It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All!

[Gail Norusis]

#73102

I don’t know what’s up but i wrote something,selected some pictures and then the submit button disappeared. sometimes this site is so goofy.
I’m still under the weather. Made soup for dinner tonight and drank lots of tea. Greg is better. He never seems that sick to me as he goes to work and i have to go to bed or I never get better. Maybe he has sympathy sickness.
Colleen, it seems like you just won’t ever like the tree in spite of what Ron says. I agree though-5ft. seems small after 61/2 or 7 feet.
I hope I feel better soon as I am itching to get decorating. Haven’t done a thing yet.
Adele, I hope the kids enjoy the show. A Christmas Carol is my favorite as I love the theme that it is never too late to change and do better. We have seen it done by a local theater company. This year I got tickets again for Christmas Guitar Night after skipping it for a couple of years. Don’t know if we will have time to see any other Christmas shows as December just whizzes by.
I will have to post my pictures in smaller groups.

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[Gail Norusis]

#73106

Stupid thing doesn’t like one of my pictures as every time i try to put it on the submit button disappears-so i will just skip it. I’m not in the mood for all this frustration! lol

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[Gail Norusis]

#73109

More.

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[Gail Norusis]

#73116

A few oldies.

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[Gail Norusis]

#73125

Hi My Quacker friends,
Just got off the phone with Brent after his visit to the gastro doctor. He has scheduled him for a colonoscopy on Dec. 14th because he says his symptoms are consistent with colon cancer. Needless to say we are quite upset. However, what I don’t understand is if someone thinks it’s cancer don’t they schedule an emergency colonoscopy? Also why would the doctor say that as there are other diseases which have similar symptoms. I think he should have told him something like it could be this this or this-rather than it sounds like cancer. Am I wrong about this? Maybe I just don’t understand how these things work. All I know is I was upset once because my MIL was having bleeding and after going back and forth with the doctor the next day she was in the hospital and prepped for a colonoscopy. Which turned out fine by the way. It just seemed like this doctor was very blunt and didn’t even give him any suggestions as to what else it could be. We need lots of prayers again. It seems like I’m always asking for them. Thank you all so much my friends.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#73135

OMG Gail…who is in that tree costume? that is hysterical!
I hope you are feeling better today. It is such a miserable time of year to be under the weather. Bobby has had a cold, on and off, for the past month. I got it a while back, and it went away, which i was very happy with.
Tillie did not feel good again last night. her belly was upset again. When I called her later that night, she felt a bit better. This eye thing is really putting her over the edge.
Our cutie Tom Seleck is on tonight. I hope Blue Bloods stays on for a long time, as I really look forward to that show all week long. I love all the characters in it.
So, tonight is the tree lighting in our Town. The play practice was cancelled, as it seems like all the families will be in attendance. I hope they do not freeze out there…
Hope you are feeling better- order some hot and sour soup from a Chinese restaurant- that will clear up your sinuses, for sure. can you get any Chinese take out in your area??
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#73137

That’s Brent dressed like the tree.

[adele shanbar]

#73139

That is so funny. I love that costume.
Any news on Brent yet?
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#73141

Read what I posted above.

[Anonymous]

#73144

Gail of course I will say prayers for all of you. Did Brent never have a colonoscopy before? They really push everyone to have them around here. I have so far refused one just did the other test where they check your stool. I am not worried about the test itself. It is just the prep for it that freaks me out. I do not know what the doctor was thinking and I do think the colonoscopy should be done right away.

[Anonymous]

#73146

I still love Greg the elf.

[Gail Norusis]

#73149

Brent is only 36 and the recommended screening to begin testing is age 50. Naturally they ask about family history of which we have none as we got no info when he was adopted. I just feel that this doctor had no tact. My sister can no longer get screened as the prep makes her violently ill-so the doc weighed that against the other possibilities and just told her to skip it unless absolutely necessary.
Thank you for the prayers. I did some research and ulcerative colitis has similar symptoms so perhaps it is something like that. It’s going to be a long two weeks.
Gail
Yes I love Greg as Buddy the Elf too but he has retired his elf stockings to give other people the chance to see the ONP kids on their special day.

[adele shanbar]

#73151

Hey Gailster
You are right to be upset. That doctor should never have said that. Seriously? Now the poor kid, and all of yo, are a wreck for the next 2 weeks. I will be praying you will be upset for nothing. I pray this is not cancer, but something that is an easy fix. Dam. He must e so upset, and so far away from all of you, makes it even worst for him.
I hope his girlfriend is super supportive. Please keep us in the loop. Did he say if an appointment freed up, that they would schedule him sooner?
Prayers and hugs.
Love ya, Gailster.

[adele shanbar]

#73153

Hey Sue
totally agree. the Elf is a cool dude….LOL
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73155

Hi Sue and Gail
The prep is tough. It made me dehydrate, and get sick to my stomach. So, I have refused to do one again. I think the new stool test is the way to go. My friend’s mother had one, and it showed an issue, which they were then able to follow up on.
We will all be praying as hard as we can, that Brent will be ok. Gail, there are so many things with the digestive system, it is unconscionable to have put him in the position to be so worried for weeks. not to mention the rest of you.
Also hope Sue’s test shows nothing of concern.

[Gail Norusis]

#73157

Adele,
They could get him in a couple of days sooner but he wanted to wait until he had days off because you have to be home the day before to prep too. Plus he is a working man and can’t take too much time off as he needs the job and the insurance. It is a dilemma.
I could just slap that doctor for having such a poor bedside manner. Thank you for the prayers. Will keep everyone in the loop but it will be two weeks of just agonizing waiting.
Gail

[Anonymous]

#73159

I do not think today’s doctors have the bedside manner of the older doctors. The insurance also limits the time the doctor can spend with each patient. I have seen it online at my doctors website & it will say 15 min sometimes 20 min. You have to sit & wait for them but they hurry you out the door.
Where is Dr. Welby when you need him?

Since you are not on Facebook I don’t suppose anyone saw the Quacker Christmas lunch & fashion show. It was a good show & showed many of the Christmas fashions. Tim & Karen Bice were there as well as John Mason & his wife along with the entire design team (I met all of them on the cruise). They also brought out James and Tiago. If you read Patrick’s blogs he did interviews with most of the team.

[Dianne Danielson]

#73161

Hi Ladies,
I need prayers for Jewell. She’s not acting herself today. Something is wrong, but I don’t have a way to get to her vet. I called the vet, but they couldn’t get her in today. I have a 10 am appointment tomorrow. I’ll have to take a taxi I guess, but they’re soooo expensive even tho the vet isn’t that far away.
Pleeeease say a prayer that she’ll be okay. Life won’t be the same without her!!!!
dd

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[Dianne Danielson]

#73168

Oh Gail,
I hadn’t read your post about your son till just now. Now I feel awful about asking for prayers for my kitty when your son is looking at colon cancer. OMG!!! I don’t understand either why they didn’t make an emergency appointment if they think it’s cancer. The sooner they find it the better. My Dr. keeps at me to get a colonoscopy. I’m not having any issues, but because of my age I’m guessing. I’ll pray for a miracle for him. Again, I’m sooo very sorry for what seems like insensitivity. Sending prayers.
dd

[Anonymous]

#73170

I will say a prayer for your kitty. I am sure Gail will understand as she had dogs & know how big a part of the family they are so will not think you are insensitive.

[adele shanbar]

#73172

Hey Gail
It is such a time consuming process. I hope he does ok with the prep.
It is awful that you all have to go through this during the holidays. I hope the end result will make it worth the worry. he has been through so much sadness, you would not be surprised i for his digestive system to have some stress related issue that is what I am hoping for.
I hope you are feeling better, and can enjoy the friday night shows.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73174

Hi Sue
I totally agree. No more Dr Welby. Those days are long gone. The insurance companies dictate everything. Our insurance company has been trying to send a nurse here to talk about Gary’s care- not. We have said no, and will continue to do so. I do not want them to get any ideas on what they will or will not approve because of Gary.
I did see the notice on facebook, but I did not watch it- was putting the ice bag on, on and off today- will be back in my chaor in a minute.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73176

OMG, DD
Your pretty kitty. We would all be devastated if something happened to her. She is part of the Quacker family.
of course we will all say a prayer. Let’s hope she has something simple. You give her such good care, and treat her so well. We will all be waiting to hear what the vet says. I hope the taxi ride is not too pricey.
Prayers and hugs, to you and Jewell.
Love, Adele

[Colleen]

#73179

Hi Gail,
It is not right that the doctor just assumed that it was colon cancer. He should not even talk about it until they have run the test and see the results. Some doctors just do not have a good bedside manner. He needs to get one and not scare his patients half to death. Brent is in my prayers and he will stay there as long as he needs the prayers.
I love the pictures that you posted they are so cheerful. I love the big house all decorated outside it was so pretty. I love a big house like that but it is too big for me to live in. Can you imagine all the cleaning that you would have to do to live in that place. You would just get a couple of rooms done and it would be time to start over again. Well as slow as I move these days it would be like that.
I hope that you feel better also. Just take care of yourself and rest all that you can. Do you have a cold or sick to your stomach? This is such a bad time to get sick that is for sure. Will be saying a prayer for you also.
The pictures that you posted bring back memories. I can remember when you posted them a few years ago. You seemed to have such a good time doing that. Do you think that you will ever do that again?
Well that is about all from here. Please take care and rest all that you can.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#73181

Hi DD,
I am so sorry to hear that Jewel is not feeling well. I will be saying a prayer for him also. He is a part of the group on here we have seen so many pictures and he really is good company to you. Hopefully this will pass and he will be okay. The vet may be able to give him something to perk him up. Please let us know what the vet has to say. Jewel is just so pretty.
Jewel will be in my prayers.
Colleen

[Gail Norusis]

#73207

Hi Everyone,
Adele, I think I’m the only one of you guys that don’t watch Blue Bloods. So do you guys like the stories or do you just like looking at Tom? lol We missed our weekly visit to see the kids last night as I had a tiny temperature and don’t want to get everybody else sick. We stayed home and Greg cooked his walleye from Canada so we were very British and had fish and chips. We were pretending that we were the royal family. lol It gave me an excuse to wear my tiara to dinner.
Sue, you are right where is Marcus Welby M.D. when you need him. That was a blast from the past. I remember watching that with my Mom and I think she measured all real doctors up against him. I think my favorite TV doctor was Hawkeye Pierce as I have always been a sucker for a man who could make me laugh. So that’s a good fun question for all of us. Who is your favorite TV doctor?
You are right Sue, the insurance companies control medicine now-somehow that is so wrong on so many levels. But yet no one could afford medical care without insurance so we are just all stuck with the present system.
I knew that Quacker show was on and I did see a little bit of it even though I am not on Facebook. I didn’t have time to watch the whole thing and thought maybe it would eventually get posted on this site.
I hope Jewell will be all right. We worry about our animals so much when they are sick. DD, I didn’t think you were insensitive at all. Up until now we have had animals throughout our 44 years of marriage and they are truly members of the family. Prayers for Jewell and wishes for a speedy recovery. A few months back Jenny was worried about one of her dogs and they did tests and couldn’t find anything but she wasn’t eating and had a sore stomach. Well, after a little time she was feeling better so they just figured that she had some digestive distress and chalked it up to the fact that she is getting a little older and these things will bother her sometimes. I hope it’s something as simple as aging.
Colleen, I think what i have is a cold as I have cough, stuffy nose, sore throat swollen glands and a tiny fever. I always get things so much worse than Greg does and it seems like it takes me so long to kick it.
It takes me long enough to clean my house as it is. Thank goodness Greg takes care of the rooms in the basement as that is a whole other third floor of cleaning and I can’t even keep up with the other two floors. How I wish for a one level house now. But you don’t think about those things when you are building it. At that time you want lots of space to accommodate you and your friends and your kids friends. Now we just have the two of us rattling around in all this space but i know Greg won’t give up the property until he has to so that’s the way it is for now.
I don’t think we will work at ONP again. Greg has hung up his tights. lol It’s time to step back and let the younger generation do all that stuff. We still support them through their fundraisers and that’s good enough.
Gail

[Anonymous]

#73219

I just thought I would mention that Carol Burnett is having a 50th Anniversary show tomorrow night. Her show use to be so funny especially Tim Conway. We could all use a laugh so I hope they show some of the old clips.
DD How is Jewell today? Did you get to the vet?
Gail keep us updated on Brent.

[Gail Norusis]

#73221

Sue,
Thanks for the reminder. Carol Burnett had some timeless skits. Do you remember when Carol played Mrs. Wiggins-Tim Conway’s secretary. Well after my parents moved to Louisiana and Dad had his office out of their home my Mom was his secretary and they used to goof around and reenact that skit. lol What can I say-I come from kind of a crazy family. A bunch of amateur thespians-just really a bunch of hams. lol

[adele shanbar]

#73223

Hey Gail
So, I have this picture in my mind, of you and Greg, sitting with your robes on, you in your tiara, and a crown for the King and Master Chef.
You two are hysterical.
If I had to clean 3 floors, I would be dead by now. So glad Greg does the downstairs for you. That is a huge help.
We all love Tom, but the story line is great too. It is the family dinners, and the interactions between the generations that I love. It is a reminder that family is the most important of all. All of us are sad that Danny’s wife was killed off. We are wondering if he will get a girl friend this year.
I hope you feel better soon. You must have missed the kids last night, and I bet they missed you too.
Everyone came over for a visit. It was really funny. Gary went to get Steph and the boys, and while he was gone, Amanda landed, and said her mother was on the way too. We had a good chuckle, as everyone decided to visit at the same time. Only Marissa was missing, as she was working. I got to hug the stuffing out of Aizen. That is becoming our thing, as he opens his mouth when I hug him……I have him open his mouth to see if I hugged all the stuffing out, and of course, I never do, and then hug him again.
the knee is good today, and I am grateful the shot worked, and it is not sore. Yeah!
I hope we get good news on Jewell. Not to mention some on Brent too, of course.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73225

Hey Sue
I think we should all watch the show. We do need a laugh!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73227

Hey Gail…..
now we know where you got your sense of humor!!
Adele

[Barbara Smith]

#73231

Gail, will pray for Brent everyday. How cold and callous that doctor was to tell him such a thing without knowing absolutely sure this was the case. Now instead of planting a seed of hope he has planted a seed of doubt; and no one who is already worried about not feeling well, needs anything negative to have to think about. I really found working in my job was so fullfilling because of all the areas of medicine I worked in; the Trauma unit was the most positive; we can and WILL do everything possible to help your loved one. And we actually meant it; and no matter how hard it was to do; we didn’t give up; regardless of all odds. So; if this brings you any better feelings; just know; that there really are good people out there in medicine who will look after Brent and help him to get better.. you all and Brent have GOT to put this insensitive person out of your mind, and be as positive as you can. I know you are worried; rightfully so; but he went to the worst extreme of “guessing” and there is also a “best” guess as well. I just wish if he had to say anything that he would have given his “best” guess. Hugs to you all and to him. I hope you are feeling better too. That is sweet that Gary helps you with the cleaning. Jerry is really good to help. He has to wait until evening time; because his back is usually doing some better then. But since we don’t exactly have a strict schedule; it is fine with me. He is good with if I cook he cleans; or vice versa. We have started the team approach to a lot now.
DD. I hope your Jewell is feeling better by now. We love our little four legged babies so much. They bring us such comfort; so much love. Right now, our Auto Kitty is all rolled up in a bath towel that hadn’t gotten folded yet with the others. It was warm out of the dryer; and he pounced on that right away. It is clear here today; but chilly. He is like me; does not like to be cold. Prayers for your baby too. We all know how much our fur babies mean to each of us.
Adele; I love your little game with the baby and hugs with his mouth open. That is such a cute idea; I think I am going to have to borrow it from you all. I am glad your shot in your knee has helped you. Poor Tillie; I know she is wanting to feel better; and it seems like she is up one day and not feeling so good the next. I kind of hesitate to ask; since I know how much Ron doesn’t like this LOL, but do you think some potato soup would be good for her? It seems easy on the tummy, and mabey she would enjoy that. Prayers coming your way too.
Gail, I think it was a good idea for you and Gary to step back and let the new generation of ONP folks do all the hard work you all have done so many years. You all have left them some big shoes to fill. You should be very proud.
Sue, are you and Cuddles doing okay? Does he have any arthritis issues? Our Ruby is showing some signs. We have to give her Tramadol at times. The Vet said it is arthritis. He said it is the same medicine they give humans. He doesn’t have her on an anti-inflammatory but said just to give her this when she seems in pain. You know our OZ lived to be 19 and didn’t ever have a problem with stiffness or soreness in his joints. I really do miss him. He was such a loving dog.
Well, I know you all are tired of reading. Our son sent us a video last night of him putting a Santa hat on the baby; and the baby felt his little head and stuck his head right out at at son and said “DADDY” just so plain and clear and went just sashshaying off swinging that little bottom and talking. He is going to be a little character too. Big hugs and prayers for everyone. Barbara (and please forgive me Gail, if I said anything inappropriate)

[Gail Norusis]

#73242

Hi Adele,
I know-Growing up in a crazy family you have to develop humor. You should have seen the Christmas celebrations we had when i was younger with a house full of relatives and friends and an amateur talent show. How i wish we had movies of all that.
Sounds like you had a good night with all the family around. Those are always good times-especially now that peace is reigning amongst all. You know i read that the biggest message trending on Christmas cards this year is peace and lo and behold of the three that I have received thus far two of them said Peace on them.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#73249

hey Gail
Amen to that one. Peace is the best gift of all.
The best visits are the unexpected ones. Like from nobody yesterday to 5. What was even funnier, is that Steph had no idea the other 2 were coming, and likewise.
Tillie did not come upstairs again. She was feeling dizzy and not good. I think it is because she is not seeing right. If you close one eye, you would feel nauseous, and if you see blurry all the time, I would imagine you would have one hell of a headache along with it. i am praying this will get better, or the rest of her life will be miserable for her. So far, she has seen no improvement with the 2ond shot.
How are you feeling? I hope better.
I am afraid we have not heard form DD, that it is not good news. I hope I am concerned for nothing, and Jewel ell is ok.
We are having roast chicken today. I was going to do it, and Bobby decided he wanted to. Heather is the only one coming today, that I know of.
Hope you are better!!
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#73251

Barbara,
What a sweet video of Colin. I know when you see him next you will hug the stuffing out of him. I hope they Skype with you on Christmas morning so you can see him enjoying his gifts.
Believe me you said nothing inappropriate at all. Your words were very comforting to me and I thank you profusely for them. It’s always good to get a point of a view from a medical professional. You must be so proud that Joey chose to follow in your footsteps. I like the trend that I am seeing lately of more and more male nurses and of course now there are so many female doctors and growing up we had none. Sometimes things really do change for the better.
I guess the only inappropriate thing you did was start the husband swapping thing again. Every once in a while we all do that and I always find it so amusing. This weekend you have me with Gary (Gosh darn it that means I have to feed that little fuss budget) and you have Adele with Ron ( I guess he went to her house to avoid the upcoming potato soup) so that would have to leave Colleen with Jerry and you with Greg if we were to totally mix it up. I hope you enjoy someone singing along while you are trying to watch a musical performance on TV. lol
Anyway, now that I have had a little fun with that I guess we’ll just switch them all back and we’ll go home with the people that we arrived with. I hope you didn’t mind my poking fun a little, Barbara, with you getting the husbands mixed up. I don’t mean it to hurt your feelings. And believe me we have all mixed up the names of husbands and kids and grands on here numerous times over the years. It’s hard to keep everyone straight in these old brains of ours. Sometimes I get the names of my own grands and kids mixed up.
Thank you again for making me feel better about what the doctor said. And thank you and everyone for their prayers. They are so important.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#73253

Hey Barbara
your words to Gail were very comforting. We are all blessed to have you on here, to help us with our vast array of medical issues. Thank you, for just being the sweet you!
Read my post to Gail for the Tillie news of the day.
I am worried we have not heard from DD. Very worried.
I have been taking that Bragg’s organic apple cider vinegar, and I have to say, I feel better. I am even a lot less sore in the morning. It takes getting used to, and I just suck it down and feel it is my natural medicine. I do 2 tbsp in a glass of water, every morning. You all should try it. Honestly, I think it is a miracle. I hope I remember to check my blood tomorrow am, as it has made my number go down. my number was creeping up, and it is creeping back down. I was afraid I was going to be diagnosed with diabetes. It was around 115, and last I checked it was 103. I feel I have landed on a miracle solution….LOL
Gary does help with the cleaning- he will give the floor a quick vacuum, when I can’t. he also un-loads the dishwasher…isn’t he a sweetie? Especially after I have a shot.
I am thrilled you will use my “hug the stuffing out of you” idea. Some times these things just come to me, and the kids either love it, or hate it. this one was a winner. I have to say that JJ rolls his eyes when I do it to him…..LOL.
What your kitty did with the towel is what Heather used to love when she was little. I would come into the living room with the clothes from the dryer to sit and fold, and throw them all on her- she she still talks bout how warm and snugly that felt.
We all have such cute stories about our pets and kids. It makes us smile, coast to coast. I hope when we hear form Dd, that we are not all crying, coast to coast. The news on Brent will come later, and I pray that is good. Gail and Greg deserve good Christmas news.
Hope you are good!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73255

Hey Gail and Barbara
I found your little husband swap so funny, I read it to Gary. We all mix up the names, as we have so many, and we get tired when we write to each other.
Barbara- I forgot to comment on the video of your Itty Bitty. How adorable that he says Daddy. that must have warmed your heart, for sure.
Hey….ITKWD will be on in a second!
Adele

[Anonymous]

#73259

It is amusing how your husbands travel around. Maybe DD & I are lucky as we do not have one to wander from place to place. However if Greg would like to pay me a visit and sing to me I would not complain. Love listening to him sing.
It is nice & sunny here today but is to turn cold with maybe some nasty snow in the coming weeks. So I put my fleece sheets with the snowmen on my bed. I hate getting into a cold bed when it is cold as it takes so long to warm up. I also made a small meatloaf. I ate turkey for a week so was ready for a change. I made something on Friday that I thought was tasty & if you like it would be simple for people that hate to cook. I put beef cubes in the crock pot then cut up onions, carrots & potatoes on top & dumped in a can of cream of mushroom soup with garlic & a little beef broth & let it cook all day. It was so moist & tender & had lots of flavor.
I finished addressing my cards & will mail tomorrow. After I get off here I think I will wrap a few packages. So I am making progress. Some days I feel like I don’t get anything done.
Gail I hope you are feeling better. With your immune system it is probably harder to fight things off plus it is always harder when we get older.

