be why Neal is moving) ha ha. Take care everyone. Barbara

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      How’s everyone? I wish I could say I’m fine, but my sciatica’s been giving me fits the past few days!! I went to the Dr. on Mon. & he told me to do some stretching exercises, gently, to help stretch the muscles in the back of my legs. Well, I’m feeling it now!! Just like when you begin & you realize how long it’s been since you exercised!! Lol. I was afraid he’d just give me some meds, since I don’t like taking pills as it is!! A pill for this, a pill for that, drives me NUTS!!! I DON’T wanna take the ones I’m taking now, let alone more!!! My Dr. has been in practice for almost 40m yrs, so I trust what he tells me. I hope the exercises will help. He thinks the nerve is more irritated than pinched. I think I’d be in excruciating pain if were pinched. We’ll see.
      I guess I’m a rube where it comes to fried green tomatoes. I’ve never had them. That sandwich sounds like a version of a BLT. Your baking/cooking sounds soooo good I can almost smell it from here!! I’ll be moving in sooon!!!! LOL

      I should warn you, I don’t get on here everyday. So if ya don’t see a post from me don’t worry. I just don’t have anything to contribute to the conversation. I don’t have kids or grands to talk about so that pretty much limits me.

      Oh Colleen, on ITKWD tomorrow he’s having the gal on with the spurtle. I got a 4 piece set last yr & love it. I got the large spurt, the small spurt, the slotted spurt, & the drip tray(?). It was a TSV I believe. That way you’ll see what it is. It was invented 500 yrs ago in Scotland to stir oatmeal.

      I see QF has a TSV on Thurs. New capri’s I believe. Wish I could get a pair, but I have to pay off what I have now. LOL. They had so many new tops on the other day
      that I wanted but (sigh) had to let them go by. The first top they showed, the one with the wildflowers around the neck & sleeves was GORGEOUS!!!

      You guys who get a lot of snow would laugh at us out here when it snows. Portland rolls up the sidewalks, head for the stores for supplies, send the kids home early, & generally freaks out at the first sign of snow. WE DO NOT know how to drive or deal with snow!!! We’re wusses when it comes to that. Most of us anyway. The rain has returned. Nothing heavy. We’ll be wet for a couple days then we’ll warm up again to the 70s for the weekend. It sounds like some of you are warming up finally. I hope it continues. It won’t be long before you’ll be hot & muggy.

      I guess that’s all for tonight. Take care. talk to ya later.
      dianne

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I think it will take them 14 hours to get there. They will drive all night and get there the next evening. I have not heard yet if they are there and if they ran into any of that rain. They are going to stay for 2 weeks and then come back. It will be nice for the kids to stay with his dad for awhile. His mom and dad are divorced. His dad has come to Mo. a couple of times and so has his mom. They have to make sure that they do not come at the same time. They do not get along.
      I hope that things go well for Kendall at the doctors. That would be terrible if she has an ulcer. She is so young. At least they are going to catch it right away and take care of it. We will be praying for her. The poor little girl.
      If that top was on air two years ago that is a long time. You are probably right about it not being in stock any longer. I will let that girl know and tell her to look on e-bay and see if she can find it there. I do not like it when they make a shirt and it is only on there one time and then it is gone. It does not give a person time to order it. I guess that is their plan.
      That is funny that Piper was mad at her brother and Finn. Big brothers usually do not like to play with their younger sisters when they have friends around to play with. it is hard being the youngest, Kendall will probably not want her around when her friends are there either. You just have to get use to it and find some friends of your own. I had three sisters and they did not want me around when they were hanging out with their friends. Now when we were home by ourselves then we all did things together. We had a good time then. One good thing for Piper she has her grandparents to watch her when she wants to dance. She will get a lot of attention then.lol
      Aliza is 3 months now. She is such a little cutie. I have to find something to help me off the floor and then I have to bend down and pick her up. It wasn’t too bad the first time I had to pick her up but the second time her dad was home and he lifted her up. So did not have to do it that many times. She slept most of the time that I was there. She had eaten right before I got there and then she took her nap and did not get up for three or four hours. I feed her again and changed her and we played on the mat for awhile. I will learn to do it that way every time so that way I will not be picking her up that much. Owen likes Kevin a lot. Which makes his real dad mad. That is how it goes. If he would have stayed home and with his family he would not have to worry about Owen liking his mom’s boyfriend. Divorce is hard on kids sometimes.
      I cannot have anything to drink at all because they are looking at the kidney. I guess they do not want me to have too much in the kidney when they do the ultra sound. That is all that I can figure out. They may tell me something different when they call me to give me instructions. They will call me on Sunday and tell me what to do the night before I have to have the ultra sound. I imagine it will be the same. If they do the blood test also then it will be no water. They do not want you to drink anything.
      I did not get much sleep over the week-end and then had to get up early on Monday. I was just really tired today and slept a lot. I am getting old and that is not good . I have grands to take care of.lol
      That would be expensive to have to buy two pairs of shoes in different sizes. At least that is not a problem with a back brace. If you wear it inside you shirt you probably would have to buy a larger size for it to fit. That is not a problem though. It is fine on the outside. I guess if they help us we should be happy that we have them. I keep trying to think of a good thing to say about having the brace. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. lol
      Well that is all from here. We will be praying for Kendall.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That makes it nice when you like the aid that comes to your house. It is uncomfortable when you do not like the person that comes. She seemed to have a good bedside manner and made Gary feel comfortable. She did a good job,. It will be nice when the OT stops coming and Gary and you can get back to normal.
      I keep saying that I am going to clean out my closets and get rid of somethings but I just never do it. I have clothes that I have not worn for years in the closet. So need to get rid of them so someone else can wear them and get some use out of them. I wanted my one daughter to take some of them but she does not like them. I have some Quacker things that I cannot wear anymore and I wanted her to take them but she thinks that they are too sparkly for her. I keep telling her she needs a little sparkle in her life.lol Oh well she never had the same taste in clothes that I have.
      Sounds like you had a really good time at the restaurant. That is funny that they did not know that you were coming. You all sound like really good friends and it was a fun night for all of you. The Chinese food sounds really good. I really like good Chinese food like that. They make the best green beans. I do not know what they do to them but they are always really good. We have a couple Chinese buffets around here. One of them is really good and the other is okay but not the best.
      I did not hear the comment that Marla made. What did she say? It would be hard to judge the dancers now. They are all doing pretty good. I cannot think of one that I want to see get voted off the show now. Last night they all seemed to have a good time but it was Disney night. The guest judge they had last night was not very good. She did not like to say what she thought of the dances that they were doing. She liked everyone and they all made her feel like she was there in the characters they were portraying.Then when she gave them a score she went with the other judges. She was just too nice to be a judge.
      How funny that Azien thought that Uncle Bobby made the food. He is such a little cutie. Bobby will like that. Bobby must be a really good cook if his nephew thinks that all good food is cooked by him. Those boys are so cute. I hope that you are home in time to see Steph and the kids. I know how much you enjoy them being there. It is hard when they are supposed to come over and you miss them.
      I went to babysit alone this time. I do not know if Ron will go with me on Mondays to babysit. He thinks it is boring at their house. and he has nothing to do. Ron is the type of person that cannot sit sitll for very long. So he will have to be doing something and not just sitting. She will have to ask him to do some yard work for her so he can keep busy.lol I do not think that Kevin would be happy about that though.
      Our sun is still shinning. The weather has been nice here. Hope that your weather is warming up a little there also. No more snow. I do not like the snow at all. Not at this time of the year when everything is starting to bloom.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen
      p.s. Hope things go well for Gary at the doctors.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      It is bittersweet. I do not blame you for feeling you have had enough trying to get Sarah to like you. You have given it your all, and sometimes our all is not good enough. Honestly, I think she just wants to have her husband to herself, and it was not you, it was the privacy she wanted. the thing is, you cannot live cheaply at the expense of parents, and have the house all to yourself at the same time. There are things she will miss.
      We are all excited for you to have a grandchild. It is a experience none of us can truly explain. I am getting a visit from Steph and the kids today, as Jhonny has his one day off today for this week. They have a lot to do. It is teacher conference day, and they are going to see Steph’s friend who just had her first baby too.
      Well, I have a funny or you today. So, the home health aid is not coming, and Gary had a tough night sleeping, so I was just waking up to go to the bathroom, and then go back to bed for a little bit. Doorbell rings. It is Comcast. They are laying the new outside cable for the Xfinity 1 service. So, up adele goes, and no shower for this morning. I am sitting her exhausted….LOL I hope they are done before noon, so I can get into the shower before Gary’s doctor appointment. Gary is out seeing a customer, and will be back in a little while, so I could not get in the shower with people needing to get in the house. I just cannot get a day with nobody coming quite yet. His OT came yesterday.
      Oh yes- both Gary and I are so done with 3 people coming, sometimes in one day.
      You and Gerry will find your new schedule, I know you will, and you will have a good itme with just the 2 of you! Just do nto get pregnant…LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      I thought Oregon had a lot of snow. I guess I am wrong on that one. So, you get rain for most of the winter too?
      We love your pictures, and your decorations, so please do not feel you have nothing to contribute to the conversation. Not to mention your beautiful kitty!
      We Quackers have a lot in common. We all love decorations, people, animals, and our families. And, of course, to sparkle and shine every day.
      I get sciatica, real bad, when another of the discs in my back gets squashed form the arthritis. It usually means a surgery for me, as the pain is incredibly intense, to the point of feeling nauseous, and shaking. The last time it happened, they hit me with Prednasone, and 3 shots in my back, and thank God, that did it, as I did not want another surgery.
      I hope your sciatica never gets to that point, because it is awful. I hoep the exercises work, and it stops. Do you take any arthritis meds? I take Celebrex, and that makes a huge difference, as it reduces the swelling,which causes the pain from inflamtion.
      I hope the sun is shining for you today- it si sunny here, but cold.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I hope your kidney test comes out ok. that is weird that you cannot have a lot of fluid in the kidney when you go. When they did the test on Gary, they filled his bladder with water, and then watched how it emptied. Each doctor does things so differently. He did not get any order not to drink. Maybe your test is different than his. Who knows today, with all the technology. I just hope everything is alright for you. I would hate to see you with another health issue. I will be praying for you.
      That is nice that you had little Aliza all to yourself. How much fun was that! They are so precious at that age. I love putting them to sleep in my arms, and snuggling them while they sleep. That phase does not last very long at all.
      I am getting a treat. I just found out that Marissa is picking up JJ at school- they have a half day, and he is coming here around 11. They are having teacher conferences today, so Jj will stay here while his parents go, and then do their errands. It will be nice to have him around all by himself.
      I am making a pork roast for dinner, so I hope they will stay. I am sending Gary to his doctor by himself, or dinner will never get done again….LOL
      The cable guys just left. read my post to Barbara for that one.
      I woke up exhausted today, and I will have my grands here. That stinks, as I was so looking forward to their visit. I do not want to be tired today.
      It is sunny here, but cold. I wish the weather would break, sow e can open all the windows again.
      Hope your sun stays out!
      Adele

    • livia polanski
      Participant
      Post count: 1

      Hi LAdies: Quack Quack…….First and foremost I am sending you many prayers for your kidney test to be fine. You are in my prayer petitions. I will be thinking of you……I also appreciate that i am able to join your discussions. 🙂 So my question is DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND A T SHIRT I SAW A WHILE BACK BASED ON CINDERELLA WITH A QUOTE…..”A dream is a wish your heart makes?” I should have bought it then….but missed out. I tried QVC they don’t have it….so if any of you lovely ladies know anything about this shirt ….or what i can do to get it please let me know….it has a special place in my heart…..I love DIsney and everything about Cinderella…..so if you get a chance to look it would be so helpful. By the way thank you for making feel so welcome, with your discussion posts. Quack Quack……P.S. Colleen…….I will be your prayer warrior and i will keep on praying for this kidney test. Don’t worry! XOXO livia

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I bet Jerry is having a good time today. Those two places are not a good place for men to go. They never want to shop and then they try to rush people thru. If his mom is like mine there is not rushing her thru the store when she wants to shop.Ron has learned and has started looking around the store at things he wants to see and I stay with my mom. He found out that there is rush when we are with her. She needs to look around and get things she wants or things she thinks she needs to stock up on. It will be interesting to see how Jerry feels when he gets home. He may be worn out.
      Sarah may be closer to you then you think. She may just be afraid to say anything because it is your house. Sometimes it is hard to live with in laws no matter how nice they are to you. It is sad to watch them go. They will be back for visits and they will definitely want you to babysit. Neal will want you to come to the hospital when the baby is born. He will want you and Jerry there. That has been that way with all three of my daughters spouses. Like Adele said there is nothing like holding your grand child and rocking her to sleep for the first time. Things will be fine and you and Jerry are going to be great grandparents. You will be spoiling him like the rest of us spoil ours. lol
      You are just going thru the empty nest syndrome. Sometimes we go thru it more then once. My kids have moved in and out a couple of times and it is hard when they move out. So now we have decided not to let them move in again. It is too much work and we are use to being here alone. They come to visit and that is nice but moving in is just a little too much. That probably sounds cold hearted but we have got to the point where it is not good for them to move in with us again. Now i may eat my words if one of them decide to come back home. We will have to see. When mine come home now it is with kids and not just them. I guess I better quit now before I go too far with what I might say.
      I use to have a harder time getting up but they gave me those shots in my hip and that helped a lot. I still have to pull myself on something but at least I can get down there. You can lay the baby on the bed to play with them or on the couch. I do that a lot. You will figure out what will work best for you and Jerry.
      I have never tried to dip the green tomatoes in butter milk. We use eggs and cornmeal or flour it depends on what we have in the house. Sometimes we fry onions in the skillet with them. That gives them a little more flavor. I do not like hot sauce so do not use that or any type of cajun seasoning. I will try the buttermilk one of these times. That sounded good on a bacon sandwich. We will have to try that also.
      I am trying not to take a nap today. If I fall asleep then I will have problems going to sleep tonight. Do not want to be up all night and sleep all day. It is like we are babies sometimes. We get our days and nights mixed up.lol
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dianne,
      Sorry to hear about your leg. Hope that the exercises help with the pain. I think that the doc is right if it was a pinched nerve you would not be able to walk all that well. I am like you I hate taking pills. They always give us too many. We need to cut down on some of them. Well at least I do. I get tired of taking them all.
      I wonder if fried green tomatoes are more of a southern thing. I know that they have them here and we are in southern Mo. and Barbara is in Tennessee. I guess if a southern person moves to the north they take it the recipe with them and maybe other people would try it. I guess we all have gardens in the southern part of the country and we always have more tomatoes then we can use so you just fry up the green ones. Well I know that Gail has a garden where she is at so I could be all wrong about the whole things.lol
      That spurtle sounds interesting. I will look on the q and see if I can find it. Ron is watching tv right now so will not be able to watch that show today. That is one thing I miss about him working. When he would go to work I could watch whatever I wanted. He was not here to tell me what to watch and he would go to bed earlier them I would so then the tv was mine for the rest of the night. Those were the good old days.lol
      I do not know if I would like the zippers on the legs. I do not own a pair with the zippers. The way I sit in my chair it would be uncomfortable. I like to sit on my leg sometimes and get comfortable. So that zipper with that long thing on it would never work out for me. So I won’t be getting any of them either.
      You can talk about anything on here. Talk about going shopping or to the doctor. Talk about what goes on where you live or about your cat. We are all talk about the weather. It is funny because of the different places we live we all have different weather. We do not get as much snow as Gail and Adele. We get a lot of rain sometimes but everybody gets that. We will talk about anything that you want to talk about. Even if you are mad at the people that you rent from. We will talk about that also.
      We had some rain here but it has gone out of our area. We are not supposed to get anymore until next week. I just hope that it is rain and not storms. Those make me nervous. It is that time of year when we have storm warnings and tornados.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I guess the thing that is really funny if they are not checking the inside they are checking the outside for that lesion. They want to see if it is any bigger then it was the last time they checked. All I can do is pray that it isn’t. This is a pain in the neck. Getting older is not for the weak at heart. You have to be strong to put up with all the things that can go wrong with us at this age. Guess we just have to grin and bear it. I do appreciate the prayers.
      Aliza likes to go to sleep with the vacuum running. If it is not running she will not go to sleep. They had to do that because she had colic. The doctor said that it would calm her but they did not know why. He was right it worked. Now she is spoiled to it. She will not go to sleep without the stupid thing running. She is a little cutie though. She was playing on the mat a lot. She does not want to be held as much as she did when she was younger. So you can hold her for awhile then you have to lay her down so she can play. She has this play mat that has piano keys on the end so when she kicks her feet it will play music. She really likes that. She can lay and play there the whole time she is awake if you are there talking to her. That is cool grandma time with the grand all by yourself. It is fun when you get that time alone. Hope you and JJ have a good time and do something fun together. Does he ever help you bake? That is fun to cook with the kids. They always like to do something like that.
      Your pork roast sounds really good. We had bbq ribs and spinach for our dinner. At the grocery store here they had a sale of them. You could get a slab of ribs for $5 and they were really good. Maybe they are half a slab. I do not know but we will buy them again. That was the same store that we got the lobster tails for $4.99. They have really good sales most of the time.
      I hate when anyone comes to the house to do any work. They usually come early in the morning or late afternoon. Then you are cooking dinner or not out of bed in the morning. There they are. They get in the way. I am mrs grumpy today. If it interferes with you taking a shower that means war. I do not like anyone to come here before I am awake and showered.
      It has been really nice here today. We have seen the sun for awhile but then it went behind the clouds and it is cloudy now. We are not supposed to have rain though. Unless the weather man was wrong this morning. We will see.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night. I hope things went well with Gary at the doctors.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Livia,
      Gail said she has that shirt but it is put away. When she gets it out she will look up the number. She probably will tell you that herself but she has not been on here today. She said something about looking on e-bay. I did write a post to QF and have not heard back from them yet. I am sure they will answer soon. They may be looking it up. They are really good about helping if they can.
      I am glad that you decided to join us on here. You can read any post on here. We all do that and comment on anything that you would like. Sometimes we will write something on one persons post and not write it again and everyone reads it off of that post. I hope that made sense. It just saves time writhing it over and over again. Just wanted to let you know.
      I hope that we can find that shirt for you. We will all be trying. Maybe we will hear from Quacker soon.
      What part of the country are you from? Do you have any children or grandchildren? I have three daughters and six grand kids. They are all such a joy in my life. Did you see what the Quacker tsv is going to be on the 14th? It is a pair of dream jeanne capris. They have a zipper on the leg so do not think that I will get any of them. I think that Angel said they will go with that top with the fake zipper on it. It has the pearls on the yoke.
      Well that is about all from here. Thank you for the prayers. I can use all the prayers I can get.
      Colleen

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      well, Girls, this is one of my late night notes from the deep South. I laughed when you talked about Ron going shopping with you and your Mom Colleen. Jerry had me laughing when he got home and was telling me that they spent at least 30 minutes in the mayonnaise isle because she wanted the really cheap off label brand and he was determined that she get Kraft; so on and on that went until she finally said, “well, if you want to throw money away, I’ll let you buy some” ha ha and he got it for her along with the other few things she needed. I can just see the two of them. She weighs all of 114 pounds, which i’m happy to say is a 12 pound weight gain after we began caring for her. She told Jerry that she needs to sit him down and explain about saving and putting away for a rainy day, and he said Mom I think we had already had a few storms, but we got through them. She hugged him, and told him, “you are such a good son” I know that makes him feel good.
      Dianne, hope your hip is better. I have heard that is so painful. You live in such a beautiful area. I’ll be glad to cook you all some fried green tomatoes. Just stop by anytime. But first you all have to make sure Adele is baking that day; so you all can bring along some scrumptious bakery item she is busy whipping up. LOL
      I am really looking forward to the baby. I fell in love with him when I saw him on the ultrasound. As the song says, the circle of life. Dianne, what kind of cat do you have as a fur baby? We have Auto Kitty, from the automotive department at Walmart. Everytime I see that movie about the young pregnant girl who gets abandoned at a Walmart when she goes in to buy flip flops for her poor swollen feet; I think that Auto Kittys Mama must have been just dropped off there and left too. He is so much company to my Jerry and me. My husband was never a cat person until he came along; but he has certainly won him over. We count all babies as our babies among this group.
      I cooked a big meal today of pork chops, potatoes, corn on the cob, rolls, and chocolate chip cookies. Neal had to go into work last night again; so I knew he and Sarah would be tired, and I was just in the cooking mood today. Joey called from his job tonight and asked if by chance I had felt like doing anything and was one happy nurse when I said yes, and that we would leave his for him to pick up in the morning. He and Lisa are still having difficulties I am sorry to say. I never thought I would say this; but I really wish they would go ahead and go their separate ways. They just simply do not love one another anymore. It is so sad for them both. I have prayed and prayed that they would find peace in their lives; whether it be together or apart from one another.
      I am looking forward to the Quacker TSV. I like pedal pushers; since I have smaller legs sticking out of a big round middle ha ha. So I guess you could say my decorating it consists of covering as much of it up as I can without making myself start sweating. ha ha The summers here are sweltering. So far we have been lucky, with mostly cooler weather no higher than the low 80’s at times. But we have cool nights so far and that is a blessing.
      Well, I am ready to eat me a couple of cookies and call it a night. You ladies are such a great group of women. I am so happy we all have gotten to meet each other and share our lives. Barbara

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I hope you are starting to get some nicer weather. It’s slowly starting to warm up now. The sun is shining today so that’s a good thing. Got my roots done and a haircut and style yesterday. That’s my big indulgence every six weeks-to me it’s better than going to a spa. My hairdresser is so sweet and over the years I have gotten to know many of the other women who are there when i am there. Not to be sacrilegious but going there is a relaxing kind of spiritual experience for me. I come away feeling refreshed and lighter in spirit. We usually have much to laugh and talk about- and you know that laughter is uplifting.
      I didn’t hear Marla make any remarks about immigrants either-I must have missed that. I do feel bad for Tony that they got kicked off so early as he seems like such a gentleman and he often gets partners who leave early. Plus-I think he was the poor unfortunate that got Kate Gosslein-and he deserves a mirror ball just for that. Isn’t it weird that now a days people can be on TV and be famous for doing nothing-and then people admire these people too. Sometimes I worry what has happened to our values. By the way. Speaking of DWTS – didn’t Witney look absolutely fabulous in that blue dress dancing to Cinderella? She looked like she could have played the part of Cinderella in a movie. I thought she was gorgeous-of course she’s such a pretty girl anyway. I originally saw both her and Lindsey when they competed on So You Think You Can Dance.
      That is funny that Aizen thinks all good things come from the kitchen of Uncle Bobby. Did you get your visit in with JJ? I hope so.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      That is funny that you mentioned that about the vacuum and the baby. When Brent was a baby we had a dalmation who I swear never shed the black hair just the white so i would do a vacuum sweep daily to get up hair. Well I usually would do it when Brent was napping and he got so used to it that after awhile i had to vacuum to get him to nap. So I guess it is a good tool unless you don’t have anything to vacuum.
      I’m glad that Owen likes Kevin. That makes things easier for everyone. I agree with you-if it bothers his Dad that’s his own fault for messing up his marriage. He needs to act like a mature adult and just be glad that his son is happy. You are right-sometimes a divorce can be toughest on the kids. But it seems like they all eventually adjust-thank goodness.
      I am watching Quacker right now as I am answering e-mails. Angel is looking so pretty. I love all the sparkle and bright colors. I wish Pat wouldn’t always wear black. I never did get the obsession that many woman have with wearing black all the time. I’ll bet Pat would look pretty in pink or red. Wearing black all the time looks so funereal to me although I know it’s supposed to be chic.
      Kendall’s appointment with the pediatric gastroenterologist is at 10:30 today-so I should hear from Jenny when they are all done.
      I will be praying that you get good results from your tests on Monday. I hope that you get a nice clean bill of health. At our stage of life that is one of the best things that you can hear.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      I’m sure that you have a lot to contribute to the discussions. We talk about family but we also talk about decorating, recipes, books, trips TV and movies, restaurants etc. So I’m sure that you have just as much to contribute as anyone else. Most of all we just talk about our everyday lives and how we feel about things in general. And we can always talk about Quacker Factory and our love of sparkle. Lots of pretty things on the show today.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Livia,
      I think that i might own that shirt but it is packed away right now so i can’t give you the item number. When i get out summer things I will see if i have it and pass on the item number. I think that was new a couple of years ago already so it may be gone form the Quacker inventory. I think it may have been a one and done item. In that case the only place that you might be able to find it is if someone is selling one on EBay. Another suggestion is looking on the Disney Store website for a Cinderella Tee. They have some adult shirts as I got a couple of Minnie Mouse ones before we went to Disneyworld last year. I just don’t think Quacker is carrying that shirt anymore. I have not seen it around in ages-I hope that you find something that you like instead.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      I’m so glad that Jerry and his Mom are getting this chance to be close and do things together. It sounds like they are both enjoying it immensely. Isn’t it funny how life can change on a dime?
      I’m sorry to hear about Joey and Lisa. I agree with you-maybe it would be better if they both moved on. It seems like after her accident they have been stuck in a kind of limbo where no one is either totally happy or totally sad. Maybe they have been together so long that they just don’t know what else to do but they just continue to go through the motions because that is what is familiar.
      I hope that you will not be too sad about Sarah and Joey moving out. They will be having a little one and I’m sure they feel that it is time to nest and have their own place to start their family in. This is just one of those life transitions like Colleen said-empty nest syndrome. I think we were all sad to see our birds fly away but in the end that is what is best for them. I guess I have the bird’s idea of raising children-give them the tools to fly and then nudge them out of the nest if need be. We raised our kids and tried to give them good values and the opportunity for an education so that they could support themselves and then it was time for them to go do it. I know that we will not be around forever so i want to feel secure in the knowledge that they can care for themselves. I want them to be in the situation where the only thing that they need from us is our love. Not that we wouldn’t help them out or let them move back here if they needed to but we hope that we have given them the wherewithal where that won’t be a necessity.
      Greg and I enjoy our time together with no one else in the house where we can say and do what we want whenever we want. Sometimes it was tough when his MIL lived with us as she was always in the same room as us during the daylight hours so a lot of times we didn’t talk about things like we normally would. And by bedtime we would be too tired to discuss things. We might be a little different than everyone else though as we were married for 8 years before we had children so we had a lot of time where we got used to being just “us.” And we kind of enjoy that again after all these years of raising kids and working and taking care of parents. it’s an opportunity to reconnect and do more things together again.
      I think when the baby comes Sarah will learn to appreciate all the little things that you will be able to share with her about raising kids and about babies. Maybe once she and Neal have their own home and family she will feel easier around you and not that it’s some sort of a competition. There’s plenty of love to go around for everybody. lol
      Anyway, maybe you and Jerry can plan something fun to do after they move out-something that you can look forward too with anticipation to take your mind off the sadness.
      I wish you the best of luck with your new life transition. One thing I know for sure-you will adore being a grandmother and you will be a good one too.
      Hugs,
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      the sun is shining, and will be the rest of the week, into the weekend. It is chilly. they are sayi9ng it may be in the 60’s at the end of the weekend. That would be so nice!
      Almost everyone was here yesterday. Marissa and Enzo picked up JJ at school, and came for a bit. Amanda stopped by later, with her cousin. then, Jhonny and Steph arrived with Aizen for dinner. Aizen is just too funny about food. I asked if he wanted strawberries, and he said “yes yes”, then asked for “sugar, sugar”, on it. We had to fake him out, as the strawberry was sweet enough, for a change….LOL He loves to look out here to see the pool, and the cars in the driveway. He keeps telling everyone whose car is out there. he has his little spots to see things- gets on the foot stool to see out one window, and then on the couch to see out another. Jhonny had to put him down for a nap, and took one himself. He said he is very tired form all the hours he works. God bless the young’uns!
      I was surprised she said what she did. She sounded like Trump, for God’s sake. I bet that is why people did not vote for her. I felt bad for Tony too. He is such a nice young man. Witney did look beautiful as Cinderella. Cinderella was always one of my favorites.
      Tillie got the new capris today. I did not get anything. I would have loved if they had new crops. Maybe next time. One of my 2 piece sets came- the blue one. the other 2 are still not here yet. Funny how that goes. The shirts I got for Tillie came, so that is all set.
      I am waiting for Amanda to come- she is staying for dinner tonight. I can get her to peel potato’s, so maybe we can have mashed, instead of baked.
      I hope you are having a good day! I am still a little pooped form everyone here yesterday.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hey Barbara!
      Well, it seems pork was being cooked, up and down the coast. When everyone was here for dinner last night, I made a pork roast, with carrots in the Temptations baking pan. Had no room for potato, so I cut up potato, sweet potato, and cauliflower, and roasted that in a separate pan with garlic and butter. None was left. I am ashamed to say, there was no dessert. Can you imagine? But, it was a crazy day here. Cable woke me up at 8, laying the new underground outside cable from the street into the house. So, now we can get the Xfinity 1 conversion. I can hardly wait to see what the talking remote says when I swear at it, because I will not be able to figure it out at the get go….LOL
      how fabulous that Jerry is getting this special time with his Mom. How nice for both of them. they must be so cute together.
      That is sad about joey and Lisa are still not getting along. I know you were hoping they could repair their relationship, and be happy. We all want our kids happy.
      I bet that dinner went over real big. When the soon-to-be-parents move out, they will miss coming home to a complete meal, for sure!!! So, how did Sarah react to her lovely dinner?
      tonight I am making meatloaf, with potato, and salad. It may be mashed potato, if Amanda wants to stand and peel them….LOL Amanda is coming for dinner tonight.
      Hope your day goes well, and it is not too hot down there. It is sunny. but still too cool to leave the windows open for a long time.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Livia!
      Quack Quack!!
      So glad to have you join our discussion, a nd prayers. we are praying, coast to coast, for each other, and the rest of the Quacker family.
      What state are you in? I am in Massachusetts. Good old New England, where the weather can change in one second.
      I do not remember that shirt. If it is an old one, you can look on Ebay. A lot of people sell Quacker on there.
      Did you watch the Disney segment on DWTS? We all love that show.
      So glad to have you Quacking here with us. Welcome, welcome!
      Dianne is relatively new on this discussion too- she is a fabulous decorator. Scroll up, and look at her pictures- she also has an adorable kitty.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I never heard what Marla said-that’s what i was asking you and I think Colleen had the same question. I looked online but could not find anything-so if people were upset with her i don’t know why. Get some rest from all your socializing. Take a nap between Quacker shows. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!!