[adele shanbar]

#73261

hey Sue!
We are getting cold, the warm and then cold again weather for the week. It has been real strange. I just need it to stay snow free tomorrow, Thursday and then 2 more days for doctor appointments until the end of the year. That is my prayer- no snow or sleet the days either I or Tillie have appointments.
Tomorrow, I go to my GP for my annual. I am meeting Nancy for lunch before my appointment, as i have not seen her much since Tillie’s eye issues. Gary will be home when I am out, so that is good.
Your crock pot dinner sounds good. how much beef did you put in the pot? I always have to double the recipes, due to the crowd here. We had no left over turkey, so the roasted chicken was good today. I love roasted anything in the oven.
I have a little lump on my scalp that I have to get checked. I hope I do not forget to tell my doctor about it. It is a but squishy, ans hurts when you touch it. very strange. I wonder why it hurts.
I hope all your important appointments are in good weather. We have to get ready to hunker down….LOL
Hope you have a good day tomorrow.
Adele

[Barbara Smith]

#73263

Yes, dear friends, you can always count on me to mix up our guys, our puppies and kitties, our grands; well you get the jest LOL I think I must have been thinking of Ron and Colleen with the potato soup; and wondering if it would help Tillie get her appetite back. I have been in social settings so many times in my life and have someone walk up to me that I know their name as well as my own; and cannot think of it to save my life. Has this ever happened to you all where you have to stand there and think of things to avoid calling their name hoping it will just suddenly pop into your memory? That is SO embarassing. Sue, in my case, count it as a miracle that I didn’t have you married to Cuddles ha ha. Your crock meal sounds delish. How long did you cook it for? I am definitely going to give this a try. I love meatloaf too. I actually cook individual ones in about 4 inch by 3 inch rectangle shapes. I have this receipe that comes from Ina Garten on the food network where she sautes the bell pepper and onion in butter or olive oil and mixes this in with her meat loaves with s&p; and I really can’t think of any other spices. Oh, yes, she adds some tomato paste (or ketchup) in the meat, and then on top of each loaf. It tastes yummy. I have probably forgotten something; so if it sounds good to anyone; just check on the Food Network site.
You all are way ahead of me on the shopping and wrapping. I have sent the baby’s gifts through amazon to him. I am SO hoping that he gets them. I am doing just a little something for the boys and their wives, and sending our grandaughter in Fla. one of those anybody PJ sets that was a tsv. It really felt comfortable when I was wrapping it; and she is a tiny little thing.
I surely hope DD is okay too and her precious kitty. Hopefully she has just been busy and we will hear from her soon.
Tonight is Southern Italian night at the Smith household ha ha. I know you would laugh just watching me try to cook spagetti, Adele. We had a couple that lived next to us once that were from Italy, and the wife always had a big pot of “gravy” on the stove, and let’s just say, it was so so good. And lets also say, mine is nothing like hers. We don’t have a bakery in our little town; so no real garlic bread here; we have the, dare I say it, FROZEN bread from the grocery store. I know Adele is shuddering as you read this. LOL Had we not ever met this sweet couple, we wouldn’t have tasted the best Italian dishes we have ever put in our mouths.
Here’s sending good wishes to all. Prayers for all. Barbara

[Colleen]

#73266

Hi Everyone,
Well it has been a long week-end. Aliza was here Friday and she was a little terrier. She threw things at Ron and was hitting. I had t put her in time out but felt that a little swat on the behind might have done more good. I do not know why she was doing that to Ron she just really loves him. When it was time for her to go home she just clinged to him and did not want to let go. She was fine on Saturday but she did not sleep all that well Friday night. We are wondering if she was cutting her 2 yr molars and that is why she was so crabby. She kept chewing on things on one side of her mouth. We did not look because if they were really sore she may not appreciate us looking in her mouth. So needless to say we did not get much sleep Friday night.
Gail, I agree with Barbara. Some doctors are not good at talking to patients but the nurses and others that will be at the hospital will be there to make him feel better. They will not be as negative as the doctor is. Nobody knows what it going on until they do the test and read the results. That is funny about all the husbands with different wives. They are all good guys though so it will not be too bad. Greg can sing, Gary can help decorate and Jerry can collect junk like Ron does so it would be normal around here.
Barbara you are such a sweet person I cannot imagine you ever saying anything that is inappropriate. You always know everything that we need to know about the medical field. That is funny that you are giving us all different husbands. It puts a smile on our faces. I think that if I was with Jerry he would be so much like Ron it would be hard to know the difference. He may bring home different junk then what I am use to. Ron may do the same at your house. That video of Colin sounds so cute. I am sure that when you two see each other there will be a lot of hugs and kisses between you. I am sure that he will be glad to see you also. I forget peoples names also. I always try to ask question about their family or something like that to see if it will ring a bell. Sometimes that works but other time it doesn’t.
Adele, I am sorry to hear about Tillie. I hope that the next shot will be better and make it easier for her to see. Do you send food down to her to eat or is she cooking for herself? It is hard to know what to do for her when she is feeling like that. How nice that everyone came to visit you at one time. I bet that was fun when they all got there and found out the others were there also. I bet Tillie was glad to get to talk to all of them also. That is cute about hugging the stuffing out of Aizen. He is such a cutie. Everybodys grands are little cuties. How is JJ doing with the practice of the play? I bet he is loving it. When do they do the play for everyone to come and see it? It is so much fun to watch our grands up there acting and doing so well. Hope that he will keep going and keep acting when gets in high school. They seem to have a hard time getting the boys to do the plays.
Sue your meat loaf sounds really good. I think that we all love meat loaf on here. Hope that you do not get a lot of snow there.Do you have plans for Christmas? Hope that you have friends over and have a great day. It is a shame that your brothers significant other is acting the way she is. You and your brother need to be around each other. You are family.
Well that is about all from here. Everyone have a great night.
Colleen
p.s. DD I hope that Jewell is doing better.

[Gail Norusis]

#73277

Hi Adele,
I am really praying that things will get better for Tillie. I know some days my MIL would be sick to her stomach too so I am wondering if that comes with the territory of being in your 90’s? Maybe certain things that you used to eat no longer agree with you. Plus it could be from feeling off kilter because of the trouble with her eye too. I hope eventually the shots will help with that.
I am worried about DD and Jewell too. It seems like if everything was okay we would have heard by now. Hopefully everything is okay and we just haven’t heard because of computer trouble or something.
I am feeling better. That nasty cough is finally loosened up. I did clean the upstairs yesterday and was pooped by the time I was finished and had to lay down on the couch. Greg made us some patty melts for dinner so that was nice.
Right now he has started going into his shop in the basement and is working on making a guitar again. It’s so cute because I can hear the tap tap tapping down in the basement and I have been picturing Santa’s elves down there working and making toys. When I told him that he said besides the tapping did I hear Santa’s elves swearing. lol Sometimes the guitar making doesn’t go so good. lol
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73279

Sue,
Once again thanks for the heads up on the Carol Burnett special. We watched it and had quite a few chuckles. I was actually surprised when Greg said how much he used to enjoy the show also. I especially enjoyed the Mrs. Wiggins/Mr. Tudball clips as they reminded me of my parents. It was nice to see Bob Mackie too. He seems like such a gentleman.
Believe me if Greg got dropped off at you house there would be song.Even his other group members comment on his constant singing. However, in the big scheme of things it’s much better to be around someone who is singing all the time rather than someone who is arguing or yelling.
You are moving right along with you holiday prep. You are far ahead of me as this cold set me back a bit. However, I am feeling better and am ready to get going now. It seems when they say a cold lasts 7 to 10 days that i am always on the 10 day side of that equation and Greg’s last for about 2 days.
Your crock pot dish sounds really good and better yet it’s a whole meal in one pot. I love things like that.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73281

Hi Barbara,
You are not the only one. I forget people’s names all the time.
Also we serve the garlic bread from the freezer section too.
I think we are all more alike than we are different. I wonder if that comes from growing up in the same era?
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73283

Hi Colleen,
Sometimes little kids get cranky for no reason and I guess Aliza was just having her time. You guys know she loves you and It sounds like after she calmed down she was better. I bet you are tired after having her for the weekend. It’s hard to keep up with the little ones. Refresh me on her age now? Once again I’ve forgotten.
I hope Ron enjoyed his trip to Massachusetts. lol
How did Aliza like your little tree?
Thank you for the good thoughts about Brent.
Gail

[Dianne Danielson]

#73290

Hi Ladies,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The vet said she thinks Jewell has hyperthyroidism. She now has a heart murmur that she didn’t have before. Hyperthyroidism would cause that. They’d have to do blood workup to find out how bad it is, & treat her from there. Problem is $$$$ it’s very costly to do that. And they’d have to do a monthly blood work up till they get it under control. If not treated it could cause a lot of different problems for her. She could go blind, for one thing, and many other things. they gave her a shot to control the nausea, & a script for me to squirt into her mouth for other issues.
Wish me luck on that. She must’ve known I was talking about her, she just came out to see what I was doing. She seems better, more like herself. She’s eating good, & drinking. I got Blue Mt kitty food for sensitive tummies & she seemed to like it a lot.
Then to top things off, I hurt myself. My right side was killing me. I went to bed Sat. night @ 7:30 & I never do that!!! But I had to get up (& that was a struggle)! I came out & iced my back then used the massager on it for awhile. I took some Tylenol & went back to bed. I was able to sleep thru the night.
It’s fine today, knock on wood. I don’t know what I did but whatever it was I hope I never do it again!!
Adele, did you watch the Carol Burnett special last night? Did you see Tom in the audience? Did you hear his question to her? It was hilarious. I did enjoy the show. So many clips I remember from the show. Love the ones with Tim, of course. He is still funny!!
I haven’t read all the posts yet, so if I’m leaving anything out I’ll get back to it later.
I’ve got to get busy & make out my cards, & get busy. I haven’t been feeling up to it. I’m waaaay behind on everything!!
Have a great week girls.
dd & Jewell
PS. Forgive my poor manners. THANK you for all your prayers & kind thoughts for Jewell. She appreciates it, & so do I.

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[Dianne Danielson]

#73298

Hey girls,
Just a quick note. I left my address on your personal pages. I wasn’t sure if all of you had it or not. Looking forward to hearing from all of you.
dd

[Anonymous]

#73300

DD I am glad Jewell is doing some better. You were talking about the $$$ does your Vet have the program where they pay the bill & you pay a little a month. I forget what it is called but when Cuddles was bit by a rattlesnake I got the info from the vet. I ended up just taking it from my savings. But check to see if they offer anything like that at your vet. I guess we all should have pet insurance because their care is expensive. I just don’t think about it until something comes up unexpected. Take care of yourself. Maybe you just turned wrong or something. It seems we always have something when we get older that we just shock off when we were younger.
I really enjoyed the Carol Burnett show always liked it. I saw all the skits before but still laughed so hard. They don’t make good shows like that anymore. I hope Adele saw Tom. That was funny. He stayed in the audience as they showed him a few times.
Adele you ask how much beef I used in my crockpot meal. I did not measure anything. I maybe had about half a pound for one person & I had a couple meals out of it. You would need more for your crew. You would just have to judge by how many people & if the are big eaters. I always think it is better to have leftover than not enough. I just cooked it all say in the crockpot. If you want to do it quicker just set the crockpot on high.

[adele shanbar]

#73302

OMG Barbara
I was laughing my butt off, and it could stand to go somewhere….LOL Would’t it be great to lose half of our butt’s to laughter?
I forget people’s names, and the names of things….I say.,…you know, that thing….. I think we all do that.
I had my doctor visit. Told him about the feeling I get woozy when I am walking outside, and even worst if the sun is shining on me. Mind you, walking in and out of a building, not long leisurely walks around the park….LOL So, I am going to a neurologist. That’s ok. he can check to see if I have a brain. I will mention to him that as a child, I had a severe sledding accident went into a tree at the bottom of a big hill, head first. The side of my face, and my eye was a mess. I just remember being very, very sick- was in Germany. Tillie does not know if they said I had a concussion, just that they told her I was a sick little girl. She does recall the doctor said he never ever saw a boxer who looked that bad. Needless to say, my Dad took an ax to my sled. Oh….this says how bad I was….Dad was on maneuvers somewhere in Europe, and they helicoptered him in when they were told. So, I must have been pretty bad.
this as my only memory- saw the tree coming, hit it, and then said to myself, oh thank God I missed the tree. Next thing I knew I was looking at the sky with a lot of people around me. They kids helped me walk back up the hill and an ambulance was there- do not remember anything else. I was about 10.
Sorry for the long story- all the memories flooded back with the news of a neurologist.
Hope you are still making spaghetti…….
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73304

Hi Colleen
Sometimes we send food down, and a lot of times she doe snot feel like anything, and makes herself an egg with an English muffin, or soup. When I make soup, we freeze some for her in small containers. I still worry, as she is 91, and any day could be the last. being 91, it makes you very aware of that.
I bet Aliza had an ear infection. they kind of go with teething. Have them check her ears. That makes them very cranky, and miserable. Teething also makes them miserable. I am so sorry she was all out of sorts. that must have been very disappointing for all of you.
JJ is excited about the play. the next practice is Friday night. the play is in mid to late January That will come fast, I know.
I am hoping to get some wrapping done- I have those cool bags from the Q. it is done in record time.
Read my post to Barbara for all the news….LOL I am getting tired, and want to read the posts, so I can see how Jewell is.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73306

Hi Gail
That is funny about Santa’s Elf Greg swearing in the basement when things do not go as planned. I bet his guitar will be gorgeous. Has he made one before? It is so nice when the hubby has a hobby he likes.
I think Tillie feels so bad because she is seeing all blurry. If I took off my glasses, I owuld feel sick in an hour. This is so awful. I hate having the end of her life being so freaking miserable.
Sooooo, today I TRY to put on my grey sweatshirt from last year that was still in the bag. Too snug on the bottom. Have you noticed the sweatshirts are cut a little too tight?? So, I put on another shirt- the black angel one, and wore it with the new gray cardigan. the hostess at the restaurant made a comment, as did my doctor and the girls in the office, so I guess my chubby bits were a big success.
I am so glad your cold is better.
So Nancy is stressed again. they found a growth on Shane’s neck- near the brain stem. They did a CAt scan today, and she will get the results tomorrow. more prayers needed. Dam. I will be praying hard.
Hope Brent gives us all good news.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73310

DD…thank God we heard from you.
I am so sorry Jewell ahs health issues now. It is very hard to pay for pills and tests for a pet. I hope she stays good, and needs no more meds, It is so stressful for you to deal with.
Sorry about you back to. Tylenol doe snot work on mine- it has to be an aspirin based product. Like Alleve, Excedrin, or Advil, or prescription Motrin. Those reduce the swelling, that causes the pain. can you take those?
I did watch the Carol Burnett show. I got a kick out of Tom. i was wondering if that was his daughter he sat next to. i wish they made mention of that, but it was not a Tom show, it was a Carol show….LOL
I am watching the light show while I answer these.
I will add a prayer for our Jewell.
I sent out my Christmas cards today. Let me knwo when you get yours!

Hey Barbara……I do not have your address. Message me, if you want a card….LOL
Have a good night everyone!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73312

Hi Sue
Thanks for the info on the crock pot dinner. I am doing the Shepards Pie again tomorrow. It was so yummy, i have been dying to do it again.
I heard you are getting snow and cold before me. I have an idea for the cold bed. Do you have any of those disposable pads that you can re-use for hot or cold? you can put one n the microwave and put it in your bed a few minutes before you get in????? Kind of like the old fashioned bed pans. the old ideas worked the best.
Hope that idea makes you chuckle….also hope it works!
Adele

[Dianne Danielson]

#73314

Hi Ladies,
I just read some of your posts, & I’m DEEPLY SORRY for not getting back to you sooner about Jewell. I’m truly sorry for your worrying about us. I was conjuring up some really bad scenarios myself. My biggest worry was her having distemper. I’ve had other kitties die from it growing up. This hyperthyroidism does have concerns. It can cause high blood pressure, blindness, heart issues (murmur), weight loss, muscle loss, up to & including cancer. ‘But I won’t think about that right now, as Scarlett said in GWTW. She’s more like herself now. she comes out to see me, then leaves for awhile.
She gets up on the with me for naps & bedtime. She loves when I do laundry too. when I separate & fold she’ll get on my undies until I fold em, or my sock pile.
Where do you find that cider vinegar? I’d like to try it & see if it works. I see it on my FB page all the time. I lost weight with this, says the ads. I’m not into believing all these ads.
Sue, how is Cuddles? That must’ve been terrifying for you to have your pet bit by a snake. I hope Cuddles doesn’t have any long lasting affects from it. Is Cuddles a cat or dog?
TVLand paid tribute to Jim Nabors all day by playing all the Andy Griffith shows he was in. He had such a wonderful singing voice.
Well, that’s all for tonight.
dd

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[Colleen]

#73327

Hi Gail,
We were just so surprised at how she was acting. She may not have been feeling good who knows. She did not pull at her ears or anything so did not think of an ear ache. Just noticed how she was chewing on things on the side of her mouth. We know that she loves us she showed that when she did not want to go with her mom. Aliza will be two in January. It does not seem possible. Time has just flown by.
Ron did not say if he had a nice trip to Massachusetts. I will have to ask him. I cannot remember where Greg went. Hope that he had a good trip. I think he went to Sues. If our husbands only knew that we send them all over the place.lol
That is funny about Santa’s elf down there tapping away and saying a few cuss words in the process. You should have told him that Santa would not be happy with him if he heard the cussing. lol
Aliza likes the tree because she can reach all the ornaments on the tree. Just the ones that are on the top are safe. I did the Santa ornaments on the tree and she loves Santa. She talks to him and sings to him and just has a good time with Santa. I have to set up my snoring Santa next so when she comes back she will see that one. Then we should have the big singing Santa up.
How are you doing with your decorating? I hope that you are feeling well enough to be putting things up now. Maybe the kids will come over and help you decorate.
Hope that Brent gets good news on his test. We are still praying for him here. Have a good night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#73329

Hi Adele,
That was a really bad accident that you had on the sled. You were lucky that you did not do real damage to yourself. Did they take you to the army hospital or did you go to the regular hospital? If you were going to have effects from that it seems like it would have happened a long time ago. But then you never know. Have you had a bad bump on the head since that has happened? That might be something that would affect it. One thing good about the service they are fast about flying the husbands or dads home when they are needed. I can just picture him chopping up that sled.
It is nice that you send your mom food down so she will have it if she needs it. It must be nice for her to be able to take some frozen soup out and just heat it up. You are so good to your mom. We will all just keep praying that these shots will help with her eyes and she will be able to see well again. It would be so nice if she would get her full site back. We are praying for her here.
Poor Nan. I cannot believe that they have found another knot on her son. I hope that they can just take it off and it will be nothing. That poor guy has sure gone thru a lot. We will be praying for him also. She is lucky to have you around to talk to and help her thru this.
JJ’s play is coming sooner then I thought it would. I bet he will be really good in it. Does he have very many lines? I know that you are so proud of him and his acting skills.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen
p.s. I think that I wrote to Gail about Aliza. She was not pulling at her ears like she usually does when she has an ear ache.

[Colleen]

#73331

Hi DD,
Hopefully the shot and the medicine that she will be taking will help Jewel out a lot. We will just keep praying that it is no more then just a slight case of the hyperthyroidism. Maybe you caught it at the beginning of it. I am just glad that she is back to her old self.
I am glad that your right side is feeling a lot better. That is hard when you hurt like that and try to get out of bed. I hope that it never happens again too. It was good that you had that massager and it took care of it. That and the Tylenol.
I love that story about the candy cane. I had read that somewhere before. That is so cute and that is a shame that it is not told more often. I like all of the pictures that you posted. I like the one of Jewel under the tree. She looked so cute.
I did watch part of the Carol Burnette special but misses most of it. I bet it was really good. I loved the part where she come down the stairs wearing the drapes. It was so funny curtain rod and all. It was nice to see Bob Mackie his is such a gentleman.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Gail Norusis]

#73333

Hi DD,
So glad to hear that Jewell is doing better. It’s scary when our pets are not feeling well.
It seems with backs you can just move a little bit the wrong way and something twists. Glad that is feeling better too.
I never read that story of the candy canes before. I will have to try and remember that. I like the picture of Woodstock sitting in the Christmas stocking. He’s so cute!
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73337

Hi Adele,
That was some sledding accident! It sure sounds like you must have fractured some bones in your face or something. That sounds very scary. I hope the neurologist has some explanation for the wooziness. Do you think your eyes have a hard time adjusting from outside to inside light? What about that squishy spot on your head?
Greg has never made a guitar before. He figured he better find a winter hobby so as not to drive me nuts. lol We have a nephew who has made guitars and tables and chairs and beautiful things out of wood. He loves doing it so much and would really love to do it full time but as we all know most people can’t make a living doing something like that.
The Quacker sweatshirts always fit a bit tighter as they don’t seem to have the same stretch as the regular shirts. If I know it’s a sweatshirt I will usually size up.
Poor Nancy’s son-he has been through a lot. I will be praying for him.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73339

Hi Colleen,
Sounds like Aliza likes the smaller tree as everything is within reach. I’ll bet she will love when you put the different Santa’s out.
I should have told the swearing elf in the basement that he will be on the naughty list-or will get coal in his stocking. lol But he has been cooking me dinner and redeeming himself.
I will just be getting started on my decorating but it always gets done so I am not worried.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#73341

Hi Dd
Not to worry, we are all thrilled Jewel is still with you. That makes everything worthwhile.
That apple cider (Bragg’s organic) is expensive at the supermarket. So, I googled it and got it either on Ebay or Amazon- I forgot which….LOL
I have to say, I have felt better with it, and even less achy joints. I keep thinking I am imagining things. But, I really think it works. It is supposed to hel with inflammations.
We are getting a huge rain storm. Hope you have some sun.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73343

Hi Colleen
I hope Aliza is ok, and feeling better. so sad when they are all out of sorts.
Tillie said she feels better today. go figure- it is going to pour shortly. you would think she would feel worst today, as we are getting a huge rain storm.
Today I am making the shepards pie that was a huge hit. Even I was surprised at how good it tasted. I have to start doing my holiday baking shopping list. The Christmas bake-a thon is coming up fast.
I heard the bake off show is coming back next week- loved that show!
I have very little memories of the sledding accident- thinking I missed the tree, awful sick walking up the hill, and being real sick- no idea how long. I think Tillie blocked it out too. I did not hit my head again, so far….LOL
I called Nancy, and have not heard back from her yet. I hope it is good news.
Have a good day!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73345

Hey Gailster
It was one to remember, for sure. My Dad was real funny when I got hurt. He killed the sled, and then, once, I fell off my bike and got a nasty bruise on my chest. The bike was attacked, never to be seen or heard from again. My Dad was a funny guy, and obviously very protective…..with some temper added in there for good measure….LOL
The spot on my head is nothing. Doctor called it some name I never heard of, and said it was like a pimple, nothing to be concerned about.
I hope you can get a pic of the guitar on here, after Greg is done with it. How is his back feeling? your cold? I cannot remember when Brent’s appointment was??
It is so dark here, and windy. All hell will break loose shortly. Glad it is not snow.
How are things down/over there? We are supposed to go out with Winnie and Al, and they are saying snow for late in the day Saturday. So, i am going to ask if they will go out for brunch instead.
How is Jenny and the kids? Is her toe all better?