      LOL.
      She said something to the affect that we “should not deport all the immigrants, because if we did, who would clean our houses”? Can you imagine????
      the girls on The View had a ball with that comment.
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      First of all can I say a heartfelt thank you Gail for your sweet words to help me get through these next few days. I am sad in some ways, but also happy, excited, and filled with anticipation for the future. We have so very much to look forward to with not just our precious baby on the way, but time for Jerry and me to spend together and enjoy what lies ahead for us. I know I am feeling that “separation” thing that Colleen was talking about, and that I have seen them come and go a little too much. I so agree with teaching your children to be able to thrive on their own and become good responsible adults; just wish I wasn’t such a soft hearted soul that wears my heart on my sleeve. And, darn it, that stroke gave me such a scare that I take things that should be just the way life is supposed to be and think about it too much. Like you say Gail, things can change quickly; so that is another reason I just want to make sure that everyone knows how much I love them and how I treasure each and every time we can all together. But, that being said, I think I put too much emphasis on the “natural order of things”. But we are fine, and I will put on my happy face this weekend, and life will go on as it should. I actually think that I will suggest to Jerry that he and I go out to dinner Saturday evening and mabey even a movie or spend a little money at the casino. It has been quite a while since we have gone out. I will try not to get pregnant, Adele LOL LOL LOL
      Well, I am not going to get the capris because they are a little short for me. I am 5 ft. 8 inches tall; so that is why I like the pedal pusher length. Course, I will probably wish I had gotten them come one of these hot summer days here. But I get cold inside with the air blasting like Jerry likes it. He is very hot natured; and I freeze sometimes with the air on. And during the winter months my feet just stay cold all the time. Any of you have that problem. By the way Gail, how is your ankle doing? Jerry broke his ankle when he was a young man, and it has always been weak since then. He will turn his ankle so easily. He used to have sprained ankles a lot, but not so much anymore. But I do love the color of the capris. Did you all buy any? I really liked the vest and tee set that Angel had on. She has really lost some weight. I guess everyone is getting ready for bikini season ha ha Guess I better start looking for mine. ha ha
      It is cloudy here today but no rain on the forecast. Are any of you still having cold weather? Sure hope if you are that spring is right around the corner for you. I just refused to buy any of those beautiful flowers or plants they were showing on the Q since I think I could kill a cactus. I have ordered so much of the plants and nothing has survived or if it did make it for a few weeks, it would not look anything like what they showed on TV. Once I ordered a butterfly bush that was supposed to be blue, and it did actually come up and had a few flowers on it, but he flowers were not blue, but white. I can go up here in town to the garden section, and get things that seem to do better. You all seem to have better luck with your plant than me though.
      Hope the baby’s tests came out good. Praying. Also for you Colleen for Monday. I know it will be a long, tiring day for you, but I still say that she is looking out for you by scheduling it all in one day. We will all be there in spirit for you, sending you good thoughts.
      We had some big track hoe piece of equipment out here today moving these huge concrete rocks that was too big for Jerrys tractor to move. I have learned to just say “okay” when Jerry ups and says “by the way, if you see a big whatever coming down the drive, its something I have arranged with Mr. So and So and he is giving us a GREAT price” I have learned over the years to just not act 1. surprised 2. question 3. in total disbelief 4. mad 5. unhappy because he is excited and thinks whatever it is he has planned that it is just the greatest thing; so I just go with the flow and keep on reading, or watching tv or cooking and know it’s just Jerry. I still say that he and Ron are somehow related. And I know Jerry is a junk collector. He is already planning on what he can fill into the small space that Sarah and Neal have used for their washer and dryer and lawn mower. But heaven forbid I ask him about selling some of his things that he hasn’t used in years. You would think I asked him to donate a toe to someone who could really use it.
      Guess I better close for now and do a little laundry. That is one of those never ending chores. Speaking of chores, Colleen, when Neal was little, like a toddler, he loved to ride on my canister vacuum cleaner. He would go pull it out of the closet and just sit on top of it while I would vacuum. And Joey loved to wash dishes. He would pull his stool up to the sink and just be happy as a clam washing away. I would have to re-do a lot of them, but he thought he was really doing a fine job. I think it was really all the bubbles he liked. Good memories. And our oldest, Buddy, would brush my hair. Bet yours do that too. But every once in a while I guess I wouldn’t be holding my head just right and he would give me a lecture on how I needed to hold still.
      Have a good day, girls, and try not to buy too much. My latest rule for cost control is that I put it in my cart, but do not complete the transaction for 30 minutes, and then if I still want it in that time, I go ahead. I have found that I change my mind sometimes. Take care, and thanks again for your friendship and good advice and for just the joy of your company – Barbara

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Okay, Adele, I know that i am being a huge, giant, enormous, massive pain in the ass but chalk it up to me being a Libra and wanting everything to be fair and square and even all the time-Libra is the scales of justice. I discovered that it was not Marla that said that about the immigrants it was Donald’s other ex-wife Ivana. I just couldn’t quite picture Marla saying that so I googled the info. I’m sure I saw the ladies of The View having a good time over that too. Of course they are skewed very much to the liberal side and love making fun of the Republicans in general-not that there isn’t much to make fun of this time around. lol I didn’t know anyone else on here watched The View. I have watched it since it’s inception so I have seen many come and go. I almost gave up on them when they gave Nicole Wallace the boot as I thought that she was a breath of fresh air who could explain things about the Republicans without becoming angry or strident but I kind of think the producers wanted more arguments and they just didn’t get them from her. I still miss her and loved to see that she wasn’t jaded by celebrity and would actually get excited meeting some of the famous actors and singers but I read that the powers that be didn’t like that she didn’t know a lot about pop culture whereas I found it refreshing. Okay-sorry for being such a stickler-just blame that lady with the scales.
      I just got back from the grocery store and I am exhausted-just from walking from one end of the place to the other. Thank goodness Greg was home when I got back so that he could unpack the trunk for me.
      I hope that you find some beautiful thing that you have to have today. Do you not wear capris or shorts or pedal pushers during the summer? It just gets too hot not to around here.
      Gail

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      How’s everyone today? I’ve been watching QF off & on all day. Wish I could get something, but I have to pay off all my easy pays before I can get any more. I GOTTA win the lottery, for more than one reason!!!LOL.
      Thank you for the uplifting, & kind words of encouragement. It’s another dark & dreary days out here. The rain has returned, but they say we’ll be back to warmer days this weekend. It could be up to the 80s by Sunday, even warmer Mon. & Tues. I hope it gets warmer out there for you guys on the East coast.

      If you who don’t know, I live in Oregon. If you look at a map of Oregon, you’ll see it’s divided by a mountain range, the Cascades. They actually divide both Washington, & Oregon from Canada to the Calif. border. The western third is lush valley, the eastern is high desert country. The elevation is 3-4,000 ft. up there. Down here, it’s closer to sea level. There’s another mt range between the coast & the valley, the Coast range. They’re not as high as the Cascades. Mt. Hood is like 10,000’+. I’m about a 90 minute drive from the Oregon coast. It’s soooooo gorgeous!! But it’s NOT like the Gulf!! It is not like a bathtub. It’s COLD!!! People come here thinking it’s warm, but it isn’t. Even in the hottest of summers, it doesn’t warm up all that much. Even the rivers don’t warm up that much. Every yr about this time of yr, there are drowning after drowning because they think the rivers are getting warm. With the snow runoff from the mts, they’re cold as ice till almost the fall. (How’d I get off on this.)?? Do you hear of a lot of drownings in your areas this time of yr? Not this yr, obviously.

      I’m a Disney fanatic!!!! I have almost all of the animated movies on DVD. I can’t wait for “Finding Dori” to come out in June. Finding Nemo is one of my all time favorites. I’ve been to Disneyland, but never been to Disney World. Have any of you been to DW?
      Oh, I heard on a talk show sometime ago, that the running vacuum cleaner would help put a crying baby to sleep, because it triggers something in the baby. It sounds like when the baby was inside the mother’s womb. A baby Dr was on a show & he was showing how to get a crying baby to sleep. That was one of the ways to do it. Also gently blowing into the baby’s ear helps. ????

      Excuse me? Auto Kitty??? Never heard of that before. Is that his name? Send me a pic of him. I’m sending a couple pics of Jewell. She’s Persian/Himalayan. And Spoiled rotten.
      I put some catnip in one of those plastic Easter eggs, & she bats it around on the bed till she knocks it to the floor. She stops short of following it. She stops at the edge of the bed looking for it. But, when I put it on the floor, she just sits & stares at it, like she expects it to do something. silly cat!!

      Is it Kendall that has the stomach aches? Maybe she’s lactose intolerant?? I don’t know, just putting it out there. I hope they find out what’s wrong with her. For everyone’s sake.
      I’ll be sending prayers they find out the problem.
      I would love to experience Southern cooking. I’m not into a lot of spices, but I’ve heard how wonderful it is. Esp Southern fried chicken.

      Well, I guess that’s all for now.
      talk to ya soon.
      dianne

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      That is so funny that happened with you and Brent. With Aliza we just run the vacuum and do not clean anything. I told her that it may burn up the motor on her vacuum if she has to continue to do that. She needs to find something else or make a tape of the vacuum running. It would save the motor from running so much.I wonder what it is that makes them sleep when it is running.
      I hope that things went well with Kendall at the docs today. Do they have to do a lot of tests to find out what it is? I sure hope not. Poor Kendall probably just wants to get it over with and go back to normal. It is so hard when one of the little ones are sick. She is older but she still is a young one. We are praying for her.
      The problem with this divorce is the dad keeps telling the child bad things and that gets him upset. The mom tries to be nice and does not say anything one way are the other about the new wife. We all try to be nice also. There was only one time that the other girls said bad things and the poor little guy told his dad that he did not think that they liked him. Little that none of us liked his dad from the day they got married.
      Angel did look really cute today. She sounded really tired by the time she did the last show tonight. I bet she was ready to go home and get to bed and sleep for a week or at least a couple of days. It must of been worse for Patrick Hoy. I do not know that he ever got any sleep today. He came from the Uk right to the show here in the states. He is good at describing the clothes though. I can see why they like him in the UK. I wonder why he chose to live there instead of here in the states. They had a few butterfly shirts on the shows. Did you get any of them? They were really cute and I thought of you as soon as I saw them. I did not get anything because of waiting to see how much we are going to have to pay out for all the tests and blood work they are doing. May not have to pay anything but I doubt it. Our insurance is not as good as it use to be. I am just getting nervous about the whole thing. I will be glad when it is over.
      I agree about Pat. She needs to wear some brighter colors. She would look good in a pink. That would look good with her blonde hair. She seems to be such a nice person. There are not any of the hosts that I do not like right now. They all seem to be nice.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      It looks like we are in for some good weather coming up. High 60’s and low 70’s. Can’t wait to start getting out some spring Quacker!
      For some reason I thought you owned one of those automatic potato peelers-I must be imagining things.
      How cute that Aizen and Jhonny took a nap at the same time. I’ll bet you loved seeing everyone yesterday. How old is Aizen now? He is so cute! He is kind of like David Venable with the “yum yum.” lol Maybe you have a future QVC food show host in the making. I picture your house kind of like Grand Central Station with relatives and employees coming and going all the time. We are very quiet here by comparison.
      I went to the grocery store yesterday and was exhausted by the time I got home. We have to shop at a super WalMart as that is the only store close by and they are moving everything around so as to keep you confused less you get complacent and actually think that you know where to find everything. What a giant pain in the butt! Anyway, we were really down to the bottom of our groceries at home so now at least we can eat again. lol Had some BLT’s last night-they would have been really good with garden tomatoes but alas it’s too early for that. Greg still has the plants sprouting in our bay window. Here’s a question-do you ever cook bacon in the oven. I just discovered the method for doing this and I kind of like just sticking the bacon on a cookie sheet and putting it in the oven to cook. It comes out pretty darn good too. I did that last night.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I think Jenny had a noise machine in the kids rooms when they were babies. Maybe Danyielle could try getting something like that instead of using the actual vacuum. I didn’t realize that Danyielle’s ex had remarried. That has been a lot of adjustment for Owen. He is such a good kid though. I think both he and Kendall are the same age and also Lachlan and Kaylie if I remember correctly.
      Well they have ruled out celiac disease and are pretty sure it is not Chron’s (not sure I spelled that right either.) The dairy allergy test came back negative and it’s most likely not lactose intolerance. They are thinking it could be abdominal migraines as many of the symptoms do add up to that. But the way they decide that’s what it is -is by eliminating everything else. Plus the doctor wants to know why the urine sample showed blood traces so they are looking into that. The original culture on the urine sample came back negative for anything so they are retesting that again to try and rule out a kidney stone or something. Who ever knew you could get stomach migraines? I get occular migraines which I never even knew about either until I started getting them about 10 years ago. Fortunately they are painless and are totally benign just sort of an occasional annoyance.
      It seems like Patrick told me once that he had lived and worked in Europe before working for QVC and then Jeanne wanted him to have the job with Quacker in the UK. He loves traveling all over so I think he wanted to be there. He is good at describing things-I like watching his shows-he does a great job.
      I did get the two piece butterfly set-I don’t buy a lot of white but i thought that cardigan would be good to have for the summer as it would go with everything if I get a little chilly sometime. I also got a couple of the capris. They were cute.
      I don’t blame you for being nervous about your tests. We all get nervous before things like that. We will all be praying for a clean bill of health and will be sending best wishes your way. I had to take a stress test a couple of years ago. i was so nervous especially after my SIL told me how horrible it was. I figured if she who is in excellent shape and exercises all the time thought it was bad how was chubby sedentary me ever going to get through it? I was in such a panic by the time the day came around I’m surprised that my heart didn’t burst right out of my chest. Fortunately everything came out good-there were no blockages. The person that really got me through it was the nurse in the room-she kept her hand on the small of my back when she could see me lagging and kept telling me how much longer and encouraging me. She was my saint that day. I will be forever grateful to her.
      I’m like you-I like all of the hosts-some more than others. But I have no complaints. The people on the Q boards are always complaining about some host or vendor for some silly reason or another. i have much more important things in my life than to get upset about what someone on a shopping channel said or did. Some people are just so darn picky. I figure in the larger scheme of things what happens on QVC really does not affect me one way or the other. Except if they would ever discontinue D and Co. or Quacker! They better not ever!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Good Morning Barbara,
      I agree with Adele-make sure that you don’t get pregnant! lol You wouldn’t want a child and a grandchild who are the same age. I always found that so amusing when someone had an uncle or something who was younger than them. lol Now you have me confused. I thought pedal pushers were shorter than capris-I thought it went from shortest to longest shorts, pedal pushers, capris and crops. I will have to check inseams on the Q website.
      I never buy the plants from the Q anymore. It’s kind of a waste of money as they never grow right. Plus it just gave Greg an opportunity to tease me about the bad QVC plants. If anyone can make them grow like they show on TV I would be surprised. They must sell them though because Cottage Farms and Robertas are back every year.
      My feet used to get cold when I was young and slim but now that I have this extra layer of blubber like a walrus nothing seems to get cold anymore. Although I do get cold sometimes now that I am past menopause. When that was happening I was like a blast furnace-in retrospect I feel sorry for the rest of the family then as I kept the house like a meat locker. Poor Jenny especially as she has a tendency to be on the cold side.
      My ankle is just about the same. There is no hope for it to get better unless I would have surgery to freeze the ankle bone. They won’t do a tendon repair on someone who has RA so the only alternative is to freeze the ankle joint or wear the brace. I get along pretty good as long as I wear the brace when I have a lot of walking to do-otherwise I don’t wear it just around the house-it’s too uncomfortable. At least it doesn’t hurt all the time now which is an improvement-mostly it hurts if i have walked too much without the boot.
      I hope that you and Jerry find something fun to do this weekend. Just think by the end of the summer you will have a new baby to love and spoil. One of God’s greatest gifts!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      It is my granddaughter Kendall who is having the stomach problems. Thank you for the suggestion about lactose intolerant-that’s what my daughter thought at first too but i think that has been ruled out now. They are leaning right now toward abdominal migraines but further testing needs to be done. Who ever knew there was such a thing? I guess that’s why it’s good to go to a specialist-they seem to catch things that the regular GP sometimes misses or just doesn’t know enough about as medical knowledge can be so vast.
      I don’t think we have more drownings around here in the spring. Of course we are landlocked. lol Most people who live here know not to go in Lake Michigan in the spring as it is still freezing and won’t really warm up until midsummer-and that depends on how hot it is in June and July too. My husband used to be a lifeguard on Lake Michigan and he always talks about how cold it was in the spring when they had to go out and set buoys. Even with a wet suit you couldn’t stay in for long.
      I have never been to Disney Land but have been to Disney World twice. Once 30 years ago and just last September with my husband daughter SIL and grandkids. We had a great time. We rented a house so we could cook rather than go out every night. The kids went every day and one night for Mickey’s Halloween Party. I think we stayed back a couple of days and did other things. We had a wonderful time together and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Okay Everybody,
      With all the talk of Disney World and Disney night on DWTS I got to thinking about Disney movies.
      So here’s a question for the day. Who’s your favorite Disney princess?
      Barbara, I hope this doesn’t put you at a disadvantage since you have all boys. I think I have this conversation once a month. lol
      Anyway, I will start off. My favorite is Ariel. I just liked her spunkiness and of course the fact that she was known for her beautiful voice. Also-I always liked redheads. lol Plus she had spunk and to quote Lou Grant “I like spunk-or did he say he didn’t like spunk-I forget now. I will have to google it. My old brain just doesn’t remember things like it used to.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi colleen
      the laptop went nuts last night, and I did not get to answer this one. I feel so bad about the lesion. I am praying for the best news. I am hoping whatever they do, you will stop having the problems with your stomach.
      that is funny about Aliza. If that continues, it will keep everyone else up at night. It is quite amusing that the sounds of a vacuum do that. It is amazing what babies react to. how nice a time you had with her. she sounds so adorable. I hope the colic goes away.
      Your dinner sounds great too!
      I am the same as you- very annoyed when repair people interfere with the morning, or dinner chores. Next week will be even worst- 2 OT visits, one cable company, and one for air conditioner service, then add one foot doctor for Tillie. I will be all in a dither for sure!
      It was very sunny here today. I hope the sun comes back out for you too.
      Tom Selleck on tonight- yoohoo! LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello Barbara
      I wish we all lived closer, so we could come with all our best goodies, and have tea with you this weekend. Si, instead, you need to make a nice cup for yourself, and sit here reading what we wrote. It is very difficult to watch them move their things out of the house. I totally agree, that you and jerry need to go out for a nice dinner, and maybe even a movie first, so you do not have to see them leave. They will be back for visits, and maybe even stay overnight, once in a while. Maybe you and jerry could rent a room near them to visit for a weekend too, after the baby is born to help them get some sleep. (if they are further away)
      If you did not love them so, it would not hurt so much. They are very fortunate to have you and Jerry to love them, help them, and pray for them every day. I know your son knows that, and the distance between you now, may make your DIL see that quite clearly. she al least knows that the reason she has a good husband, is because he has a good relationship with his Mom, loves and respects her. You raised a good man, and I am sure she is grateful to you for her wonderful husband, who will make a great dad.
      We will all be waiting to hear how it all goes, and praying you will not be too sad. The next phase of your life is going to be incredible. A new Itty Bitty is on the way. Nothing can beat the joy in your heart when you see your son’s eyes in that child.
      we are going out for dinner tomorrow night too- first time Gary has been out, that is not a doctor visit in 8 weeks. He is looking forward to it. We are meeting our old friends, Ron and Joyce.
      Gail is very talented with her words of comfort. We are all lucky to have her in our little group. We are lucky to have all of us Quackers to share, and support each other.
      Hope you are having a good evening. You have a special place in my prayers tonight.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gailster
      OMG- I had the wrong wife! How the heck did I do that? It must be old age….LOL So, here I was yelling at her on TV, and she was innocent. Then why did the people vote her off? do you think it was her association with Trump that did her in, as she was not a bad dancer, and not the worst. I wonder if other people made that same mistake.
      I have been watching the View since I retired. I loved when Barbara Walters was on. She is such a lady. I totally agree- they want the arguments on the show, or they lose the ratings. I love joy Bahar. She is such a hoot. Also, I have always been a big Whoopie fan. Gary is not a fan of hers. He htinks she is too opinionated. What she says is always very close to what I think, so I love her. There are a lot of times that I just cannot elieve what I hear them say.
      I hope you are having a good night. I am real late in answering posts today. We were getting some taske ready for spring- Frnakie was here helping caulk windows, (these were replacement windows, done at least 7 years ago) apply another rcoat of polyurethane on the crown molding, and re-caulking around the top of the shower. I have quite a few little maintenance tasks to last for a few Fridays.
      My next task is to make the window valances for the kitchen. I bought the material a while back, and just never did them. That is unusual for me, as I like to get evrythng done yesterday. I ordered new shades for the kitchen too, and hop those get here soon. I have the Bali pleated shades- they last a long time, and you just give them an occational vacuum.
      Hope your night is going well. I ordered 2 of the tank and cardigan sets- one in blue, and one in red. I was trying to be good….LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne!
      That kitty is so pretty. She is a funny cat, and seems to have a great personality. I love to see the pictures of her.
      I love how we share info on our different parts of the country. we learn so much. Each area has it’s bad time of year when people get hurt. I had no idea how cold your waters were. But, it makes perfect sense, since all the water runs off the mountains. Those mountain pics you post are very pretty. There is so much beauty all around us, and it is free.
      I so get what you are saying. My value pays are approaching a mortgage payment….LOL Gary is always saying (since he has been home seeing everything)..why do you need that? My standard answer is…it is not about the need, it is the want. Only children have a lot of wants….LOL
      How nice is it, that you have mountains, and ocean? The best of both worlds.
      I think I remember you are still working. What do you do for work? If you do not mind my asking- how old are you? I am 66.
      I hope you are having a weekend of good weather. It is sunny here, but still chilly. It is supposed to be close to 70 on Monday- so they say. the warm day was moved up one day, and I hope we still get it.
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Really a sunny day here today; about 65 degrees _ perfect moving weather! Really happy for the kids sake. Neal had to work all night last night; so he didn’t get up until about 3 this afternoon to begin moving boxes. For someone who doesn’t seem to be familiar with “work” Sarah has really been busy getting things together in boxes for him to move for them. She said “thank you for cooking dinner” the other night. This was the first time she has said it since they have been here. I just think she is so happy now that they are beginning their new life together again that she said the thank you. I know that it is hard to be young and around older people all the time. You feel so grown up yourself and it is time for you to branch out and become your own person. Neal told me this afternoon that they will just be “down the road” and for us to stop by whenever we could. I know he is just being nice, but it made me feel good. Jerry is doing good. He has such a good outlook on life. Wish I could be more like him. I have always said that he could make a positive out of anything. His latest idea (Colleen, you and Ron will love this) is to RENT some of our neighbors goats, and put them out in the pasture to eat all the weeds out there. He is trying to decide what would be an appropriate amount to offer to pay; and this is of course based on whether we are talking about billy goats or nanny goats; or a combination of both LOL It is a wonder my head is spinning. He comes up with some ideas. And then there with the idea he had that we could become dog sitters for friends who go out of town. That one went away finally when he couldn’t decide what was appropriate to charge, and then he decided since they would be our friends, we shouldn’t expect to be paid anything. Ha Ha That man of mine is something.
      Gail, you are right I am sure about the difference between capris and pedal pushers. I know I need a longer mid-calf length for my chubbies. SO, when you find out which is which, please let me know.
      Dianne, we always name our little four legged babies unusual things. Since he came from the automotive department from Walmart, that is how he got his name. My DIL named him. I thought it was pretty unusual at first too, but it has grown on me. One of my little dogs was named Daisy, and an Oz that lived to be 19 years old (still cry if I run across a photo of him) well, actually cry if I see a photo of any of them that have gone on. But I just think people who are kind to little animals are good people, and all of the Quacker ladies I have met have loved little animals (except for Gails crazy bird that keeps banging her window) ha ha I would love to post some pictures on here, Dianne, but I am ashamed to say that I had an assistant all my years in management, and I am just lost on the computer. I know how to download things onto my folder on my computer; but I don’t know how to get them from my folder onto here. Someone help me if you get the time and its not to involved to explain to me. I keep saying I am going to ask Joey to show me since he is so good on the computer; but he stays so busy, I don’t want to bother him with it. ‘
      I am with all of you girls on the TV thing where things are just so inappropriate now. I have been wondering what all you would suggest would be good to watch with little ones? I get embarrassed when some things come on and I am watching with our sons. I just don’t feel it is right, the bad language, and people undressed. I know I sound like such a prude but they just didn’t have that problem or at least I didn’t know about it, when we were watching Andy Griffith, Lucy, Lawrence Welk, The Mickey Mouse Club, Walt Disney and more. It was just good, clean, fun.
      Hope you all have a great weekend. Like I said, I hope to get Jerry out on a dinner date and hold hands with him through a movie. Who know where it will lead to Adele? We might even end up at the Dairy Queen sharing a banana split or milk shake ha ha Take care, all. Hope the baby is feeling better. And Colleen, good luck on your tests. We are all praying for you. Barbara

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail!
      that is just how we do cook bacon- in the oven. I use the convection roast mode, but, you can just use the bake mode too. The trick is to turn it several times. It comes out fabulous, and the clean up is just the pan. We are having a treat breakfast this weekend. When Gary went to see a few customers at the border of NH on Thursday, he stopped at a farm. He brought home fresh eggs, bacon, and honey. Yum, yum, like Aizen says. Plus, Bobby is not working on Saturday, so he may do the breakfast. Win, win, I say.
      Aizen is hysterical when he eats. You definitely know what he likes. After he woke up, he was not interested in eating, and he was doing the No, no, for any food presented. I think Bobby’s booming voice woke him up too early from his nap.
      This house is like Grand Central Station. I never know who will stop by….Amanda, Marissa, with or without friends, and whoever needs to repair what on any given day. then add the daily work for the business- Frankie arrives around 11, and then returns in the late afternoon. Frankie loves everyone here so much, he usually stays chit chatting with everyone here. We do have a lot of laughs, as long as I am not stressed to the max. Then they warn each other that I am in a grouchy mood. Today we had Marissa, Frankie and OT. Ftankie was helping with the spring cleaning/ chores you need to get to, that neither of us are capable of doing anymore. We are very lucky to have him, and that he enjoys doing those kinds of things. He feels you can see your accomplishments at end of day, and likes working with me and Gary on them.
      We have a super Walmart, and I have not had the guts to go in. It seems strange to me. You go up by escalator- not. then you go down by escalator, and your carriage goes down on one too. they do have elevators. I am afraid of the size of it. I am either going to love it, or hate it. that was one of the things I wanted to do, after the last back surgery, and I have not gone in yet….LOL
      Guess what…..going out to dinner tomorrow night with Ron and Joyce. Yahoo- no bad weather, and Gary is ready to get out there for some fun.
      Adele
      I hope your bacon comes out great.
      Do you know how busy it is here? Well, not one person has said anything about my new glasses. How about that one???

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Gail
      What in the world are stomach migraines? I have never heard that term before. is this a life long thing or temporary/situational? I am praying for that poor child. Nothing worst than stomach problems. I hope this goes away.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Gail and Barbara
      Forgot to say, I am rarely cold. But, Gary always is. His hands are always cold. He is always complaining about being cold, and I am always taking off my jacket to work in the tan tops of my Carole Hochman pj’s. His doctor says it is due to his diabetes. Gary thinks something is wrong with me, because I am hot all the time. It is very funny around here with the thermostat.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello all you Quacker Disney fans…..LOL

      My favorite princess is Cinderella AND Belle. Cannot say which one I like better. Tough call. Of course, the grand Ball for Cinderella and the glass slippers are a fav, with the handsome Prince. But, how Belle sees the good in everyone is always a wonderful thing. Not to mention how she can soften the hardest of hearts. Her yellow gown is yet another fav, and her love for her Dad is always touching.
      How about the rest of us?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      It sounds like they moved all their things Friday. So, the house must be quiet today. I hope you make some nice blueberry muffins for your breakfast this morning.
      Did I tell you about my new breakfast toy? I got the Keurig Rivo- cappuccino/latte/whatever machine. So, now not only do I have a multitude of teas to meet everyone’s needs, I am a barista. I always ask for a cappuccino at a restaurant, and rarely do they have one. Now, I can have one nay time I like. for Hetaher and Bobby’s Aunt’s visit last Sunday (not sure I mentioned it) I was happy to make everyone a cup. I love my new toy, and hardly paid anything for it. Since we get our coffee pods form Keurig’s coffee club, I get points. I have never used them, and was up to over 5000. Decided to check the rewards catalog, and there was the machine. I had to pa a fee, and first checked other websites for prices. the machine listed for 279.00 to purchase, and nobody had it for less than that. So, the fee, was well worth it. You pay a small fee for any rewards you get- usually to cover shipping, I think, so I considered it a shipping charge. You should get one! Do you like cappuccino, or latte?
      Here is my understanding of downloading. After yo have a pic saved to a folder- look at your folders to see where the pic is first- saves some time- or, put all pics in a picture folder. Then at the bottom of this it has an “attachments” button. Click on the button, then click the search button, and scroll to and through your folder for the pic you want- then click the “open”, and it attaches. You have to do that, before you hi the submit button for you post. Then submit, and it appears in your post. If I did not explain it well, Gail is real good at explaining these things….LOL The next one I will post, will be my new valances I will be making in the next week. I hope the new kitchen shades come in a week, so I can have Frankie put them up, and then I will do the curtains, and show you girls my latest craft. I have had the fabric since my back surgery, and just never got around to sewing them. That is so not like me. Glad I waited, as now I have to add a shade to the kitchen window, and change the other one in the kitchen too.
      Here is my funny reason for the shade change. I did not have a shade on the window over the sink. My new neighbor has been very busy on top of our mountain, as I call it. We have a huge area of ledge at the end of the yard. We all own that ledge. As his dog has been going nuts every night when he is out there, I think he is clearing/cleaning it all-out, so the coyotes has no place to hide. I honestly think that is why his dog is going nuts out there. You never heard his dog bark, until a couple of months ago. he ahs been standing, and barking at the mountain. Bobby does see the coyotes a loti when he leaves for work. They come out of my other neighbors yard, who doe snot have a fence, because he has no pool. So, with all the brush gone form the mountain, the sun has been shining clearly through, and in the late afternoon, I cannot see standing at the window….LOL hence, the need for a shade.
      Jerry is hysterical. I like the goat idea. They are such cute animals. he may be on to something. How about getting a coupe for yourselves? And a few chickens? Chickens are becoming popular around here. Enzo’s parents have a few. They bring me fresh eggs once in a while. One of my old friends form work has some too. It must be the “in thing”….cage free, grass fed eggs. You would love chickens, and think of the profit of the eggs- you could start a new business, with new pets. A lot of people are interested in home grown eggs, with all the recent commotion about chemicals. Gary just bought some in his travels on Thursday.
      For the TV idea, there are a lot of channels for kids. Disney, Nickelodeon, etc. Not to mention Sesame Street- my favorite. JJ used to love this one show, and here is a funny on it. He was about Aizen’s age- Aizen is 2 1/2 now. I was watching him and he kept saying, “kitty mousy”. I had no idea. he was talking about “Tom and Gerry”, the cartoon show. Well, just the other day, I got an email form an on line store that sells Steiff stuffies- they come from Germany. They are having a pre-order sale on Tom and Gerry stuffies. They are kind of pricey, but, I could not resist, and have one of each on pre-order for JJ. Steph said he will get such a kick out of them. I cannot wait until you have these cute grand stories to tell us of your own! You will be such a fabulous Nana…..what will you be called?
      We love you Barbara! I smell something baking for a romantic breakfast in Tennessee….what is that great smell????
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I think you are probably right that some people did not like Marla just because she was married to Trump and others probably got her mixed up with Ivana. I thought she was pretty good and definitely should have stayed longer than Doug Flutie. I think Tony was kind of surprised too. Oh well, I hope that she had fun on the show.
      I too liked Barbara Walters. She was the only one who could rein those women in. lol Joy is quick witted but a little bit full of herself. I never was that crazy about Whoopie until she came on the View-she is kind of the common sense one-and I too find myself agreeing with her live and let live philosophy much of the time. I don’t think much of Raven’s contributions-maybe she is just too young and has not lived long enough for me to give her ideas much credence. Michelle Collins bugs me for some reason-she can be funny-but she talks too fast-or under her breathe or something-and all the self deprecation doesn’t go over too well with me. Of course that just could be part of her comedy schtick too. I am surprised so far how kind they have been to Candace given her extremely conservative views. They kind of tiptoe around her which they never did with Elizabeth Hasselbeck. Anyway, I still think they were dumb to boot out Nicole Wallace.
      Enjoy those fresh eggs and bacon. I hope that you got Bobby to cook them. Jenny is really lucky as her FIL has a farm and they get fresh eggs and meat from him all the time.
      I didn’t know that you were a sewer besides being a needle pointer. Debbie was a fabulous sewer too and she really appreciated nice fabrics. I miss her so much. I actually used to sew some of my own clothes back in my college years and now I haven’t touched a machine in 40 years. One of my girlfriends from school taught me. Greg’s Mom was a wonderful seamstress. Those things are kind of a lost art with the last couple of generations.
      Our Super WalMart is smaller than most of them-thank goodness! The only other store I’ve ever been in where you have escalators for your carts is Ikea. I actually thought that was the coolest thing-it’s what impressed me most about the whole store! You can tell I come from the country. lol
      Jenny’s favorite Disney princess is Belle too-her peekapoo which we inherited when she moved out was named after her. That movie must have played a thousand times in our house.
      So I had never heard of abdominal migraines either. They are severe stomach aches that can last from 2 to 72 hours, sometimes the person throws up, they get pale looking, they lose their appetite-all those symptoms match what happens to Kendall-so it really sounds like that could be it once they rule out everything else. The really bad thing is sometimes they will translate to migraine headaches when the child is older. Of course that scares the bejesus out of me since Kim died of an accidental overdose of headache medicine taken for her migraines. Usually a child who gets these has a family history of migraines. The only one that I can remember is I think my Dad had migraines but that was so long ago now I’m not even sure if I remember that right anymore. I didn’t know you could get abdominal migraines and I also didn’t know that people got occular migraines until I started getting them about 10 years ago. They are really weird and when they first started I didn’t know what in the heck was going on. All of a sudden you get what looks kind of like folded paper accordians made of light in your peripheral vision. This will go on for about 20 minutes and then they go away. Sometimes I get a headache later on and sometimes not. They are totally benign and are just one of those weird things that sometimes happen to people. At first they freaked my out but now I can feel one coming on-and I know I won’t be able to read anything or drive for about 20 minutes and after that I can go on as usual. Sometimes I won’t have any for months and when they come I will have a few in a couple weeks time and then they go away for awhile. Very weird and as I say-I never heard of them until I got them.
      Okay-this is so funny! last night we were at Jenny’s for our usual Friday visit. Greg was sitting on the couch drinking a bottle of beer. For some reason after he took his first sip the bottle foamed over and he had to put his mouth back on it to avoid getting it all over jenny’s couch and rug so a bunch of it spilled on his pants. So Piper is sitting there watching and after she sees Greg’s wet pants she says to him “Grandpa, I want you to take your pants off” because that’s what she does if she spills on her clothes-she just takes them off. Jenny and i about split a gut laughing-so Greg says to her-no I want you to take your pants off-just being silly-well he should know that you don’t have to ask her twice so the next minute she flies off the couch and comes back wearing her Peppa pig swimsuit. What a goofy girl. Jenny says to her-do you have to talk all the time and Piper says-yes-I just love to talk! Well that cracks me up as that is me as a child all over again! What a funny kid.
      Have lots of fun on your dinner out tonight! The weather has been beautiful too.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      How many miles away are Neal and Sarah moving? Are they done moving out now? I am surprised that was the first time she thanked you for making dinner. Gosh Greg thanks me every night even if it’s just a sandwich. That does make you feel unappreciated-and it’s so easy just to at least say thank you to someone. Maybe after she’s done some of that stuff on her own for awhile she’s become more appreciative.
      You know Jerry doesn’t have such a bad idea with renting the goats. I think I actually saw a pitch for just that service on Shark Tank one time. See-he’s an entrepreneur! As to how much to charge for dog sitting-our sitter charges 15 dollars per day per dog and we think we are getting a bargain. I think she could get more than that if she wanted. I usually give her a day extra when we go away since the dogs are so well tended and stay right in her house.
      Right now we have our friend’s nephew and his two sons out in the back trying to catch some of our goldfish to take to their pond. It’s not as easy as it sounds. One day i watched Greg and the neighbor trying to do that without much success. It was like watching a comedy show. lol
      I looked up the inseams for the pants from Quacker and they are as follows-pedal pushers 17 inches, capris 19 inches and crops 23 inches. So there should be a fit to make everyone happy. I have some of each but being short i like pedal pushers since they fit me like capris fit taller people. Crops are kind of like ankle pants on me-so I wear them the least but they are good for early spring.
      I hope that you and Jerry go on that date tonight-maybe he will take you to watch the submarine races. lol
      Gail

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I hope your Sat. is going well. It’s nice & sunny here. We’re supposed to break records this weekend. It’s supposed to get into the 80s & that’s way toooooooo hot for this time of yr.
      Don’t laugh at the goat idea. We have some out here. they go around where they need to get rid of blackberry vines, or overgrowth under the freeway overpasses, parks, wherever.
      There’s a man who has a “herd” (?) of them & he rents them out to the city or anyone who needs to get rid of weeds, etc. They have them on the local news every so often. Cute as a
      button. There are people who have chickens in Portland. No roosters tho. They have to stay outside city limits. I loved the Geico commercial from last yr showing a rooster on the road with a truck driver & on a box car. I loved it.
      Never heard of stomach migraines. Wow. I hope they find the cause of it. Is there any one thing she eats that causes it? Have they ruled out cilliac disease, allergy to glutens?
      Sending prayers.

      I used to sew my own clothes back in the day. My mother used to make all my school clothes growing up. I used to get material for less than a $1/yard. Not now that’s for sure!!
      Any body here a Paul McCartney fan? He was here in Portland last night. the Rose Garden was a packed auditorium. Those big names usually by-pass Portland for Seattle.
      Yrs ago a friend & I saw the Bee Gees when they came here. We had a blast.
      My favorite Disney princess is Sleeping Beauty & Belle. Oh, I like em all. I can’t decide.
      Nothing on the Q today.
      I’m gonna try to send another pic of Jewell. It looks like she’s trying to hatch her egg, lol. She usually bats it around the bed till she knocks to the floor then she just sits there looking at it like she expects it to do something. smh. I videoed watching tv one day. I was playing an old video tape & at the end was an old Tom & Jerry cartoon & she was fixated on it.

      Well, that’s all I have for now.
      Have a great weekend.
      dianne

      Attachments:
    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      We are having a beautiful weekend too. Sunny and mid seventies.
      That’s interesting that you can’t have roosters inside the city limits. I guess because of the crowing. We used to have chickens but we purposely didn’t have a rooster. They can be mean. Our neighbor had one and we used to feed their chickens and collect the eggs for them if they were out of town. Their rooster was mean and you used to have to take a board into their coop with you to keep him away.
      I don’t think there is any thing specific that brings on the abdominal migraines. They are much like the headaches with not a whole lot that you can do about them but suffer. They could possibly have a trigger but that hasn’t been narrowed down yet. She was already tested for celiac disease and that came back negative. So slowly but surely they are narrowing things down. Poor kid.
      I like the picture of Jewell and the egg. That’s funny that she liked to watch Tom and Jerry. lol
      There’s a lot of people that I would like to see in concert but I just won’t go to any of those big stadium events anymore. Too many people. Now we just like to go see people that come to our local smaller theaters or auditoriums. Of course it’s not the big names but there’s still some pretty good older acts that come around.
      Have a great Sunday. I hope that your weather stays nice.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      how cute is your kitty! I always enjoy seeing her pics.
      Funny you watched Tom and Jerry. When JJ was a toddler, and beyond, that was his favorite cartoon. He was over one day, and wanted “kitty, mousy”. I had no idea what he was talking about. When Steph got home, she told me it was Tom and Jerry. So, the other day I got an email from the site I ordered a couple of Steiff stuffies for their Easter baskets. Of course, I ahd to get him the Tom and Jerry stuffies.
      That is a iot about the goats. I think goats are so cute. How cool is that- get the grass done, with no noise, and fertilized at the same time.
      Hope your weather stays sunny!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Gail- I answered your post 2 times, and nothing loaded here at all. Do you see it anywhere?????
      Adele
      I had a pic attached too.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I don’t know what’s wrong. All I see is the post to me asking if I see anything which I don’t. Now those posts are circling around out in cyberspace. I hate when I type a long answer and it disappears-especially as I am a hunt and peck typist so it takes me awhile. I see the post to Dianne. Maybe God doesn’t want you talking to me today. BooHoo!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG GAil
      this is the 3rd try. I am not going to add a pic, as that may be the reason.
      I cannot believe how awful those ocular headaches sound. I hope Kendall gets rid of the stomach ones, and they do not develop into something else. That is awful, for both of you.
      I loved the old View crew- also do not know why they are so easy on Candace- are they afraid she is fragile???
      I do sew. When we first moved here, we had a decorator do our windows, and then I realized it is only straight lines to sew. So, the next time, I used theirs as a pattern and did my own. I tried to attach a pic that showed the curtain I made a little while ago in the dining room- love that fabric, it is embroidered, and so pretty. I saved thousands doing it myself, and lined them too.
      I swear, Piper is going to win an Oscar one day, and I hope we are all alive to see it.
      Obviously, this is way abbreviated form the first 2 I did…..LOL I hope this one loads!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      So- tried to load the top one, and I got a “cannot reach this page”. I nearly screamed, and then I did refresh, and it loaded. What is wrong here???? is it me, or the site? Anyone else having issues?
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      I’m not sure what is going on. I posted to Dianne earlier and you now with no problem. Maybe you are having WiFi issues? Was the xfinity guy earlier in the week something to do with your WiFi?
      Gail

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I had the same problem yesterday. I’d written a fairly long post, then when I went to submit it, I got that “cannot reach that page”. So I went back & it was gone, so I had to do it over. So it isn’t something you’re doing. It has to be the site. I tried to send a pic too & lost it too, along with the letter. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
      Gail, I’ve never heard of ocular headaches. It sounds terrible!! Anymore news on Kendall? I sure hope they find out what’s going on. Have they done a C SCAN or MRI on her?

      Watching ITKWD & he’s been outdoors & I see you’re having a beautiful day. ABOUT TIME!!!! You deserve some nice weather!!

      I’ve loved cartoons since I can remember! Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny & friends, Looney (that’s me) Tunes, Merry Melodies, Popeye, and of course the old Disney’s!! I have quite a collection of them on DVD & video. when there’s nothing on the tube, I slip in a DVD or video just to have noise in the back ground while writing out holiday cards, or just enjoy. I don’t like the new modern cartoons.
      Remember I talked about the goats? There’s an article the Sunday paper today. I’m gonna try & find a way to include it, but don’t expect miracles. If I don’t get it thru don’t be surprised.

      Have a great Sunday.
      dianne

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I am not sure. Comcast is coming tomorrow to up-date the inside wiring, and rollout the Xfinity 1. If this doe snot get better, I will make them check it out- maybe I will have them check it anyway.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      I am so glad someone else had an issue too. I was getting worried about my laptop, and it is used for work, and fun.
      I hope you can load that goat article. Would love to read it.
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Adele,
      I can email the article, but can’t figure out how to get it here. I was able to email it to myself, so I can forward it if I had an email address. It’s up to you if you want to give me your
      email address.
      Dianne

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Everybody,
      I just had the same thing happen to me. I had a lot typed already and the whole thing just disappeared. Maybe it is out there with yours Adele. I am going to try this again. If it disappears again then I am giving up.
      We have been busy here. Friday Mandy and the grands came over for the evening. Mandy fixed dinner and they stayed until late. She grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and then she made salads. The girls helped her. We went out on the deck and talked to the kids for a long time and they played with the dogs. The dogs were just loving it. We have Melissa’s dogs until they get home from their trip. They were loving that the kids were paying all that attention to them. The little one is jealous of our dog and barks and bites at him all the time. Austin just backs off and is so good to him. If he would ever just bark or growl at him he would run. lol Well after they left and I had to clean the kitchen it was too late to chat much on here. Then yesterday Ron surprised me. I was doing the laundry and he came in and told me to stop we were going out to eat. We went to a fish place and it was really good. We went to Cap. D’s, They have good fish and the other place that serve fish is always packed. on the week-ends so we just went there. Then we got home and it was late again so did not do much on here. It is not good when you miss because the board has been really busy. It is so great to see that again. It use to be like that all the time and then we hit that lull for awhile and now it is back to normal. I am so glad that Dianne, Livia joined us and that Barbara is back.
      Gail, I have never heard of stomach migraines either. Poor Kendall! I hope that they figure this out soon. Will they be able to give her something to help when they happen or does she just have to put up with them? I hope that they have something to ease the pain. That is good that the doctor is going to try and figure out what the deal was with the blood in the urine. That is kind of scary. He sounds like a good doctor and really cares about the kids. he treats.
      Kendall is the same age as Owen and Lachlan is the same age as Kaylee. The girls just messed up with the last two. Piper and Aliza are too much younger then each other. It will be harder keeping track of their ages. lol Piper is going to be a star. She will win Oscars or music awards. She will be an interesting child. The nurse that was with you when you had your stress test was an angel. I think that their are angels all around us. They come when we need them.
      Adele, The lesion that I have has been there for a long time. It is just that the other doctor would not check it and that is not safe. So at least this doc had it checked right away. She is going to be a keeper. Did you get the King Arthur flour add this today? It is about the fudge brownies they called them the yummy donuts. I had to laugh it made me think of Aizen and how he say yummy every time that he eats your bake goods. They named a donut after him.lol All the fresh food sounds so good. That would make you day if Bobby does all the cooking and you can just sit and watch him do it. That is the best meal that you can have. lol You always have a house full. Are you down to just the one therapist? Frankie does sound like a keeper. I think he has adopted you and will be around for a long time. It is nice that he helps you with the things that you cannot do anymore. The whole family likes him also. That is a good thing too.
      I never liked the view. I saw it once when Rosie O’donnel was on there and she is a mess. I think that I spelled her name wrong. They can really be mean at times and there was just something about that show that bothered me. So have not watched it for a long time. Maybe because Ron watches so many news shows that it just did not appeal to me. They seem to be another news show.
      Barbara, I hope that things are going good their in your neck of the woods. Hope that it was not too hard on you when the kids moved away. It will be nice for you and Jerry to be alone for awhile again. Maybe Sarah just figured out how much you did for them and how hard it will be on her when they move. She will have to do everything herself when the baby is born and no one will be able to be there all the time to take care of him. it will be a good learning experience for her. Just like it was for all of us. She will appreciate you even more after the baby is born. You and Jerry should go on a trip and just enjoy yourselves. Even if it is just a day trip. You will be able to have popcorn for dinner every night now if you want.lol
      I am sorry to hear about your other son and his girlfriend. I hope that they figure this out soon. If they are unhappy with each other then it is better that they move away from each other. Go on with their lives and meet other people that they can start a new life with. That accident really did a lot of damage to their relationship. We will be praying for them. I know that it breaks your heart to watch them go thru this. Just keep praying and it will all work out.
      Dianne, Your cat is so cute. I love seeing him laying on the bed with the egg. I wonder what he would do if it popped open and something came out of it. It would probably have his hair standing on end. I hope that your leg is doing better and you are getting around better. The weather in your area sounds like it is getting better. It is hot here today. We have fans going and the windows open. It is nice to have fresh air in the house. They have goats around here also. They do a really good job. Some people that have a lot of land will use them so they do not have to cut the grass as much. They can be mean little creatures some time though. It would be nice to have chickens then you could get some fresh eggs. I can see why they do not want roosters in town. They are loud and they are mean. So it is better that they are in the country and cannot bother a lot of people.
      Well I better close this or it will not post. I like all the Disney princesses. So will have to think for awhile before I can pick my favorite.
      Hope that all of you have a good night.
      Colleeen

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Just wanted to stop in and tell everyone that moving day has come and gone, and we made it without tears while I was with them. LOL There was so much for them to do that I felt for them; especially poor Neal, and not just because he is our son, but because he did almost all of the move himself. I know Sarah is pregnant; but about the heaviest thing she lifted was her make up bag. She was already talking about putting the baby is it’s crib right away because it is better for a baby to learn right away that he has his room and they have theirs. I so hope she will be a kind loving Mother. I know one thing for sure, Itty Bitty will get lots of love and attention over at the older Smith hacienda. Jerry and I were really tired last night; and we hadn’t done much of anything. Neal said they went to bed about 1 am and he said they really slept good last night. He said that he is taking tomorrow off; and I told him that they should just rest and ignore the little things that are left to be done; and just enjoy a day of rest in their new home.
      Adele, you are very perceptive. I baked us some cinnamon rolls for breakfast today. The house smelled so good. We had a cup of coffee and sat out on the patio and watched the sun coming up. It was so peaceful. The doggies just sat around our feet after they got their morning treats, and seemed so happy to have us out on the patio with them. The birds were just singing. It was cool enough for me to have on my Quacker jacket, but Jerry was okay in just his shirt. You were right, Gail, in that we did enjoy our time together this morning.
      Joey called earlier today to see if we had heard from Neal about needing his help for anything. That boy has a heart of gold. I think that is why it hurts me so much to see him and Lisa in such turmoil.
      Dianne, your Ms. Jewell is very pretty. They really have a way of getting into our hearts, don’t they?
      Thanks so much for explaining how to download a photo. I am going to try and see if I can figure this out. Wish me luck.
      Oh, I have another project going now. I bought a book yesterday, and I am going to read a chapter a night to Jerry and me when we go to bed. We have a tendency to turn on the TV in the bedroom when we first go to bed, and I want to kind of stop that habit. We are in a slump. So we will see how this goes. I just love to read, and I used to read to Jerry years ago; and he just loved it. So we will try to renew this again.
      Hope you all have had a good weekend. It has been beautiful here. Take care and hope everyone in the family is doing good too. Barbara