Colleen…forgot to say in her post….JJ does not have a speaking part, becasue he arrived late to the party, so to speak. I am still thrilled he isin the play, no matter what.
Adele

[Anonymous]

#73367

DD Cuddles is a dog. She is fine now as this happened 6 years ago. She almost died so I thank God for her having good vets although expensive. Barbara’s one dog was also bitten by a snake. I think she lost sight in one eye.
We are having a dark rainy day today. Tomorrow is to be much colder & stay that way. They are saying it will be the coldest Dec. in 3 years. Snow is also in the forecast. I am glad todays rain was not snow.

[adele shanbar]

#73369

Sue…we are next in line for your weather.
Adele

[Anonymous]

#73371

Would you like a chuckle? I hope I put this in a way that it is not offensive. I make ice cubes the old way in a tray (do not have ice maker in the door). Anyway I put a tray of water in to make ice cubes & when I opened the freezer door it looked like a male body part sticking out of the ice cube. Don’t know how that happened. So now I must make male & female ice cubes.

[Colleen]

#73374

Hi Gail,
Well the swearing Elf is doing a lot better if he is fixing you dinner. That makes it really nice especially since you have not been feeling good. I have to get busy and get all my Santa’s out since Aliza is so crazy about him. She is going to be like me with the Santa’s. How I worked that into a sentence about a swearing elf i have not idea.
It will be nice if you can post a picture of Greg’s guitar on here. I bet it will be really pretty. Has he made very many things with wood or will this be the first time? If it is his first he sure did pick a hard thing to make or at least to me it seems like it would be.
Did it get really cold there where you are? It is really cold here. We were having warm weather for awhile but now it has really gotten cold. Our weatherman says that it will be a cold winter at times and then warm up again. That is a pretty safe forecast. He did not say exactly when it was going to warm up again.lol
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen
p.s. How is Jenny’s friend Steve doing? Hope that he is home now.

[Colleen]

#73376

Hi Adele,
I am glad that Tillie is feeling better today. Were her eyes bothering her as much as they were before? That is a hard thing to deal with. One day you may feel dizzy and the next it is not so bad. You would not think that your eye site would effect so many different things.
Your shepherds pie sounded so good. They will all enjoy it I am sure. You do a lot of baking this time of the year. You do a lot of baking all thru the year. I wish that I had your talent for baking. I am going to try and make another custard pie and see if it taste better then the last. I just do not want it to taste like scrambled eggs.
When do you see the doctor? I hope that he gives you a good report for why you are feeling woozzie.That is not fun feeling like that . You still have a squishy spot on your head from that? Maybe I misunderstood what someone wrote. Just take care.
I hope that it is good news for Nancy also. She has been thru so much and it is time for some good news for her and her son. It is so hard when it is one of your kids.
Did Gary ever have his tests done? I know that they were put off because of his brother’s passing. Do not know if I missed the results or if I have the whole thing wrong.
Well that is all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#73378

Hi Sue,
It will be interesting to see what type of ice trays that you have. That is funny that it happened.
Colleen

[adele shanbar]

#73386

Hi Sue
Nobody would be offended at all. I think that is hysterical! Isn’t it odd what can happen in a freezer, when nobody is looking?
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73388

Hi Colleen
GAyr did have all his tests, and they came out ok- no change for the worst. So, that was good.
I questioned Tillie more last night, and it seems the spot is getting a tiny bit smaller. I had to be very specific in my questions, while she closed the good eye to see. I know she is getting very discouraged by how long this is all taking.
Everyone ate the shepard’s pie, but Bobby asked what was different. This is a tough crowd to feed. Well, my timer did not work when I was boiling the potatoes, so they got mushy, and full of water. that made the mashed potato topping not taste as good as the time before. Seriously? Gary chimed right in and said it was delicious, as he was afraid there would be a strike. Heather and Amanda thought it was good, as they did not have the first one. That is why I do not use the Idaho potatoes for my mashed- I hate the watery taste in the mashed potatoes.
I have good news- Amanda is all signed up for college, and starts in January. The scholarship she got that pays the tuition at any state school is still good for one more year, so that is great too. She got the Abigail Adams scholarship for high grades in the MCAS testing. She was so excited, as were we. I love good news, and am God thankful all is set for her right now.
I forgot to say yesterday, I have no idea if it was an army or German hospital. I have very vague memories of it. I would lean more toward the Army.
My neurologist appointment is not for a few weeks. Tomorrow, I go for shot # 2.
I think our night out is going to be ruined by snow. Dam. I will try to work around it, if I can.
Hope it is not too cold there- it is getting colder here all day long, they say. i will be wrapping presents.
Hope you and Ron are having some Christmas fun today.
Adele

[Anonymous]

#73402

Adele I never answered your previous post. I think you meant hot water bottle & not bed pan. I sure don’t want to sleep with a bed pan. Anyway that is why I put the fleece sheets on. They are so cozy like sleeping on a cloud and are not cold when you get in bed. Love them.

I hope no one was offended by the ice cube. I was trying to put it so as not to make the thread x rated. I guess I just made gender specific ice.

[Dianne Danielson]

#73404

Hi Ladies,
I tried writing a post last night but ended up losing it again. We’re having weird weather for us out here. They say we won’t have any rain or snow for all this week, possibly all of next week too. It’s sunny, clear, & cold with that dreadful East wind. There’s a ridge of high pressure over all of the Western states, which is causing all that Arctic air to swoop down out of Canada to all of you. So you can blame it on us, I guess. Last year at this time we had snow on the ground.
Adele, that sledding accident sounded scary!! You could’ve damaged the frontal lobe of your brain which is why you don’t remember parts of it. The brain itself could be blocking the memory of it. they don’t know everything about the brain, but I’ve heard that when you experience a traumatic event, the brain shuts down the memory of it. the frontal lobe is the memory part of the brain, I believe.
Sue, I doubt anyone was offended by the ice cube story. I thought it was hilarious.

I had quite the shock yesterday when I went down to see Kay. I opened her door to find her on the floor!! she was on her knees resting up against her couch, unable to get herself up on it. she said she slipped on the floor the night before, hit her head, knocking herself out. she said she was unconscious
for most of the night. she has a big black & blue spot on her forehead. I tried to help her to get up on the couch but couldn’t do it.. She has no upper body strength to get herself up. So I went across the hall & got the neighbor to come help lift her up. He was able to get her up on it. she said she spent the whole night on the floor. Something about her story didn’t make any sense. She said she fell around noon that day, but I had gone down to see if she’d like some of what I was making for supper. she was sound asleep on the couch with the TV on, so I just left. Turns out another one of her friends had gone to see her that same evening & found her asleep on the couch, too. So who knows when it happened. I tried to get her to go to the hospital to be checked out, but she wouldn’t do it. She said all they’d say is ‘You have a concussion. Go home”. I called her family & let them know what happened. I knew she wouldn’t. I also told management so they would know in case something else happened. She was rambling on & on so I knew something was wrong. When she told me what happened that night something didn’t make any sense. I’ve been watching Columbo too much. lol. Just one more thing…lol. I called her this morning & she said she was okay. Bruised, but fine. I have to wonder tho.
Well, I guess that’s all for now.
Have a good evening.
dd

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[adele shanbar]

#73412

Hi Sue!
Of course we are not offended. It was pretty funny. You wonder how that happened in the ice trays. Very strange, and comical. Hey, we need to get our laughs where we can.
No, I did mean bed pans. In Germany, when I was there as a child, ( 1958 to 1963) they had these metal bed pans that they filled with water, and heated on the stove. You put them into the bed before you went to sleep. In the old houses, there was no central heat back then. The house was heated by the old fashioned stoves in the living area, and the kitchen with the kitchen stove. there was no heat in the bedrooms. It was eye opening, even as a small child. How funny is that?
We lived at my Opa’s house, until my Dad got an overseas assignment. My Opa was dying with cancer, hence us going before my Dad came. It took almost a year until he joined us, and then we lived on the base. I did attend the American school on the base.
Hope you had a good day. I got all the wrapping done- yahoo! Shot number 2 is tomorrow.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73414

Hi DD.
I know the point of impact was just under my left eye- still have a place where you can feel a bump on the eye socket. I would say that I broke that bone. I think, all things considered, I was pretty lucky. I have always had trouble remembering people’s names, unless I know them real well. I always thought that was a result of the accident. At work they used to joke with the new social workers that I would not remember their names, until they ticked off my foster parents….LOL
Your friend was so lucky you went to check on her. It is awful when people live alone, and they take a fall. they could be there for days, if nobody checked on them. Maybe you could suggest to your friends that each of you check in with each other every day. I will add a prayer for your friend. I hope she didn’t have a stroke, and fell, or did damage that will affect her thought processing. Let us all know how she is go doing. You were her Angel!! thank God you found her and got help. That poor thing.
I would say that scared you too. How are you doing?
I am off to the recliner, as I am pooped.
Hope your night is good, and it is not too cold. We are cold,and getting colder, and may have snow on the weekend.
Adele

[Barbara Smith]

#73416

DD-do you think that your friend may be having mini-strokes that is causing her lapse of memory? If she is having blockage of blood flow in her brain; it will definitely affect how she acts or what she remembers. Just a thought; but she, in my opinion, should have gone at least to a doctor. I am really worried about her. Glad your back is doing better and that Jewell is too. That was a great Christmas gift for you.
Sue, your ice cube story was funny to me. One of my DIL’s actually gave me a metal ice cube tray for Christmas one year since I had complained so much about how our ice maker just didn’t work right (kind of like how our computers have a mind of their own). I was so thrilled. It is the retro kind with the metal slide piece up the center that you pull up to break apart the cubes; like I had as a child. I have it to this day; and it is one of my treasured pieces. It is facinating how your “appendage” managed to form like that. Could an air bubble have caused it? I’m laughing as I write this; since it has my porno/scientific mind thinking. LOL
Adele, I surely hope the neurologist has a simple easy answer to your dizziness. Just if you think of it; should you become dizzy between now and the time you see the doctor; if you would write down the dates and times and exactly what you are doing when it happens to you. Sometimes that helps them narrow down better what is happening. So happy Gary’s tests came out good, and that Tillie is better. I know it really hurts you to see her have to endure so much at her age. But she has a wonderful daughter who loves her and takes such good care of her. I guess I must have missed that we are exchanging our addresses this year. So I will go to the page and do it. That is a sweet idea.
We are so cold here today and to get colder and colder. We had storms yesterday and now this.
Sue, I would love some soft warm sheets; but Jerry just burns up. I really wish they came with half the bed warm and soft, and the other half just plain sheets. LOL My feet get so cold that I keep my socks on after I go to bed, and keep a heating pad on my shoulder. Yes, Ellie was bitten; twice in fact; by a snake. The first time was the worst and she did lose the sight in her right eye. The second time she was sick; but they treated her here at home. We are very fortunate to have a mobile vet that treats lots of horses out here. He just happened to be close that day. Ellie is good now. She is such a sweet doggie; and so smart.
Better go for now. Hope everyone is okay. Talk soon. Prayers to Brent and to the poor young man having so many problems, Adele. Prayers to all my dear friends and their friends and families. Barbara

[Gail Norusis]

#73423

Hi Everyone,
Yes Adele, we are cold here now after being about 60 on Monday. This morning there were snow flurries so i guess the cold and snowy weather is now starting and is here for the duration. Hope your knee shot goes well today.
I’m so glad to hear that Amanda is going back to school. It’s so important for women to get educated so that they are always able to support themselves no matter what their future brings.
I thought you meant the kind of bed pan that you pee in also and was wondering how that could warm your bed. I did know about the pans that you put hot coals in to warm the beds but not about the warm water ones. those ones sound safer than the ones with hot coals. It’s easy to forget that not that long ago many houses not not have central heat and probably more so in Europe post war.
DD, your friend Kay is lucky that you found her. I hope that she is doing better.
Sue, we know who to call if a bachelorette party needs some penis ice cubes. lol
Colleen, Steve is doing much better he has permanent hearing loss in one ear and still has some vision problems and can’t work. They are really struggling financially and a group of friends have banded together to pay their mortgage temporarily. They really have good friends. That is a lot do do for someone who is not family.
Barbara, our vets do large animal practice too but don’t come to the house for cats and dogs. You were lucky to catch one in the neighborhood. Lots of people on our road have horses out here.

[adele shanbar]

#73437

Hi Barbara and everyone!
Good news on my friend Nancy’s son. they said the growth/mark on his brain stem is an inherited malformation- nothing to worry about. He was adopted as an infant, and they know very little about his medical history. The parents were not very forthcoming when asked. Nancy is so relieved you have no idea!
I had my shot- one more to go. So, because we are starting to get snow, I am praying for no snow next Thursday- the day of my last shot.
Not to worry about the snow, my Christmas chocolate order came from the Candy Warehouse, and I have enough to last the weekend. LOL…..I took a pic for you all to laugh. Also sent it to JJ and Steph. you will see a reindeer pooper- he poops out jelly beans. Aizen will get a big kick out of that!.
o, thank you for the compliment, but around here they are saying i have been very cranky. So, I will not be getting the daughter, wife or mother of the year award aging for 2017.
I have a funny for you guys that is beyond hysterical. I think you may recall the electric company was replacing our in the ground lines. Well, they never came back to finish the top coat on the end of everyone’s driveways. they decided to arrive today, about an hour before I had to leave for the doctor. So, Gary is on the way out, and then comes back in the house, yelling I have 15 minutes to get out of the house, or I will be going nowhere. I was brushing my teeth, and had that ….you know….feeling like I needed to poop. No time for a poop, so off I had to go. Well, you know how if you have to poop, some tiny bit of gas sneaks out, and is VERY noticeable? Yup, it did. In the elevator, when I though I was alone. Alas, the door opened again, to my shock and horror, and 2 men entered the scene of the crime. So, I just started to chat with them, laughed and pretended nothing had occurred…..all the while hoping they would think “that nice lady did not do that, it must have been someone else.” Worst part of the story……THE HUSBAND was not with me, and I had nobody to blame it on by saying….”Gary!”, and he, of course, would have no idea why I was looking at him like that….thus assigning all the blame properly on him. i am still chuckling sitting here by myself.
On the good side, I got quite a few comments n my shirt today- the black one, with the big Santa sled on the front, with the long sleeves. I was a huge hit, in and out of the elevator….LOL LOL Sooooo, anybody want to come with for my next shot?? Will you all still be my friend??
Your crazy Quacker Buddy, who is getting 3 to 6 inches of snow tomorrow.

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[Barbara Smith]

#73441

Adele, thank God your friend recieved good news on her son. I know they needed something to help them all; and am so happy for them.
As usual; when I say I am going to do something it is gone, poof, so I will really try to put in my address today. I thought about it today when I was making my list of folks that I want to send out cards too. I love to get cards. They are so personal, and it just makes me feel good to know that someone cares enough to take the time to think of me. So I love the idea.
Jerry and I just finished sitting here deciding on dinner tonight. We eliminated several things; and ended up on making breakfast for dinner. He is munching on fresh brocolli and dill dip as we speak; so he may be filling himself up before we finish cooking dinner lol. I am doing some biscuits and want some strawberry jam and butter. I am really in the mood for warm comfort food. Does it show? ha ha Bet you all are having something much more nutritious and complex than the lazy Southern couple.
DD, how is your friend feeling? Sure hope she is doing okay. Just love your pictures you post. Thank you for doing that. I am very sentimental, and they are so nice to see.
I fell asleep while we were watching TV last night. Didn’t know it; but Jerry was asleep too ha ha. Joey woke us both up when he called us from work to check on us. So he and I are turning into two old bears going into hibernation I guess. He of course, denied being asleep, but I know he was. He said he was just “being quiet so he wouldn’t wake ME up” Doesn’t that sound just like a man?
Adele, one thing you could have done when your had your little “gastro” episode in the elevator would have been, as soon as the door opened, you could have stepped as far away from the men who entered and then began fanning yourself as if the “offender” was one of them, and then they would have been both looking at each other instead of the “innocent” little lady who had found herself in an offensive situation. LOL Just saying……….
Better close. My biscuits smell done to me. Time to slather on the good stuff. Barbara

[adele shanbar]

#73453

Hey Barbara
I had oatmeal last night for dinner. I was in the mood for oatmeal- probably why i did what I did, as that has a lot of fiber.
I am all alone for dinner. I had the leftover shepards pie- the rest is for Gary. tillie did not want any, and didn’t want to come up either. She slept a lot today. She may be tired from the storm on the way, but it is 2 days away…..
That was a great suggestion….LOL LOL
Hey, on my way to the doctor guess what I saw, in our Town? Two police officers on horses! They were on the sidewalk. It was so pretty to see. Never saw that here before.Boston had some police on horses, but, I think they stopped that a couple of years ago.
I tried a couple of biscuit recipes. I have not done any bread in a while. As soon as the cold comes, so will the bread baking.
Don’t forget to watch the baking show tonight.
Adele

[Colleen]

#73461

Hi Adele,
That is such good news about Nancy’s son. I bet she was doing the happy dance all day and night when she heard the results. She has really gone thru a lot and her son has also. It is a shame that his parents were not more forthcoming about all of the illness in their family. That is not right to do that. He is lucky that Nancy is his mom.
Well that is good news that you only have one more shot to go. I hope that they work out for you and you do not have any more pain in your knee. That was funny about the elevator. It happens to people all the time you just have to act the way you did. Then they do not know for sure who it was that did that. It could have been someone that was in the elevator before you or on there with you.
That is good that you have enough chocolate. That would be terrible to be snowed in and not have chocolate to eat. All that candy looked so good. I just imagine that it is all sugar free and that I can eat it with you. lol
I am so glad that Gary’s tests all came back okay. He is still drinking water like he should? That is hard to get into the habit if you have not been doing it for a long time. Water does not taste as good as soda or tea.
I bet you are so proud of Amanda for getting into college. That is good that he scholarship was still good. It makes it hard if they do not have scholarships to go to college. It is so expensive to go now days. It is higher now then it was when my oldest daughter went.
Gary caught on fast. Do not complain about the food or there will not be any to complain about. Bobby is getting picky now also. He is lucky that you cook for him. Hope that Tillie was feeling okay tonight and that is not why she did not come up for dinner.
Well that is about all from here. Be careful with all the snow.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#73463

Hi DD,
Kay was lucky that you came over and found her. She could have stayed on the floor for a lot longer. I wonder if she fell off the couch. I had a friend that use to fall out of bed a lot. She had some health problem and the last time that she fell she passed away. I am not saying that to scare you or your friend but she needs to have that checked out. That is not good. It was good that you called her family so they are aware of what happened. Hope that they come to see her soon and make sure she is alright.
She is lucky to have a friend like you that cares and does not want anything to happen to her. I hope that you did not find that offensive what I said about my friend but it is better to be safe then sorry.
It is getting really cold here. We are having our coldest nigh of the year tonight. So the heat will be working over time tonight. We will not get any snow though. I love snow.
Thanks for sending the pictures they are so cute.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#73465

Hi Barbara,
We have breakfast for dinner a lot. I had cream of wheat last night with banana in it. Sounds like baby food. Ron had some soup so that was good for him and I enjoyed what I ate.
Leave to the kids when you get sound asleep they call and wake you up. Hope that phone was right there by your chair. We fall asleep all the time. I think that it is boredom for us. There is not that much going on here. So we just sleep and hope when we wake up there will be something exciting going on. lol
Saturday is Ron’s family Christmas party. It will be fun most of the family shows up. It is all of the parents and their kids and their children. so there is a lot of us there. We have it in the basement of a funeral home. That always seems so strange to me. At least we have never had a service going on upstairs when we are there.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#73467

Hi Gail,
Hearing loss in one ear is not that bad. Ron can only hear out of one ear and isn’t Greg deaf in one ear. I may be wrong about Greg. Do they know if the vision problem is permanent or will it clear up more? He is so young to have this happening. They really do have great friends. How nice that they will pay the house payment for them so they do not lose their house. There are a lot of good people around it is just a shame that people do not talk about them instead of all the bad people.
Those hot water bed pans would be a lot better then the ones that you use coal. I wonder if they had them here in the states or if that was just something that they had in Germany. It is funny all the different customs that they have in different countries.
Not much going on here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[adele shanbar]

#73479

Hi Barbara
your card is in the mailbox, to be picked up by our mailman….Ho Ho Ho!
I had breakfast for dinner the night before I went for my shot- oatmeal. I was in the mood for the nice, old fashioned oatmeal. Quite yummy. Gary has cold cereal, of course. God forbid he eat oatmeal. he has never eaten it. Can you imagine?
I am so glad Nancy’s so is ok. It was scary, as her bio son had cancer in the throat, and we know how that ended.
We got more bad news 2 days ago. Bobby’s x wife called, as it would have been their 9th anniversary on the 6th of this month. They usually call each other, and do speak throughout the year. he also goes to see her parents every once in a while. Her name is Jen. Well, her mother just got diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, and it is the aggressive kind. It does not sound good.
Jen asked bobby is he could help her get a real Christmas tree for her parents, and help put it up. Of course, he said yes. Jen has one sister, who just had a baby about a year ago. so they have one grandchild. They are devastated. So is Bobby, Tillie, and the rest of us. They are good people.
Honestly, I think Bobby is still in love with her, and always has been. Hence, his never getting involved with another woman, and very down on any possibility of a relationship. This is so terribly sad, for all of them.
Hope you have a good day, and are not freezing. We are getting ready for our first storm.
That was a good elevator idea…leave it to our Southern Belle to figure that out….LOL
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73481

Hi Colleen
Please read my post to Barbara for all the new news.
I am very proud of Amanda. I had given up hope she was going to go to college. She loves books, and is an avid reader. She also loves history. She really wants to be a professor. If she does not make it that far ( a doctorate) , she can teach at a high school. I am so thrilled, you have no idea, as i hated her being a waitress all her life. Her hand already kills her from carrying the heavy trays. I would hate for her to be like me, when she gets older.
Gary has been drinking his water, and taking his fluid pill, so that is good too.
I put some of the chocolate in Christmas dishes, for everyone to pick on, when they visit. the rest went into the fridge, as it keeps better in there for a longer time. Everyone over here loves their chocolate. I picked the snowmen, as they are good for all winter long.
We are getting our first winter storm tomorrow. Unfortunately, too early to e able to go out for brunch, so we will have to see Al and Winnie next weekend. So, here starts the weather interfering in my plans for fun. I will bake something nice, so the house smells good.
Did you see the baking show?? I may try to do a sweet bread, and make it into a wreath….I was inspired by the bakers on the show.
Hope you have a good weekend too.
Adele
PS…tonight JJ has his practice. We are having the stairs cleaned right now, even as we speak. I hope they will dry before tonight!