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      I hope that this will post-now you guys have me worried.
      Barbara, what will you and Jerry be reading in bed? 50 Shades of Gray? lol I am kidding-you know I am always interested in what books everyone is reading. Sometimes it’s hard to pick a book that both Greg and I would like so that made me wonder what you will be reading. I only wish that Greg would let me watch TV in bed at night. I could run the TV all night-it helps me sleep but he doesn’t like it on when he is sleeping. I finally convinced him to let me play music at night-at least there is something to listen to when I am lying there wide awake with my eyes open. I’m glad that the move went well and that you at least didn’t cry until they left. (I know that you did). I think all young mothers think that they know exactly what they are going to do until the baby actually comes and then they realize that they have to do what works best and the rule books go out the window. I know that you and Jerry will give this new little baby tons of love.
      Colleen, I’m not sure what they can do for the abdominal migraines-they will not decide that’s what they are until they can rule everything else out. Rosie O’Donnel was okay the first time that she was on the View-she was still funny-but the second time she was just mad and mean and strident-I think she has a lot of issues. It probably does remind you of Ron’s news shows and that’s why you don’t care for it. What a nice surprise that he took you out to dinner Saturday-and Mandy cooked dinner on Friday. I love a weekend without cooking. Good luck on your tests today. I hope that they all turn out well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are sending hugs your way.
      Dianne, the modern cartoons aren’t as good as the old Looney tunes and such. However, many of the modern children’s animated movies are quite good.
      Adele, we had really nice summer like weather this weekend. How was your dinner out? The occular migraines are really not that bad-mostly a minor inconvenience for a half hour. Sometimes my head will hurt later on and sometimes not. We have a mess here. Greg was power washing the boat yesterday and he used the spigot at the front of the house. Later on I kept telling him I was hearing a noise like water running in that front corner of the house. At first it was like I was crazy and then he finally went and looked in the basement and it was flooded. You are supposed to disconnect the hose during the winter and I guess he didn’t and a pipe broke when he turned the water on. He said he knew he should have checked when he started the water and saw he hadn’t disconnected it but he didn’t. So there is water all over. He vacuumed it all up but now the rug in the bedroom and all the cork tiles have to come out and be thrown away and we have to go through all the boxes and find out what is salvageable and what isn’t and then clean really good with bleach to avoid getting mold down there. Talk about a mess. I know he is mad that it happened but also just mad at himself for not checking earlier. It’s always something! I will be praying for a safe Boston Marathon today. Looks like they are having nice weather.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      how can I do that privately? I bet Gail will know. Did you accept my friend request, as I think I can send you a private message that way.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I hope your doctor appointment is good today, and that it is all behind you. I hope the lesion doe snot cause you any further troubles.
      What a nice thing for Ron to do. Those un-planned excursions are the best kind. Funny you had fish. that is what I chose Saturday night too. I got this new thing they made- cod encrusted with sweet potato. I have no idea how they made sweet potato act like breadcrumbs, but, it was really good.
      You had a really nice time with Mandy and the grands. that was so nice of her to do all the cooking. Sounds like the dogs had a great time too.
      Rosie is no longer on the View. They tried bringing her back again, but it just did not work out. So, you may like it now. We watch it while we wait for Frankie to get here with the stock to be delivered every day. Do not see it every day, as the times are always different for Frankie to arrive. My all time favorite morning show is Steve Harvey. It is nice to start your day with a smile.
      I did see the Sunday King Arthur email, and thought the same thing….LOL I already have their easy brownie recipe, and it is a hit, so I did not copy that one. Did you do the “recipe keeper thing” with the site? I did, so any recipe I like, I save there in case I lose it…LOL
      It was supposed to be 70 today, but an East on shore wind kicked up, and it got real chilly out there. I have been running around shutting all the windows. It is nice for the Marathon runners, but, I was enjoying having all the windows open this morning. AT least it is not raining!
      So, we got the new Xfinity 1 cable boxes. I tell you, this is going to be bad. Gary will NEVER be able to figure this one out. You will hear him swearing at your house….LOL
      Hope your sun is shining!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG Barbara!
      What a nice first morning together you two had. The smell of cinnamon, and the songs of the birds. How much better can life get? We are dying to be able to have breakfast on the deck. We are all betting up here, that we will go straight from winter to summer- heat to air conditioning. It was supposed to be 70, and an East wind kicked up, and I have been shutting all the windows- even my fingers were freezing.
      I am so happy the Marathon went off with not a hitch. Nothing to worry about- all is right with the world. A prayer of thanks.
      We will all be praying for Neal and Lisa to find their love for each other again. It is so very sad when our kids are not happy.
      What a wonderful evening routine you and Jerry now have. Reading a book together, and just before bed to relax. That is one of the nicest, romantic things I have ever heard. You may be starting a new trend.
      Hope your Monday is going well.
      Love ya, Barb!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi GAil
      I forgot to say something to Barbara about the new Mom. That is easy to say now. Once she gets her eyes on that new baby, she I will not let that Itty Bitty out of her sight- that is my prediction….LOL
      You took the words right-out of my mouth- I was going to ask if they were reading 50 shades…LOL
      You have all had such nice warm weather, I am dying for the 70’s to get here.
      Dinner was great. I got his sweet potato encrusted cod- it was very good. I was being adventurous. I really had a healthy meal and then topped it off with cheesecake…LOL I forgot hw much fun it was to go out on a date with your Hubby.
      I think they fixed the issue with the site, as I am no longer having any trouble with it. Thank God, for that one.
      We got the new Xfinity 1 boxes today. Gary will be swearing his head of, as he is technology challenged….LOL
      Good God Gailster- that is going to keep you busy for quite a while, getting the downstairs all back together again. Hey- it may give you a chance to redecorate, with no guilt down there. I hope you do not get any mold. Poor Greg. I bet he is blaming himself for the mess. Things happen, as we say. But, that is a lot to attend to. Pleae watch yourself, so you do not slip and fall down there. I can just see your face, when he realized you were right about hearing the water.
      Hope your day is going well, in spite of all the extra work.
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      We are in the midst of July/Aug. temps today. Its in the 80s & could reach 90 in some areas!! That’s waaaaaaaaay toooo hot for April!!! Luckily, the humidity is in the 20% range. We’ll be back to our
      typical weather in a couple days or so. This is coming up from Calif. I hope you guys are having nice weather. Enjoy!!
      Adele, here’s what I’ll do. I’ll give you my email address, then you can send me an email, just say hi. It’ll come to me then I’ll forward it back to you. It won’t show up here, unless you use this address.

      Colleen, I hope all went well at your appointment today. Hope they find the problem.

      Barbara, I’m glad the moving day went well. I worked for a minister & his wife back in the 70s & their son & dil were moving away. We had a going away dinner for them, and as they were getting ready to back out of the driveway, I took a can of pickled beets & dropped it in the back seat as I was petting the dog. the son hated pickled beets & I knew that. He saw what I did, had a few choice words for me, & it lightened up the mood. his folks cracked up laughing at it. I was always pulling some kind of prank. They had a good sense of humor.

      I used to watch the View, but when the ladies started leaving, I didn’t like it as much. I really didn’t like when Rosie was on. She was sooooo full of herself & antagonistic/hateful I couldn’t stand her.

      Well, I can’t think of anything else to talk about right now.

      My email address is: dianned58@gmail.com

      talk to ya later.
      dianne

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      I will email you.
      The Marathon is over, and nobody got hurt. I cannot tell all of you how anxious I get every single year. I still get teary eyed when I see old news clips form it- I was watching the news when it happened, and could not believe what I was seeing.
      It is very chilly here again tonight0 may have to put the heat back on…..LOL
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello Ladies. It was just gorgeous here today. It was about 75 degrees and the sun was shining. I wish it would stay like this all summer; but I know it is only a brief glimpse of the gentle weather before the heat sets in. We have such hot, humid summers here. It is an oppressive kind of heat that feels like you have stepped into a sauna (literally) and you just cannot wait to get back indoors. I think that Colleen and I are close to having the same type of weather, but I would think that the Northern areas have much milder summers. Am I right? I have always dreamed of coming North in the Fall and seeing the beautiful Fall foliage. Mabey someday. Neal and Sarah are going to Destin Florida next month for their last couples trip before they become a threesome. I hope they realize how fortunate they are to be as financially well off as they are in this day and age. I know that Jerry and I have helped them along the way; mabey too much, but I think that he and I struggled when we were young so much that we just wanted it to be easier for them. But I can honestly say that unless, God forbid, an emergency of some kind comes along, that Jerry and I are stepping back and having them “take the reins” so to speak in their lives and be the good adults that we have tried so hard to raise them to be. Can you tell that I still miss their voices and hearing them laugh but it also feels really good to take in the “silence” of just Jerry and me. By the way, the book we are reading is Killing Reagan by Bill OReiily (yes, Colleen, he watches the news channels too like Ron) But it is really interesting with so much that we didn’t realize had happened. He is really seeming to enjoy our bed time reading sessions. I look forward to reading to the baby, too. I have already gotten a few books. I remember reading to our boys and how much we all looked forward to it each night. I remember how sweet they smelled as they would snuggle up close and listen. Such good memories.
      I hope all went well today at the doctor, Colleen. I sure am praying for good results on all your tests. I know you must be really tired tonight.
      So glad the marathon went well today. It is a real shame that we cannot participate in anything anymore and feel really safe. We live in such a dangerous world. And it always seems to be someone who looks just like everyone else; so you would not even know what to look out for anymore.
      Gail, I am so sorry to hear about your leak. What a mess that must have been. But as Adele said now you really have a good reason to redo the room and make it how you would like it to be. Jerry came up with a disturbing thought today. Just out of the blue he says, “it is just a matter of time until the air conditioner goes out; so we better go ahead and see about getting another” like money just grows on trees and there isn’t anything else we might need. So now that he has said it I will just be waiting for it to happen LOL You know that is the one thing about owning a home, you are always just waiting for something to quit working and have to be replaced. Jerry is still on the “rent a goat” thing for eating the grass in the pasture. So we will see how that goes.
      Your little grands so such cute things. They are all really growing. I think it is so cute when they go to dancing. Its’ like all babies are born with rhythm and can dance.
      Well, it is getting late, so I better close for now. Hope you all have a good night. I am still waking up during the night and stay awake for an hour or two, and then try to go back to sleep if I can. The cat and I wander around getting us some juice for me and a snack for him. He makes every step Jerry or I make during the night. We have a flashlight that we both use when we are up and also these lights that come on if they sense motion and stay on for a while. You all probably have them too. Take care and good night everyone. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I was watching the Chew today and that girl Carla made a fried green tomato bacon sandwich. I thought of you when she was showing us how to make. She used buttermilk to dunk the tomato in also. Then she put it in the flour and then the corn meal. It was interesting that we were just talking about that and they make them on the show. They looked really good. I cannot wait now to make them for Ron. He will really like it. Do you fix fried okra? Ron’s mom use to fix that a lot also. I never could get the knack of fixing it. You had to be careful that they did not have that slimmy taste to them. So I finally gave up on cooking the.lol That was just funny how we were talking about that on here and then it came up on the show.
      I think that you are right about our weather and yours. We have been really warm here also and we are supposed to get some rain this week. I think it will be rain and storms. I hope that they are wrong but we will see. With all the rain that we have been getting they keep saying that we are short of rainfall. Maybe they are in St. Louis but I do not thing we are where we live.
      That is nice that they can go on a trip like that. They should enjoy it while they can. Times have changed since we first got married. Maybe jobs pay better and maybe because we take our kids in when they need us. I cannot remember our parents ever suggesting that we move in with them until we got some money saved. Especially my parents. They thought that once we moved out we were on our own. They were right. We made out better then some of these younger couples. I think that we have all taught our children right and we have helped when it was needed but there are some people that have their kids living with them for years. I do not see how they do it. We had my daughter and her family live with us for awhile and it gets expensive. There was four of them. They stayed until they could find a house to rent. Her girls were at the age where all they wanted to do was eat. We really forgot what it was like to have kids their age in the house. I had trouble cooking for all of them and then when they moved out I had to learn to cook for two again. We are always learning to make changes in our lives.
      Barbara I hope that Jerry is not going thru what Ron is going thru now.. I had the windows open today and he goes in at about 7 o’clock and says that we will be cold in here by morning so we better shut the windows. Now I cannot figure out how we are going to be cold in the morning if we shut the windows before we go to bed. It is not even cold outside. He has an interesting way of looking at things. So the house got warm and I have to wait until he goes to bed and reopen the windows. It will be interesting to see if he can tell the difference. lol The news just drive a person batty. I hope that you enjoy the book and that it is better then listening to O” Reilly talk. he sure drives me crazy listening to him all the time. I did hear that he is a good author.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dianne,
      Do you watch the Chew? It is a pretty good show. They have some good recipes on there and a lot of the stuff they make you can freeze. Did you watch DWTS tonight? It was interesting to hear Max judging all the dancers. He said things that he use to get mad at Len for saying. He was rough on everyone tonight. Some of the ones that did really good last week got bad scores this week. It was a strange show tonight. We lost the sound for awhile and missed all of the part where the new partners for the night were talking to each other. It will be interesting to see who gets voted off the show next week.
      Everything went okay but I am really sore and tired. They were really rough trying to do the ultra sound on the kidney. She said she was having a hard time getting a picture of the lesion on the kidney. I am just glad that it is over with.
      Your kitty is just so cute. I can see where he would be a lot of company. Animals can be good to have around at times. We do not have any in the house right now. Ron has trouble with the dog hairs when he is in an enclosed place. So we just get big outside dogs. They are just as spoiled as an inside pet. It is funny how they can take to getting spoiled so easy.
      Well that is about all for now. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Oh my gosh what a mess. i hope that it did not get into where he has all of his recording equipment. That would really be bad. Do you have a shop vac? We have one and it is nice to clean up water when you need it. We have had one for years and have used it a lot. My mom and Dad’s basement use to leak and we would take it over there and help them clean up. That is terrible that you have to replace all of the carpet and the tile. Do you have any redecorating plans for the basement?
      Did you ever watch Rosies talk show? At first it was really good and she had some good guests on there. Then she did that to Tom Selleck and after that it did not seem like her show was that good and all of a sudden they took it off the air. I wonder if she had some type of break down. She really just went crazy on that show. I thought that Tom did really well though. He controlled his temper and was very civil to her. Not many people could have done that. I know at that time she was talking about Florida and something about gays were not allowed to adopt children. I wonder if she had run into some type of problem with that. There is not telling with her.
      The tests went okay but I am really sore. She was really pushing hard on my kidney trying to get a picture of that lesion. I guess from the way that she talked it must not be any bigger. I will see when my doctor calls me and give me the report. She did an ultra sound on the lump on my ribs and she went to get the Doc that reads the e-rays. That scared me to death but he came in and wanted to look at it himself. He said that it was cartilage and it was fine. Just not to do anything to inflame it. So I guess that might be what this thing is that is coming up on the ribs on the other side. I know when some days when I wear a bra it really bothers this one. It must be inflamed. Was glad that they figured it out. I wonder if my many falls is what caused it.
      I like to fall asleep with the tv going also. There has to be noise in the house. It is just too quite. Maybe it is because we live so far out and we do not have all the noise that there is in town. I do not know what it is maybe just being use to having kids and they were always making some type of noise. Even they have not been around for awhile that still stays with us.
      I have lost the post for reading again. I do not know how I do that all the time. I just finished that book by Patrick Taylor. I think that this is going to be the last one of the series. I really hated to read that. That was such a good series and he could have gone into a lot of other things with the characters. I guess he just got tired of writing that series. I wonder if he will start a new one. It will be interesting to see if he does.
      Well that is about all from here. Hope that all of the kids are dong well. Have you heard from Brent lately? It will be nice when he comes home for a visit.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I heard that the marathon went well this year. A friend of ours has a daughter and sil that go and run in that marathon. They were there when those idiots set off those bombs. Luckily they were not hurt. They said that it was just really hard to get out of the area because of all the traffic and emergency cars. People are brave to go back and run again. That is what we have to do though to show them that we are not going to let them keeps us away from things that we enjoy.
      Well the tests are over with. I am really sore from having them done. They found that the lump on my ribs was cartilage. I am thinking that they may be from the falls I have had. They pushed really hard on the kidney and that is partly why I am so sore. I wrote more in Gail post if you want to read it.
      That sweet potato crusted cod sounds interesting. I wonder if the do it the same way that they make instant mashed potatoes. I do not know how they do that either. The fish sounds really good though. Did you just pick it up at the store or did you order it from a restaurant? If you got it at the store will have to look for it and try it. Usually I do not eat fish but have decided that we need to add fish to our diet. I just have to figure out a way to fix it without frying it.lol That is the trick.
      It was nice to have Mandy and the girls come over. They are starting to come over more again. They go thru spurts. I guess with me having all these health problems that she is spending more time with us. Maybe she thinks that we are going to kick the bucket.lol No she is a really good person. It was really nice of her to come over and do all the cooking. That is nice change.
      Do you have plans for Mothers Day? The girls are going to bbq at my daughter Danyielle ‘s house. It should be nice and I will not be cooking that day either. This could go on for months. On the 2nd of May it is our 46th anniversary so Ron is taking me out to eat. I could get use to this. I think it would be nice if we just quit going to the grocery store and go out to eat all the time.
      That will never happen.lol Guess a person would get tired of eating out all the time also.
      I have not done the recipe keeper on there. I did not know that you could. I will have to look at it again and see how to do it. Did you watch the Chew today? They made the fried green tomato bacon sandwich that Barbara was talking about. It was funny because it was not that long ago that She was talking about it. It did look really good. I will have to try making them with buttermilk. I have never use it before.
      They need to put Aizen’s picture eating those yummy donuts on there. He would have a big smile on his face I am sure.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night. Glad that they got your new cable things hooked up. I know how it is not being able to figure all those things out. I hope that you and Gary get it figured out or at least you do so you can show Gary.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail, Adele, Barbara, Livia, and Dianne,
      I just wanted to thank-you girls for all your prayers. I really do appreciate all of you. It is nice to have friends that will pray for you when you need it. You are great prayer warriors.
      Thanks again
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      That’s funny about 50 Shades-Great minds think alike! – or maybe dirty minds think alike. lol
      I have a teeth cleaning later today. I hope that all goes well. For some reason I thought it was on Thursday so it’s a good thing they called with a reminder.
      The sweet potato encrusted cod sounds interesting. I say that you should always follow a healthy meal with a decadent dessert. lol
      We had three days of low 80’s and now it’s back to low 60’s so maybe that weather is coming your way. We often go from winter straight to summer around here too. We’re supposed to have rain the next few days now.
      Yesterday when I was babysitting Piper told me “I love rainbows they are just so beautiful!” Now I’m wondering has she ever even seen a real rainbow. I like when she tells us ” I’m a good singer.” or ” I’m a good dancer.” No lack of self esteem there! lol
      I hope that you guys are getting the new cable system figured out. That always makes for a confusing few days. Sometimes technology just moves so fast-it’s hard to keep up with it all-except if you are ten years old. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      We can get pretty warm here in the summer and also high humidity. But the difference between here and the south is that it’s not that sustained heat and humidity. When my parents lived in Louisiana sometimes it seemed like the air just dripped humidity. I hope someday that you do get to come up north and see the fall colors. A crisp sunny fall day walking through the crackling leaves is a special time.
      I have never read any of the Bill O’Reilly books but I have heard that they are all pretty interesting reads.
      I love reading to the kids too. I still have many of Jenny and Brent’s children’s books that I am slowly bringing over for Jenny’s kids. I used to take the kids to story hour and summer reading club at the library and now Jenny does that with her kids too.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      You’re welcome for the prayers. We all want you to feel good and get a clean bill of health. Did you ever crack a rib when you fell-maybe that’s where those calcium deposits came from. Anyway, I’m glad that was nothing serious. Sometimes they really do press hard for those ultrasounds-but I would still rather have one of those tests than many of the other ones that they have. When I have had those I always see people trying to drink down some kind of giant glasses of things and they look none too happy about it-so whatever tests that those people are having look like they could be pretty miserable. Why are so many of the medical tests so miserable? They need to invent a magic scanner.
      There was a lot of low scores on DWTS last night. It was funny how Max was in agreement with Len so many times last night. I’m not sure I care that much for the switch up. I’m not sure what it accomplishes or is supposed to accomplish. And then I was surprised that there was no elimination. I guess because they don’t want to place too much emphasis on the switch up scores. I am still amazed by Niall the deaf man-I can’t understand how he dances so well without hearing the music.
      We do have a shop vac and Greg used that to clean up a lot of the water. There is a rug in the bedroom and he had to cut it into pieces to get it out of there as there was no way that we could lift the bed to get it out. Even pieces of a soaked rug are very heavy.
      I did used to watch Rosie when she had her own show. She was funny back then but not so much anymore. I don’t know what she did to Tom Selleck. I either didn’t see it or forgot about it.
      I just got an e-mail from Brent yesterday. Things are good.
      I saw the beginning of The Chew when they started out the fried green tomato and bacon recipe but i missed the end when they cooked it and put it all together. I thought that was quite a coincidence too as we all had been talking about fried green tomatoes.
      I see you found the reading discussion. I have a few books to post on there too.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      that does not seem like a book that will calm the mind down to go to sleep….LOL I was thinking of a romance novel.
      You have done a lot for the boys, and I know they appreciate it. It is time for them to spread their wings more. Now you can put some money aside for a big family reunion party this summer. I bet that would be a lot of fun. Or, in the Fall if summer is too hot for you.
      Our summers are weird here. We used to have beautiful Springs. The last few years we have gone form heat on, to air on. I used to love those times when you could sit outside with no humidity. That is a period of about a week up here. we get a lot of humidity. But, I do not think it is as bad as yours. I just hate humidity. It actually makes me feel nauseous. you would definitely love the Fall up here. Both here, and up further, the sights are beautiful, especially with everyone’s pumpkin decorations out. Apple and pumpkin picking time is my favorite time of year. We have a lot of farms with apple orchards in Mass. Also a lot of pumpkins. But, some people still go up farther to NH and Vermont. I guess it is just choice. We can go to the next city up- Peabody- a 15 minute ride, and get apples and pumpkins- Brooksby Farms in Peabody Ma. Cute place.
      I hope your weather holds out for more nice breakfasts on the deck, before the real heat comes.
      It was raining here, but the shy is starting to clear.
      There is always something to do in a house. We found out today that the former air conditioner service people put the light that stops mild from growing in the wrong place. So, we have to get our electrician out to run another line to the right one. Always something.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi colleen
      I am so happy the lump was just cartilage. All our prayers were answered. We would all hate for anything to be wrong with any of us. We all have enough as is.
      The cod was at the restaurant we went to with Ron and Joyce. You may be on to something- maybe it was some kind of dried sweet potato flakes. I would definitely order it again. I like fish. I just cannot have shellfish- allergic.
      The Marathon bombing was very scary, and I only watched it on TV. I cannot imagine what people went through who were there. I was so happy nothing went wrong. All huge events in the US are a hazard in this day and age, and that is really sad.
      I missed the Chew yesterday, as that is when the cable people were here. So far, I have been in control of the remote. Is that not a hugely funny thing??? I have to teach Gary to use it, and it will get ugly, for sure.
      Did you see DWTS last night? I thought the guest judge was way too hard on everyone, and so was Len. What is up with that? I did not realize nobody was getting voted off last night. That is good, because then we can see them all again, for at least one more time.
      We are not sure what we will be serving for Mothers Day. This weekend, we are doing Bobby’s birthday. he wants a simple yellow cake, with buttercream frosting- no decorations. he wants me to write something on it that relates to the Game of Thrones they all watch…LOL he also wants Chinese food- that is easy- call to order….LOL No clean-up.
      hope your day is going well, and you are not a sore.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I hope the dentist went well, and they did not discover anything that needs attention. I hate when that happens.
      How is the clean up coming? Is all the water mopped up, and the floor drying? Water is the worst for damage. Are you going to re-decorate, or put it back the way it was?
      Piper is such a cutie. Does she watch the My Little Pony show? They seem to have a lot of rainbows- maybe she got the idea from them. She is such a neat little kid.
      I am still figuring out the talking remote. I know how to record, but have not found where to get the show you recorded to watch. Thank God there are idiot directions they left for us- that is what I call the books that are so simple a child can follow them. Hope I can get it, or I would have to get Aizen to do it….LOL
      Do you have the Xfinity1 system yet? What is neat is that you can record on one TV, and it records on up to 4 more, so you can watch it in any room. That is, if you can figure out where to retrieve them.
      hope your day is going well!
      So glad Colleen is ok. Dianne sent me the news clipping on the goats- that is a great idea.
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      I am still celebrating the good news that you got Colleen on your tests. Cartilage we can handle ha ha. I am so with Gail on the rather having an untrasound than some of those other things they can do for tests. I know they push hard and it is uncomfortable if not painful in some cases, but at least no needle pokes or running some long garden hose thing down your nose or up your hind end. All that horrible prep. I used to dread making someone drink that stuff. And yes, in some cases it was a full gallon of it. Anyone having rain today? We are, but not as bad as places like Houston where they are just having a terrible time.
      Just out of curiosity, do you know why your children named your grands the names they were given? Neal won’t give us any hints on names they are considering (mainly because I really don’t think he has a clue) but Sarah has definitely said he would not carry Neal’s name; and that hurt Jerrys feelings more than mine. Her fathers name if David; so it wouldn’t surprise me if that is his name. Your grandchildren have such great names, I was just wondering how their names were chosen. Jerry has already said he will be calling the baby “Peanut”. Don’t ask me why ha ha. Our oldest sons name is William Daniel, but we have always called him Buddy. When my Dad first saw him in the hospital, he made the comment that “you will be my best little Buddy” and it just stuck. When he was in first grade, I got a call from his teacher, and she told me that he was “ignoring” her when she called on him, and I said that I just couldn’t imagine that since he came in everyday and told me what he had done at school. (This was when I had cancer and as soon as he got off the school bus he would come straight in to my bedroom, bring me and him a grape popcicle, and we would eat it together and talk about his day). She went on to say that she would call his name over and over and he would just look at her as though she was talking to someone else. Well, you know where this is going – she was calling him William, and he didn’t even think she was talking to him, he only was answering to Buddy at home. I asked her to please call him Buddy, and she didn’t want to do that, because she told me “that is NOT his name”. But she did finally give in (I think they talked to her about our health situation), and he started answering her with no problem.
      Mabey I should go for a “jucier” book for our next one, but he and I need a little rest after all that we have been going through lately. ha ha And my Jerry is like Colleen’s Ron, they both keep up with the news and talk back to the TV if not in agreement; so I thought I would start with something historical that I would have some interest in too. So far; I am finding OReilly to be a good author. It is keeping my interest peaked, and I am enjoying our evening reading time too. Oh, I forgot to tell you all that we also have a frozen fruit bar to go along with our little ritual after I read. I buy them in the popcicle section of the froizen foods, but they are 100% made from fruit. Our favorite so far are the strawberry. No sugar added, and yummy.
      This morning around 6 am I called Joey at his job and told him that we had plenty of bacon left over from last night if he would like to stop by and get some. He said yes, that he was going to pick him up some tomato and lettuce and make him some BLT’s when he got home. Lisa has already left for work when he gets in, and he has lost so much weight. I really feel in my heart it is due to the constant stress he is under. When Jerry asked him the other day, “son, why do you keep hanging on when you know you and Lisa don’t love each other any more?” and he said “Dad, I can’t stand to see her hurting so much and she begs me to stay, and even though I know its wrong to keep stringing this along, I give in” He said he feels like he is caught In a whirlpool and he just can’t get out no matter what he says or does. My heart just breaks to see them both like this. We don’t see much of Lisa anymore. I know in my heart that it hurts her to see Neal and Sarah going on with their lives, and she isn’t.
      Jerry is still spending time with his Mom a lot. She is doing so good. We are still trying to talk her into moving in with us; but so far; so luck. She wants to stay in her own home, and I so understand that. So we are just taking one day at a time.
      Better go for now. I am cooking some fried chicken legs today, and really have no idea what, if anything, I am going to add to it. Probably a salad since it is just the two of us. Hope you all are having a good day. Talk more later. Hugs across the miles to a very special group of friends. Barbara

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hey BArb
      We were really bad- we had McDonalds for dinner. To be honest, I have been feeling kind of dizzy all day. that dizzy has been coming and going- when I get up form bed, or when I lay down in bed, Today, it stayed around occasionally as I walked back and forth. OS, I just did not feel like fixing the pork chops I had out today.
      I had a juice pop every night, while I watch TV- a strawberry one, that is partially covered in chocolate….LOL My bad.
      I am with you- an ultrasound, although uncomfortable with the poking, is way better than the “hose prep”. I hope Colleen is feeling better today.
      that is so sad about Joey and Lisa. It sounds like he still loves her, on some level, or he would not stay. I will say an extra prayer for him. No wonder he is losing weight.
      Aizen’s name comes form 2 Asian terms- the “ai” means love, I think and the zen is peace. That is what I was told. JJ, has Jhonny’s name, and is a junior. Marissa was from the Marissa Christina sweaters popular back then, and Heather loved that name. Stephanie was form a daytime show, and I do not remember where she got Amanda the Panda’s name. I would bet she was on another soap opera….LOL
      My name is from both of my grandmothers, my middle name is from my German (maternal) grandmother- Karoline, Adele is the Italian side.
      I vote for a juicier novel!!!
      I bet once all the dust settles, and before next winter, that jerry’s Mom will change her mind. there is just something about an approaching long winter that makes you want to be safe and sound. Jerry is such a good son, and they are having such a nice time bonding. Some day when she goes, he will have all these great memories. How terribly nice for him, and her.
      Hope you are having a good night- sun is out in Massachusetts. I feel awful for anyone ion Texas. They need our prayers.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Everyone,
      Well the doctors office called me this evening that told me that I did not have a mass on the kidney. It is gone now and the prayers are what helped. Thank you again. Maybe that is why she was pressing so hard she could not find the mass this time. Thank God.
      Thanks again.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      They never mentioned that the ribs were broken or cracked. They said that they were just bruised. So I guess that if you bruise your ribs that can cause it also. I had never heard of it but maybe the doctor will explain it better when I got to see her. Ron was even impressed that she got back to me that quickly. She is going to be a good doctor.
      That was different that Max was giving so many low scores. he even made comments that he would get mad at Len for making. I wonder what happened to him. I agree about the switch dance. There is no point to the whole thing. They do not learn a whole lot about the dancers. I hope that they do not do it next season. I like that guy that is deaf also. He just amazes me and how well he does dancing. That was weird last night when they gave him his points for his dance. I do not know what the problem was and how it all got mixed up. It did not seem to bother him though he still got a good score.
      Tom had his picture taken with the NRA and she kept bringing that up and making all kinds of rude comments. It was some type of ad for tv I think. She was just really rude to him. He told her it was just a commercial and that was it but she would not drop it. There are a lot of people that like to go shooting. They go hunting or target practice and different things like that. She has a right to her opinion but so des he and it would have been better if she would have dropped. She lost a lot of viewers after that and that is when they cancelled her show. She did finally apologize. It did not do any good though. Her show was gone. I think that she just had a break down and she has never come back from that.
      I am glad that you have heard from Brent. We heard from Melissa yesterday. They are in Texas at Steve’s dads house. She said that they are not near any of the flooding so they are okay. I hope that they come home as soon as it is safe to travel. We told them they better check with the highway patrol and find out what highways are open and plan their trip home by that. I think that he has to be back on base by Sunday. So hope they can make it back in time.
      At least you could get the rug up off the floor. That must have been a mess. I do like the shop vacs though they really do a good job. Hope that you can get everything back together soon.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that you get the remote figured out soon. I would have to have the guy that installed it stay here for a few days to teach me how to use it. Anything technical really throws me off. I can really mess things up with that. So Ron is the one who figures that out for us.
      The Marathon bombing was really scary. It was really bad that they had to chase them to finally catch them. I cannot imagine how scary that was knowing that they were running around in your neighborhood. I hope that they young man that they have in custody does not get away with it. He deserves to go to the electric chair. I do not care what anyone says. he was not a poor innocent kid that they tried to make him out to be. I cannot watch the new shots of it anymore. They are just too sad.
      That was weird last night on DWTS. Max use to be the professional that really thought that Len was too hard on him and the others. They use to get into arguments and last night he took his side on just about every dance. I really hope that they do not have him back to judge again. The scores were so low last night and the dancers deserved better. It would be nice if they just stopped that switch night and did something else. It is hard on the dancers when they have to two dances in a night. That is too hard and they get so tired out. I do like the Disney night though. That is fun.
      Now the meal that you are having sounds like a good meal. I wish that I could talk the kids into doing that. They are determined to have it at my oldest daughters house. So that is what we will do. Do not want to tell them what to do so that is that. I have not idea what they will be cooking but it will be interesting. She makes healthy food and she does some strange things. I usually tastes good. For Thanks-giving one year she cooked herbs in the turkey and no dressing. The turkey was okay but after that the other girls said that we should have it at my house. So that is what we are doing. It was funny they did not tell her they called me and told me that they to have it at my house. Guess they did not want to hurt her feelings. We did not say anything either.
      I am still sore but feel much better after they called me with the results. Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen
      p.s. hope that you get your remote figured out soon.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      My girls got the names for their kids from a baby book of names. There are two of them that have my middle name as there middle name. So that is about it. My kids got their names from family and from different places. We got Danyielle’s name from a commercial, Amanda was named after a song and Melissa was named after my aunt. Now my oldest daughter has my mom’s middle name and Amanda has my oldest sisters name for a middle name and Melissa was named after my Aunt Irene. She was my favorite aunt. She was so nice to all of us and we always had a good time at her house. She died when I was really young.
      I know what you mean about the high humidity. It is miserable during the summer and it is nice to just stay in the air. I think that it is worse where you are though then it is here. It is pretty close though. We had some rain today but not as bad as Texas.
      Ron and Jerry could be brothers. They like the same things. You are right with the book that you chose. Historical things would keep their interest not romance. Ron is still collecting junk. Has Jerry picked up anything lately? Ron has been buying junk trucks lately. He bought two trucks and made it into one. He was driving me crazy while doing that. I do not think that he will ever quit. He now has a friend that is a junk collector also. It is a mess when they get together. He is constantly bringing things home from that guy. He did bring a couple of lawn chairs the other day that were in pretty good shape. They were the old type that our grandparents use to have. They were in really good shape they just needed to be painted. So he got them painted and they look really good. Almost like new.
      A lot of the sugar free Popsicles are good. I like the ones that are made from all fruit. They have a really good taste to them. They also make some sugar free drum sticks that are good also. You would not know that they are sugar free. We have been finding a lot of things that are just as good as things with sugar.
      That is so sad about Joey and Lisa. They really need to figure this out. Jerry gave him some good advise and he is going to have to make the break even though Lisa does not act like she wants to. It is not good to live with someone that you do not love in that way. All anyone can do is pray for them and hope that they figure it out for themselves. At the age all of our kids are they will do things their way and do not listen to us as much. I guess at one time they have to do that. They have to do things on their own. You and Jerry are such good parents it is nice that you are there for both of your boys anytime that they need you.They know that.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night and enjoy your book.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Colleen,
      PRAISE THE LORD!!! I’m soooooooooooo glad to hear your tests came out negative, & there was no lesion on your kidney. That’s what I’d call a full blown miracle!!! Also glad the rib turned out to be
      cartilage, nothing else. Yes our prayers were answered!! Praise the Lord.

      It was hot again today. In the upper 80s. It starts to cool down tomorrow, with rain coming by the weekend. Just showers, nothing like what’s going on in Texas. that’s terrible.

      Did I send you the article about the goats? I thought I sent ya something, but wasn’t sure. I know I sent it to Adele.

      Ok ladies, I’m in a bit of quandary. I wanna order a set of Temptations dinner ware. should I get a set in Oceanfetti or Fireworkfetti (if available)?? I sure don’t need anymore baking dishes!! lol
      Well, I guess that’s all for now
      take care.
      dianne

      Attachments:
    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      Those Thomas Kincade cottages all look so inviting-like you could walk right in a be welcomed by the inhabitants. I like the oceanfetti but I don’t know what the fireworksfetti looks like. I’m assuming red white and blue maybe?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I’m so glad that the ultrasound showed nothing on the kidney. Hooray! It’s good to have all those prayers coming your way.
      I’m glad that Melissa is away from the rain in Texas. It is a good idea to research if any of the roads are closed though before they come back in case they have to change their route. I know one year coming back from Kansas City there was flooding in Iowa and we had to take a long detour.
      Were those chairs that Ron found Adirondack chairs? I love those and they are expensive so if you got some for free that is a great find.
      Once again I’m so relieved with your good news from the doctor. She seems like she will be a good one.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      How is it going with the talking remote? That sounds kind of intriguing to me. Of course if I couldn’t figure it out I would probably be talking back to it and telling it if it was so smart why isn’t it just doing things itself. It would be even smarter if the remote took voice commands. We don’t get xfinity out here. At least not out in the country. The teeth cleaning went well. They didn’t find anything which is always a relief since I seem to have inherited both my parents bad gums. That’s why i go back every three months instead of six for my cleanings.
      I’m not sure what we’ll do in the basement. Greg says it seems like the floor in the recording studio might be okay-he says it seems like the water ran right across it and out into the rest of the basement. He already got the rug out of the bedroom. The bathroom has ceramic and the main part has cork flooring. I think maybe we will redo the cork as it is low maintenance and maybe put it in the bedroom instead of carpet and just put throw rugs next to and at the foot of the bed. I’m really not sure yet. It depends what Greg wants to do also since he’ll be doing the work. Except for the bedroom and bathroom down there he decided on what was done in the main room and the music room. At least none of his instruments or the recording equipment got wet as they were all up off the floor. I think he would have been crying if his guitars got ruined.
      I hope that you are not still dizzy. I never knew where the name Aizen came from-being an old hippie chick I love the meaning behind it. Peace and Love-what could be better?
      I don’t know what’s up with me-I must think it’s holiday time or something. Yesterday we had ham, cauliflower and sweet potatoes for dinner and today we are having turkey breast, 7 layer salad and stuffing. And we will then have leftovers for the next several days. lol But this all seems like holiday food to me-so i must be in a holiday mood. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      I like that Jerry’s going to call the new baby Peanut! That’s cute!
      I’m so sorry that Joey feels like he is being sucked down into a vortex in his relationship. Jerry gave good advice. I guess he will have to just rip the band aid off and do what will be ultimately best for both of them. It’s hard and it’s sad but I imagine they will both be happier in the long run. Joey needs a chance to be in a loving relationship and to be happy again. I hope they will come to the conclusion that it is time to move on sometime soon-so they can both have a chance at happiness again.
      I think Jenny got the ideas from her kids names from baby name books. I think she liked the name Kendall for awhile and her middle name is Lane-for Lois Lane since Adam is a big superman fan. I think they picked Lachlan because Adam wanted something Irish but the name is really Scottish-I voted for Rhys (pronounced Reese) but Adam had a cousin with that name-so they gave him Rhys for a middle name instead. Jenny liked Piper and Fiona and when she told me Piper I said how much I loved it-I remembered Piper Laurie- so they went with Piper-i wanted them to use Rose as a middle name after my Mom and sister’s middle names but Adam picked Jade-I don’t really know why. They actually call Lachlan-Buddy about 50 percent of the time. Brent was named that just because I always liked the name and I also liked Mark but Greg didn’t like that name for some reason but he liked Brent and he also had a college friend who was a great singer songwriter with that name. His middle name is Matthew after Greg’s grandfather. Jennifer was picked because it was popular at the time-now there are a million Jennifers and Jessicas in that age range. I really wanted to name her Cydnee but Greg really didn’t like that-he never really “gets” unusual names-he probably wanted Mary or something like that. I should have stuck to my guns and insisted on the name because now she has a name that just about 1 in 5 people of her same age have. Her middle name is Ann-short and sweet-after her godmother’s middle name. So that’s the naming story.
      Gail

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      I have really enjoyed reading how your children, grands, and you all got your group of family names. It is so interesting. I absolutely love all the names. It dawned on me that I didn’t really say how we came about our names. So for me; I was named by my fraternal grandfather. He at first was insisting on the name Elma (so glad that lost out) and settled for Barbara and my middle name is Dianne (from the story I always heard being whispered) was one of my Dad’s girlfriends before he met my Mom. Jerry was his Mom’s favorite name and his Dad insisted on Wayne for his middle name. By the way, his name is actually spelled with a “G” but it is so confusing to everyone thinking he is a girl from his name, or pronounce it like Gary, that I always just spell it with a “J” to avoid confusion. She read his name in a book, and loved it. Our boys are Buddy, like I was talking about; named for my Dad and my oldest brother (William) and Daniel (my and Jerrys brothers). Then Joey came about because I had a really hard delivery, and the nurse came in while I was still unable to focus, and sort of out of it and she wrote down Joey on the birth certificate, instead of the Joel that Jerry and I had chosen. His middle name is Franklin for Jerrys Dad. We did not realize that Joey was named Joey until we got his birth certificate. But it just seems to fit him, and even though I used to worry as he was growing up that it might be a little childish for a grown man’s name, I just love it. Neal was named (here comes MY love of 70’s music) from Neil Diamond, and his middle name is Andrew, just because we both liked it. Poor little Neal was 3 days old before we named him. I had such flashbacks from Joeys naming that I wanted to make sure it was done correctly. ha ha So that is our family naming storybook. You take so many things into consideration when naming a child. After all; it is for eternity. I like simple but unusual names. But I know whatever they pick will be fine.
      Are you all planning anything interesting for the summer months? I don’t thing we will be able to do anything but we may do a two day adventure that we love. I so hope to go somewhere in the Fall to see some leaves changing. That is my favorite time of year for some traveling. We have a city not too very far away called Mountain View, and the scenery is just beautiful in the Fall. Really gets hot in the summer there though. They have lots of natural springs coming up from the ground, and lots of places to swim and camp if that is what you like, but give me a clean hotel with plenty of air conditioning and clean sheets each night. And of course, a clean bathroom. No portable potties for me. I just can’t go back to times when we had to chose those kinds of things. I am too used to the modern conveniences of my home to “rough it”. We used to camp a lot when the boys were small, and I must admit I loved it, but those days are long gone. I hear so many people say they are going to be gone for months and I just can’t ever see that for us.
      That is something that we were just talking about those fried green tomato sandwiches, and it comes on TV. Yes, Colleen, I do make fried okra, but our boys love it so much that I have to cut it up and bread it in several batches before I have enough for a meal. It comes in such small amounts and it pretty expensive when it is in season, that I have to do it that way. And they want to know if I am making it. You can bet they will arrange their schedule around it ha ha. I guess that is why I am the size I am. Even though I am not hungry for a lot of things I used to really enjoy, when I am hungry I make up for any I may not have eaten of something else. We ate our fried chicken legs and made a quick salad last night. Then book time, popcicle time, and bedtime for us. Do you all think we are in a slump?
      By the way, Gail, I love your idea of the name Rhys. Very unique and pretty.
      Better go for now. Laundry day here at the Smith house. I am sleepy, but got a good nights sleep; so not sure where that is coming from. Laundry may lose out to an afternoon nap. LOL Adele, do you have any goodies baking? Mabey a cup of tea and a warm goodie would wake me up. I know in the very least it would make me happy. Take care all. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      Franklin is Ron’s middle name also. It is a family name that has been passed down for awhile. I do not know who the first one was but it is Ron’s middle name, his dad’s and his grandpas. That is funny because that is such an unusual name for now. You very seldom hear of anyone with that as a middle name. I do not know if Franklin was just a middle name that they passed on or if their was an original Franklin. I will have to ask Ron.
      I am with you Barbara find a good hotel or motel with air and inside bathroom and I am there. There is not way that I am sleeping in a tent in a sleeping bag. For one thing I would not be able to get up from that unless they put some type of furniture in there for me to pull up on. The ones that serve a breakfast are the best ones to go to. Now that is living.
      We got Amanda’s name from a country western song. I cannot remember who sang it. We use to sing it to her and she would get so mad at us. So she always wanted to be called Mandy. Then Barry Manilow came out with the song Mandy. She just could not win. She did not like that song either.
      Ron’s mom use to grow it in her veggie garden. We have never planted it ourselves. Ron would be the only one to eat it. He use to go out and pick wild polk salad. We would not eat that either. I was not sure of what he was picking and did not want to take a chance eating it. His sister told him one time that he could eat the stalks and it made him so sick he never ate it again. He does what ever his sisters tell him. They also pick wild mushrooms. I do not eat them either. I am not sure of them and not brave enough to eat them. I have lived in town all my life and we got all of our food from the grocery store. You read so much about being careful of the mushrooms that you eat because some are poisones. I am just a chicken.
      I am watching what I eat again. Went back on the diabetic diet again. That is the most boring food that a person can eat. Thought if I eat that during the week then on the week-ends I can eat what I want. That should last about a week.lol
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dianne,
      I did not get the article about the goats. Maybe it did not go thru. Unless it went in my junk mail. I usually do not look thru that I just delete. If you send it again I will look in both mail boxes. We get so much in the junk mail that it is not worth looking at.
      I like both sets of dishes. So I am not help at all. What color scheme do you have in your kitchen? That would be one way of figuring out which one that you want. Unless you kitchen is like mine and it is just a mixture of all different things. I am not good with decorating rooms. My house just has that lived in look.lol
      I have been thanking the Lord ever since they called and gave me the results of the ultra sounds. I have had that lesion for a couple of years and now it is gone. I am just so grateful that it is gone and no more worries. Prayers really do help.
      it rained here today and is supposed to rain again tomorrow. It is nothing like what they got in Texas here either. I feel for those people. I have not heard if it is still raining there or not. My daughter and her family are in Texas but not where it is raining. I just hope they plan their route before coming home. They have to be back on Sunday. So we have been praying that the flood will not affect the highways. Our weather has been warm here also. It did cool down a little today but will go back up when the rain stops.
      I love the Thomas Kinkade picture. He was such a good artist. We lost a very talented person when he passed away. Did you ever see the movie about him? It comes on here at Christmas time on Hall Mark.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I am not sure what they called those chairs. I will have to ask Ron or my mom to see. I just remember that my grandma had some and they are really nice. I have not seen them around since then but maybe they made more. Do you know if they started making them again? You are our research person.
      That is good news that the water did not do any damage to Greg’s musical things. That would have been a mess. It is not too bad if all the damage is to the floor and not any of the furniture down there. You caught it right away also and got it cleaned up. The cork flooring sounds nice and the way to go in the basement. I cannot imagine all the work that you and Greg have been doing trying to get that cleaned up.It is a good thing that Brent was not staying down there. Was he staying in the basement? It just seems like that is where he was staying. That was nice that you had a place for him to stay where he could have his privacy but still have you and Greg right there if he needed you.
      You have been cooking holiday food. You must be in a festive mood. Your dinners sound great. Wish we would have all known we could have come and joined you for dinner. My meal was pretty boring. I made a pasta with broccoli with Italian dressing on it. It was the low fat and that is really boring. We still have some sweet potatoes that we got from QVC may have to fix that this week-end. I am sticking to the diabetic diet during the week and eating what I want on the week-ends. Probably blows the whole thing for the week. Oh well.
      Do you have any plans for the week-end? Usually when it gets to be this time of the year they have more concerts there. I cannot wait until they can start having the concerts in the park again. We are not sure if they are going to still have them at our park here are not. We have to wait and see what they decide. It would be nice if they would. You have better concerts there then we do here though. None of the people that play in the parks here are known by anyone.
      Well that is about all from here. We live a boring life. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Well now it happened to me too. I posted to you and hit submit and when I came back to the computer my posting was gone and I was logged out. So I will try again.
      I think Ron and Jerry really must be brothers from another mother since they both have the same middle name. lol And Franklin isn’t that common of a name. You rarely hear it anymore.
      They still make Adirondack chairs. I always liked them-one thing though-they are much harder than they used to be to get out of. lol
      Brent did live in the basement. There is a bedroom, bath, family room refrigerator and microwave down there-so it was like he had his own private little space-so it was nice for him. Plus he worked nights so he didn’t have to worry about light in the bedroom when he was trying to sleep during the daylight hours. It gave him and us our privacy. He and Kim lived down there for a few months too when they first moved here from New Mexico.
      One thing that’s good with all this cooking is we will now just have leftovers to eat for the next few days and I won’t have to cook anything. My aunt and uncle used to go mushroom picking and they always gave some to my Mom which she froze. So I know that i have eaten wild mushrooms and lived to tell the tale. lol I think she really trusted that they knew what they were doing.
      Right now we have no plans for the weekend. I hope that we can find something fun to do.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      That is interesting how Joey got his name. So you decided it would be easier to just call him Joey than to try and change the birth certificate. Both Joey and Joel are nice names so it turned out well in any case. It is kind of funny that the nurse got it mixed up though. They should know better than to ask right after someone has been in labor for hours. No one is thinking quite right at that point.
      We don’t have any big plans for summer just our usual trips to KC and Saint Germaine and maybe a couple of days in The Dells with Jenny and family if we can swing it. Our dog sitter babysits a dog for three months at a time while the guy goes to Belize to visit his son. I don’t think that we would ever go away for that long but I’m hoping for someday to have 3 or 4 weeks someplace warm during the cold winter.
      I like the name Rhys too-we call him Buddy or Lachlan Reese’s Pieces. lol
      I hope the book reading is going well. I think that is such a nice idea. Now that I think of it years ago I used to read to Greg when we were driving in the car sometimes. Now we usually listen to music. On long trips I pick the music as he listens to the same things all the time and i like to change it up. it’s a good opportunity for him to listen to something new rather than folk or oldies.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello everyone
      I hope this post works, as I was signed out, for some reason. This is getting strange. I wrote a bygone yesterday to everyone and cannot find it on here. What is happening????
      Hey Gail. Are you still eating the left overs, or on to the next holiday dinner you are craving? I have to do a cake for bobby. this year, instead of the fancy white chocolate cake, he wants a yellow cake, with buttercream frosting. I use the recipe I got form the Yankee Magazine years ago- called Celebration Cake by a woman named Esther. It is a favorite here, and very good. I am also making meringue macaroons for Gary, for Passover. Those are on the schedule for tomorrow.
      How is the basement coming? I hope all the wet/damp is gone. Have you done your final decision on what flooring you will use?
      today, I got up early to get the roast in the crock pot. It already smells good. I have to tell you ladies last night’s supper was gross. I did simple pork chops, baked with a little butter, slat and pepper, and some seasoning. They shrunk up to nothing, and were so dried out you wanted to gag. because Bobby was not here for dinner, I did not get any complaints. I do not think I will ever do pork chops again, without a bread crumb topping.
      Barbara- that summer place you visit sounds real nice. Out in the fresh air, and still has all the amenities. My kind of place. I love fried chicken, but do not make it. Bobby does the fried chicken cutlets every once in a while. I had a desire for it last week, and we almost went to Kentucky Fried chicken. Fried chicken with salad is a great dinner. It was way better than my gross pork chops….LOL
      Colleen- hope you are no longer sore from the ultrasound. Have you noticed as we get older, you get bruises so easily? We are fragile little old ladies.
      I hope this posts!!!!
      hope you are all having a great day- the sun is shining here, and it is supposed to e 70.
      Adele
      Dianne- that picture is very pretty. I think we all wish we lived in a Thomas Kincade picture. They are always so peaceful/