[adele shanbar]

#73483

Hi Colleen
Have a good time at your Christmas party tomorrow!!
Adele
PS…what are serving? We may want to sled over to your place for the fun.

[Colleen]

#73518

Hi Adele,
I am sorry to hear about Bobby’s ex mother -in-law.That is sad that he still loves his x wife Do you think that she still loves him? He is such a nice man to go over there and help with the tree and things so they will have a nice Christmas. I will add her to the prayer list.
That would be great if she makes it. She can teach high school or junior high until she gets her doctorate. She is a smart girl she will make it. That is good that she decided to go to school. I guess sometimes it takes awhile for them to decide what they want to do. It was smart that she took her time and made a decision.
If I put the candy out this early it would all be gone before Christmas ever got here. I have too many girls in the family. lol I hope that you do not get too much snow and cannot go out to brunch with your friends. That is the only bad thing about winter and snow. it sure does interfere with any plans that you make.
I missed the baking show. I had forgot all about it and then I watched the chew and they said that it was on. I just watched the chew too late to see it. I will watch for it next week.
Well that is about all from here. I have to get to bed.
Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#73520

Adele,
I am not sure what they are serving. Everyone brings a dish to pass. I know that they are going to have turkey and that is about all. Just come on down and you can eat with us. Aliza will be there so the party will be interesting.
Colleen

[adele shanbar]

#73532

Hi Colleen
Hope you have a good time at the party today.
It has been snowing all day. We did not get out to brunch, as it was already snowing. We knew that was goign to happen, from all the reports on TV.
I made Gary’s mother’s sponge cake, and screwed it up. I used the pretty Temptations bundt pan, and it was too small- cake oozed out of it, and then it got stuck in the pan. I had to patch the outsides….LOL I am doing popovers for dinner- they love those.
I am thrilled about Amanda. I hope she makes it all the way through. It is hard to work full time and go to school. Both she and Marissa are doing that. With today’s prices for everything, they have to.
Gary had a few snowmen last night, and I had a few of the red malted milk balls. So, so far, we are ok. When Tilllie comes up tonight, she will take soem down. She loves chocolate.
I have to get into the shower, before I make the popovers…gotta go…..
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73534

Hi colleen
Forgot to say….he has never admitted to still loving her. Heather and I am sure he does. We have no idea how she feels. He is a good kid. We are blessed with our kids and grands- they are good people. Not perfect people, but good ones, with good hearts. then again, we are not perfect either….Ho Ho Ho
Adele

[Colleen]

#73551

Hi Adele,
We had a really nice time at the party. Aliza was so funny. She was talking to everyone there. Santa Clause always comes to the party and Aliza just loved him. She got in his lap and she was talking to him. At first she just would stare at him and the look on her face just said it all. She went up there and took a second turn. The second time she sat on his lap and gave him a kiss. It was so cute.We did not know that she was going to do that and missed the shot. I was so disappointed. Owen did not get to come he was not feeling good. When they left he had gone back to bed. So he missed the whole thing.
I bet that it was a mess when the cake spilled over. Do you have a bigger pan that you usually use? That is terrible when we try to make a cake like their mom use to make and it does not turn out. Then they can tease you about it for a long time. lol
Your popovers sound really good. We had more food then anyone should eat. They always have a lot of sweets. The men in that family make a lot of the pies and cakes for the dinner.
They both will make it thru. They are working too hard not to. You should be proud of the two of them they are doing so good. I do not know if that came out the way I meant it. I meant it in a good way.
I like malted milk balls. They have a store down here that sells the sugar free ones and they are so good.That is nice that Tillie will have chocolate to snack on also. She is going to love getting to eat that. That was nice that she came upstairs tonight. She must feel a little better.
It sounds like they both care about each other. They would not do things like that together if they didn’t. It is a shame that they could not make a go of it. I do not know anything about her though. You do have good kids and grands. They come around to see you and Gary a lot.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[adele shanbar]

#73573

Hi Colleen
Bobby said Linda is in the hospital, and they do not know if she will be out by Christmas. No plants or flowers are allowed. He said Jen called, and was crying. He told her she can call him anytime, and vent, but to try to keep positive for her Mom. I am really proud of how he has been supporting her. It does not sound good for her Mom.
It sound slike you all had a great time at the party. How nice that the men make the goodies. Aliza with Santa was so precious. So sorry you did not get that shot. Maybe she will do something cute when she sees another Santa, and then you can get the shot.
Tillie came up for dinner, and got a stash of chocolate….LOL
I made cinnamon rolls this am, and tonight we are having pizza. Gary will have an egg salad sandwich. Bobby wants to cook the mushrooms for the pizza, so instead of a jar of them he got fresh ones. Do you like mushrooms on your pizza?
The stove was not too bad, just a couple of spots on the bottom. I will have to clean it before the holiday baking begins. that is ok, as I needed to do it anyway.
Hope you have a good day!
Adele
PS…I wonder where all the girls are??

[Dianne Danielson]

#73578

Hi Ladies,
Sorry I haven’t been on here lately. I’m in a funk & for the life of me I cannot get into the Christmas spirit this year. Not sure why. It could be any number of things. My injuries, shoulders, aches & pains, or Jewell’s issues, Kay. she’s not doing very well. I’m not sure she’ll make it to the new year. Her upper right side quadrant of her face is black & blue & her eye is black. she refuses to go to have it checked out. she was a registered nurse so she knows all about the injuries. so she says.
I got your cards, Adele, & Sue. Thank you. Adele, that was a funny story about the elevator. Yeah, Portland used to have a mounted police squad, & everybody loved when they were on patrol. But due to budget & upkeep they had to dismantle it. The horses were taken by private citizens, to good homes. Whenever they were patrolling downtown, people, including myself would stop to look. A lot of people would go up & pet the horses. I don’t know if they were supposed to, but they did. I’m scared to death of them so I kept my distance. Sounds crazy to be afraid of horses, but they’re so big & they can spook so easily.
I heard you guys on the East coast got snow last night. a year ago we had snow on the ground. It’s dry as a bone out here right now. If it was summer it’d be in the 90s I’m sure!! But that East wind is bone chilling cold!!
Well, that’s all I have for now.
Have a great week.
dd

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[Gail Norusis]

#73594

Hi DD,
I think you did mention that you suffer from depression. Have you had a talk with the doctor lately-perhaps you need a change in your medication. Some years it is easier to get into the Christmas spirit than others. There’s nothing wrong with feeling a little down at the holidays as we sometimes remember happier times or we miss loved ones who are gone. As long as these feelings don’t persist and begin to interfere with our living our everyday lives I think we all feel a bit glum sometimes. If I began to feel like I am wallowing in sadness I would seek out medical help. If it’s just a bit of the Christmas “blues” then I look for a way to help someone else as doing for others always makes me feel better. It can be as simple as holding open a door or helping someone carry their groceries or putting a couple of dollars in the bell ringer’s kettle. There are many opportunities to help others that don’t cost anything-many places need volunteers. It seems like helping others makes me feel so much more cheerful and fulfilled. I know you will still worry about Kay and Jewell and I pray that everything will turn out all right for them.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73598

Hi Colleen,
Wow! I am surprised that Aliza was so friendly with Santa. Many little kids are afraid of him. That must have been so cute to see her with him. Was she all dressed up for the party? Are you still the game and prize lady or have you passed that job onto someone else? I’m sorry that Owen was sick and couldn’t attend. I hope he feels better now. How great that lots of the men made desserts. I would like to sample one of each. lol
When we were over at Jenny’s on Friday Piper started putting stickers on Greg again but then she got bored with that and decided she wanted to do a fashion show. So she went to her room and got out all her bathing suits(of which she has a ton) and all her gymnastics leotards and proceeded to put them on one by one and came out and modeled them for us and of course we had to exclaim over each outfit. (she was heavy on Hello Kitty and Minnie Mouse) lol Then when she was all done we had to give her a round of applause. At least it kept her occupied for quite a while. I mentioned something about a chatterbox and she says “what’s a chatterbox?” I said someone who talks a lot and she says “I talk a lot.” (yes, Piper we know. lol) What a little character! Somehow I recognize that third child attention seeking. lol
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73600

Hi Adele,
Such good news about Nancy’s son. I’ll bet they are both relieved.
I’m sorry to hear about Bobby’s ex MIL. I will be praying for the family.
You know I don’t eat oatmeal-I’m with Gary on that one.
I’m sorry you had to cancel brunch. How much snow did you get?
We are supposed to get together with another couple for Christmas on Friday so I hope the weather holds out for that one.
Dec. 20th is the preschool concert and the 23rd is the Guitar Night concert so I hope it’s not snowy either of those nights too.
You must be so proud of Amanda and Marissa for working and going to school. Jenny did that too. She had no interest in going away to school even though she could have. Instead she lived at home worked and took classes and graduated cum laude.
My nephew has a doctorate and it takes a long time to get there and he still has trouble getting a tenured position at a college. They are very stingy with them now as they more often have these professors who don’t work there full time and therefore don’t have all the benefits that come with those jobs. So she may want to rethink the college professor route. You can still teach in colleges with a Masters. My bother has. Anyway, she has a few years before she has to make any of those decisions.
We have been watching the baking show-it makes us hungry. lol
It’s funny that you have that pooping reindeer. Years ago QVC used to sell this pooping moose made out of wood. You put something like M and M’s in it and lifted the tail and out dropped some candy. We had one and now I’m wondering what happened to it as I’ll bet Lachlan would think it was funny. QVC used to sell a lot more interesting things years ago. lol
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#73602

Hi DD
it is hard to celebrate when you hurt all over. Plus, with your worrying about Kay. she has been a good friend, and you don’t want to lose her. I still miss Maxine terribly. Every once in a while, I see or hear something, and think that I have to hear what Maxine thinks about this. I sincerely hope Kay will recover, and be ok. We are all saying a prayer for her.
We did get a lot of snow. We got about 7 inches. There is more coming Tuesday, into Wednesday, and I am so worried about my shot on Thursday. I have a late brunch scheduled for that day, and then off to the doctor I am supposed to go. They have said it may change to rain, so I have hope. This is the last one, so I am good from here on.
When I take Tillie for her shot, I have people coming with me, so that is not as much of a concern. Plus, her next one is after Christmas.
I wish I could send you some holiday spirit. I do know what you mean, as this year it is hard to have some. So much sadness in the world, and with our health issues. your pictures have a lot of Christmas spirit. I am sending good thoughts to you, across the land……
Love, Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73604

DD,
I forgot to ask how Jewell is doing today.
Gail had a good idea to help feel a little more merrier.
Gary gets down a lot, with all his health issues, etc. When he does, I point out people who area a lot worst off than he is. Someones that makes him see things are not so bad.
I get down, but try not to show it. I am always the one who is trying to get everyone else’s spirits up, so I can’t show when I am worried, or down. however, it shows in my attitude. I get cranky, and very short with the crew around here. It is easier to look like I am mad, instead of sad. In my prayers today, I asked God to give me more patience as I have been very short with everyone. especially since my back has been causing trouble again.
I don’t know if that helped or not. I hope it at ;east made you chuckle about me yelling at everyone…..LOL

Colleen
I forgot to ask you how Owen is feeling.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73606

Hi Gail!
I read your post to Colleen. OMG, is your Piper a character. I love her antics, and sayings. She is delightful. Jenny must laugh all day long.
I hope the weather holds out for you too. I need prayers for Thursday- see the post to the girls for all that info…LOL
I also agree that the Q used to see cooler stuff. the kids loved the year I got those adult character plush throws, with the animal heads on them. Funny you just said that, as I was saying to Gary last night that I have no amusing present for everyone this year. I even looked on the Q to see if they had another funny throw. They only have one for kids. It makes opening presents a lot more fun, when they are fun.
we are doing Hanukkah this Saturday. I hope my back cooperates. It is awful at night, and in the morning. It is discouraging. Making potato latka’s are very time consuming, and a lot of frying at the stove. Bobby always helps out, but I do not know if he will be here,and that’s the only day I can do them this weekend. I had no idea it was so early this year- took me by surprise.
I am very proud of Amanda and Marissa. I was hoping Amanda would want to teach high school. I hope I will be alive to see what she chooses.
It was good news about Nancy and her son. But, it was followed by bad news about poor Linda. It has been such an awful health news year, and I am afraid next year will not be any better. Can you tell, I am a little down about all the health and death this year? HO HO HO.
the baking show is a great diversion. Love that show.
OMG….did you hear Mario Batalli has a charge on him for sexual harassment? he seems like a very “huggy” type of guy, and I hope that is all it is. If not, I would be very disappointed in him. I love Mario. i do not want to think poorly of him. imagine how the Chew staff feels? Dam.
I guess when I think I am having bad day, I will think of his day, and feel better.
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#73621

Adele,
It is hard not to be crabby when we hurt. That is one of the issues of growing older that no one warns us about. I didn’t know your back was bothering you again. Greg is going to need his shot on Wednesday after carrying up all the decorating boxes this weekend. Even though he never really says it I know he thinks it’s pretty when the trees go up. I am behind as when i was sick decorating was the last thing on my mind-but that’s okay as we leave our decorations up later. For some reason yesterday and today my ears are all plugged up-I wonder if that is something leftover from the cold. I wonder if taking a mucinex would help. My hearing is suffering from it so Greg is saying now I know how he feels.
I’m afraid it’s true about Mario. I read it on the Q boards and they referred to a pretty interesting article about all his transgressions. When I told Greg about it this morning he said maybe we should just have all the men who have never made unwanted advances toward woman stand up. The world is changing for the better but there is going to be lots of fall out on the way. I’m glad woman are finally getting a chance to speak up and be heard and hopefully the next generation of men will do better.
We are lucky that we all have husbands who are good decent men who would never act in this way. And I hope people don’t get the idea that all men are bad and that there is an anti man backlash. I’m just glad that people are aware now of what the world has been like for many woman and that it will become a learning experience so that we all can do better.
Now if only they could also stop the bullying of children in much the same manner. I don’t understand why people want to mean to another human being. We are all in this world together. Be nice to each other.
Hopping off the soapbox.
Gail

[Dianne Danielson]

#73623

Hi Ladies,
Thank you for all your words of encouragement. I’m all too well aware of people who are far worse off than I. Kay is the #1 example. She’s not going to get any better. She has COPD & is on oxygen. she had to have a portion of her lung removed before I knew her. The Dr.s told her 2 yrs ago she had only a few months to live. well, she was able to stretch it out to almost 2 yrs. She’s dying, & I’m watching her die little by little. I don’t think she has too much longer. When I fix meals, I take some of it down to her. she’s unable to do too much for herself these days. She asked me the other day why I do it,
& all I could say “It’s the caregiver in me. Always the caregiver.”
This whole bldg. is full of people with issues, be drugs, alcohol, you name it, it’s here. This is basically the last place people come to. Several people who were here when I moved in are gone now. Several have passed away. Some I knew, some I didn’t.
I’m playing my Christmas shows today. Frosty, the snowman, etc.
I did call my Dr. & am waiting to hear back.
That’s too bad about Mario. Where is this going end up?? They did the same thing to former Senator Bob Packwood from Oregon back in the 80s I think it was. Somewhere back there.
Well, thanks again for the encouragement.
dd
PS. I forgot, Adele, I saw clips of the Buffalo Bills game last night. Playing in the snow, I don’t know how they could see where they were on the field.

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[adele shanbar]

#73632

Hey Gail
My back started to bother me after the 1st gel shot. I had to stand in long so long as they changed the way to register, on the 2ond floor to pick up a letter for jury duty. Also had to do the same downstairs, for the shot. I was in so much pain by then that I was sweating, and shaking. When I was downstairs, I could no longer stand, so I sat to wait my turn, and 2 people cut in front of me. They did not even look at me- just walked by me, sitting by the door. from that day, I have had on and off miserable back pain. I am praying it will stop. I did call the manager in charge of the building, who was very nice. they are changing their procedures- I suggested they do a number system so people could sit and wait.
I am glad you got your decorations out. Always looks so festive at Christmas time, and we need it. Greg is a sweetie, for sure….ho ho ho. We are very lucky to have such sweet men, who cannot even fathom that type of behavior.
I bet I would be real busy, were I still working. I wold venture to say, that the training we did on sexual abuse prevention would be in great demand right now. You can goggle them- we did it through the “Enough Abuse” campaign out of Boston ma. the inter agency group I was a part of in Gloucester did those training, county wide. Our group was called the Gloucester Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Partnership…GCSAPP. When I was retiring, they were trying to change the name to a more “user friendly” motto. I wonder if they are still there?? I know all the women I trained with are now retired.
I heard a little more on the news about Mario. Four women came forward. I am sickened by this, as I love Mario. Dam. He added so much to The View.
I hope you have a good evening. It is going to storm here tomorrow- combo of ice, rain and snow. Yuck.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73635

Hi DD
I hope I said what I was thinking, without hurting your feelings. I meant that I do my best (as I am sure Gail did too) to look around at those less fortunate, and realize that no matter how bad my day or health is there are those in a lot more difficulty. All you have to do is see the news. Children with cancer who die before they are in the double digits, etc. this world can be very sad.
I am so terribly sorry for your friend, and all the people you already lost in your building. Barbara posted a video of a children’s choir, on Facebook, where they sang Hallelujah” the more modern version. I bawled my eyes out. I cried for Maxine, a real hard soul cry, that has been bottled up inside me for a while. Nobody was here, so it was safe to lose it.
All of us have so much sadness around us. So many people with awful illnesses. I pray on this site that does Novena’s on line. I love it. Today, I chose a topic to listen to, done by a priest, and it was very comforting. Nice that technology allows us to hear a sermon at home. that site gives me comfort when I feel down.
My mother and daughter have depression. Heather is sad a lot, and cries when she is alone. She hates to be alone. Tillie seemed to get better after the grandchildren were born- Bobby and Heather. She had another bout after my Dad died. I hope you have a source of comfort when you are depressed. Do you still see your funny friend…can’t remember his name. I hope you do, as he made you laugh a lot.
Please have a good night. I worry about you, my friend.
Love, Adele

[Barbara Smith]

#73638

Hello friends. So, Miss Gail, our Piper is not just a model, but can explain all about everything in the process. LOL She was so cute in just up and admitting that she is a “chatterbox” and proud of it. Woman power, hear me roar ha ha She and little Aliza are so smart. She knew Santa was one of those chubby men that she could just wrap around her little finger, and then plant that kiss was to seal the deal, Colleen. ha ha I think their little innocence is endearing and we should just sit back and soak it all in while we can. I am sorry poor Owen wasn’t feeling good. I hope he is doing lots better by now. How is JJ doing Adele? They just grow up so fast. Does he want anything special for Christmas? I too am very disappointed with the choice of toys and goodies for the little ones this year at the Q. It’s like it is vacuums, bose, coffee, loads of “gourmet food” and besides our Quacker, lots of expensive clothing. I ordered MawMaw two pair of D&C pants (she loves those) and three fleecy sweatshirt like tops, since they keep her so warm, and it was over $150. Guess I am just being stingy, but I don’t mind paying for good quality Quacker; since they just last forever. But the tax and the shipping brought the price up; when it didn’t seem like it would be that high before I went to check out. What do you all think? That being said, I guess I should preface this with a full disclosure statement, ha ha, I always buy those chocolate covered pretzels that come wrapped seperately. THey are just SO good. ha ha
You know, Adele, love can really change a person. Our son, Joey, is such a wonderful man, but his being with Lisa has brought us so many concerns over the years. Just yesterday, we had one of those “awful” family moments. They came to dinner; and Lisa had made up her mind before they got here that she wanted pictures of the two of them made outside with all the menagerie of animals she has brought here in the picture. Well, there are not enough words to say what a fiasco it turned in to. The dogs were acting up so badly; running, jumping. And she yelled at Joey that he was causing it not to go right; since he didn’t get up to our house while “the sun was shining bright” and now they were rushing. One of the doggies actually bucked back and split Joeys lip while they were trying to do a picture of them on a blanket on the ground in front of a nandina bush. It was TERRIBLE. She then had such a bad attitude the rest of the evening, and I talked to her at one point about how little things that don’t go right are just that, little things, and if she could just to remember how thankful we all should be this time of year especially; because so many people are sick or suffering, and how much they would give to just be able to TRY to make some pictures; even if they didn’t come out well that day. But to no good. I just wanted to hug Joey up and say RUN son as fast as you can. It worried Jerry and me so badly that we could barely choke anything down. So that is my happy story for the day. SO prayers needed.
DD. hope you are doing better; as well as your good friend. She is so fortunate to have someone like you. Take care all. Barbara