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      It is strange that this is happening to everyone. I wonder what is causing it. It is so aggravating to have typed all that and then lose all of it somewhere. I hope that they get it fixed soon. It makes you wonder if our stuff will post.
      You are back to baking again. You always make me hungry whenever you talk about what you are baking. That is nice that Bobby wants a different cake this time around. The other one took you so long to fix. Do you still have people coming in to take care of Gary? if they are gone you will be able to bake for Gary in the morning again. It will be nice to have your house to yourselves again.
      We all need to go eat at Gails house. She has been doing a lot of cooking and it all sounds good. Makes me ashamed of my soup that we had for dinner tonight. I need to get some inspiration from you and Gail.
      Pork chops are hard to cook. They dry out really easy. We usually put cream of mushroom soup on them and add onions and dress them up a little so they do not dry out. That is the only way that Ron will eat them. We usually have pork steaks. They are a lot more moist and usually taste good.
      I am not as sore as I was. We do bruise easier and pain lasts longer then it did when we were younger. It is not a fun thing to get older. It is better then the alternative. It seems like time goes a lot faster now also. There is just to much time in a day. I guess when we had our kids at home time went slower because we had a lot to do with them. Now we do not have as much to do.
      The sun is shinning here. Glad to hear that you have sunshine also. I think that the warmer weather is finally here. It is nice to have the sun out.
      Well that is about all from here.have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      It is strange that this keeps happening. I hope that they get if fixed soon. It is happening to all of us now. That is really aggravating and it is hard to remember to write all that you wrote the first time. I just heard that Prince died.He was only 57. Ron thinks that he died from complications from the flu. Will have to wait and hear.
      it is weird that they both have the same middle name. Ron and Jerry must be close to the same age. That does not matter really. It is just a strange thing that they have the same name. They are also junk collectors. The only thing that Jerry has that Ron doesn’t is a railroad car. Which Ron would get if he knew where to get one. He gets more junk then a person has a right to have. He watches American Pickers and he is like a lot of those guys, The only thing is his junk does not come in the house. That is where the line is drawn. He does have a few toys in here but the toys do not bother me. The grand kids play with them when he is not watching. he does not care that much though.
      The chairs are old metal chairs. One has a clam shell back to it and the other has a design on it. They both have arm rests on them and they are the skinny ones. These are not hard to get in and out of. They are a straight back. They are really comfortable. That was one good thing that he brought home.
      Your basement sounds really nice. It is like an apartment. That is really nice. I can see why Brent was comfortable down there. it was a nice place for him to stay. He can also have food down there that he likes to snack on. It is just really nice.
      It is nice to have left overs. Sure is nice not to have to cook every night. Ron’s family still picks mushrooms it is you just hear about so many people that get sick from them. Ron probably knows what he is doing but sometimes I am not sure. lol
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night. Hope you find something fun to do this week-end.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      You know, I cannot remember all the things I said in the post that got lost 2 days ago. I did one big one, to everyone. So, I do not remember what I missed telling you all form 2 days ago.
      One thing you reminded me of, is yes, all the people for Gary are now gone. He started outside PT today- he is there now, so we will have a late breakfast.
      It is overcast today, but still supposed to be warmer. Yesterday was real pretty.
      I have all the stuff out for the cake, and macaroons- just waiting for the eggs and butter to get to room temp. Too bad I did not do it in the middle of the night, as the cake would be done before Gary gets back form his therapy. Oh well- it gives me something to do later today.
      Pork chops are a pain. I prefer a pork roast- that is always good, and rarely dries out.
      the other night, Jhonny stopped by with Aizen to pick up a tool he needed. Aizen was so cute. He kept saying JJ was not here. When they left, I told him “Love you”, like I always do then any of them leaves. So, all the way down the stairs, he kept saying,” I love you Nana”. I heard that little voice the rest of the night. How cute are their tiny voices??
      I am glad you are not as sore. Life is too short for us to be sore.
      Gail has been making some real good dinners. It sounds like holiday season at her place. I hope she is getting the basement back together again.
      Hope your sun stays out, and mine comes back…LOL
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      It sounds like things are getting back to normal at your house and the baking is again commencing. Happy Birthday Bobby!!!
      We will probably have leftovers all weekend now. Love those leftover turkey and ham sandwiches. I told Greg not to get too used to this. Next week it’s back to beans and franks. lol
      We are having the insurance adjuster over on Monday as Greg put in a claim for the basement. He said we are the fifth claim for the same thing this spring. I guess if we need it we can get people to come in and move the things in the basement and rip up the floors for us. It’s something to think about.
      It’s a little cooler and cloudy today. With those three days of warm weather a lot of the flowering trees are in bloom and I see our across the street neighbors field of daffodils are in bloom. I just love seeing that.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I’ll bet Ron would love to have one of those railroad cars if he could figure out a way to get one and get it home. lol I recommend that you keep him away from Jerry.
      I know what kind of chairs you mean now. I remember those metal lawn chairs from years ago. I don’t think they make anything like that anymore. Those were built to last.
      We watch American Pickers too. Those two are quite a pair. I always imagine how sweaty and smelly they must be after going through all those old buildings in the summer heat. Plus who would want to touch all that old stuff which is probably full of mouse poop and who knows what else. I always think that I hope that their tetanus shots are up to date. We know someone who stopped at their store in Iowa one time and they said there was hardly anything in it. I have claustrophobia and one time they went through that mole guys rabbit warren of pieced together underground stuff. I practically couldn’t breathe just watching that. lol I was afraid it would all collapse right then and there.
      Well, I haven’t thought of anything fun to do yet. I gotta get busy.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      Not much blooming around here yet. the daffodils are out, and that is it. No tulips yet. The leaves are starting to peek out- tiny bit of green is showing. I am dying to go to the nursery to get another hydrangea tree, or 2.
      I made Bobby’s cake, on the warmest day this year. I hate working with frosting when it is this warm. It was really not hot enough for the air, and Gary said I should have just put it on while I frosted the cake. Honestly, it was so nice hearing the birds sing, I did not want to shut the windows.
      We are now having some showers, and possible thunder coming. How funny is that- form a frost warning to thunderstorms. Nowhere but New England.
      Did you hear about those poor 8 people in Ohio being murdered? What is wrong with people???? Not to mention Prince is gone. This is what I was saying to Gary. We are fighting terrorists on foreign soils, to protect us. At this point, we need the military on all our streets to fight the drug dealers. They are killing more people than the terrorists. It feels like we are at war with drug delaers, and they are winning. So terribly sad, all of this.
      the kids are coming tomorrow, who are not working, for Bobby’s birthday. he wants Chinese food, so that is very easy for me.
      I think it is a good idea to do the insurance thing. After all, that is why we pay the bill. I hope they are helpful to you. Water damage is the worst.
      I had so much I said in the post that disappeared. I know I was asking bout your basement, and how Kendall was feeling. I was even signed out, when I posted yesterday- had to sign back in again.
      Hope you have a good evening, and watch my buddy Tom at 10 tonight….LOL
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hi Quacky Girls – how is everyone on this Friday afternoon? It is really nice here today. The birds are just singing and the puppy dogs are sleeping away out in the soft grass. Jerry has gone over to his Mom’s and they are off on another adventure to the grocery store. She was over here twice this week. We just talked of old times, watched a movie, walked a little out to the pond and then had dinner. She is doing great. I know she really needs him now, and I am glad he can help her. I was telling him that I heard that the Queen of England is turning 90 too; and look at all she is still doing as well. Jerry’s Mom has always been busy doing something. I think that is one reason she is still going strong.
      Colleen, I have TWO railroad cars that I know Jerry will be happy *not really* to give to Ron. Those blasted things are just sitting out in our pasture serving no purpose whatsoever. But to him, they are worth their weight in gold. I asked him one day; what is going to happen to them when we are gone? and he said “I really won’t care then” LOL Even I had to admit he had a good point. I know exactly the kind of chairs you are talking about. I bet they fixed up really nicely. My parents ate polk salad greens when I was little. I can remember us just stopping on old country roads and everyone piling out of the car in the burning heat and them picking those things. But something about the stems I think I remember is poison. I’m not sure. It tasted like grass to me. That is something that Ron and Jerry have the same name. Franklin is a family name and was Jerry’s Dad’s name and is also our sons Joey’s middle name. I was always glad of that when I saw how close Joey and Jerry’s Dad became as Joey grew up.
      Gail, I cannot believe that you and I are on the same page with the holiday meals. I just went out and bought all the turkey and fixings for a Thanksgiving meal. I was planning on cooking it next weekend when all the kids are over. Neal came by and ate lasagna with us last night, and Joey picked up some on his way home from a meeting he had to go to at work. He called me later to say how much he enjoyed it. I can’t help it; but I am trying to put some weight back on him. He just hurts my heart to see him like he is, and so does Lisa hurt me. I so want them to be happy and be at peace.
      Hope you all have a great weekend. This is my and Jerry’s first weekend “alone” without Neal and Sarah. Who knows, we may take an extra dose of Geritol tonic and chase each other around! What do you think the chances of that are? So far; my legs are aching and Jerry just told me his back is killing him LOL Take care everyone. Barbara

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      I lost a post 2 days ago, that had a lot of comments in it, and well wishes for you. I wish I could remember all I wrote.
      it is so nice that Jerry and his Mom are enjoying this time together. I think I may have said this…..by the time winter comes around, she may change her mind about coming to live with you. We all seem to hunker down when it comes to winter, and she may feel safer in your home by then. It certainly would make winter easier for all of you. Who knows what the future may bring.
      I have not been able to find a turkey breast around here. Every time I put it on the list. Bobby says there was none. he could be lying, because he only likes turkey on Thanksgiving.
      I did Bobby’s birthday cake and meringue macaroons for Passover for Gary- we are suppose to go to my SIL’s on Sunday. Gary’s brother has progressed to being in a wheelchair. It seems like things are going downhill at a quicker rate. He is in a nursing home, and will not be there. Very sad.
      The sun was shining yesterday. Today was cloudy, but warm. Warmest day so far. Only the daffodils are out up here, so far. I am dying to go to the nursey to get another 1 to 2 hydrangea trees. I am going to put one out back, and one more out front. We are having a sprinkler put in, and I am looking forward to the lawn and garden being nice and green for a change, with no effort of mine…LOL
      Hope you rae gearing up to watch Tom at 10 tonight, before you chase Jerry around the bed. Love that Tom Selleck!
      How are the parents to be doing on their own? How about Neal and Lisa? They are in my prayers every night. I guess I am wondering if deep down, he still has some love for her, because he has not left yet. I hate to see our kids in pain, and not happy. Bobby has sworn women off, since his divorce, and it is very sad. He never goes out on a date. Ever.
      Did I tell you Aizen cmae by with his Dad the other night, to borrow a tool? All the way down the stairs, he kept saying,”I love you Nana”. Wait until you hear the sweet sound of a toddler’s tiny voice. You are going to melt.
      Hope your night is going well!
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      How’s everybody doing? I hope all is well with all of you. I had a mammogram this week. Don’t know the results yet. It was quite an ordeal getting home. I take a couple buses to get there, & back. On the way home I missed the bus that brings me back here. So I took the light rail (Max) which goes thru town. I got off down town to run an errand, thinking I’d catch the next one. Well, I went back to where I got off to catch the next train. I see red & blue lights several blocks away where the train would make a turn to come up the street. a few minutes later a man comes up to us telling us the train was involved in an accident & there wouldn’t be any more coming any time soon. We were left to our own devices on getting where we needed to go. He said shuttle buses, but he didn’t know when they’d show up. Of course it’s a fairly warm afternoon. I took a different train to another part of town to catch the bus I’d normally take home. I got to the bus stop & wouldn’t ya know I just missed it, again!! So, I waited for the next one. One bus flew by not stopping for passengers. When the next one showed up I told the other guy waiting with me I was gonna step out & stop it if I had to. I finally got home 3 hrs later!! The appt. was at 1:00!! Needless to say I was dead tired!!!
      I have a few notes from your posts so here it goes.

      I see someone has Dianne for a middle name. Do you know how rare it is to see Dianne spelled with 2 ns. Everybody wants to spell it with one.
      I have a 45 record of the song Amanda from 1973. It was sung by Don Williams. It’s a beautiful song.

      Ok, now to food. What is polk salad greens? I’ve heard of Polk Salad Annie, the song. Never heard of salad greens tho. All your “holiday meals” sound delicious!!! The way I cook pork steaks, chops, & sometimes chicken is to fry it up so it’s nice & crispy (not burned), remove from the skillet, pour out the access grease. Take a can of crm of mushroom soup & add to the remaining drippings. Add half a can of water to the soup mixing well. add the meat to the soup, making sure the meat is covered with the soup. Cover with lid & simmer for a few minutes on med heat. The soup makes a delicious gravy over mashed potatoes, & serve with fave veggie.

      We are back to normal temps for April. We’ve dropped 25-30 degrees since the first of the week. we had a couple thunderstorms come thru, but nothing like what you guys get. It rained all night last night, but was cloudy today. That’s more like it.
      I’m sending along a pic I took of the Rhododendrons out front. They’re just opening up. Normally they open up around Mother’s Day. It’s the hot weather we’ve been having.

      I know what you guys are talking about writing up a post only to have it disappear. I had the same thing happen, but I couldn’t remember all I’d written. So you’re not alone. It’s
      frustrating!!!
      Have a great weekend.
      dianne

      Attachments:
    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      What a beautiful color. My rhodies are purple. I like your color better. We are nowhere near a flowing date over here…LOL
      So today is Bobby’s birthday, and I did the cake yesterday. I also did meringue Macaroons for my SIL’s tomorrow. They are doing Passover late, (Gary is Jewish- I am Catholic) as she went for a week away with her daughter, and grandchildren. A well deserved vacation, as the poor thing has been going daily to the nursing home to visit my BIL- he has Alzheimers. he had to go to a nursing home a few months back, as he was getting very belligerent and hard for her to handle. very sad- he is now in a wheelchair, and they are having trouble getting him to eat.
      That was an awful mammogram. the next time your doctor says you need one, you will probably get the hives! Then add the heat to your trip back, and wow. I hope that never happens to you again.
      It is raining here, and we dropped 20 degrees from yesterday. It will be only in the 50’s this week. It was so nice yesterday, and we got spoiled.
      Hope you are having a good day- I hope I remember to take a pic of the cake.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hello Quackers
      Took a quick pic of Bobby’s birthday cake.
      Happy Birthday to bobby- 46 today.
      Adele

      Attachments:
    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Bobby’s cake looks delicious! I hope everyone enjoyed the Chinese food. 46 years old. You must have been a child bride!
      I did not hear about the murders in Ohio. For some reason I watch the news during the week but not on the weekend.
      So far we have done nothing this weekend but chores. I don’t know where all my energy has gone. It takes me so much longer to do things anymore-I can’t get the same amount of things done in a day as I used to.
      I hope the weather is nice tomorrow as Greg finally is getting to go out golfing.
      Here’s the further adventures of Piper. Last night she was modeling all her bathing suits. She would go into her room change into one and come out to the family room and twirl around and then run back into her room and change and do the same thing over and over. The child is such a ham. I told Jenny she needs to put her into the Milk Day princess contest when she is old enough as it would be just her thing. We just have to find someone to make a crepe paper dress as neither of us has those skills.
      Enjoy your passover visit-even though I know it is bittersweet due to your BIL’s condition.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Dianne,
      The flowers are so pretty. We have some blooming trees in the front yard right now. The problem is they come and go so fast that you really have to pay attention or you will miss them. It seems like all the spring flowers have such a short life span and they are my favorites, the lilacs and peonies and lily of the valley.
      Boy that was a heck of a trip back from having your tests. It was like everything was conspiring against you. Thank goodness it wasn’t raining that day so at least you could stay dry. I’m not surprised that you were exhausted.
      It is unusual to see Dianne with two n’s-everyone I have known previously had just one.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      I must admit I never had polk salad greens either. It seems like I have seen references to them in novels but never really inquired into what they actually were. We used to pick wild asparagus but we have our own patch now. In fact we can start picking this week. I imagine that Colleen has already had some of theirs.
      I remember when my sister was little she used to have to take Geritol because she was anemic. Boy I haven’t seen that stuff in ages!
      So what will you be making for your Thanksgiving in April meal? We have been enjoying the leftovers all weekend long. Sometimes the leftovers are the best part! lol
      I imagine between your sore legs and Jerry’s sore back you guys would be chasing each other around in slow motion. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Ladies,
      Check out Quacker on Zulily today. It kind of ticks me off because i just bought some of those items at a higher price on the Q. But there are some good bargains to be had-much better than the Q’s clearance prices. Remember Zulily does not take returns but we should all already know our Q size in Quacker so it shouldn’t be a problem to order. There are some good prices.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I cannot remember what I have written 10 minutes ago do not talk about two days ago. Hopefully they have gotten that fixed. That is really aggravating when you get all done writing and the whole thing is gone. At least we are okay now and can talk to each other.
      The cake looks delicious. I bet Bobby was really happy with it. Did your Chinese food go over as well as the cake? That is sad that Gary’s brother cannot be there for the festivities of the pass over. It is nice though that you all still get together for it and share that meal. They will be glad to get your macaroons. I feel so bad for your sil. It is hard when your husband is in a nursing home. My mom went thru that because my dad had health problems that he needed to be in one. My mom could not handle it so we had to put him in one. She was there every night to sit with him and she brought him sugar free candy and they would watch Wheel of Fortune together. We had to be there all the time also. One of us was there and spent time with my dad.
      That is so cute that Aizen kept saying that he loved you. They are so cute at that age. They are cute when they get older but in a different way. I know what you mean about those tiny voices. They mean everything they say at that age also. He is just too cute for words. Tomorrow I get to watch Aliza again while my daughter works. I am glad that it is only one time a week. It is a long drive and Ron will not go with me. So that is fine. He misses time with his grand baby and his grand son. We get to see him for a little while after he gets home from school. Ron says that he has things to do but Owen will not understand that.
      The has been out here also. It is really hot. We are getting ready to turn off the heat. We do have a heater if it cools down again. So we will not need the furnace. I love this time of year when you do not need the air on or the heat it cuts down on the bills. That is always nice.
      That is nice that Gary goes there for therapy now and you do not have all those people coming to the house. It is like you got your house back again, YEA!!!!
      Well I better go Ron wants to get on here and look something up. Will talk to you later.
      Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I did look up things on Zulily and they have some good prices on there. I do understand what you are talking about. Some things that I paid full price for are a lot cheaper on there. Some of the dream jeannes and capris also. What were they thinking. I guess QF does not have any control over what the prices will be on the q. We will just have to look on Zulily first before we buy. I was looking for a top that my mom wants to see if it will be cheaper on there then on the q.
      If Ron could figure it out he would have one here in an instant. He likes anything that he can store things in. Then we can have more junk. Just what we need.lol I have not seen anything that we could make big bucks off of. It is just junk. You know how when they go thru a place and say they will give 10 for something that is what would happen to Ron.lol You would think the way Mike and Frank go out hunting for things their store would have a lot of stuff in it. I wonder if Danielle was there working like they say she is. I bet it is a completely different girl. That would be interesting to go and see. They have not had many new shows here lately. I wonder if it is getting harder to find places to pick. They had to pick a lot of places already. They never seem to go back to places that they have been and picked more stuff. They do meet some weird people. I know the guy you are talking about. That guy was scary just thinking about that place that he had under ground. I did like the one where they went and the guy had all the circus things. Mike has mentioned Baraboo Wisconsin a couple of times So I guess they have been there before. That is a fun place to go. Our kids loved it when they were little. It would be fun to take the grands there some day.
      Is it hot where you are? It is really hot here today. We have windows and the door open or the glass on the door open trying to cool it off in here. The weather is really crazy. We are supposed to get some rain in the middle of the week and it will probably cool down a little then. It is time for the weather to get warmer now though.
      How is Kendall doing? I hope that they have come up with some answers for Jenny and Adam. It must be hard for them to just sit and wait for the results of all the tests that they are doing. We are still praying for her and hoping that they find some answers soon.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dianne,
      Sounds like you had a bad day when you went for you mammogram. That is a lot of buses to take just for a test. Hope you get your results back soon. I would have been tired also after all you went thru. Sure is a good thing we only have to have those things once a year.
      The flowers are so pretty. We have tulips blooming and other flowers. We have some purple flowers blooming and they are so pretty. I do not know the name of them. We have lilac bushes that are blooming also. We always start early here. Earlier then Gail and Adele.Probably not as early as you do where you live.
      That is the song that my daughter was names after. Amanda love of my life. That is such a pretty song but she does not like it. She probably feels better about it now then she did when she was in high school. She listened to rock and roll and did not want anyone to know that she was named after a country western song. We just laughed at her. We loved the name.
      Polk salad is kind of like mustard greens or spinach. It just has a different taste. You fix it with bacon drippings and onion at least that is the way Ron’s family fixed it. I do not eat it or fix it. It is not something that I am familiar with and do not want to mess with it. You would not believe what country people will go out and pick and eat. They know what is good and what is not. He family always lived out in the country and found stuff like that to eat. They are smarter then I am. I would be scared to try any of it.
      I guess the messages disappearing is happening to all of us. Hope they get that fixed soon. Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      Jerry and his mom are having a nice time together. It is nice that he takes her grocery shopping. I hope that he is getting use to it now and not in a hurry. I can understand his mom not wanting to give up her home. We have the same thing with my mom. She is 93 and she has fallen but still she wants to live in her house. So we just call her a lot and go over and check on her a lot. There is not much you can do if they do not want to move out.
      Ron would do the same thing with the rail road cars if he had them. He would stick them out in the back and they would sit there until the girls had to get rid of them. He may collect junk and put in them but it would be like all the other guys that collect. They would sit in that car until it rotted or someone went out there and threw it away. I really hope that he does not find any to bring home. Maybe I could fix one up for him to stay in. So when I am mad at him I can lock him out of the house and he can stay in there.lol
      If we would have had a boy his middle name would have been Franklin. I would not stick a boy with that for a first name. I do not know what the first name would have been but the middle name we are sure of. None of the girls used that name either. I guess they figured their dad never talked about his middle name so they would not use it. If that made sense.That is funny the similarities between Ron and Jerry. They are brothers from another mother like Gail said.
      I cannot believe that you and Gail are fixing all of these big meals. They sound so good though. Maybe later in the summer when we are sick of all the summer meals we will try a turkey or a ham for dinner. That really sounds good. Now we want pictures of you and Jerry chasing each other around the house. Does Geritol pep you up that much? For me right now it would probably just make me walk fast. I have not ran anywhere for years. Ron hasn’t either. We would be so tired before we caught each other we would have to take a nap.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I was just afraid I missed answering on an important issue. Who knows what I had in my post, as I did not notice it was gone, until the next time I came on. So far, it has not happened again, so we are good.
      Everyone enjoyed the Chinese food. Steph took some home, from the things they liked, ad we still have some left over for tonight. That is good, because I have to take Tillie for her brace today. She was supposed to go last week, and then they called, saying the brace was not in yet. I hope I get her in and out, with no problem, because I am very tired today. Saturday night was late- they did not leave until 10pm. Them yesterday, we did not get home form my SIL’s until 9:30pm. They were thrilled I made the macaroons- they all love them, so that always makes you feel good, when someone likes what you brought.
      All my Minnions are working today, so no help with Tillie. I am on my own- God help us!! She is on a walker, and I have the cane. What a pair of misfits we are…LOL
      I hope you have a god time with Aliza today, and get to see Owen for a while, before you have to get back home. At least it is lighter out longer, so that is good. I do not like driving in the dark anymore. Especially on small country roads, that are not well lit. I am becoming such an old lady.
      it got cold here again, and the heat is back on. no sun today- and rain on it’s way. That makes you feel lousy too. I am dying for the spring. It was so nice to hear the birds this weekend. When we left my SIL’s we heard the peepers too. Such a happy summer sound!
      Hope your day is great with the grands!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG Gail!
      I will have to take a peek.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      Look at my post to Colleen for the news on the celebrations- all went well. We are both pooped today. Two late nights in a row is too much for us old folks.
      Passover was good, and sad at the same time. My SIL says that Don is in a wheelchair, and is now fed with pureed food. We are going to go down to the nursing home w either this weekend, or the weekend after Mothers Day. He did not his daughter yesterday, when she visited, but, did not know her name. My niece says that is how it is, sometimes he knows her, and sometimes he does not. Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease.
      Piper is a hoot. Why do the costume shave to be made out of crepe paper? That is not easy to do, and lends itself for a lot of rips. Especially with Piper, who is such an active little cutie. I bet she would win for sure!
      Have to go get finished getting dressed to take Tillie for her new brace. I hope none of us falls, as I ma very tired today, and there are no available Minnions.
      Hope your sun is out- ours is not. Rain on it’s way.
      Have a good one- hope Greg got in a good day of golf, with good weather.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      If you miss an important question we will always ask again. We are a persistent group. I wonder what happened to Livia. She has quit posting on here. I hope she comes back on again. She was such a nice person and we would have enjoyed getting to know her. I thought that maybe I might have said the wrong thing to her. I hope not.
      Sounds like you had a lot of food. It is nice that Steph could take some home and you could have some also. Did Bobby like his cake? I can just hear Aizen saying yum. When he ate his piece. It is so much fun to be with the grands. They are so much fun and it is fun to listen to them as they get older. They sure have some strange ideas when they get into their teens. You really have to hold your tongue to keep from upsetting them.lol Ron and I are not too good at that.
      How did Tillies brace fit? I hope it is comfortable for her. She really needs to wear it. It is hard to wear that stuff when they want you to. I feel that way about the back brace. It is uncomfortable when I wear it. It was okay at first but now it bugs me. I am getting to be a pain as I get older.
      That is sad about you bil. It must be hard on the whole family to see him in the wheel chair and eating puree food. That is not easy to watch. It is also sad that his kids do not recognize his children. That is the hardest thing I think. It is good that they still go and see him. He needs to have family around him even though they do not know them. That is nice that they liked the macaroons. You always make good things for the kids and family and friends.
      Aliza is so funny. She is trying to turn from her back to her tummy. She is so funny. She gets so mad because she gets stuck on her side and cannot turn herself back to where she was. So had to help her every time. It will not be long and she will do it herself. She is starting to cut teeth. So she is a little crabby also. We did okay though. She did take a long nap without having to put something on her gums which was good. By the time that Owen got home I had to leave. I needed to get home before we got the rain here. We are supposed to have storms here also. That is not good. I wish we could just get some rain and that be it. But I guess we have to take the good with the bad.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen
      p.s. How did you and Tillie do at the doctors? Hope you did okay getting in and out of the car.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      How did you and Tillie make out getting the brace yesterday? That could have been interesting. My MIL and I always used to stop and go out to lunch whenever i took her for doctor’s appointments or tests. It was something for her to look forward to afterwards.
      I’m glad the birthday dinner went well. It must make Gary’s heart ache to think of what his brother is going through. I hope someday there will be more progress on figuring out how to stop Alzheimer’s.
      I must ask-what are peepers? Crickets? If so i never heard them called that.
      Greg used to be able to control his diabetes with exercise and diet but lately his numbers have been rising so he has to get back with the doctor and put another plan into action. Plus his tester thing is not working right so he may have to get a new one and I know you need a prescription for that. One thing is he is good about getting to the doctor if something is not right so I don’t have to nag him.
      Part of the Milk Day prince and princess contest rules are the dresses and suits have to be made out of crepe paper. When we first moved here the costumes were very simple but now they are much more ornate and it takes a real seamstress to make them. I am attaching a couple of pictures from a few years ago so that you can see what I mean.
      Gail

      Attachments:
    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Aliza sounds so cute. They do get mad sometimes when they get stuck trying to turn over. lol You and I both have babysitting duties on Mondays.
      It seems like those shows like American Pickers go on hiatus for a couple months and then come back with new episodes. I doubt they would ever run out of places to pick as there seems to be tons of places with junk laying around. I love the way the people are hesitant to sell something that they haven’t even seen in 20 years. I figure most of that stuff will be there when they die and unless they have a kid that likes that stuff too their poor children will be stuck trying to get rid of all that stuff.
      Speaking of that I think Greg is going to hire a company to come in and rip up the basement floors and make sure everything is dried out. I think that’s a good idea as I am not much help with all that physical labor and he’s not as young as he used to be either. So if the insurance money will pay for that it’s a good idea. Of course we do have a thousand dollar deductible to pay first. But it’s worth it to hire somebody to take care of the rest of it. We just can’t do everything ourselves anymore.
      If you saw the show where they went to pick the Clown Museum that was in Delavan, Wisconsin which is quite close to us. it’s the same town where we keep our boat in the summer. it’s been years since we took the kids to the museum and circus in Baraboo. It was a fun place to visit. I don’t know if they still do it but we used to be able to watch the circus train come through our town on their way back and forth from where they wintered in Florida. Lots of people would stop and watch the train go by with all the colorful old circus cars. It was kind of a throwback to older times. I wonder if they still do that.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG Gail!!!
      I cannot believe those are made of paper. How in the world do they get them to stay in one piece??? I am betting they are lined with real fabric. How adorable are those children! Piper has the personality, now you need to get her the princess dress to match.
      Well, it was interesting yesterday, for sure. I used to do the same thing with Tillie- go out for lunch or dinner. Not yesterday. Most of the appointment was ok. I had decided to park in the front of the building this time, as the back ramp has more of a grade, and Tillie had a hard time with it. The front one has less of a grade, but is a lot longer. First mistake. Going in, no problem. We were in there a long time, as she was uncomfortable with one area of the brace, and he had to keep taking it to make adjustments. We were in there almost 2 hours. So, I had to go to the bathroom when we left. I sat her on the benches, near the door, and the bathroom was on the opposite side of the building. Got her up, when I returned, and she was walking (new brace, and not used to walking with 2 of them-understandable) so slow that I began to be in a lot of pain. At one point, I leaned on the wall for support. I began to hyperventilate form the pain- it was getting quite amusing. I could not leave her, and walk ahead for safety reasons, not that I could have done anything, at that point. Finally get her in the car, and her walker in back, and myself in. Now, I am breathing heavy, and just sitting in the seat. Tillie asks if I have a heart problem, because of the fast breathing. No, that is what happens when I am in that much pain. So, no eating out- I was dying to get home, and rest the back. Still had to get her out of the car, and in the house. Poor Tillie apologizes. Told her not her fault- how can she walk faster with the new brace on? It is just my limitations with this back. It was worth a You Tube video for sure. The sad part is, now that I am home, and we could go all the places we wanted to go when I was working, neither of us have the ability to do that walking. So, when we came home, she had me order 3 more pair of capris from Quacker Factory, as she has gone up a size…LOL
      That is so good that Greg is on top of his health issues. Gary is not, and there is constant prodding from behind. It makes life a lot easier, and you a lot calmer when you know he is taking care of himself.
      Peepers are what we call the frogs in the spring that make that “peep, peep, peep”, noise near a creek, pond, etc- when they are mating. I am sure you hear them too. What do you call them? They have always been known as Peepers up here. isn’t it funny how the vocabulary is different in each section of the country?
      It is pouring here today. I am making chicken soup, with dumplings.
      hope your sun is shining- we still have the ehat on.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi colleen
      ‘Read my post to Gail on the Tillie info. This getting older is not easy, especially when you are elderly, and are taking care of your even more elderly mother.
      Bobby did love the cake, and that was the only thing Aizen ate Saturday night. he was not interested in any food at all. I have to say, he was not even as interested in the cake. He was being very busy, going form window to window, to see the pool, and his dad’s car in the driveway, plus everyone else’s cars. he loves cars. He was in “busy 2 year old mode”- you know how that is!
      The Chew just came on- that are celebrating Spring today. Someone needs to tell them we are not having any spring yet. It is pouring here, and very chilly- the heat is on. We are having some thunderstorms later, I hear.
      I hear your area is having tornado alerts. I hope to God nobody has any. Those are so scary. I will say a prayer for all my Quackers to be safe today, wherever they live.
      You are so right about teen, and teething babies. Both are tough. At least you can still say anything to the babies…LOL Not the teens!!!
      I was wondering about Livia too. I hope she is ok, and comes on again. It is nice when people join us. We learn so much form new people. I have not seen a post in a couple of days from Dianne. I hope she is ok too.
      Have a good day- soup is on the menu for today, with dumplings.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      That is a good idea to have someone come in and do the basement floor. That is a lot of work and a lot of lifting. I am like you and no help at all when it comes to doing things like that. I am getting arthritis in my fingers really bad. They are getting funny looking and bent. What a pain to have to deal with. Just keep using them as that is the only way to keep them working.
      Those costumes that the kids wear are beautiful. I do not see how they make them out of crepe paper. Wonder if they have certain people that you call to help with the outfits? I know that I could not have done that at all. By the time I was done it would be in shreds. That is right up Pipers alley. She would have such a good time. She would really be a diva that is for sure. She is just so cute.
      It is hard to figure out why people will not part with all of that junk. After you get so old you need to do something with it If you do not want to keep it. Some of those people never even look at that junk. Ron will probably keep all of his stuff and the girls will have to find something to do with it. I can just see it all now. Danyielle will have a trash truck come in and just throw all of it away. That is the type of person that she is.lol Ron does not have as much junk as those guys do though. At least I do not think that he does. I never go in his sheds. He has three of them.
      That place in Baraboo was a lot of fun. The kids use to love to go there. They had the acts there and when you went in you always could get a good seat. There were no bad seats there. They had that one tight rope walker that use to walk the wire out in the open. That use to make me nervous. She looked like she was going to fall off at any time. Which she wasn’t but I guess it is the thrill of the whole thing. Danyielle loved the magic act that they had. We also have a picture of the girls with the clown. He was a nice man and was always really nice to the kids.
      Not much going on here. We have had some storms here today. A lot of wind but no tornado’s though. We are just praying that the bad storms go around us. Hope they do not do damage anywhere or hurt anyone anywhere. I guess it is time for them.
      Better go. Have a good night. Hope these storms are not in your area. Be safe.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Don’t they have people that work there that will help you get Tillie in and out of the building? They should have someone. You did really good though. You and Tille both did well. Glad that there were not falls and no passing out. It is hard to do the things that we use to do. We get tired a lot easier then we use to and do not get around like we use to. It is hard for the kids to understand sometimes.They want me to go shopping with them and I do not like to walk thru the mall anymore. I want to get to the store that I want to shop at and get it done. My oldest daughter and I have a system worked out. She shops and I find a place to sit down while she shops if my back hurts or I get tired. We just call each other and let the other one know where we are. It works out really well. The other two do not understand and want me to be able to do like I use to. I have no idea why I got off on this,. Sorry. Did not mean to do that.
      That is funny that Aizen was into looking at the cars. Typical 2 year old like you said. Did you send some cake home with him? Maybe Bobby would not part with any of it. He is funny. He is a good son though cooking and doing grocery shopping for you. Not a lot of guys like to go to the grocery store.
      Dianne is probably okay. She does that sometimes. She will write and then not write for awhile. We use to write to each other before she came on the board. She runs out of things to say and she does not post. Now I will feel bad if she is sick or something this time. I do think that she is alright. We have not heard from Barbara for awhile either. Wonder if she is okay. We all just worry about each other when someone does not post for awhile. it is good to have friends like this.
      I like Tillies thinking. If you have a rough day order more capris.lol I am with her. Which ones did she get? You and Tillie do order color bottoms. I have been thinking of ordering the light grey ones but have not yet. Even thought about the pink or yellow. Just do not have the nerve. They had a pair of Ryka sandals for 24.99 on the q site so I ordered them. That was a cheap price for their shoes. They have shipped so am waiting to see them. I have ordered from them before and their shoes are so comfortable. A lot better then the Vionic shoes.
      We have been getting a lot of rain here and storms. So far no damage. Thank God for that. I had to laugh. Ron was watching his news shows and this guy was talking about the primary election on there and he said it was a nice autumn day. I thought now we are supposed to listen to a guy like him when he does not know that it is spring and not autumn. He is watching more of those dumb shows while I am on here. Those shows drive me crazy. Maybe that is why I am so crabby.
      I have not watched the Chew yet. Will watch it in a little while. When Ron goes in the bedroom to watch his news programs. I will be so glad when this election is over with. Wonder what all these news guys will do when it is over. They will not have anything to talk about.lol
      Well better go. It is getting really cloudy here. Hope you storms go around you and you have a safe and good night.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I’m baaaaaaack. I hope everyone is safe tonight. I heard on the news how bad those storms are that are coming your way. they sound terrifying!!! Make me glad I live out here in the NW. yes we do
      have storms, etc., but nothing like what I’ve heard on the news today. Stay safe!!!

      Now for the reason I wasn’t on here. Over the weekend (early Sunday AM) I had to call the ambulance to take me to the ER. I don’t know what I did but during the night I woke up in EXCRUCIATING
      PAIN!!! I could not get comfortable. When I turned on my side I could feel my heart flutter. Well having congestive heart failure, I got a little scared, so I called 911. The pain was in the upper back, mid section. I’d heard that sometimes women’s symptoms are different from men & back pain is one of the symptoms. Thankfully the EKG turned out fine so the heart was okay. I was diagnosed with Acute bilateral thoracic back pain. I have no clue what I did, cause I got undressed, ready for bed, did the usual bedtime routine, no pain. It wasn’t until later that night when I was in bed that it hit. I don’t know if I turned over wrong or what, but it was verrrrry painful!!! The Dr gave me a prescription for a muscle relaxer & gave me instructions on how to deal with the pain, ice, then heat, alternating.
      I did some gentle back exercises, & I feel a lot better now. The meds make sleepy so I sleep a lot & it has helped. Don’t be concerned or worried or feel bad. I’ve had a bad back my whole life. But it’s usually the lower back that I have the most problem with. My primary Dr. wants me to come in tomorrow, so this should be interesting. Because I went to the ER by ambulance is the reason why, I’m sure.
      It’ll take a few days to heal up, but I can still get around, more slowly than ever tho.
      I did feel well enough to cook today. I made a batch of Butterfinger cookies. They’re not bad either. A change from the usual chocolate chip cookies.
      We went from July temps back to the normal April temps this week. Cloudy, showers (off & on), cool. Upper 50s/low 60s. That’s more normal for here. but they say we’re in for upper 70s this weekend.

      Gail, those kids costumes are fantastic!!! Hard to believe they’re made of crepe paper. Wow!!! Somebody’s sure talented!!
      I know what you mean about your mothers not wanting to give up their homes. I used to do live in caregiving for the elderly women who didn’t want to move out of her home. I was able to live there with them. Some were a joy to take care of & some were not. Same goes for the families. Some were really nice, & some not so much. I do hope they are able to take care of themselves. I’d hate to see anyone of them end up in a nursing home. there isn’t enough money on this planet that could get me to work in one of those places. Give me one on one every time!!! It’s the bad caregivers that give the good ones a bad name. I hear how some go into the homes & rob the old folks blind & I just blow a gasket every time I hear that!!!

      Let me change the subject. What is American Pickers? I;ve never heard of it. I’ve heard of “Hoarders” or Storage Wars. Are they similar? I’m puzzled about why would anyone want an old train car just to sit out in a field & do nothing with it? I could understand if they were going to fix it up & live in it or use it for extra company.
      Well, I guess that’s it for tonight.
      Stay safe.
      Dianne

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      If Greg get a hold of the place where his meter comes from they will replace it for free. The strips are what cost the most money so that is where they make theirs. If he does not have the box there should be a place on the back with a phone number to call when your glucometer quits working. I have had to have a couple of them replaced and the company is always good about replacing it. If they do not send him one they will send him a coupon to get one. If his meter is old they will update it for him. It is something to check up on. Sometimes in the docs office they will give you a meter and a script for the strips. Also they will have a number in the book they give you to log your results of the test in. That is just an idea. I hope that they have not changed all of that. They just gave me a coupon for a Accu Chek meter at no cost. Just for the strips. Hope this helps some.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dianne,
      I am sorry that you were not well this week-end. Just thank God that it was not your heart. You can just turn the wrong way and have back pain. I have a lot of back pain also. I have to go to a pain clinic and I also wear a brace when I feel like it. It bothers me sometimes to wear it.
      I feel bad now. I just told Adele that sometimes that you do not post on here for a day or two. I know when we wrote to each other we did not post every day. I feel awful. I am so sorry that there was a problem. Any time you go to the ER the doc wants to see you in his office. They want to check to be sure that you are okay. I use to work in a nursing home. I love working there until the rules changed there and then it was not a good place to work. You could spend a lot of time with the patients when you had a break in the day. We met some interesting people.
      We had storms here but not a lot of damage where we live. Thank God for that. Adele is supposed to get storms tonight hope they are not severe. Have not heard if they went up in Gail’s direction or not. She sometimes will get storms if we have them here or vice a versa. She lives in Illinois and we are in Mo. So we are only a state apart. She lives in the northern part of the state if I have that right.
      American pickers or a couple of guys that go around and look thru peoples junk looking for things that they can sell. They own two antique shops and they sell a lot of different things. Well at least that is supposed to be how it is. Gail commented on that the other day. I think one of her friends went to their store in Iowa and there was not much in there. It is interesting to watch. They find some things that date to the late 1800 to the early 1900’s. They really find some interesting things and tell you all about them.It is done in a way that it is not boring. They buy old signs, car parts, old toys and things like that. You will have to watch it once if they show it in your area.
      Ron my husband and Jerry Barbara’s husband collect junk. Jerry has two train cars in the back yard and Ron would love to have one to store things in. We have three sheds already but we can never have enough storage. There is no reason for them doing this but if it keeps them happy. They are not as bad as some guys are though.
      I will be praying for you and that you get better soon. Hope that the muscle relaxers help and the pain goes away. Your cookies sound really good. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Wow-that was some day that you and Tillie had! It’s scary that the pain can take your breathe away. I’m glad that you both got home safely. You and Tillie both deserved some new Quacker after that day.
      I don’t know if they line the dresses with something else. If I remember I will ask Kelly-Jenny’s SIL-as her daughter Mya was in the contest a couple of years ago. Her friend’s mother made Mya’s dress but Jenny can’t ask her as she will probably be making a dress for her own granddaughter that year. I’ll bet Jenny’s MIL will know someone else who makes them.
      It is interesting how we have a different vocabulary for things depending on which area of the country that we are in. Have you ever heard of an egg cream? I used to date a guy from New York and he always talked about egg creams-which is something that we call a phosphate here-for a long time i had no idea what the heck he was talking about.
      We just call the frogs-frogs. We have a pond which has frogs and toads and bullfrogs so I guess i just hear that stuff as background noise.
      We are back into the 50’s here again too. We were supposed to get storms Monday but they passed us.
      Sometimes I think Oklahoma gets the most storms. I have a friend whose sister lives there and I would worry about her all the time if it was me. That seems to be a state that catches lots of the bad storms.
      We do have two beautiful flowering trees in our front yard right now and next month we will have lilacs and peonies and lily of the valley. I love this time of year when everything bursts back into bloom and the trees just begin to sprout little green buds. It makes me feel so hopeful and alive. I guess I just like the whole rebirth thing-that’s probably why I like the butterflies too. It makes me feel like we can all grow and change.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Dianne,
      I’m sorry that you hurt your back. Back’s are so funny and sometimes it just takes the smallest thing to set them off. I know sometimes my husband will hurt his just from bending down or the smallest little movement. He has sciatica and he usually goes to the chiropractor when he is having problems. It was smart to go get checked out though because if it was something with your heart that needs immediate attention.
      When my MIL lived with us we would have someone from a company called Home Instead come in and stay with her if we wanted to go out. They usually would try to send the same person that she already had a relationship with so that was always very nice for her and for us too.
      I think Colleen already explained about American Pickers. It’s on the History Channel-I believe on Wednesdays. I guess there is a lot of emphasis on re-purposing things so sometimes they find architectural pieces too-that people will use in decorating their home.
      I think sometimes people will use old railroad cars or those containers that they use for shipping on boats for storage units. It’s a lot cheaper than building a barn or pole building and people will store their lawn tractors and other gear in there. We have a pole building and even though my husband doesn’t collect junk (too much) we have two boats in there, lawn tractors, a small bobcat and we keep the pickup truck and plow in there.
      Your butterfinger cookies sound so good. I love butterfinger candies. Are they made with them?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I’m sorry that the arthritis is bothering your fingers now. I’ve been having problems with my hands too lately from the RA. But I also don’t want to be put on more medicine so I’m hoping that it’s a flare that will pass. About all we can do is try to keep them moving so as not to lose mobility. My Mom’s fingers got bent to the sides but she still managed to play her keyboard and crochet-it was probably good for her fingers.
      Most people hire someone to make the princess dresses now-years ago the kids mom’s would make them but now they have gotten so intricate they are beyond the skills of many home sewers.
      I think many of those people that have those buildings full of stuff that they never even look at have to be some form of hoarders. I just can’t understand the mentality of not wanting to part with it if it’s just going to sit there and disintegrate otherwise. Now when Greg and I are driving someplace and we see somewhere with a lot of junk laying around we always remark about how Mike and Frank would like that place.
      We have been lucky and the storms have missed us so far.
      I remember when we went to see the Baraboo circus. Because all the seats were so good we were sitting towards the front but it made me very nervous when they had that performing bear in the ring without any kind of leash and they weren’t in a cage of any sort. I was just about ready to bolt right out of there. That made me nervous.
      I’m with you. I like the Rykas much better than the Vionics- I have not been able to wear those-they rub in the wrong place or something. You should sign up for the daily newsletter from zulily that tells you what they have for sale each day. Sometimes they have Rykas or Skechers and the prices were good.
      Thanks for the info about the meters. I told Greg about that this morning. He has a doctor’s appointment on Friday so we’ll see if she wants to put him on medication or what and he will take his meter and strips with him.
      Here’s something weird. Yesterday Greg got this delivery of a huge box from Amazon Pantry and I couldn’t figure out what the heck he could have ordered or why he would have ordered from Amazon pantry as that’s more something that I would do as it is food or household things like laundry detergent or paper towels or things like that. He didn’t get home until later as he had rehearsal so as soon as he got home I asked him what the heck he had ordered from Amazon Pantry. Of course he said he didn’t and i said i didn’t either. So he opens it up and it’s got several boxes of coffee and things to use with your Kuereg. There’s no invoice in the box so we have no idea where it came from. The only thing we can figure is it’s a mistake or there is a guy that he does business with that has been sending him stuff lately so it could be from him. It’s really weird! Maybe we have a fairy godmother!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      It is funny how we call things different names all across he land.
      Tillie was so tired yesterday, she did not have her braces on. She said she was really tired from going to the doctor. It was so cold here, I made soup, and they all enjoyed it last night.
      Today, I am meeting my friend Nancy at Friendly’s this afternoon, for the early elderly dinner, or “Lupper” as I call is- lunch/supper.
      It is really chilly here. My friend heard an entire peach crop was ruined due to the frost. One farmer lost his entire crop. I am not sure what city or state it was. I wonder if the apple crop has also been affected.
      So, what is an egg cream/phosphorus?? We have neither term up here.
      I am glad you have not been affected by those awful tornados. I hope Colleen and Barbara are ok too. Dianne is on the other side, and she should be ok. We are certainly having scary storms lately.
      I bet those costumes have some kind of lining- they have to. I cannot imagine them working any other way. I am so curious to find out. I hope you can getone made for Piper. She would be so adorable, and the highlight of the show.
      Hope it gets a little warmer for all of us, or the flowers will be in shock.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      So glad you are back. I know what you mean about your back. I also have a bad back, and had 2 surgeries so far. I hope no more, as they would have to repair the back all the way up next time, and I will lose a lot of mobility. I do a lot of damage when I sleep too. You turn the wrong way in your sleep, and wham! When you wake up in pain, you have no idea what you did. For me, it tales a few days to get it to stop, like you. Sometimes it gets so bad, that I end up with that series of 3 shots in my spine, to put a cushion between the discs. Have you ever had the shots in your back?
      that must have been awful scary when you called 911. Even though you are in pain, I am glad it was not your heart. You are in my prayers, and will stay there.
      We had a lot of rain. We did not get any thunderstorms, like they said we would get. So, we were spared up here. I am hoping Colleen was spared too. I read that Gail is good. We will have to wait to see what Barbara says.
      We are really cool here too, with frost warnings every night. I hope this ends soon, as I am dying to go to the nursery for a couple of things to plant outside.
      Hope you are feeling better, and your weather is cooperating to make you feel good.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Funny you said that. I did ask the man who did her brace if she would have trouble walking to the car, and he said no. I should have gone with my gut on that one. I know this sounds awful, but, I honestly think some of the young reception staff look at me, and feel I should do more to help Tillie. They gave her a tote bag for her shoes. She already had a bag she was carrying them in. I cannot carry bags. I do not even use a handbag- I have wristlets to go out with. I attached the bag to her walker, and she has her bag in one of her hands, while they are on the walker. I feel that because I am a heavy person, they think I am lazy. Sometimes I apologize, and tell them I have a bad back, and had 2 surgeries already, and some time I do not. There is one girl at reception I do not like. She sees me struggle with the door to get Tillie, out, and gives me a filthy look. Never gets up to help, or ask if we need help. I know what she is thinking- that I am big, and it is all my fault I use a cane, and the weight has nothing to do with the back. It is the other way around. The bad back, and my lack of being able to move like everyone else can, has caused a huge gain for me over the past 10 years. I really hate to go to that office. But, the doctor is so nice, and the man who does the brace is a sweetie. Just that one girl I cannot stand. If Tillie were not with me, I would say something to her.
      I got the new bright pink colored zipper crops. Tillie has put on a few pounds, and got a size larger in capris- khaki, and light denim- on 2 different designs. One is on waitlist- I hope she eventually gets them.
      We got awful rain, but, no storms. I was more worried about you, and the tornados. I am so happy you were all spared.
      Do not feel bad about saying how you shop with the girls. We all do it that way. We have to, with our backs. It is tough when some of them do not understand. They are really in denial. They do not want to see us have any failings.
      Marissa came by for breakfast with Enzo’s Mom, Pena. that was nice. But, Rissy got called into work early, and then they had to leave quick. That was too bad, as I was liking their morning visit.
      I am meeting Nancy today at Friendly’s for an early dinner. I like when we can do that, as I do not get to see her so much since I retired. We talk all the time, but she ahs trouble with stairs, and cannot come her to visit anymore. so we go out to a place we can get into easily….LOL This getting older is certainly funny.
      hope your weather is improving- ours is still cold, with frost warnings every night.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      It is strange feeling when you have arthritis in your hands. You cannot open things like you use to and open some doors. So if we do not want that to happen we have to keep using them and make sure we do not lose mobility in them. I guess that is the right word. This getting old is not easy.lol
      You would have to have a special talent to make those dresses and suits that the kids wear. It is nice that they will do it though. I cannot imagine how much time that it takes. I hope that Piper will be in that pageant she would be cute.
      It is funny about the people with all the junk. I like when Mike and Frank will help someone get in touch with a museum and sell their stuff there. They had that woman whose husband was a bike racer. They called the guy that had the museum and he bought the motor bike and the helmet and a couple of other things that told the history of the man and his motor bike. It is nice that they would do that for people. I guess that is why a lot of people will let them onto their place.
      I will have to find Zulilly news letter. I get something from them but it is always about things for kids. I will have to look it up and send for it. It does make it nice when we can get those things cheaper then on the q. Did you watch Chics night in tonight? I taped it and have to watch it yet. Will watch it after I get done on here. Hope that they had some nice things on there.
      I hope that the info will help him. Any way that you can save money now days is a plus. Those things can be a pain to have to replace.
      That is funny about the box for Amazon pantry. That must have been a surprise to both of you. How will you find out who sent it? Does the guy tell you or do you have to get a hold of Amazon and find out? That is a real mystery. It was nice to get all the coffee though. That man is very thoughtful to send things to you and Greg.
      Glad that you did not get the storms that we had here. We were supposed to get more tonight but so far nothing. I hope that they are wrong and we have a nice night. Then there is going to be more over the week-end. This is a bad time for storms. The spring and the fall is really bad time of the year.
      Well I hope that your fairy godmother sends you more surprise packages. That is nice.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That is terrible that the girl behind the desk is so rude. She should have come right over and helped you. It is none of her business why you cannot help just that she can and should. I do not like people like that. That is one of those people that you hope gains all kinds of weight and people treat her the same way. She has no right to do that. I hope that they fire her. I bet the doctor does not know that she treats people like that. People that are young do not understand all the problems that you have when you get older. They will find out one day.
      I did not get any of the pants with the zips on the legs. They bother me. If they are that zipper that they have on some of the jackets I cannot zip them up or down. I do not know what the deal is but I just really have a problem with them. You both got some really cute jeans.
      We are fine here. We did not get any damage or tornados here. I think that it may have hit in other places. Have not heard of any real bad damage though and no deaths or injuries. Thank God for that. It is good news to hear that you did not have any trouble either. We are supposed to have more storms this week-end. We will see what happens.
      How nice that Marissa and Pena came by for breakfast. It is a shame that it ended early. Hope that next time they can stay longer and you can have a nice visit. I hope that you lunch went well also. it is nice that the two of you can go out to lunch. It does make it hard when you cannot go up and down the stairs. At least you can both go out to lunch and have a good time. That makes a lot of difference.
      How is Tillie doing with the new brace? Hope that she is getting use to it and not having a hard time walking. That must take a while to get use to. She is lucky that you could take her there to get fitted for the brace just sad that they have that rude girl working there. It just makes me mad that she treats you like that. I do not like rude people.
      Not a whole lot going on here. Have not heard from the kids lately. Guess they are all doing fine or they would call. They always call when they need me.lol My youngest is still in Texas. They should be coming home tomorrow. It will be nice to see the kids. We miss them when they are gone for that long.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I hope you’re all safe & sound from those storms. Sounds like the tornadoes by passed you. It was down right cold here today. I went to the Dr. & just wore a light weight jacket. Big mistake. Usually if I wear a heavier jacket, I end up hot & sweaty by the time I get home. I had to turn the heat on when I got home to warm up. It’s supposed to warm up this weekend tho. I call it weather whiplash. We go from 20-25+ temps above average to below average temps in a matter of a day or so.
      I went to my regular Dr. & he gave me a script for some pain pills. I’m sorry to hear about everyone’s back issues. It can be sooooo painful. I haven’t needed surgery or shots so far. Right now it’s just muscle strain. Thank you for your concern & prayers. I appreciate them all.