[Dianne Danielson]

#73640

Hi Ladies,
Oooooops, it looks like I goofed. I hope I didn’t come off as angry. I didn’t mean for it to. This bldg. is one big psyche ward, you might say. I got a call back from the Dr. office, & I have an appt. for Wed. am. I’ll see what he has to say.
I’m slowly getting things put out & set up.
Oh Barbara, I’m so sorry to hear about the fiasco at your home. Bad time of yr to do a photoshoot outside, on a blanket. I’m mystified as to how it was Joey’s fault. Weird. Is he to blame for everything that goes wrong? I sure hope not. Sounds like she wants to make him her scape goat. Sending prayers for calm & peace for all of you. Peace. Be still.
take care girls.
stay warm, too.
dd

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[adele shanbar]

#73660

Hi Barbara
We had those very similar days here, when Bobby was married. When things did not go as his wife planned, the day was gone.
I remember that, especially with your description of the photo fiasco. What was she thinking? Animals will not stay where you want them to. Plus, those pics of them all over the place, are better than a posed one. I bet you have some favorite pics like that of your family, some with funny faces, looking everywhere, and the antics of a big group of people. Those are the best pics ever. I call them “action photos”. I really am not a big fan of the posed photos.
The photographer for Bobby’s wedding caught a great pic of Steph and Jhonny. they were out in the hall, and Steph was just sitting down on Jhonny’s lap- they were both laughing hysterically, and it is my all time favorite picture of the two of them. Only thing is, we are not allowed to display any wedding photos- they were banned from sight after the divorce. LOL
This is the problem, as I see it. the kids today think every picture must be perfect, so it can be loaded onto the internet for all to see, with no negative comments. Not. look at all the funny comments I got on Gary’s Halloween pj’s. They would be upset by those. The comments made me laugh. The real problem is, they have no sense of humor. Period.
Soooooo, that all being said, here is what I will be praying for….a sense of humor for Lisa, with a reality check that when things are not as planned, look at the humor in it all, and have a good time.
We love you, Barbara, and of course are adding many prayers for you!
Adele
PS…the back is not good today, and causing a weird sciatica, in my trunk area, goign to the top of my thigh on one side. Called the doctor, who wants me to take a muscle relaxer. Yuck. I will be asleep all day….LOL

[adele shanbar]

#73662

Hi DD
Not to worry, my friend. Did not think you were angry, I thought we hurt your feelings. When you are in pain, you are raw. I know I am.
You are correct- she thinks everything is Joey’s fault. Bobby’s x did the same think. I am hoping as they grow and develop in life, they will see the humor in things, and make lemonade out of lemons, just like we all do. It is the only way to go.
that being said, Bobby has been getting calls, with poor Jen crying. He feels awful for all of them. especially her Mom. I want to call her, and express my wishes and prayers. Such an awful time to deal with cancer. My back issues look minuscule compared to what they are dealing with.
I hope you get good news from your doctor tomorrow. Also hope the weather is good for travelling.
It is sleet/rain/snow here for today. So far, it is just dark and gloomy. I am hoping for rain, to ensure the walkways will all be clear for me to go on Thursday.
Love your holiday pictures! I hope you are getting some holiday spirit to go with them.
How is Kay doing today? You are such a good and kind neighbor. You are her Angel. God bless you, and her. You are providing comfort for her last days, and that is such a blessing, for both of you.
Love, Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#73664

Hi DD,
I don’t think you came off as angry at all. You sounded so sad and we all just wanted to help. You are a wonderful caregiver to your friend Kay and I’m sure she is grateful for your care and support.
That picture of the Tudor style house with all the snow is amazing. You can hardly see the house anymore.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73666

Hi Barbara,
I do agree that the Q shipping is high but it is worth it for Quacker items and I think Denim and Co. wear well too. I think we all order some of the food items as a special treat around the holidays. I usually get some of the apples but I didn’t this year for some reason. I guess I still can if I want to.
When you were talking about the photo you mentioned a nandina bush which I am not familiar with. I will have to google a picture.
That’s sad that Lisa let the picture fiasco ruin your whole evening. The young people have to learn to not sweat the small stuff. Poor Joey I hope his lip is okay-I wish she had been concerned about that.
It seems like before her accident you had a much better rapport with her. Has her personality been changed that much by the accident and she never changed back to who she used to be? Does that make sense?
Do you have any plans for parties at the nursing home where your MIL stays?
Greg gets another shot in the back tomorrow and Thursday Brent has his test. Please keep praying for him.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73668

Hi Adele,
I have been reading about Mario and he comes off as a not very nice man. It seems that the opinion of many is that a lot of the celebrity chefs are arrogant. That’s what happens when you start to believe your own press. People should learn to temper their celebrity with a good dose of humility. People need to recognize where their talent comes from-it was given to them by God and hopefully they use it for good.
I hope that your back is better. Even if you are loopy from the muscle relaxant.
You know Bobby’s ex must still feel somehow dependent on him. Otherwise why would she be calling on him in her time of need and be leaning on him for emotional support? Human relationships are complicated-aren’t they?
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#73672

Hey Gailster
First, let me say I hope Greg’s shot goes well, and he feels relief from the pain. I hope he will not need another one. Also hope you get good news from Brent on Thursday. Will he know then, or later?
Thank you for the thoughts on my back. i am wicked loopy right now- only took the prednisone so far. I’ll wait on the muscle relaxer until before bedtime. I do not do loopy well. the first day on the prednisone is the worst- makes me feel dizzy and lousy, and an awful taste in your mouth. On the positive side, a lot of the pain from the back is already gone. So, it is worth the lousy feeling for a few days.
I only see Mario on The Chew, and I have most of his cook books. He gives the appearance of a family man. Even his boys have been on the show. I have never googled him, so I have not read those pieces. It is like that old adage….never meet your hero, as you will be disappointed. So sad, and very disappointing.
I also agree, the shipping charges are nuts. But, they will stand behind their products. A lot of others do not do that.
I will have to get Gary to get my pans out of the oven for dinner, and put them in to cook. Simple tonight- frozen chicken fingers, and fries. So glad I have these easy dinners in the freezer for days like this.
The Chew crew did a small intro on the Mario mess.
By the way, Amanda came by today. We chatted about the allegations against a lot of bosses, and she also agreed it is very common in the restaurant business. She said in Boston, one of the cooks grabbed her ass, (I will not say which restaurant) and this is what she said……”Should you ever be so inclined, to grab my ass again, I will grab that knife and cut off your hand”. She never shared that with me before. It makes me say again and again, if you do not ask the question, you will not get an answer. She feels the women need to be more forceful, and nip it in the bud right when it happens. I told her it works for her, but, it may not for other women, (plus every circumstance is different and cannot be compared) and NOBODY deserves that, EVER. Period. That is yet another reason to over tip every single server you have waiting on you. God only knows what they are tolerating to keep their jobs. Dam.
Adele
PS….hope I did not offend anyone.

[Barbara Smith]

#73675

Hi Girls! I am determined to be “positive” on this little news letter today LOL Jerry has gone to see his mom. We are planning this big birthday party for her at our house next week. She will turn 91. I say big; but really just a few friends and family, but I know she will really enjoy it. She loves sweets, as you all know, and so chocolate cake with pink buttercream icing; and lots of soft decorations on top. I will bake the sheet cake on Monday and freeze it; and then thaw and frost later. We haven’t told her yet; but she will like it. We take her on little trips around town at least once every couple of weeks; and bring her out to our house more often than that. She loves Kentucky Fried chicken Ha Ha; and so thats what we got the other day. It is just amazing to me as tiny as she is that she can put away so much food. I’m surely not complaining; but she has a great appetite if she is feeling good.
You know Gail, I have really thought about your question regarding if Lisa has changed since her accident. With all my heart I want to say Yes, but there is this nagging seed of doubt that mabey I just was not seeing the “side” of her that she didn’t show me. Even after I talked with her about how both she and I have laid in the ICU; and how much it meant to both of us to have another chance to live and love life; she didn’t change her “tone” in her answer to me. What she said was sort of like, “well, I don’t really care about it anymore; it wasn’t really important to Joey” and it was at that point that I guess the mother in me surfaced and I said “we all, me, you, Joey, everyone, have faults, and if Joey is not the person that you can accept him for the good and the bad that I think you should go and find the person who will make you happy” I know I may not should have said it but I would have said the exact same thing to Joey had be been in the room at the time. I did let him know that she and I had talked, and he just said not to worry, let’s try to put today back together. And we did somehow to some resemblance of tranquility. A nandina bush stays green and bushy, and has bright red clusters of berries on it. It really is beautiful.
We are doing a “deli” tray for dinner this evening. Adele, you are putting me to shame. Here you are having to take meds for your knee, and still have a warm meal for the family. Hope you are doing good. A muscle relaxer just knocks me off my feet. I usually have to break them in half if I have to take one. I think I would be out for a couple of days on a whole one; which come to think of it, that might not be so bad LOL
Better go for now. If not; I am sure I will start to complain or something. I am in a bit of a “funky” mood. Or, then again, mabey I am just the Grinch in desquise with all my Quacker. After all, I did order the green Dreamjeannes. Quack Quack————

[Dianne Danielson]

#73728

Hi Ladies,
Well, believe it or not I’m actually decorating now. I’m feeling more in the spirit & have put up the village & the tree is almost done. I really need a bigger place for all of it. A nice house would fill the bill. We have a Queen Anne mansion in North Portland that I’d love to have!! They call it the Queen Anne Mansion of a million lights. They decorate it in lights of all colors, & Victorian décor. I have a ton of pics of it. I just don’t think I can put em on here. I’ll see if I can. You can take tours of it this time of year. Last time it was only $3.
Hallie brought me some presents from her & the family. That was a big boost for me. It’s been so many yrs since I’ve had presents under my tree.
I’m not surprised to hear Mario isn’t a nice man off camera. I’ve watched soaps for yrs, & I’ve always wondered how the stars acted off camera. I’ve heard some are nice, but I wonder if that’s because they’re in the spotlight. I’d like to be a fly on the wall to really see what they’re saying. I know actors are really bad at believing their own press.
Kay was trying to get help thru an some kind of agency, but they’re not going to help her because as of Oct. their rules changed & her interview doesn’t come up for a couple months. she’ll be gone by then. they have to review her case before they can get $$ to help her out.
Oh, did you hear Dan Wheeler is retiring at the end of the month? He was co-hosting Gourmet Holiday with Sharon yesterday & at the end of the show he announced it. they’re having a retirement show Dec. 29th @ 10pm ET. Rick is hosting it. He has other things lined up, helping people get thru grieving process & other things.
Well, I guess that’s all for now.
Oh Gail, I can’t find your address label. I know I cut it off the box, but where it ended up, who knows. I don’t have Barbara’s either.
take care.
dd

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[Colleen]

#73737

Hi Everybody,
Things are a little crazy here right now and will not be on for awhile. My daughter and her two daughters have moved in with us for awhile an so we have things going on here all the time. I am really tired. I get up at 5am and let me tell you that is not something that I am use to anymore. I fix breakfast for my granddaughter before she goes to school. That is something that I have not done in a long time. It is fun to be doing it again. Have not read all the posts on here yet but will tomorrow.
Please all of you take care and will talk to you later.
Colleen

[Anonymous]

#73742

Just thought I would let you all know that Kym (DWTS) & Robert Herjavec are expecting twins. They showed a cute sonogram of one of the babies giving a thumbs up.

It is freezing here. It is 15 with wind chills making it feel like 2 and snow coming tonight & tomorrow. I was going to go to my friend & take her gift but think I will wait until next week & hope the weather is a bit better. My cookies are baked. I have oatmeal chocolate chip, peanut butter, lemon & strawberry white chocolate chip & butterscotch kisses.
I got the cutest card from Angel. It has photos of her & Glen as well as Lucy & Pasha.
I bought myself a new printer for Christmas as my old one broke. So that is from me to me. I spent part of the weekend setting it up & getting it connected.
Praying everyone gets good news with all the medical issues. Now that would be a good Christmas present.

[adele shanbar]

#73769

Hi Barbara
I was afraid to take the muscle relaxer, with the prednisone. So, i did not take it yet. Most of the morning sciatica is gone, but that nagging pain in the back is there.

Gary is home today, so he moved the big pot for the chicken soup, and filled it with the water I needed. It is nice to have an assistant. the soup is for tonight, and then for Saturday;s Hannukah celebration- latka’s will be served with the matzoa ball soup, coconut meringue macaroons, and pumpernickel bread. I am going to do the cookies and bread on Friday. they are no trouble at all. Gary will get some corn beef from the local Jewish deli, as I will do 2 loaves of bread, one for Friday and one for Saturday. Gary will also take JJ to his practice, so my back can rest more after doing the cookies and bread.

I have a question for you. I heard somewhere that if you put a day old bread in the oven for 5 minutes, it will get crusty again. Is that right, and did you ever do it?

I am hot and honery….from the prednisone. I have to say, being so sick on it yesterday- 12 pills- was worth it not be in in excruciating pain when I got up. It was a lot more manageable.
Hope you have a great time with your MIL. She sounds delightful. So,….we will both be baking Friday….LOL I am making 8 different cookies for Christmas. this prednisone needs to work….ho ho ho
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73771

Hi DD
That house is beautiful. Imagine living there, and having all that porch to decorate?? I love those beautiful covered farmers porches. Will you go for a tour this year? Maybe you and your other friend in the building can go together? That would be so nice.
I am still in shock over Mario. He is /was in my home every day on The Chew. I am also wondering how it will work without him, or if they will bring on another chef.
I am so glad you got your decorating done. It does look so festive. I hope it all made you smile.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73773

DD…forgot to say. that is so nice that your friends brought you some presents. i am thrilled for you!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73775

Hi colleen
That is great that they are with you. Not so great for their circumstances, but very nice this time of year to have your Minnions there with you.
When Heather and the girls moved back in here for a while, Amanda and Marissa were in high school. Gary did the early am transport, as he is always up early. The girls still say it was the only time they were early for school….LOL I was still working, so I was not bale to make breakfast. they were fine with cereal, thank God. Heather has never made a hot breakfast during the week. She does that on weekends only.
I bet it is very festive in your house right now. good for the soul.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73777

Hi Sue!
That would be great news for all of us. We have all had a year of operations, PT, and issues. Thank God we all came out ok so far, and I hope we continue that way.
Wow- you did your cookies early. Do you give some away as gifts? You are way ahead of me. Go Sue!!!
Ho Ho Ho
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73779

Hey all.

Forgot to tell you. Mr Fishie was not acting right the last few days, and I knew the end was near. He went to the big water in the sky last night, and has been put to rest in the plastic container from the veggie cream cheese.
Soooo, now I can get my Temptations canister set out, which will go in that spot. Bought it a couple of years ago….LOL It will be in memory of the 2 Fishies I had whose 2 bowls were there, right by the window. One died a while ago, and this one hung on for another year, or more. he was almost 4 years old. I had no idea a beta fish would live that long- they were the centerpieces from Enzo’s high school graduation.
Goodbye Mr Fishie……

The Heartless Fishie Mother, Adele the Scrooge

[Dianne Danielson]

#73784

Hi Ladies,
Well, Ms. Scrooge, have you ever tried the Lo-Back for your lower back, they sell on the q? Lori Grenier sells it. I got it & am trying it out. you lay on the bed, flat on your back, place it on your thighs, & push, hold for a few seconds & relax. Start out slow & build up how long you push. It’ll take 2-3 weeks before you notice a difference. I’m still working on it. I’ll keep ya posted on if it works for me. I’m jealous of all those cookies, etc you guys are making. I don’t make em any more. No one to share em with. Your celebration this weekend sounds wonderful. Even tho I’m not Jewish, it’d be interesting to share a meal with you. I’ll hop on my broom & head out. lol. oh, when I read your post to Barbara, I thought you said something else there for a second. I almost fell off the couch! LOL. What color temptations do you have? I collect a little of both patterns.
I went to see my Dr today, & I told him what’s been going on. He didn’t put me on any more meds but put me in touch with s resource specialist to put me in touch with people who will, hopefully help me out with Jewell’s health issues. He said he thinks it’s more about being isolated. I told him this bldg. is a psyche ward. He said he’s heard about this bldg.
Well, I guess that’s about it for now.
take care.
dd

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[Gail Norusis]

#73793

Hi DD,
I still have to put my village up too. I love my village-I got it from Valerie Parr Hill several years ago and then passed my old one on to Jenny so the grands enjoy that one now.
In a town close to us there was a house with all that gingerbread curlicue stuff on it and they used to light it all up for Christmas and it was gorgeous. The present owners no longer do it up like that so that is kind of sad. There is a house in our town that we call the Griswald house because every inch is lit up.
How wonderful that you have presents under your tree this year. I hope Jewell doesn’t sneak and open them. lol I know cats usually like ribbons and such.
I did hear that Dan Wheeler was retiring. How wonderful for him.
I got Greg one of those Lo-Back things and it didn’t seem to help him-I hope it does better for you.
I am so glad that your doctor suggested a place where you can get help for Jewell’s medical bills. Your doctor sounds like a sensitive caring person who realizes how important Jewell is to you. That’s interesting that he knew about the building that you live in.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73795

Hi Barbara.
That’s an interesting observation about Lisa. No wonder you all have your reservations about the relationship between her and Joey. It does make you wonder if they both have doubts since they have never taken it to the next level of getting married even after all these years together. Whatever happens I hope everyone does what makes them happy.
I’ll bet your MIL will love her party and her cake. It always amazes me too how these tiny little people can eat and eat.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73797

Hi Sue,
I did hear that Robert and Kym were pregnant-however, I didn’t know it was twins. Babies are a blessing.
Your cookies sound delicious. I hope the weather will allow you out to deliver your gifts soon.
Now we are friends on Goodreads. Cool!
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73800

Hi Adele,
I’m sorry that Mr. Fishy crossed the rainbow bridge. You had him for a long time.
Yes that prednisone is both a blessing and a curse.
I had to laugh when you said you were hot and honery-does that mean hot and ornery or hot and horny. Poor Gary won’t know whether to make himself available or hide. lol I love typos-sometimes I make them and just sit here laughing to myself about them. Tell Gary Happy Hanukkah. Speaking of which did you see The Goldbergs last night. Oh my gosh-I was hysterical. I want one of those sweaters and I’m not even Jewish. She should get every award that there is for playing that part. Did you ever notice that there’s a lot of yelling in that family? They would give me a headache after awhile. It’s even funnier knowing it’s based off of Adam Goldberg’s true life stories.
We always try and give good tips as we know that wait staff doesn’t make much money and it’s a hard job.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73804

Just heard from Brent. The colonoscopy was unremarkable but they did send a few spots for biopsy-not quite sure why. So Tuesday he has an ultrasound on his thyroid and he now has to go back and have his stomach scoped. After Christmas he has to wear one of those heart monitors for 24 hours and have a stress test as he has been having heart palpitations. So keep up the prayers they are working. I’m starting to think it’s something thyroid related combined with something autoimmune like Crohns disease or something. I hope they can get to the root of this so he can feel better and stop losing weight.
Gail
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers-please keep them coming.

[Gail Norusis]

#73806

Colleen,
You will be really busy with your daughter and granddaughters. You are a good grandma getting up at five in the morning to fix breakfast. I would set out the cereal and milk. lol I hope everything works out well for them so that they can have peace and happiness in their lives.
Gail

[Dianne Danielson]

#73811

Thank you Gail!! LOL. That’s exactly what I was thinking. I found it hysterically funny!!
dd

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[Gail Norusis]

#73815

You’re welcome DD.

[Gail Norusis]

#73817

Greg just got a message from Brent saying they are moving up the heart tests as he just saw her and she felt his pulse was racing so she is concerned. She also was pissed off when she found out what the gastro doctor initially said to him and I guess he has said the same thing to other people so she is no longer going to refer people to him so she is sending Brent to a different gastro for his stomach scope. Poor guy having all these tests. I hope they find the source of all the trouble soon and get him some relief.
Gail

[Barbara Smith]

#73819

I really got a big laugh out of your heated comments as well, Adele. No wonder Mr. Gary has been so “helpful” since he may have other reasons for being so “nice” right now LOL I can just see him rushing to get you more prednisone; so we keep that heated feeling going ha ha. There is no telling what I write on here sometimes. It was surely funny.
DD I am so glad that Jewell is doing better. Is that him peeking over that book? That is a beautiful kitty. Ours is sleeping soundly on his “perch” right now. It is one , and he wants to be close to us but will not sit in our laps for the world. The nearest he will come is lying between us (sometimes) or sitting next to us in our recliners. He loves us; and we want him to sit closer; but it is just not his personality. He has started recently to want to play about 3 am and he comes and wakes us up; usually brings his little toy too, and just plays and plays at the foot of the bed. Then he wants a few treats; and off to the heat source up front until morning. We love him so much; and he provides us so much complany. I know you must feel the same about Jewell.
I know you must be getting tired from all your company Colleen. Please take care. You are such a good Mom and Grandmother.
I miss the baby so much I can barely stand it. He has so many little teeth now; and loves to eat those Goldfish crackers. He will hold his litttle hand out toward the phone and say something that sounds like “want some?” and we just think it is so sweet. He sort of throws kisses too. He is the light of our life. I miss our oldest son in Nevada so much too. It’s almost like we just don’t hear from him anymore. I know he is busy; but I see all these wonderful things he and his wife are doing that she puts of facebook. It’s like he has forgotten us. I am feeling sorry for myself. Sorry girls.
So glad Brents tests are coming along Gail. This really does seem to indicate some sort of thyroid problems, doesn’t it? The doctor who is helping him now I like a lot better than that original gastro doctor. She seems on top of things for him. Prayers continueing for him and you all.
Jerry and I are considering what to do on Christmas day. It will be very quiet here; since Joey is working Christmas eve and we are not going to do our day until probably Tuesday. We are considering volunteering at some place that serves dinner to the poor or homeless. Then find someplace for us to hang our hat and reminence. I hadn’t heard about Dan H. retiring. He has really been such a good person to share his feelings and the love for his wife and for God helping him. I really believe he will continue doing good work helping those who are grieving hurting.
Sorry about your fishy Adele. I remember when you first got them. Is JJ doing okay? Reminds me of Gregg and all his Koi. Has he ever gotten over losing them to that mink or whatever animal that was Gail? And poor Colleen and Ron lost their guineas. That was to a fox wasn’t it? We have been through a lot over the years, haven’t we my friends?
Take care everyone. Oh, yes, I did mean to tell you all that I got a wonderful email from Debbie in Oregon. She was in very good spirits; and feeling so much better at the time. She is doing accupuncture; seeing a chiropractor, and doing herbal Chinese tea; and it all really seems to be helping her. She was estatic; and for all of us who know of this terrible sickness journey she has suffered through; I know we are all celebrating her relief. Hope to hear from her again soon. Take care everyone; and find some joy with each day. Life is such a precious gift. Love, Barbara

[Dianne Danielson]

#73834

Hi Ladies,
I took pics of my decorations. I’m not completely done yet, but getting there. I have to tweak some more things. I took pics of the tree with the lights on.
I heard on the news tonight about all the bad weather headed your way. Be careful if you have to be out in it.
dd

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[Dianne Danielson]

#73842

My pics are upside down again!! I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. My tree looks like it’s hanging from the ceiling, lol.
dd

[Gail Norusis]

#73846

Hey DD,
It’s one of those new style upside down trees! Actually when you click on the pictures they show right side up. Are you hoping for Tom under your tree this year?
Here’s a question for you all. Are you a white lights or a colored lights girl. I’m definitely team colored lights. I tried white lights about twenty years ago and just realized that both Greg and I like the multi colored better-so we switched back. My outdoor railing lights this year are even very traditional red and green and I love them!

[Gail Norusis]

#73848

Adele,
Read last night that ABC is not going to show the rest of the episodes of the Great American Baking show or whatever the name is because the dark haired judge was accused of some sort of sexual harassment. I was wondering why it was not on last night. Plus i read this morning that Carter Osterhouse from the Great American Light Fight has been accused too-wonder if they will drop that also. It seems silly to stop a very short show like that if you don’t even know if the accusations are true or not-plus what about the rest of the people on the show like the contestants? I’m sure that show was probably over and filmed awhile ago.
Gail

[Anonymous]

#73850

Gail I think you answered your own question. They pre taped the show & so if it were to be aired he would still be in it. The network does not want it believed they condone such behavior. With Mario on the Chew they just removed him & continued with the show with the other hosts.

[Gail Norusis]

#73852

Well I still feel bad for the contestants as none of this is their faults and I’m sure they all worked hard to get on the show.

[adele shanbar]

#73854

Hi DD
I am famous for the typos that come off real weird- some are the auto correct ones. God only knows what i wrote…LOL
I owuld love to have you here for dinner, all of o you as a matter of fact! Today, the rye bread is rising- one for tonight, one tomorrow. Also doing the macaroons later. Just wanted to catch up on posts- hope I can get to all of them.
They could not look at my back yesterday, as there were way too many people in the waiting room, and said the other doctor’s staff should not have told me they could, as they have only a 5 minute appointment per patient, when they do a shot. So, apt. is in early January.
Back is a little sore from yesterday- jut had the ice on it.
Sorry if i am doing these fast- trying to get them read and answered.
I am glad your doctor was able to help you a little with referrals for Jewell. How has she been? How is your friend?
Love, Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73856

DD
Forgot- I have mostly pumpkin, harvest (figural is the favorite)and some pointsetta.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73858

OMG GAil
Now I know my typos that made DD laugh. I am glad I did it, as she needed a good chuckle. Oh yes….Gary ahs been hiding.
Read the post to Dd for the doctor info form yesterday. Using ice on the back, in between my baking. It is better, and I am not using the Alleve today with the prednisone, as if I get any pain, I need to know and stop to ice.
Ill try to take pics of my bread and cookies for all of you.
I did see the Goldbegrs. I swear, they are in this house filming it. Hubby is just like Gary and I am dangerously close to the moms antics- at least, I was, when my kids were young. I now knwo the teachers’s reactions, when I walked into the schools….LOL LOL Example: I got JJ added to the Wizard of Oz, after the cast was chosen….LOL So what if he has no spoken part, the kid is having a ball! My most famous words when told no, or a deadline was missed ( by someone other than me, as i am compulsive), “oh yeah, watch this”. What usually follows, is I get what I want, sometimes promising to do for them in kind….LOL
I LOVE that sweater. I was hysterical with all the lights going on and off. She is fabulous. the whole cast is.
Adele
PS how is Greg’s back?

[adele shanbar]

#73860

Hey all…………….
i am here to serve the public.
If I can make one person laugh a day, I am successful.

LOL LOL
Ho Ho Ho
Adele, your whacky buddy

[adele shanbar]

#73862

Gail….did not want to initially say, but, the scope should have been done when they did the colonoscopy, as he was already out. that is how mine, and Gary’s was done. All he did was get himself more billable hours. Glad they are not referring to him anymore- sorry for Brent to have to wait AGAIN.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73868

Hi BArbara!
JJ is great. Still very quiet, as that is his personality. I am fine with it- he sat in the living room, and read when he was here. Also annoyed his brother every once in a while, and the nose was like at the Goldberg’s….LOL He was here with Aizen, Steph and Heather for a couple of hours, after i got bakc form the shot.
I did get to breakfast with my friend Nancy and Sue- that was very nice.
It was hysterical with Aizen. he ate almost all the mints my friend gave me and i sent the rest home with him. He also loved the tiny white chocolate mints, that have the nonpareils on them. Sent a bag of those home too. Steph took some German cookies I had ordered on line- Pfefferneuse- I always get extra for them to take home, as they only make those once a year. Aizen loved the chicken soup- that went home too….LOL JJ, of course had his Pastena with butter. He is a butter lover.
I am dying for you to have these wonderful experiences with your baby. how sweet he tries to feed you on skype. It is the second best thing. Only bad is that you cannot touch him. Hey…..I have an idea. When you talk to him, grab a stuffie, and hug it, and tell him he can feel you hugging him through the stuffie! They are very gullible at that age. So are we….LOL
The new canister set is out, in pieces, so it dries well before i fill it with the coffee pods, etc, and close up the tops. funny thing is, I miss feeding him in the morning. I get into the kitchen, feed the fish, light my candle for peace, and safety for everyone, and have the organic vinegar with water, then start my day. I did feel bad burying the poor thing, even though he was only a fish.
Hope your day is going well. I think you would love to help others on Christmas- what a wonderful and kind thing to do. You are a bright star for everyone on the holidays. We love you!!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73876

Hey DD
Love your pics, as always. You brighten our days with your humor, and pictures. Thank you for being our visual person!!
Adele
PS,,,snow tonight, and then Sunday into Monday, so I am not sure I can get to the neurologist on Monday.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73879

Hey Gail
we are mostly white lights, accept for those cool outside trees from the Q last year- they are on Christmas mode, and after the one on the back deck moves to all red, for Valentines. then green for St Patty’s, etc. I so love those trees. the 2 in front only stay out for Christmas.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73881

OMG, Gailster!!!
That is not fair to the contestants, or the people watching. I thought I had the wrong night for the show. I love that show. I so look forward to it. I bet others feel the same way too. Fire him, yes, do no pay him for the segments, yes, but let the dam show finish! The viewers, and contestants did nto do anything. Dam.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73883

Sue
this really stinks. They could have done a pre-recorded message saying they do not condone this behavior, and for the sake of the contestants, and viewers will do the show, and not pay his sorry butt. Dam. I really love that show, and i get some good ideas from them too.
Adele

[Barbara Smith]

#73888

I am so mad to hear that the cooking show is just gone. Did anyone ever hear of innocent until proven guilty? I know that having experienced many many years ago a man being SO inappropriate to me at one of my jobs. I reported it to my supervisor; and SHE didn’t do anything; just said it was “your word against his”. I think it is great that women (and men) are getting a voice; but it just seems like everyone is guilty first; and we are trying so hard to make up for all the terrible things that have happened in the past. I surely don’t want to sound at all insensitive; because I surely am not; but darn, I want my cooking shows to finish. It looks like they could have just put in a new judge in his place until the controversy could be reviewed. How do you all feel?
DD. was there a tree in your pictures? I couldn’t get past that deliscious eye candy in the middle LOL Just kidding; but gosh, he is one handsome man. I guess I sound bad now don’t I ? Seriously; your trees looked very pretty. Just thought we needed a laugh. I can’t help but ask myself how come I didn’t age like he did ha ha
Gail, our favorite colored lights are the bright icy blue. But we have ALL shades all over including white. I really would love to have one of those fold out trees from Lorie Granier; but I really think if I get one then I will want another; and another, well you know how I get. I love for my clothes to sparkle and our outdoors to sparkle. Ha ha Jerry and I rode around our little town yesterday evening and looked at all the lights. Lots of blow up things and I think I am seeing more lights this year. We had a really good time.
Joey has to work all weekend. I worry about him. Can you all tell? ha ha Mabey I should trade in my broom; my Grinch green, and just get me a big whopping worry stone to wear around my neck and drag it around. I am something else; and it is probably good that I don’t stop to figure out what.
Adele, that is such a great idea for us to try with the baby. I have some of his toys here that we got for him before they left; and as Neal said, Mama, we just can’t take everything with us; so will you keep this here for when we come home? So I know we have a GET THIS soft duck puppet that it’s bill will quack when you squeeze it; and I am going to hug and hug it when we are talking next time. Thanks for a wonderful idea!!!!!!
How is your friend, DD? Hope she is feeling better. I know she just loves having you for her friend.
Jerry and I watched Scrooge last night. THe old one with George C. Scott. Love it. Do you all know I have not ever seen the Nutcracker. I have always wanted to visit NYC during Christmas. Have any of you been there?
Well, we are doing take out Mexican tonight. I am ashamed Adele. And don’t you do fahita’s Colleen? Lisa made something for us one day; and it was good but very spicy, and poor Jerry just doesn’t handle spice very well. He ate it like cake and then I saw him sneak off to get Tums. That is the only meal she has ever done for us. But the gesture was very nice. I know you all are very busy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hope Brent is doing well, Gail. Fingers and toes crossed. How is Tillie and your Mom Colleen? Good I hope Goodnight ladies. Barbara

[adele shanbar]

#73890

Hey Barbara
That makes me feel so good that you loved my spur of the moment, prednisone induced comments for the day. At least that one was good. They are all running scared around her, between my attitude and yelling. They all say nobody can do anything right today….LOL I am on the taper down end, so tomorrow may not be too bad- down to only 6 of the little whacky pills. I have to say, the sciatica is all gone. Had to ice the back 2 times today, while baking, so not too bad.
I feel the same way about the cooking show. I am really ticked off about that decision. Only the fans, and the contestants are suffering. I so look forward to that show, and I was so excited for the 2 hours special last week. I kept yelling at Gary last night, that he must have made me miss it. Now, he is at least vindicated.
We ate one loaf of the bread, with corned beef, and Gary had those Jewish pickles that come form the Jewish deli. he, Tillie, and Bobby love them. I hate them.
Let me tell you something….if we ever hear a story about our beloved eye candy, Friday night special, all time fabulous man with the mustache, Tom Selleck……you will hear me scream from sea to shining sea, as they say. That will be the end of my tolerance for my favorite shows being changed due to these ridiculous men. You will think we are having an earthquake. there is only so much a woman can take this week.
I am attaching pics of the bread rising, done, and the macaroons.
Amanda came by to sneak out more soup, as she has a cold. She also ate the last 3 pieces of warm bread. I am so glad she came by, as it is good to see her eat. She gave me the finger, because I was so ornery (spelled it right this time….LOL) I love that girl’s sass. The apple does not fall far from the tree, I tell you. She even added ….”Oh my God, are you awful today- when are the pills done?”
I am here to entertain the public, one way or another. Hope I made you all laugh again tonight.
Love you guys!!!!! Barbara, that was nice she brought dinner over for you. Get some Prilosec, before she serves another meal…..LOL The young kids really have no idea how fragile our insides are getting to spices and fat.
Adele

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[Barbara Smith]

#73903

Um, Um Adele. There is nothing that compares to the wonderful smell of bread baking. And I bet your cookies were so good. Jerry and I are the only ones I know around here who love sauer kraut; but we can only get it in, wait for this hope you are sitting down, CANS. But we have what is called Bavarian Sauer Kraut and he and I can just eat that up with some hot cornbread and sometimes I make brisket; but unless one of you all know how to do it some easy way, we don’t have it often. I apologize to any of you all who know how to do a brisket but that is one of those dishes we just rarely serve in our area. I actually broke down and reintroduced myself to my stove and oven today; and we had salmon croquettes, creamed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and rolls. I also did a small bread pudding for just the two of us. Joey doesn’t like it; and you all probably haven’t ever heard of it. It is sort of a regional thing too.
I bet you all are so busy with your last minute things. Hope you are having some wonderful time with your families and friends. We rode into town earlier today since we needed some 1/2 and 1/2 milk for my pudding, but there were so many people in the parking lot that Jerry just let me out and I ran in got the milk and back out and home for us. Jerry was very happy with a home cooked meal. ha ha
Well, I will close for tonight. Jerry is searching for a movie on the Hallmark channel. I told him we need something good and hopeful. So enjoy your evening, and stay safe. Hugs across the miles. Barbara

[Colleen]

#73910

Hi Everybody,
I am never going to get caught up with what all has been happening. This is a busy time for everyone. Our electric is off again in the dining room and the left half of the kitchen. My computer is in the dining room so will have to move it soon. Ron is talking about getting a lap top so we can take it anywhere we want. I like my desk top better it is easier for me to type on. I do not like those flat keys on the lap top and not having a mouse.
Barbara I am sorry to hear that you are not sure about Lisa again. I just hope that they can get this all straightened out and not get married and find out they are not right for each other. I know that this is really hard for you.
Adele your bread looks really good. You are such a good baker and I would love to be there to eat some of your goodies. How is Bobby’s x mother in law? I hope that she will at least get to come home for Christmas.
Gail, I am sorry that they have not found out what is going on with Brent. Hopefully they will find out soon with all the tests that they are taking. It is hard when one our kids are hurting and there is nothing we can do. He is so far away also. At least he has a good doctor and she seem s to be looking out for him. He is still on my prayer list.
DD, everything that has to do with getting any type of help is so messed up. I hope that they get this mess fixed before too long. How is Kay doing right now? Are you, Kay and Krit going to get together for Christmas? How nice that you got some presents from your friend. I love all the pictures that you posted they were really cute. I like all of your decorations that you put out. It looks really nice and festive. You should see our place. Boxes all over the place and trying to get everything put away before Christmas.
Well that is all for now ladies. I will try and get on here more often. I wish that he would get someone here that knows what they are doing to fix the electric.
have a great night.
Colleen

[Gail Norusis]

#73920

Hi Colleen,
I hope that you can get that electric fixed soon. I can’t remember who you called in to do it last time.
I love having a laptop. You might be able to get used to it and end up really liking it. You can still use a mouse with a laptop. Greg uses one all the time. We have this ongoing war because he uses one and I can’t stand using them-as I find them very awkward-so whenever he has to do something on my computer I never hear the end of it because I don’t have a mouse. I actually do have a wireless mouse but never use it so if he wanted to he could take that out and use it on my computer.
Thank you for the continued prayers for Brent. Hopefully they will get this all figured out soon and it will be something that is easily fixable.
Don’t feel bad between the boxes that still have decorations in them to boxes that need to have the presents wrapped we have boxes all over the place here too. I hope to finish the decorating today and get those boxes out of the way and then start wrapping this week. I love wrapping and always seem like I end up rushing to do it all and don’t really enjoy it then.
You will have a full house for Christmas with Mandy and the girls and then with Melissa and Stephen and the kids. It will be like an old time Christmas with everyone around. You will probably be very tired and very happy.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73922

Hi Barbara,
I would think a lot of restaurants in your area would serve some sort of barbecued briskit. I have made briskit in the crock pot before but i don’t remember what was in the recipe. Greg loves briskit. Of course he loves barbecue-when we make our annual visit to KC he wants to hit every barbecue place in the city. lol
We get sauerkraut in either a can or a jar too. Personally the kids and I can’t stand it but Greg loves it so i get a little can for him when i make sausage and potatoes. His Mom always used the stuff in the glass jar and added bacon to it.
We have bread pudding up in this area. It’s really good although I have never made it myself.
We like to find places to drive around and look at the lights too. There is a park in Rockford that has a huge display that you can drive through-I think it costs a few dollars and it goes to some charitable organization. We have seen that before. There is also a resort in our area that has a big display on the long winding road up to the hotel and they have light displays all down the drive so sometimes we go there and drive through that too. We’re like little kids. lol
I have seen the Nutcracker on TV but never a live performance. It is on my list and it should be really easy as two different local theaters put on live performances every year. I just need to order tickets and go see it although I think it is now too late to do it is year.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73924

Hi Adele,
I must ask what is pastena? I am not familiar with that and you said Aizen ate some with butter. I am with him as I am a big fan of butter too. lol
What a good idea for Barbara and Colin-maybe she should send Colin a special hug buddy that he can hug back while she is hugging her duck. How appropriate that a Quacker would hug a duck. lol
Boy I would like some of that home made rye bread too. So here is the question-caraway seeds yeah or nay? I say yes please.
My Dad used to go to the bakery every Saturday and bring back rye bread, hard rolls and doughnuts or sweet rolls or something. I miss those days.
Friday since Greg is off work we went in to the city to see our friends Tim and Nan for our Christmas get together. The guys played instruments and Nan and I went out shopping a little bit. She will have to get a whole new wardrobe now that she has lost all that weight but she says she is waiting to see kind of where she stabilizes at. She said when they got married 33 years ago they went to Ireland on their honeymoon and she bought a beautiful wool coat there and it hasn’t fit her for years and years and but she saved it for sentimental reasons and now it fits her and when she wore it at Thanksgiving all her nieces thought it was so beautiful so that made her happy. Anyway, many years we go out for our get together but this year Nan cooked and we had a wonderful meal at their house. They gave Greg this fishing life vest that he can wear when they fish in Canada which was a really good idea as with the numb feet his balance is not always that good. Of course he can swim but this is just a good extra layer of safety. I received a beautiful heart necklace. We have been getting together and exchanging gifts for years and years and it’s just such a fun holiday tradition for all of us.
Well I am off to put the finishing touches on my decorating today.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#73926

Hey Barbara
Actually, we get the big cans of sauerkraut (from a German store- there is one on line) when Tillie used to make it- like a stew/soup, sort of. You get 2 big cans. Saute an onion , then add the sauerkraut, juice and all form the can, with a slab of smoked bacon, and a smoked Daisy ham. Cook for 2 hours, and at the end of the cooking process, grate in one to 2 potatoes, to make the juice a little thicker- oh, you also add caraway seeds. The smell is fabulous, as well as the taste. We served it with spaetzle- or Tillie made her own home made ones.
She liked to make a big pot after the holidays, to kind of equal out all the sweets.
the bread was very good, and we have a little left oeuvre for Houghton, with the corn beef that was left over, and some of the soup. So, today will be eays. Accept, form all the frying the floor feels gross, so I may have to wash it….yuck…as I am too tired today.
Adele
PS…your dinner sounded great!!

[adele shanbar]

#73928

Hi Colleen
i hope you get the electricity fixed soon. that must be real aggravating. I think you can use a wireless mouse with any system- check it out. I hope I am right, and that you can.
Thank you- the bread was real good. that light rye loaf comes out so good, as good as the sourdough. My 3 favorites to make are Italian, Sourdough and the Rye. then there are a couple of sweet ones that are good too- the cinnamon one is excellent, but more of a desert.
How are the girls doing? Your daughter? Are you all set for the baking?
Today I have to wash the kitchen floor, as it got very sticky with the frying of the latka’s. i am also doing the self cleaning oven thing getting ready for the bog week….LOL
Hope your day is good. We are getting an ice/snow mess tomorrow.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73930

Hey Gail
the kids are off to see A Christmas Carol. Heather is crying in the car, because we all did it together every year, and I can no longer go. I told her to knock it off, as I am not dead, I am here and thrilled that I can send them, and enjoy their little faces when they get back. LOL
I have ITKWD on, and as soon as I answer these, i will be washing the floor. One oven is done with the cleaning function, and I turned the top one on to clean…..prepping for the bake-a-thon. I have only 1 more prednisone to take- today is the last day- 2 pills only. Thank God it is done! Also thanking God the pain is gone. It would have made an awful Christmas with all that pain.
How is Greg’s back, since he had the shot? I think i saw- no news on the rest of Brent’s testing??
I know, I just came up with a goodie for Barbara, and I an so glad I thought of it. Anything that helps her feel more “there” with little Colin is a good thing. I hope it works for both of them.
I love the baking prep of the week before Christmas- the smells are so good.
Had a good time last night. Everything went well with the latka’s.
Pastena is a tiny star shaped macaroni, (all brands have it) that you can use in soup, or eat with butter. We usually get Barilla or Prince brand. My Nonna always made pastena with butter for a baby who was just learning to eat solids. Plus, butter/fat is used to develop the brain in infants, so that is good too. LOL….maybe we all need to eat a pound of butter….LOL LOL
That sounds like you and Greg had a god time with your firneds. So happy Nan is feeling good. I love good health news!
I hope you have a good day today, and get your stuff done too.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73932

hey Gail, and Barbara
There is nothing like a live performance of the nutcracker. When Heather was young, we went every year, until she got older- the Boston Ballet is fabulous.
We switched to A Christmas Carol, when Gary and Jhonny arrived, and Bobby got married to Jen, as they wanted nothing to do with a ballet. We used to go to brunch first, and then to the ply, every weekend before Christmas, to start the holiday off. I am DYING to hear what Aizen says. i am scared he will freak at the ghosts….LOL I know the JJ will love it. I am so thrilled they are going, you have no idea.
Adele

off to the floor for Cinderella…..