      This younger generation seems to have the idea they’ll never grow old. NEWSFLASH: they’re getting older just like the rest of us!!! Oh I wouldn’t hold back. I come across it sometimes. On our buses they have signs that say the front seats are for the elderly, or disabled. A lot of times the younger kids don’t move even tho they’re supposed to. One lady on the Max line actually argued & she wasn’t either elderly or disabled. She said I had to ask her to move. She was in her late 30s or early 40s. Makes me furious. It makes me wonder if their parents taught them anything. Obviously not.

      About my cookies, I just made my cookie dough like I would for chocolate chip cookies, but substituted broken up Butterfinger candy bars. Last holiday season they had pkgs of Butterfinger baking pieces for sale, I wasn’t sure if they were pieces or actual chips. All you need to do is go to the Dollar Tree, buy a pkg or 2 of the candy bars, put em in a Zip Lock bag & take the rolling pin & break em up into small pieces. I do that with walnuts for my brownies. I LOVE brownies with a creamy icing!!

      Well, I guess that’s all for now.
      Take care.
      dianne

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Every time I write to you I think that I am writing to the singer. By the way-I love your music lol.
      Does Tilly have the braces on both feet now? How is she doing? I know what you mean about people looking at you funny. Sometimes I just want to scream-yes, I am fat! But I used to be thin and I am still the same person that I was then so put away your dirty look and stop being so judgemental. You never know it could happen to you-I never imagined it would happen to me but here I am and I have just as much right to be here and enjoy my life as you do-so just tuck away your snotty thoughts and have a little compassion. So there! Anyway, what I’m saying is I get it and I don’t understand that person’s attitude. If I see someone struggling I try and give a hand if I am capable. She would feel so much better about herself if she lent a hand. Okay, I’m done now-that just pisses me off-pardon my French.
      I hope that you and Nancy enjoyed your blue plate special. Every once in awhile Greg and I will find ourselves coming back from somewhere and wanting to stop for dinner but it will only be four or so and we will be laughing about how old we are getting eating dinner so early. lol
      How nice for Marissa to make a stop for breakfast. Too bad she got called in to work and you didn’t have enough time to chat.
      Boy! It’s cold here again-in the 40’s. Brrrrr!
      Jenny has a couple of years to find someone to make a dress as I don’t think you can enter the contest until you are five.
      Okay so a phosphate is seltzer mixed with a chocolate sauce or a strawberry sauce to get a chocolate phosphate. They used to make them at a regular soda shop. I doubt that you can get them anymore. Don’t ask me why they call them egg creams in NY. I haven’t had one since I was a kid and we had a regular soda fountain in town.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I have lots of tools for help opening bottles and jars with weakened hands. I would be lost without them and scissors. I remember when my Mom used to have trouble opening things and I would just roll my eyes and now I am in the same boat. Sometimes at Jenny’s I can’t get things open for the kids and I don’t have any of my tools and I get so frustrated. Especially because Adam is 6 foot 5 and he closes everything really tightly.
      I remember seeing that motorcycle episode on American Pickers. Sometimes they do really nice things for the people where they are picking.
      I saw Chic’s night in-not much there and they repeated every item.I guess Angel is on vacation so Patrick is covering for her. I hope she’s having fun.
      I think Greg e-mailed Amazon trying to figure out where this package came from. I don’t know how long they will take to get back to him.
      Kendall is having her ultrasound today. At first they told Jenny she would have to do two-one fasting and one full kidneys but then they said they can do both at once so that’s good. Hope everything checks out okay. She hasn’t had any problems for a couple weeks so it’s looking more and more like it might be those abdominal migraines.
      It’s cold here again. I guess spring just can’t make up it’s mind.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Great news everyone. I had an e-mail from Debbie last night. She has been going to a chiropractor and that has helped her ear tremendously. She is also doing some food allergy testing but says the masto will sometimes skew the results-so she is also experimenting with which foods might be triggers. She has taken some trips with the garden club and is working in her yard and planting so she must be feeling pretty good. She says to say hi to all. Man I am relieved as i hadn’t had any answers to my last three e-mails. Whhhoooo-Hooooo!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey everyone!
      That is great news about Debbie. I am sure everyone is thrilled to know she is ok. We all get worried, when we are not on here, as we all have our issues.
      It is fabulous to hear our Quackers are good, and sparkling along!!!
      Yahoo!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      Ok.. So your phosphate sounds like our “Float” up here. You have vanilla ice cream mixed into a big glass of Coke. You still see some of the ice cream on top of the Float, as it is not mixed in all the way, so to speak. A little like a Shake, but instead of with milk, it is with a Coke. I bet that is why NY calls it an egg cream- if it is the same thing. This is just too funny!
      I laughed when I read your response to the nasty young’un at the doctor’s office. I swear, if Tillie were not with me, I would give her a little lesson in disabilities, how we got here, and how the virtue of kindness will get you a long way in this world. We were so different when we were younger. If I saw a large person struggling, my thoughts would be…that poor thing, let me help, not look at that fat slob- they should be ashamed of themselves.
      it is the attitude of the younger generation. Everyone has to be stick thin, and perfect. that does not even work when we are young. By the way, this girls was not that thin- she had some meat on her, and I am betting she will be full figured by middle age.
      Tillie’s braces fit the bottom of her feet, and go in the shoe, and up the back of the leg to almost the knee. Now, she has both feet in braces. She has not had them on, since her doctor appointment. I am betting she will not be wearing them at all, unless she goes out. that then presents a problem, as she will never be used to them on both feet.
      So, our little Piper has to wait a couple of years to win the Princess trophy. God, I hope we are all still on here when she does!!
      Nancy and I did have a good time, as we always do. She had a burger, and I had the fish and chips. We topped it off with the free senior sundae….LOL
      Hope your weather is warm. Our sun is shining- yahoo! Still chilly out there.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Dianne
      Those cookies sound great. I bet they smell good baking too.
      I guess we all run into nasty people out there. Honestly, it really bothers me for days. It hurts your feelings, and then you get ticked off, when you cannot send some snarky comment their way. I just did not want my mother to feel embarrassed, or get upset for me, so I had to choose to ignore her. I hope I do not have to take her back there. I would have a hard time holding my tongue the next time.
      you know, I have a visual of you giving the woman on the bus the “what for”, with your hand on your hip, and your head going back and forth….so am I right?? LOL Good for you, for sticking up for yourself.
      The generations after us were not taught to be kind, and I feel it is getting worst. It is such a shame that kindness is no longer a necessary virtue to practice.
      I hope your back feels better soon. the ice makes such a huge difference. Plus, the arthritis meds (Celebrex) that make the swelling go down- or Advil, Motrin, or Alleve.
      It is sunny here, but still very chilly. Heat is still on in New England!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      read my posts to Dianne, and Gail, on the nasty woman at the doctor’s office. I have to laugh, or else I may never take Tillie there again…LOL I feel the same way- I hope she gets bigger as she gets older. She is not a very thin person, I may add. Karma is a bitch, as they say…LOL
      I am so glad you did not get any damage from the storms.
      Bad little Tillie has not had her brace on since the doctor visit!!
      Frankie just got here, so I have to get going……..read my posts to everyone else for the news of the day.
      Still cold here.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I am going to have to go looking for something to open jars with. Right now I use a rubber band. It helps to keep my grip on the lid of a jar. Even use it to open a soda or tea. (in bottles) I may have to get an electric can opener and stop using my old hand one. It is just so discouraging not to be able to do what I use to do. So far my hands are the worse of the arthritis. I really do not have it that bad. Do not take any type of medicine for it. I know that yours is a lot worse. You have RA and that is pretty painful.
      I thought they were repeating things last night on Chics Night in. At first I thought the maybe there was something wrong with the dvr. That was really strange. I wonder what happened. That was different. Patrick tried to match a few things but it seemed like Albany would go off on something else and he did not get to finish. Sometimes she is kind of flighty. Must come from her having so many kids. Hope they do not do that again. It is not much fun seeing the same clothes twice.
      Poor Kendall. I feel for her having to have an ultra sound on her kidneys. I will be praying that everything comes back okay. It is a lot easier if they do both of them at the same time and not make her come back.That is just too hard on a little girl. It may be the stomach migraines. She seems to be a nervous person when put in new situations. I wonder if that would be a cause of it. She is so nervous at the beginning of the school year and then she gets over it and is okay. I feel so bad for her. That will be really hard for her not to be able to have anything to eat or drink after midnight. That would be hard on a little one. I just feel so bad for her.
      It has been in the upper 70″s here and after the week-end showers and storms the weather is supposed to drop down to the 60’s. So that will not be too bad. At least we will not be freezing. Ron turned off the furnace and put the heater away. So it will get cold at night and we will have to drag the heater out again. No way are we going to turn the heat on again. That is really a pain in the neck.
      I got my Ryka sandals today and they are really nice. Now I have to get some new tennis shoes. I am not sure what kind that I am going to get. I really do like the Ryka’s though. Maybe I will just go with them. have to think about that.
      Well that is all from here. Will talk to you later.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      You need to figure out a remark out to make to that girl that is aimed right at her but Tillie will not get it. We all need to put our heads together and thing of something to say that smart ass and put her in her place. Sorry about the language. That really does make me mad that she would treat you like that. She needs to have some lessons on manners. She should not be working in that office. She needs to be working in a prison where that type of manners are tolerated.
      We have coke floats here. I thought that phosphates are different. They have chocolate and different things like that in the glass with a seltzer not so much a soda like coke. I may be wrong but that is what I always thought they were. This is something that we need to look into. They use to make them at the drug stores when I was younger but never asked for one. Always got a coke float or a cherry coke. My grandma use to make us ice cream sodas with orange soda and ice cream. She would sometime use strawberry ice cream but mostly it was orange. It use to taste like the dream sickle.
      Don’t let that girl hurt your feelings. She is not worth the effort. There has to be a way to tell her off without being really loud or let Tillie know what is going on. There has to be a way. These kids need parents that will teach them how to act.
      I hope that Tillie will start to wear that brace at home and get use to it. She will be so much more comfortable with it on. She will be able to walk with out turning her foot. Your mom is like mine though you cannot tell her anything. My mom just looks at me like I am your mother do not tell me what to do. She has a lot of attitude for a lady of her age.lol
      well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Colleen,
      I recently got a pair of those gloves from Temp-tations with the silicon on them. They work great for taking things out of the oven & opening jars. Mark Charles Misilli also sells can openers that have several different things that open a lot of different jars/cans. I’ve thought about getting one, but haven’t. They open cans from the side of the can, & you don’t have a sharp edges. Any of them cost about $20. I’m happy I got the gloves, they come up on the arm protecting your arm from burns. They come about half way up my arm. I got the hot pink OW. They’re thick so the heat doesn’t come thru.
      I know about not being able to open jars like we used to. My neighbor, Kay can’t open anything anymore so I open them for her. One these days I won’t be able to. I use those gloves a lot. Check em out.
      David has them on ITKWD from time to time. They sell out of some colors, but they have a lot of colors in both OW & FL. Temptations is my weakness.

      Is getting late so I’ll talk more tomorrow.
      dianne

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Nope a phosphate is not like a float. A float is soda and ice cream-root beer floats are popular around here. A phosphate is seltzer, chocolate syrup, and milk kind of mixed to make it all foamy. Like I said- I have not seen one in years. My Mom always used to order them. They are less sweet than a shake or a float-probably because of the seltzer base.
      Here’s the thing about Tillie and the braces from my own experience. She probably figures if she is just sitting around the house and not walking much that it is just a pain to put them on. Also are they hard for her to get on and secure by herself? Does she have to struggle to get them inside her shoe? These are all things that I struggle with myself so I was wondering about her too. Also I have to wear mine with tie shoes and just bending to tie the shoes is a struggle when you have a lot of weight in your belly like I do.
      Just some thoughts I had on the subject from my own experience wearing a brace. I have no idea if any of this applies to Tillie’s situation-I just thought that I would throw that out there.
      Still cold here. We will probably go from jackets straight to shorts. That seems to be how it works.
      I am going to Jenny’s Saturday night. She is having one of those craft parties where you make something like a wall hanging. Jenny is making a thing where you use blackboard paint to make a board with the days of the week to write your menu. I was thinking about doing that one as I always used to write a menu each week but now with just me and Greg I rarely do it anymore. So instead I am doing a board set up like a scrabble board or a crossword puzzle (since I like both of those things) that has words like home and love and family on it. It should be fun. Jenny’s birthday is Sunday so afterward she and some of her friends and her husband are going out for a drink since Enya will be staying there and she can watch the kids. it’s terrible-i can’t remember how old she will be. She was born in 1982 so that will make her 34-she and Brent will be the same age for two months until Brent turns 35 on June 30th. I always had fun with that one when they were young and they were the same age for two months. I liked to confuse people-what can I say-I am a little evil-actually people were either a little confused or else they thought I was a sex fiend. lol Sometimes I explained and sometimes I didn’t depending on my mood. lol Sometimes I just need to be a little mischievous.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      They used to have several kits on the Q with tools for opening different things but I don’t know if they carry any of that anymore. I always have had an electric can opener and i have another tool that helps opens those cans with the pop tabs. I also have something for soda bottles and jars. There’s a nifty tool for jars that you just put under the lip and pull up and it breaks that seal and you can open the jar right up. I was with my friend in a kitchen store once and I found those and recommended that my friend get one for her husband as he has bad arthritis in his hands and he loves it. I guess I am the queen of opening gadgets as i found it so frustrating not to be able to do those things myself anymore so this gives me a little independence.
      I was thinking the same thing when I was watching Chics night. I didn’t watch it but was just flicking through and was wondering if there was something wrong with my recording as it looked like they were showing every item twice. I’m sure they have enough inventory not to have to do that-it makes the show kind of a snoozefest when they show everything twice. Albany in general is a little too scattered for my taste and Patrick is a good presenter so she should just let him do his thing in my opinion.
      I haven’t heard from Jenny yet about Kendall’s ultrasound-I’ll hear from her today. I’m sure stress has a little to do with the migraines but i also think that the main thing is certain people are just prone to them.
      We still have heat on. I resisted turning on the AC when we had those few days in the 80’s . But we can just switch back and forth between the two without any trouble so it isn’t a big deal.
      If you needed new tennis shoes and you like Ryka I hope that you checked out their TSV yesterday as that’s exactly what it was . Ryka tennies. They looked cute. I think they were the canvas ones. I hope that you saw them.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      We all need to be mischievous now and then. It is good for our souls.
      We do not have anything like a phosphorous over here.
      I hope you have a great time at Jenny’s. What a nice thing to do with her girlfriends. it reminds me of the Tupperware parties. We also used to have “naughty Nightie parties”- did you have them too? Those did not last as long as the Tupperware ones did. But, they were hysterical, as I recall. Of course today, there is no need for those at all, as all is out there for everyone to see.
      Take a pic of your craft, so we all can see the great thing you did!
      Tillie’s braces actually stay n her shoes, as she rarely changes the New Balance she wears out. Need I say, she rarely wears them in the house??? So the shoes and braces look like new. She did wear them yesterday, and said she was so tired she did not come upstairs to eat last night- had to send her down a piece of cake- made an Angels food cake yesterday on a whim.
      Hope everyone is good. Sun is shining here, but windy, and cool.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi colleen
      We do need to put our heads together to find a way to say something, without Tillie getting nervous. If she knows, she will never go back to that doctor again, and she likes her…. the needs of the many win out over the needs of the few….LOL
      We have nothing here like the phosphorous drink. It does sound interesting. I used to love the Vanilla Cokes. there is a diner in NH that still has them, and every time we went there, I got one. I do not usually drink soda, because of the calories. Once in a while, I have a treat. There is nothing like a piece of pizza, with a Coke.
      our mothers are the old fashioned kind. the kind that told you what to do, and you did it….LOL LOL
      hope your day is going well!
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Girls, I just typed for a solid hour catching you all up on all the news, and poof, it just disappeared. I am so tired and can’t remember what all I was telling you all. This is just crappy. So I am not going to take the chance of this going away again; so am just going to say we are all okay. It has been really stormy here and supposed to be that way all weekend. Jerry and I had popcorn for supper. It doesn’t get much more exciting than that LOL I haven’t been able to get on here for days; so I should have known better than to have tried to catch you all up all at once. Will try more later; I am so tired and kind of put out with this thing right now. Hugs from grouchy Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dianne,
      Thanks for the info. I will have to look it up on the q site. It is nice that we all have similar problems and know where to look for gadgets to help. Have you ever watched that home care show that they have on here. They use to show walkers or things like that. I wonder if they sold helpers like that on that show. Those gloves sound really nice. That is something if they still have them I will order. I need it and it is nice that they come up that far. Sure would save me from burning myself.
      How is your back? I hope that you are not feeling a lot of pain.I go to the pain clinic and they take care of my back. I am avoiding surgery. I have heard of so many people that go for surgery and then they have to go back again for another surgery. There has to be a way to fix it permanently. Just wish I could find it. They have been talking about lazer surgery but am not sure if I want to do that. They just talk about it on tv have never heard of anyone that had it done.
      Well that is about all for now. Will talk to you tomorrow. Have a good night.
      Thanks again for the info.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      We are going to have to start looking around for things that will help open things. Will have to go to a kitchen store with Danyielle when I am up there. We do not have anything like that around here. That is the only bad thing about living in a small town. You have to drive into the city to find things that you need.
      I wonder if Angel and Albany talk and goof around so much that they do not show that many items. Then Wednesday when Patrick was there he did not clown around as much or start talking about some of the things that they talk about and they did not have enough things to show. They should have known that he would not talk and clown around like the girls do. He does not know her as well as Angel and so he stuck to showing the clothes. He tried to match clothes on the show but it seemed like she would move on to something else or she would go and sit down and eat the snacks that Kristie made. Angel seems to just go on with what she is doing and lets Albany do what she wants. It is a shame that they did not work with him more.
      I hope that Kendall got thru them okay. It is a pain to have ultra sounds done when you are an adult but to have it done when you are a child. It just really bothers me but she needed to have it done. We are praying for her and hoping that it is nothing. You are right about people being prone to those things. I just hope that everything is okay. I cannot imagine what Jenny, Adam, you and Greg are going thru waiting for the results.
      It is so much nicer to have the central air. Ron decided on the window unit instead. So he has to move the thing every fall and every spring. it is a lot more work then he thought it would be. I do not say a word just let him move the thing and watch. He always does things in a hurry and then regrets it when it is over with. He should just stick to his junk. lol
      I missed out on the Ryka’s yesterday. I thought about ordering them but then forgot about them and did not think of it again. I wonder what those shoes are like that you do not have to tie or velcro. I think they call them bungee or something like that. They have a pair and they look comfortable and no trouble to put on and take off. I will look at them again and see the price. Maybe look on Zulilly and see if they have them on there.
      Sorry to sound so dramatic about Kendall. I just went thru that test on my kidney and it hurt a lot but it probably was nothing like that for her.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I drink a lot of diet soda. That and diet tea. When you are diabetic and do not like coffee that is your caffeine for the morning.lol I probably drink more diet Pepsi then I should be there is not a lot of things that I like to drink. I am just too picky.
      They use to make vanilla cokes here also. I am not sure that they do that anymore. I have not asked for a cherry or a vanilla coke for years. It kind of makes you want one talking about it again. I love pizza and that sounds good also. That will make a good meal when the grands come and stay this summer. I am getting hungry and it is too late at night to eat anything.
      We are going to have to think of something. It is a shame that we can not do some type of set up for her. Have some one sit in the waiting room while you are in the room with the doctor. Then when you and Tillie try to get out the door they could jump up and say oh mam can I hold they door for you. I cannot believe that the girl behind the desk does not do that for you. But you would have to have someone that Tillie did not recognize or it would not work. If any of us lived in the area one of us would do it. Then the conversation could go on from there. Then at least Tillie would not take it so personal it would be the person that helps fault that the remarks were made. You could look at the girl and just say I realize that you are really busy but we could use some help here. It is hard with all the hard wear that I have in my back to get the door and help my mom. Make sure there are other people in the waiting room. You have to say things like that to make it seem even worse.
      Well I have a funny story about my mom. We went into the grocery store and when we went to pay I had somethings in her cart that I wanted to buy. Well she put them with her things and when I got the money out to pay she slapped my hand and told me to stop it. Everyone just had a shocked look on their faces. I did not know what to do so I just stepped back and let her pay for the things. I just laid the money on her dresser before I went home. Now I do that instead trying to pay in the store. My brother and oldest sister always laugh and tease me about it.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      It was good to hear from you. We just are glad to know that you and Jerry are okay. We have all had that happen to us. We will type out a long answer and then it will just disappear. It is so aggravating and there is nothing we can do. What makes it even worse we cannot find it again. It is somewhere in cyber space.
      Your weather sounds like ours. We are supposed to have storms all week-end also. Well they say it one day and then the next they say only on Saturday and no rain on Sunday. Now it is back to all week-end. We will see. Hope the storms go around you and you just get rain.
      Things will look better tomorrow. Hopefully your post will come thru next time. We were all a little grouchy when it happened to us also.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Barbara!!
      that happened to almost all of us last week. It was only once, so hopefully, it will not happen to you again.
      So glad you are good. But wondering why you are so tired. Keep safe in all that bad weather. We are getting more rain tomorrow.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hi Colleen
      That is a hysterical story about your mother. I can visualize you standing there, and I am laughing my butt off.
      Those are good ideas on handling that nasty girl. I am just seriously hoping we do not ever have to go back, until she is fired, or gone. you know, someone like that doe snot usually last long in a job, because you can see on their face that they do not want to be there.
      I cannot believe it is still cold here- it is windy, and chilly, and in the 50’s. I feel like this will never end. Is your weather getting warmer?
      I am glad we heard form Barbara, and so happy she did not get any of those tornados.
      I forgot to ask Gail how Kendall’s ultrasound went. I hope it went well, and that they figured out what is wrong. It is awful when one of the grands has something wrong. You just want to fix it.
      I am making whoopee pies today. I saw the recipe in the Yankee Magazine, and wanted to give it a try….since it is still so chilly here, and the oven warms the house up.
      hope your weather is getting better, and you can finally get outside without freezing.
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello to all! I am going to try to write to you all before this thing “kicks” me off; whichever comes first LOL I really miss you all when we don’t get a chance to chat. It is really cloudy here today; had one thunderstorm about 5 this morning. I know it was 5; because me and Auto Kitty were up roaming around the house. My shoulder was just killing me; I’m sure it was due to all this rain; and Jerry said his back was really bothering him; so he took some medicine during the night ( which he tries not to do unless it’s really hurting him more than usual)
      Adele, I think I am tired because I am anemic, and my blood count is probably down again. We both go to the doctor this week for our checkups; so I am sure I will get some B12 then. We take Jerrys Mom for her check up next week. Sounds like all of us are just having a full schedule of doctors visits. Gail, how is Kendall doing? Am praying for a simple fix for whatever it is that is causing her all these problems. By the way, Adele, I have something you could say that I don’t think would make Tillie not want to go back. Here goes – hopefully the room will be full of people – “Bless you heart, you must be SO behind on your work to not even be able to take a moment to stop and help. Is there ANYTHING we could do to help you Dear?” Now, keep in mind that you will have to watch Steel Magnolias (the movie) so you can get your sarcasticly sweet Southern accent just right. When her face begins to turn beet red; just repeat “Bless your heart” and she will be seething on the inside and you will look like such a heroine trying to help HER out when obviously to everyone; good manners would dictate that SHE be the one helping you all.
      By the way, we (down here) call Whoopie Pies Moon Pies. Same thing, but ours are just coated in chocolate and have the whipped marshmallow filling. I have been eating those since I was a little girl. You used to could buy one a nickle when I was little. And they were huge back then. They were kept in a big plastic jug at the end of the grocery check out and people just reached in and got one. Can you imagine? When I think of the things we did back then, and how much things have changed now. Boy, I am getting old.and grateful for every single year.
      I was just thinking of a funny story that my dear BIL told us one day. He had polio back in the 1950’s, and had to live in the “crippled childrens” hospital from the age of 8 through 19. He actually went to school there and graduated high school from there. He was in an iron lung for the first few years, and Jerry has told me stories of how they couldn’t go inside to visit him because polio was so contagious then; so they would move his iron lung to a window and put a mirror in front of his face so he could see his brothers outside and they could see him. (is anyone crying? Such sad times) But he got a job after they fused his whole spine and he always had to wear a leg brace on one side, and his arm on the other side was just hanging. So in spite of all this; he did well and married and had three girls, and retired after 30 years at a company. Here comes the funny part (finally LOL) He and Paw Paw (who walked with a full sized crutch) and he walked with a crutch also; went in to have lunch at a local restaurant one day, and he said that it took him about 5 minutes to be able to get out of the booth, and then he had to try to help Paw Paw out which took at least another five minutes, and as he was passing a couple seated close to them, he overheard the young man say, “I don’t know what is wrong with those two, but I hope we don’t catch it” He said he couldn’t help but laugh, he had such a good sense of humor, and I think that is one thing that helped him through life. He told me one time that he knew that the minute he walked into a room that all people saw was a man crippled man who walked funny and half of him was shorter than the other side; so he knew he had to make a good impression to make them get past how he looked. And once he began to speak, people just loved him. We miss him terribly; he really was the glue for Jerrys side of the family. So when I think my hair is all sticking out; or I should be slimmer; I just think of Jimmy, and how he lived life to the fullest.
      I have crock pot soup going today. Thought that would be good instead of our popcorn. Nothing special planned for today. Jerrys Mom was telling him that she was out pulling weeds out of her back yard earlier this morning. Jerry said Mom I will be there soon and we will get it done. Here I sit knowing I need to dust my ceiling fan blades, and also knowing it probably won’t get done. ha ha But I am going to make a trip to Big Lots. I know that is one of your favorite stores, Colleen. Did you say that you have gotten a mattress from them? I am looking for a mattress for our futon, and I saw where they have some. Guess what else I’m looking for? Some TV trays for me and Jerry. We have also developed the habit of eating in our recliners. Ha ha.
      Do some of you ladies live above NY city? Have you all been there? I have always been fascinated by there, and think I would like to go, but can’t really imagine going that far away from home and if it is safe there, and things like that. But would love to see it around the holidays.
      Better close for now before this things flys off somewhere. I am baking today. It is a strawberry cake that I saw Trisha Yearwood make on her Food Network show. Wish me luck, it is kind of hard; but not too bad. It will keep me busy, (not like dusting wouldn’t ha ha) Have a great day everyone. Hugs across the miles, Barbara

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Girls,
      I’m off to start a new discussion page. I’ll see you all over on the May discussion.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Don’t forget to check the alerts box.

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