[Dianne Danielson]

#73965

Hi Ladies,
I won’t be on here for a few days. I’m sick 😷. I woke up yesterday with a bad cold but this morning it was a whole lot worse. I’ve been in bed all day today. That’s unusual for me!
Have a good week & if I feel better I’ll get back on here.
Dd

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[Gail Norusis]

#73971

Hi DD,
I hope you feel better very very soon. I know those darn colds can really get you down.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#73973

Hi Cinderella-Adele,
I hope the little mice and birds came and helped you with your chores.
I hope everyone loved A Christmas Carol-that’s one of my all time favorite stories. Poor Heather-she must be very sensitive. It’s too bad that you still can’t go. That’s one advantage to living in smaller towns-the lines aren’t as long when you go to things. That was funny that you had to drop going to the ballet when more men became involved. You could have pointed out to them that the male ballet dancers are actually very muscular and athletic. They have to be that way as they are constantly picking up the female ballerinas and flinging them around. I think Greg would go to the ballet without any balking but he likes live performances in general-I’m sure some more than others but I usually try to get tickets to a mixture of things.
It’s not really Greg’s actual back that bothers him-it’s his feet and legs but the problem stems from the back. So far not much difference-I wasn’t really expecting much as the last two shots made it better for a very small amount of time.
Our friends are going to look at sleep number beds as he can no longer sleep in their bed with his back and he has had a huge surgery a few years back-I can’t remember what all they did. Right now he is sleeping in a recliner but they are thinking maybe if they get a split king like we have he can adjust his side to a spot that is comfortable for him. I hope it works out.
Pipers birthday is Thursday and the preschool Christmas program is Wednesday and Jenny is having some kind of wine party on Friday-she invited me but I declined since it’s all the young chickies and I figured I would stay home and finish up on Christmas stuff. We have a concert that we are going to on Saturday night-I hope the mild weather holds out. We are having 40 degree weather the next few days at least. I will be surprised if we have a white Christmas. It makes me worry that we will really get socked with bad weather come the new year.
I got all the decorations up yesterday finally except i need to put the manger on the piano, the village on the fireplace mantle and the last couple of wreathes up. I was hurting by the end of the day i must say. Each year I arrange some things in different places too so nothing is ever exactly the same from one year to the next. I must say there seems to be a lot of glitter all over too from some little trees that i bought from Valerie so we will be walking around with stray glitter on us until I clean later in the week. lol
I think next year maybe i should start in mid November as it seems to take me longer and longer to get things done. At this rate it will be April before everything is put away. lol
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#73989

Praying for you ,DD!!!!
Love Adele

[adele shanbar]

#73991

Hey Gail
Sounds like you made great progress. I bet it looks quite festive over here!
Kids had a good time. Heather took a few pics, but they were kind of grainy. Ill try to see if there is one I can post.
You are correct- she is very sensitive. actually, there is no work demonstrative enough to describe how sensitive she is.
Well, all hell done broke loose now, Miss Scarlet………done with the prednisone, and the pain was back, and stayed all day. Not as bad as it got before, but, very uncomfortable. I am praying/hoping it was because it was snowy/lousy all day long. I have no time, nor patience for this crap this week. It gets so old dealing with these miserable arthritic issues.
I know there are so many other people who are not even here for the holidays, so I need to be grateful I am here. I just get disgusted every once in a while. Time for a 24 hour pity party. Then, on to action.
Bobby got that white dust out of both ovens for me, after the self cleaning mode, so that was not it. When i woke up. there was the dull ache. I wanted to cry.
Tillie’s ATM card got hacked- a purchase and return in Best Buy in Minnesota. the return really confused me, ad the bank, so they did no call with any alerts. Card cancelled, and no money was taken. the whole thing was real weird, They did a return for the same money they did the purchase for?????
I hope Greg gets some relief, and does not feel worst for the holidays. Also hope your friends feel better with the sleep number bed. Let me know what they end up doing, and how satisfied they are, as we need to start to think about a new mattress too.
Amanda stopped by today for soup in between her 2 shifts. Marissa the BJ’s minnion did our BJ’s run, so that is done too. Bobby will get the prime rib for Christmas. I start baking Wednesday. I all all wrapped, as the last couple of things came today.
Please add a prayer for me not to get worst, until after Christmas….LOL
Adele

[Dianne Danielson]

#73993

Hi Ladies,
I’m feeling a little better today. I slept all day yesterday & woke up this morning feeling a bit better.i imagine you heard about the train wreck in Washington state. I call it the modern day Titanic. Maiden voyage & going too fast . One mayor was against it& even said so publicly. Looks like he was right!

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[Dianne Danielson]

#74001

Oooops,
I forgot to thank all of you for the well wishes & prayers. I took these pics today.
Is anyone bored with QVC lately? I actually tuned out & played my Christmas movies. I thought I was the only one who noticed they didn’t have things like they used to. So much electronics. I can’t afford any of it. I remember when they had Christopher Radco & Thomas Pacconni with beautiful Christmas decorations. Glad I got mine when I did!!
How’s the weather back there? We’re in for heavy rain tomorrow, then we get an Arctic blast later in the week. The snow level will be down to the valley floor so it’s gonna be interesting to see if we have a white Christmas. It’s pretty rare that we do. Depends on the moisture in the clouds.
Have a good week. One week away!!!
Dd

[Colleen]

#74028

Hi Gail,
Our electric is still off . It is driving me crazy. We have to plug the computer in the bedroom We have a really long extension cord that we have to use. This is really getting to be a pain. I am wanting to move the computer into the bedroom and then I would not have to deal with this all the time. That will never happen though. Ron fixed it last time but this time he cannot and we cannot get an electrician in here until after the holidays. I have been calling around Ron does not know yet. If I find one that will come in I will have him here in a flash.
I have trouble with the flat keys. I hit all the wrong keys and have to keep back tracking to correct things. I would probably get use to it but really do not want to. I like being in the olden days when people had desk tops.lol
That is the only thing that is so aggravating. waiting for the doctors to find out what is wrong. Then they come up with some ridiculous thing that does not make sense. I have stomach bubbles now what in the wide world of sports is that. They could not do anything about it I had to go and see this other specialist to take care of that. That is when I said that enough is enough. Hope that Brent does not come up with an answer like that.
Mandy and the girls have been helping me so much. Mandy has been doing all the cooking and they all do the cleaning. We cannot use the dish washer so we have been taking turns doing the dishes. Will be glad when this is over with. We were going to eat off the china for Christmas but no way we will eat off paper plated instead. If Ron wants to eat off the good dishes he can clean up after the dinner.
Mandy wrapped all the presents for me and they finished the decorating for me. They have really been a big help.
Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74030

Hi Adele,
It has been crazy around here. Ron does not have the electric fixed yet so have to use an extension cord and plug into the bedroom. I am getting so tired of this. Have not been able to get on here every night like I would like to.
I posted all the news in Gail’s post so read it on there if you want. Do not want to write it again. I am really tired today. I bet the family had a great time at the theater. I love the movie Christmas Carol have not seen the play. I imagine if I would be watching they would have it on at the college.
How is Tillie doing? I hope that she is a lot better then she was before. Is her eye getting better?
I have been having it a little easy around here. Mandy and the girls have been doing everything. It is nice to have them around. The only thing is my daughter uses so much garlic in her food. It almost makes us sick.lol You all were talking about sauerkraut they do sell it in a can with fennel in it. It is really good and not as sour as the regular kraut. I think that it is called Bavarian sauerkraut. It is really good.
Well that is about all from here. I am getting really tired. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74032

Hi DD,
I am saying a prayer for you and that you are completely well by Christmas Eve. These colds are really bad this time of the year. We have had them around here also. The grands not the adults.
I really like your Christmas decorations they are so pretty. I have a couple of the same houses that you have. The smaller houses that I have my mom had made when she was doing a ceramic class. She also made my Nativity set.
I have been bored with QVC for awhile now. They are not showing all the good Christmas thing s that they use to. They did not have any of the unusual things that you cannot find anywhere else and that was very aggravating. Maybe next year they will do better.
Just take care of yourself and get rid of that cold so you will feel good for Christmas.
Colleen

[Dianne Danielson]

#74038

Hi Colleen,
You need to get a professional in there to check your electrical box & wiring!!! You’re a FIRE waiting to happen!!! Your Lives depends on it!! People die when electricity start fires! You don’t put out an electrical fire with a garden hose. My dad was an electrician & I know what I’m talking about!
Fires are started when using extension cords. They get over heated & the fires get started behind the walls. By the time you realize it the house is fully engulfed. PLEASE please please get someone in there that knows what they’re doing!!
Dd

[Gail Norusis]

#74042

Hi DD,
I am with you-the Q programming is incredibly boring this season-it was pretty much the same last year too. I think the days are long gone where they show lots of cute new things during Christmas shopping season. They just keep on banging us in the head with the same old stuff hour after hour. Years ago I kept the Q on all day as background company-now I barely watch it. Mostly I DVR any shows that i want to see and just kind of flip through them or go online and check “Items recently on air.”
I spotted a few familiar things in your decorations. I have two of those little white trees at each end of my Christmas village and i have that luminary snowman from Home Reflections-this year he is in the glass cabinet in the antique secretary in the front foyer. Last year he was somewhere else as i love moving things around each year.
Right now our weather is quite mild. In the 40’s. But we are supposed to get frigid for the weekend and Christmas.
I heard about the trainwreck. Does anyone know yet why he was going so much faster than he was supposed to be going? That was just awful.
Glad that you are feeling better.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74044

Hi DD
So glad you are feeling better. I think I caught your cold…..LOL I woke up sick this morning. Just before the bake-a thon.
the accident has been all over the news. It is awful. Heard this am that they were doing 80mph, in a 30mph zone. Just awful.
Hope you stay well!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74046

DD….forgot to say. Weather out here not great. yesterday was snow showers, and sleet last night. Today will be a little warmer, but it is very gloomy.
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#74048

Hi Colleen,
I hope that you find an electrician to come in before Christmas. I wish i could send you ours. I agree with DD-this sounds like a job for a professional. I take it the dishwasher is in the half of the kitchen that has no power. Thank goodness for paper and plastic! lol
Now you have minions just like Adele. How wonderful that everyone is pitching in and helping out. I would have to stay away from the food though with all that garlic. It would definitely make me sick.
I never heard of stomach bubbles either. What do they do?
Have fun with your family-when are Melissa and Stephen and the children coming in?
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74050

Hey Colleen
OMG….what is going on with the electric? I hope you are able to get an electrician in there before the weekend.
That is wonderful that Mandy has been doing all the cooking. Even better that the girls are doing the cleaning. You now have Christmas Minnions….isn’t it the best??
do they like to bake? I hope you take some pics to share with us.
Not feeling great today, as I now have a cold to add to the back pain. LOL I have to keep laughing……Ho Ho HO
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#74052

Hi Adele,
I think you are on posting now at the same time as me. Remember when they had the little thing on the side where you could instant message. I wonder why they got rid of that.
How are you feeling today? I am so surprised that the prednisone stopped working so quickly. We all deserve a pity party occasionally-and constant pain is a good reason for one. I will say some prayers that you will feel better so that you can enjoy your baking.
It does look festive now that all is decorated. I will try and remember to take some pictures when everything is cleared and cleaned in a few days.
I don’t get how they could even buy something with an ATM card. I thought you could just take money out with that not use it like a credit card. Maybe I am confused.
We have a sleep number bed and we love it. We have a split king. The only complaint that i have is it’s harder to change the fitted sheets on the split king than it would be if it was not split-but as to the sleeping it is so comfortable and i like a soft mattress and Greg likes a hard one so it is perfect for us as we can each change the mattress settings on our own side.
Glad the Minions liked the play. How fun for Heather to go with her children and grandchildren.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74054

Hey Colleen
Forgot to say- Tillie has no big improvement. She says there has been very little since the last shot, if at all. I am so disappointed with this, you ave no idea.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74056

Hi Gail
Any ATM card can be used as a charge. Actually, I never use mine with the pin number, as that is how they can get everything out of your checking account. It was used as a charge at Best Buy in Minnesota. The only place her card was used was at Walgreens, so that must have been the point of the hack. I am wondering if we will eventually hear that Walgreens got hacked.
Now I have a cold….LOL The back pain is a little better today. The weather yesterday may have made it worst too. The sun just came out….yahoo!
I remember you have a sleep number bed. How long have you had it? I know it must be harder to change the sheets with the split mattress. I am thinking that may be a huge issue for me. You are taller than me….LOL
I was very disappointed with how the prednisone did not work on the entire pain in the back. Very disappointing, for sure. I am praying the weather was a huge impact. A lot of people felt bad yesterday because of it.
I hope all your wrapping is done. On to the fun stuff- baking!! the smells are so good, makes it all worth it, even with a cold.
Hope your weather is good!
Adele

[Anonymous]

#74078

If I can put in my opinion. I use to work at a bank and Gail is correct there is an ATM card that can only be used to get cash at an ATM then there is a debit card that can be used at the ATM as well as point of sale transactions. Most people have debit card but there is an ATM card for use at ATM only. Either one can be hacked. My card was hacked twice & I needed to get a new card. The bank did give me my money back both times. The police said that they can get you info from the processing center that stores use to process their cards. Thiefs are very crafty & always find a way. I am always very careful with my card & they still got to it twice. I do not use it often now as More & more are getting hacked. Usually just for cash at the banks ATM. It is harder to put a card reader on there as the bank would catch it. But never use it for gas as they are warning to check for card readers as they happen a lot when used at a gas pump & look pretty normal but a good tug will pull them right off.

[Gail Norusis]

#74083

Sue,
That’s what I was thinking of-a bank ATM card. I’m sorry that you got hacked twice. I always say if those hackers took that ingenuity and applied it to something positive they could probably make a lot of money legally.
How is your weather? Are you expecting snow before Christmas? We have none on the ground which is quite unusual. However, they are saying ice mixed with snow tomorrow. I would rather have plain old snow. Then Christmas Eve and Day we will have frigid temperatures in the teens. Do you have to travel anywhere over the Holidays?
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74085

Hi Adele,
I will pray that there will be some improvement in Tillie’s eyesight with the next shot. Have you and she been wearing any matching Quacker over the holiday season? What is Tillie short for anyway? When I was little we had a neighbor named Tillie but i don’t know what her full name was-all i remember is that her husband’s name was Bill-so they were Tillie and Billy. lol
I hope your cold is feeling better. Maybe you need some of that Zycam.
Speaking of Tillie getting hacked i just remembered something. When my MIL died in all the stuff that you have to do we forgot to cancel her credit card which she hardly ever used anyway so that we probably just forgot that it was even there. Well a year or so after she died I get a bill from her card. Someone had used it in a Home Depot down in Texas. Of course we called the company and didn’t have to pay anything after proving that she was deceased. I have no idea how they even got the number.
You know you don’t need a split king unless you each want your side in a different position. I only lift the head a little bit but Greg raises both the head and the foot and when we tried that on a Queen bed in the Sleep Number Store I was bent in half like a taco. lol It’s funny to hear someone say that I am taller than them. lol The only person I was ever taller than was my old friend and roommate and she was 4’11”.
Adele, on the chance that you will probably drop me as a friend I must admit that for the last several years I have not baked at Christmas. I much prefer the decorating and the gift wrapping to the baking-especially now. I do spoil the kids and the grands so there is lots of wrapping. lol Just getting all the ingredients for the meal and the baking now seems like a daunting task. Actually when the kids were smaller and I did bake a lot many years i made the cookies between Christmas and New Years. We were never home at Christmas anyway and this way if the kids wanted to help me bake they were home from school then. So it’s bakery cookies and cakes nowadays. I guess we all have a part that we like best about the holidays-that’s what makes the world go round. I must confess I always liked the time between Christmas and new Years too. Everything was still festively decorated but the pace was less hectic and there was time to sit around and watch old movies and just be relaxed and peaceful.
Tonight is the preschool Christmas concert which is always an interesting occurrence. I think I will miss it when we no longer have a preschooler. The kids are so cute and many are dressed to the nines and inevitably someone is uncooperative or shy or something. It takes a special kind of person to be a preschool teacher-thank goodness for Aunt Kelly.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74087

Hi Sue
I didn’t know you were at a bank before. Did you like it there? What made you switch? I keep telling Amanda to go for a bank teller, at least while she is in college. Great benefits, and always nice people there.
I had no idea there were 2 kinds of ARM cards. I guess I never had the one for the ATM machines only, so no knowledge about it….LOL
remember over the summer, when my bank called because someone purchased porn? I hit the roof- card was changed then. The only place I used it was at the doctor, and for Keurig coffee, so it had to be one of them. I try to use Paypal as much as I can, as I think it is safer. Once in a while, it is my “debit card”….have to get used to saying that word…LOL
I was in tough shape last night with the back- pain kept getting worst. Called the doctor, and started the prednison I have. My doctor is in a 10 hour surgery, but they said using it so close together is not good. Trust me, I know. I told the PA, lying in my bed, flat on my back is not good for me either. Also figured out the directions on the other bottle were not too clear, and I did them wrong….did: 12,10,8,6,4,2. It was supposed to be 2 days of each of this number:6,5,4,3,2,1. So, I was not on them as long as I was supposed to be, and blasted myself with them the first few days. thank God I did not have a heart attack. No wonder I felt so bad. The old prescription was very poorly written. This is VERY clear. Did not tell them that, as they would never prescribe it again, if they thought I could not read….LOL
the PA will talk to my doctor tomorrow, as he is in a 10 hour surgery today. Told them I would pray for that poor person. I would bet that is the surgery that will happen to me, if I need one again. he said they would remove all hardware, and fuse the back, top to bottom. I would end up pretty limited, and have no idea how I would even put on a sock. Can you imagine if your back had no give at all, and was stick straight? Yuck. I am tyring my best for that not to happen.
How is your weather? It is sunny here, for a change. Cold, too.
Thanks Sue, for clarifying. When I use the wrong term it confuses everyone….LOL
Adele
PS…Gary is helping me bake today- moving pans and getting them in and out of the oven. the rest I can do while sitting, with no reaching. My kitchen table looks like a prep center for a bakery- they got all the stuff out for me that I would need, that was too heavy for me to move.

[adele shanbar]

#74090

Hey Gail
read my post to Sue for tall the back mess, please.
Well Tillie is just Tillie. With a lot of other people, it owuld be short for Matilda. My grandmother hates nicknames so she gave her kids short names, per Tillie.
Thank you for the prayers for her eye. I just hate for her to continue to be tortured for nothing. I am hoping when we move to the other practice, things will get better with her eye. I really do not like one of the doctors at this hospital, neither does Tillie, nor Amanda. I requested he not be involved in her care, and there he was again. The nicer doctor was tied up with another person- Amanda pointed him out.
the cold seems to be the same as yesterday- that “I have a cold feeling” and it is not too bad. I hope it stays there, as enough is enough with the pain today.
I am glad I decided to start with the prednisone, as I owuld never have even been able to do my work at the table, with that level of pain. It is what it is, as they say.
I have all the ingredients of the first cookie mixed. When Gary gets home, I will put it together, and he will get it in and out of the oven.
I bet you are all excited for tonight’s concert. Tell them to “break a leg”! Can’t wot to hear the great stories you will have.
Well, I have been wearing the pretty gray and black cardigan over my Carole Hochman pj’s, to be more festive aorund the house. Especially since I am now in for th duration. One needs to be festive, no matter how much it hurts. Still makes us smile.
Love ya, Gail….I would never end our friendship over baking….LOL LOL trust me, they were almost there yesterday, as I had little hope for movement. Minnion Marissa is coming tomorrow as Gary ahs to see customers tomorrow, so she will be the point person for a couple of hours to get one more done/.
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#74102

Speaking of putting on socks-i kept on meaning to post about this but kept forgetting. So I am tubby with lots of weight in my stomach and butt-besides having RA so bending down to put on socks has been an issue. That’s why I love summer-you can wear sandals all the time. So last August I saw this sock slider thing on the Q and ordered it but since it was warm it just sat in the box until last week when i remembered I had it. Well-I love this thing-it makes getting the socks on so much easier!!! Where has it been all my life? If i didn’t already have it I would wrap it up in paper and give it to myself for Christmas. lol I went to the Q the other day to write a glowing review but it is all sold out so there was no place to write it. BooHoo.

[adele shanbar]

#74104

Hey Gail…………

what is the number of that song thing?

Attaching pics of the 2 cookies today- Lebkuchen ( with the ganache frosting) and Vienna Bars.

We have been making the Vienna bars since the National Enquirer posting Nancy Reagan’s favorite Christmas cookie.

Hope you are all good.

Love, Adele
PS the prednasone worked enough to get 2 done, with Gary’s help.

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[Gail Norusis]

#74108

You mean the sock thing not the song thing-right? They are all sold out on the Q-they have them on Amazon-they are blue-at the Q you got two I think at Amazon it is only one. I have also seen it advertised on the middle of the night TV since I am up at all hours.

[Colleen]

#74113

Hi Everybody.,
Well we are still without electric. He cannot figure it all out so do not know what we are going to do. Everything that I fix will be fix in the oven or on top of the stove. We do not leave things plugged into the extension cord. We plug what we are going to use to it when we are done we unplug it. It is a pain and we still cannot find an electrician to come in and help us. It will end up being after the holidays. They think that we have a loose wire.
Adele, I am so sorry that the shots are not helping Tillie. Maybe the doctor that she likes will make a big difference. He will take better care of her. I am so sorry about your back hurting so bad. It is nice that Gary is helping you with the baking. He must like all the cookies and things that you bake as much as the kids do. It is just nice that he is helping you. It is also good that Marissa is coming to help you tomorrow. You will get a lot done. I am really cheating this year with the baking. We bought cream pies this year and cookie dough. We got sugar dough so the kids can roll them out and make shapes. I have a lot of cookie cutters. It is cold here also. No snow and no chance of snow in the future. We are so behind in rain fall that it is really getting bad. It is just too dry. Your cookies look so good. It would be nice if we could reach thru the screen and take a bite. That may not be good for you but we would all enjoy it.
DD, Thank you for the advice we are trying to get an electrician here but they seem to be too busy. Some of them are not wanting to work until after the holidays. I wish that we could find the guy that did the wiring when they built the house. I think that he has retired now so that will not help us at all. I hope that you are feeling better and that your cold is almost gone.
Gail, That is so cute that Piper school had a concert. How did she like being on stage singing? I bet that she put on a really good show for you when it was over. She will know all kinds of songs to sing now. I guess the stomach bubbles are what are making me sick. I do not understand why the doctor that found them could not help with it. Ron and I were laughing about all they can do is pop them. Melissa and her family are coming in on Saturday. They will stay until the 30th. So we will be really crowded. It will be fun though and it will be nice to have everyone together. I bet by the 30th we will all be ready to take a long nap. At least Ron and I will. We have no idea how long my daughter and her kids will be here. That is okay though they are all doing okay and I love not cooking. I really hate the garlic though. garlic and cheese are in most of her dishes. I do not know what cooking show she watches but they need to cut down on all the garlic. lol How is Greg’s back? I hope that it is not hurting as bad and his foot is not numb any longer.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Gail Norusis]

#74133

Hi Colleen,
You do have a full house. It will be fun for you though although you probably will be tired after Melissa and her family leave to go back. I would imagine that Mandy and her kids will be there for awhile until they can sort things out and get back on their feet. You will get spoiled from not cooking-maybe you will forget how. lol One thing for sure there will be no vampires around with all the garlic. lol
I am buying desserts too-even though I love the cookies that i used to make standing in the kitchen that long now makes my back hurt and then that makes me crabby so I think a happy me at Christmas is more important than home baked goodies.
So now I am curious-how would they pop the stomach bubbles. Maybe it would be worth having done if it would stop you from being sick to your stomach. I must say you are unique as I have never heard of someone having that before.
I hope you find an electrician soon. Is it out anywhere else besides half of the kitchen? I have a gas cooktop with electronic ignition but of course you could start that with a match if you had too but my oven is electric so I would really be out of luck.
The Christmas program was nice last night. This time they even had a piano player who played music while the hall was filling up and played some of the song that the kids sang so that was a nice new addition. Piper of course was wearing a crown during the performance. lol She was all dressed up and wearing her red cowboy boots. The girl has style! She was the only one who clapped when the audience clapped after each song. lol After the performance they have tables set up for the kids to decorate cookies and another table where they can make a paper ornament. When they were all done we went out for pizza. Tonight we are going over for Piper’s birthday-we will be dining on McDonalds since the kids get to pick their birthday dinner.
Greg’s feet are okay-not much improvement.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74135

Adele,
The cookies look delicious! Yum! Glad that you got the prednisone all sorted out and hope that this second dosage helps. I wonder how many mgs. you were taking those first days. No wonder you were miserable.
I hope you never get to the point where the back has to be fused. That’s the only thing that they would do for my ankle and I decided no thanks unless the pain ever became unbearable.
Last night Greg says to me-did you know your friend Adele is Jewish? And I go no she’s not she’s Catholic. lol And he says well then why is she making all these Jewish foods and posting about it on Facebook-and I go because her husband is Jewish. lol He thinks he knows everything because he is on Facebook and I am not. lol You certainly do get double the holidays in your house. I forgot to ask-do you light a menorah or do any of the other traditions-you could get double the presents if you did the eight days of gifts and then Christmas gifts too-but you would be broke by the end of the year. lol Also how is your SIL doing this being the first holiday without her husband-did you get to see her at all?
Well I guess I better get busy with some wrapping and some other things still lots to do. Last night Piper told us that she was spoiled but not a spoiled brat and she even told us the difference between the two. Also Adam’s oldest daughter Gabby got the lead in The Sound of Music so she will be playing Maria. Cool. Adam’s parents are off to England and Ireland this year for the Christmas Holidays. I hope they have a wonderful trip.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74138

Hey Colleen
Thank you for a all the well wishes.
I have an idea. When I am stuck for someone to do something, I call our Town Hall, and ask if they have anyone’s names for the need I have. they have been very helpful. Also, your local Fire Department. The Firemen usually have someone on staff who moonlights in another profession. Who better to do electricity than a licensed Fireman?? I hope this can help you out.
The back is better today, as it is day 2 on the prednisone. I will still be VERY CAREFUL. Even if I know I can reach it, I will do as if I am in severe pain, so I do not do any further damage.
Today is snicker doodles and choc chip. I never do choc chip, but the crew has been crying for it. Literally….don’t want to listen to them ball….LOL
I can hardly speak- the cold has landed in my voice box. I bet that makes the crew very happy….HO HO HO…..
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74144

Hey Gail
OMG, do I love that character Piper, or what. She is hysterical. I love the Piper stories, and now i have to go on facebook to see the outfits.
Attaching pics of what the kitchen looks like. I call it “disabled baking”. I do everything form the table, and have the mini food processor there too to chop and grind, with an extension cord. It is small enough to be safe like that- would never do it with the big one….LOL
Marissa came by today, and got today’s cookies in and out for me. I had picked lighter ones to do today, as I knew I would be alone. Right now sitting here with ice on the back, just in case.
i hope you have a great piper birthday. Mcdonalds does have some better food- I love their salads, the yogurt parfait, and the oatmeal. the fries are good too….LOL
Greg is funny! I bet I confuse a lot of people. I will post the Christmas ones to end the confusion…..HO HO HO
I hope Colleen gets an electrician. that makes it so stressful.
We are getting a snow storm tomorrow- about 3 inches, so far- they keep changing it. More snow over the weekend too.
Bobby still has to pick up the meat for the gravy, for Christmas Eve, and the prime rib for Christmas….God bless the Jeeps.
I copied a couple of recipes from the Chew- the donuts, wonton, and easy quick cinnamon roll one. Looks like I am house bound for at least the weekend, so maybe a quick cinnamon roll would be nice- with the pre made dough- like the Pillsbury grands, etc.
My back has had 2 fusions already. the first was one disc at the bottom, the second one, he took out that repair, and went 2 more discs up, for a total of 3. That is why he is saying if there is another need, it will be all the way up- neck to tail bone. So do not want that.
Quacker is on at 5- I plan on watching. the Q seems to have all their stuff that doe snot sell on- nothing at all of interest. Too bad, as it is delightful show to have on while you work, and not listen to the doom and gloom.
you know what……how come we do not get to hear about the White House gingerbread house, that is made annually? I love seeing that, as it is full with detail, and gorgeous. How about what Melania makes for Christmas cookies, or has made for them? What their son wants from Santa? It is Christmas, for God’s sake. Then again, I wonder if #45 believes in God at all.
Sorry for the prednisone rant….HO HO Ho
love ya- hope your weather is good for tonight! Checkout the “disabled baking table”, and all the tins Bobby got down for me last night…LOL
Adele
PS….maybe I will have Gary get Mcdonalds on the way home for us. In celebration of Piper.

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[adele shanbar]

#74150

Hey Gail
Yup, the sock thing.
I saw Piper on Facebook. Love her dress and boots.
It is so nice to be able to see each other’s families activities.
Adele

[Colleen]

#74166

Hi Gail,
Sounds like Piper was really cute for the concert. I will just have to guess what she looked like we are not on face book either. That is cute that she was clapping her hands right along with the audience. She is so funny.
I have no idea how they will get rid of the bubbles. Ron and I were just joking about them popping them. I have never heard of them either. I think that it is all just a line of bull. For now I will just live with it until I cannot stand it any longer.
We still do not have electric in half the kitchen and the dinning room. It is really aggravating. Ron will look at it everyday and not do anything. I do not know what we are going to do on Christmas day. He is going to have to put all the plug ins back together so Aliza does not start getting into them. I guess that it is what it is and we will just have to deal with it.
Piper is going to be like her grandma. She is going to be wearing crowns all the time. It is funny that she wore her boots also. She does have style and she dances to her own drummer.
It is a pain to bake cookies. The grands will do the baking with the help of their mom and Aunt Mandy. I will be cooking things that I can the night before and have it ready to cook in the morning. We got a ham to bake and it is a big one. We are going to have so many with us all that week and I have to bring sandwiches to my mom’s for the Christmas party there. Mom does not like to cook that much now and so we will bring that with us. Might pick up some potato salad and some other type of salad to take along.
That is funny that Greg assumed that Adele was Jewish. It sounds like it sometimes and Gary is the Catholic. He watches all the Christmas shows and seems to enjoy Christmas as much as the rest of the family. lol
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74168

Hi Adele,
That is a good idea to call the fire department. I had not thought of them. They are hard to get a hold of because ours is all volunteers so you have to catch one of them at the fire house. I am not sure about the town hall but will try the fire house first.
I am glad that the back is a little better now. It is hard to get that prednisone mixed up they have you take it so many different doses. I have taken them before and it is not easy to keep it straight. You will do fine with it this time I am sure.
I hope that you get rid of that sore throat soon. It is terrible to get sick just before Christmas. Is there anything you can take for the throat? I wonder if gargling with salt water would help. Another one is hot honey and lemon with a little brandy in it to help. lol
Your cookies look really good. I have not make snicker doodles for a long time. My kids use to like it when they were younger do not know if they like them as much now or not. It has been that long since I have baked them.
I forgot to tell Gail to say Happy Birthday to Piper for me. It sounds like they had a really good time at the concert and will have a nice time for Piper’s birthday dinner.
How is practice going with JJ and the Wizard of Oz? I bet he is still having fun. It is so cute that they do productions with the kids as young as they are. The director must be really good and has a lot of patience.
I hope that they are wrong about your weather and it is nicer out then you think that it will be. We are not getting any bad weather so far and am hoping that we don’t. We will have too many travelers here and do not want to worry about them getting here and getting home.
The donuts that they had on the Chew looked really good. Let us know what you think of them and how easy they were to make. Someone stopped the Chew from tapping today and I think that it was one of the kids. I will have to make sure that they did not stop it any other day this week. So I have no idea what they did today. Wondered what they were giving each other for Christmas. Some of the things they give are nice but the others are funny. Like the Christmas sweaters that they made for each other.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74170

Gail, I forgot to ask you to tell Piper Happy Birthday from me. I hope that you have a fun time with her for her birthday.
Colleen

[Gail Norusis]

#74175

Hi Colleen,
I will tell Pip Happy Birthday from you.
It is funny how Gary likes all the Christmas movies.
Greg is off for the next five days-I have a list of chores for him. lol
I called too late to get a reservation for the place that i wanted to have dinner at on Saturday so I think we will go to the Chinese place instead as we haven’t had any good Chinese for awhile. Probably everyone wanted to go to the original place as it is just around the corner from the place where the concert is so you can park in one place and walk to both places.
I gave the kids light up Christmas necklaces and pins last night so they were having a great time with those. Piper liked her light up princess vanity that we gave her and her parents gave her a hatchimal which I must admit is pretty cute. I found myself talking to the thing last night. lol
Well time to get busy again.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74178

Hi Adele,
Yes that outfit with the sparkly snowflakes that Piper was wearing was one I bought for Kendall when she was little. Looks like it could be Quacker. lol
We had fun at Piper’s last night. She is having her Children’s party at a pool on Saturday-we decided to skip that with all the screaming wet children. lol When we were there Lachlan was showing me the book that he was reading-he had read practically the whole thing in one day and it was a big book for a first grader. I asked if he got it from the library and he says yes from Tony’s library. Tony is their neighbor. So then Jenny shows me that Tony has this paper all printed out with the books that Lachlan borrowed -the due dates etc. It was quite impressive as Tony is a fourth grader like Kendall but he is very into office supplies and such-his favorite store is Staples-I think he must be a little old man in a kids body. I get such a kick out of him.
I swear I thought we used to get a lot of snow until I met you-we are in the minor leagues by comparison. I wonder if you get a lake effect type snow from the ocean or something. Well-you will just have to stay in and stay safe this weekend. You can just keep baking. Greg was looking at your Facebook post and suggested that you send some of those cookies this way. I wonder if that was a hint. lol Your kitchen does look like the command center for the space shuttle or something.
I didn’t mind your prednisone rant. lol I did watch a thing a couple weeks ago on HGTV which showed the volunteers decorating the White House and showed how they made the gingerbread house and some of the cookies. So they did have something on it just wasn’t on a major network. It was interesting.
Well time to get back to work.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74189

Hi colleen
I hope you get someone to come from the fire department that is an electrician. I have my fingers crossed for you! it must be so upsetting not to have half the house working, especially with the kids there, and the holidays.
It is miserable here freezing rain tonight, and we had minor snow all day long. I think they cancelled tonight’s practice for JJ, as Steph did not call me back for a ride- Jhonny is working real late until Christmas.
JJ was at his friend’s after school, and if they did have it, his Mom would have taken him too. I don’t think Steph wanted Gary to go out tonight, due to the weather. It is going to be very icy tomorrow too. plus, Aizen is sick, he was vomiting all night long.
Gary is not feeling good either- he has been in the bathroom all day long. Not a happy camper. there must be some belly thing going around. I hope they are all done by Sunday.
My cold never got worst- it is all in my voice. I sneeze every once in a while, and that is about it. i can breather, but, if I talk, I lose my voice. I think they are all happy about that…..LOL
I am attaching the 2 cookies of today. One is called Lemon Snowdrops, and the other is Christmas Sandies- they have tiny bits of craisins in them- they melt in your mouth- you roll them in colored sugar before they bake. the lemon ones get rolled twice, after they are baked. Both are made with no eggs, just confectionery sugar, flour and butter- plus the lemon or crainsins that get chopped up real fine. i really do love to bake. I cold do this all year long. It smells so good on here.
I hope your day went well, and your mom gets there all safe and sound.
Adele

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[adele shanbar]

#74193

Hey DD
I got your card today. you added such nice touches with the beautiful stickers. What a nice thing to do. It made me smile, and realize we are all blessed to have you in our lives.
Thank you!!!
Adele
PS….how long did it take to get here- the other side of the country….LOL?

[adele shanbar]

#74195

Hey Gailster
Dam. I missed the White House gingerbread house. I will try to google it. I love that piece of Christmas every year. Imagine how long it takes them to do it? I think last year they even did the Obama’s dogs in the house.
I will be putting these cookie son facebook too tonight. Two more to go.
So bobby is goign to his Christmas party tonight. he comes upstarts, and asks for one pair of his boots, as it is snowing, and he wanted new boots for the party. I told him he better be real careful finding it, and not make a mess under the tree. then he says….after all your present is already in the Jeep. he gave us those Weather Teck mats, front and back. That was a good practical gift.
Bobby has to get some things for Jen tomorrow for Christmas, as her mom came home, and they are all tending to her. He said she is in a lot of pain. that is all he knows. I pray the chemo is helping. So, he is going to get some goodies for them to help out tomorrow. I will have to remind him to take some from here too.
read my post to Colleen for the health updates over here- everyone is in some kind of viral distress. I hope it is all over by Sunday!
Hope your stuff is all ready, and that you have a good time at dinner too.
Tell Greg I wish I could find a safe way to send everyone cookies, without them being all crumbs….LOL
Hey- I lost 8 lbs. I think that Bragg’s natural apple cider vinegar is stepping up my system. I hope it continues.

[Dianne Danielson]

#74197

Hi Adele,
A quick note. I’d say 3 days for you to get the card. And I was sure they showed the WH gingerbread house around T’giving or earlier. Memory is bad.
Dd

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[Gail Norusis]

#74231

Adele,
I hope everyone will be well soon.
Once again the cookies look festive and delicious.
So I’m guessing the boots under the tree were not a surprise-lol
I got those weather tech mats a couple years back for my birthday. I actually asked for them. Hmmmm-jewelry or car mats-I must have taken leave of my senses that year. lol
Bobby is really a good guy helping out his ex’s family like that. Kind of a sad Christmas for them.
Wow! 8 pounds is a lot without even trying. Does it make you feel any more energetic as that seems to be my problem is that I always feel that i am lacking energy.
Have fun with your baking. I am wrapping and cleaning today.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74278

Hi DD and everyone….
I will have to look. Have not had a minute today. got all messed up with one cookie, and finding a present for Aizen form Heather.
Aizen’s little toy vac broke, and he loves it.. Heather was crying because nobody had one. found one on Amazon, with overnight free shipping with my Prime membership. I pray it does get here tomorrow.
Honestly, I felt like Maxine and my Dad found it for me. All of a sudden while checking all the local stores, who had none, I thought of Amazon. Who thinks of amazon the day before the gift is needed? Then I started to cry a little, and tell Gary. (also today is the anniversary of my Dad’s death) I went into the bathroom to compose myself a little.
Add to that the issue of Bobby helping Jen and her family today, who are so distraught because of her Mom’s cancer. I am so proud of him taking time to help them. Well, his nieces are all a buzz, saying they feel Auntie Jen is going to stop by for a visit tomorrow. Then, just before my little meltdown, Bobby tells me Jen wants to stop by in the am tomorrow. Ok.
Soooooo, I compose myself in the bathroom, come out, and on the radio is my favorite Christmas song, Christmas Cannon, and I loose it. I yell,”thanks Dad, I could have lived without that one today”, as I knew in my heart he was telling me he was here. That song was also the song for Jen to walk down the aisle, as they had a December wedding.
i guess today was a tad bit emotional. I have also been missing Maxine , with all my heart.
My prayer for all of us this Christmas, is that none of us loose anyone, or any pet. Let this year be a year free of loss. that is my Christmas wish.
Love, Adele
PS final 2 cookies are done. the mixture for the Italian bread is set to put togetehr tomorrow am. I am on it!

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[adele shanbar]

#74282

hey Gail
Read the post to DD for all the info.

Plus, it does make me feel more energetic, and clear headed. No foggy feeling that you get some days. It cleans your liver, and other glands, they say.

I thought I was imagining things, but, I think it is working on me. A simple thing- 2 tbsp in a glass of water every am. Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. I get it form either Amazon or Ebay- check prices- some are nuts.

Hope you got all done today…

Adele

[Colleen]

#74302

Hi Everybody,
We have a housefull. Can hardly move around in here. lol It is so cold that their big dog had to come in the house. She is just to big to stay in the house all the time. She can get food right off the counter like she is eating out of her dish.
Adele, Your cookies look so good. It will make me embarrassed if you saw mine. One thing the grands will be making them so that will not be too bad. They are making sugar and chocolate chip. That is all the cookie dough that I bought. lol Their grandma is not as good as the Nana that your grands have.
You had quite an assembly line on your table. That makes it nice that you did not have to keep getting up and baking cookies that way. That is nice that Jen is stopping by to see everyone. Bobby is such a good son you raised him right Adele. He takes after you.
Gail, I can just picture Piper with her vanity. She probably spends a lot of time there fixing herself up. Our Aliza is so much like Piper. She like to look at herself in the mirror and fix herself up. She likes to fix the bows in her hair and when she finally gets it fixed she pulls it out and throws it down. So Piper is better with her things. That is a shame that you could not get the reservations at the restaurant that was closer to the theater but the Chinese sounds really good also.
Adele glad to hear that everyone is feeling better.
DD The pictures that you sent a really pretty. They are just so cheerful. What are you doing for Christmas? Whatever it is I hope that you have a great day. Are you feeling any better?
Well that is about all from here. Everyone have a great night. and if I do not get back on here before Christmas
HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!
Colleen

[Dianne Danielson]

#74312

Hi Ladies ,
Short & sweet. Merrrrrrrrry Christmas everyone!!!❤️❤️🎄🎄🎁🎅🏻🎅🏻🤶🏻

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[Gail Norusis]

#74320

Hello Everyone,
DD, what pretty pictures and i like the poem about missing those who are no longer with us-it’s so beautiful.
Colleen, you have quite a houseful. Piper and Aliza are similar-two little divas. lol You will be very busy the next few days.
Adele, thank goodness for Amazon and prime. I will be praying for Bobby’s exMIL. The cookies look delicious and I hope everyone appreciates how hard you labor over them.
It is down to crush time here. Greg was in bed all day with a stomach flu so I am trying to steer as clear of him as possible. Needless to say we did not get to go out to dinner and to the Christmas guitar concert last night. So I was going to clean the upstairs yesterday and the downstairs today but because Greg was up there i didn’t want to bother him and plus I had to finish wrapping. So today i have to clean the whole house (normally Greg would help) and go get groceries all myself. I know I will be pooped tomorrow night.(I hope not literally) Hopefully he feels better and I don’t get sick.
Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all my dear and precious Quacker friends. I hope you all have a wonderful day whatever you are planning to do. Sue we haven’t heard from you for awhile or Barbara either. I hope that all is well with everyone.
Peace and love to all of you.
Gail

[Anonymous]

#74322

Merry Christmas to all!!!

[Dianne Danielson]

#74335

Hi Ladies,
We got SNOW here today!! ❄️❄️❄️❄️That never happens!!
Dd

[Gail Norusis]

#74400

Good Morning Everyone,
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. It is a balmy minus 5 degrees here this morning and we are looking at temps like that for the next couple of weeks. The windchill for today is 15 to 25 degrees below. Yesterday we had a fire going in the fireplace all day and will probably have it today too as Greg is off work. He was still feeling sick to his stomach yesterday and not quite up to the festivities. That was too bad as I had gotten a new charades game that even a preschooler could play but he was not in the game playing mood.
The kids had a great time with their new toys and Santa always gives them some new pj’s so they can change before they go home and be nice and snugly in the car. How lucky that they have a 15 minute drive home rather than the two hour drive that we used to have with the kids when they were little. We heard from Brent-he was just getting back from seeing Wendy’s parents in Ruidoso and was off to work before having his stress test today. The results on the ultrasound on the thyroid haven’t come back yet. I suppose everything is slowed down because of the holidays. We also heard from our one nephew who usually calls on holidays. His Dad is Greg’s oldest brother who he and his wife don’t talk to the family anymore. Anyway, our nephew said that his Dad had been sick and in and out of the hospital a couple of times. He said he still wasn’t clear on exactly what was wrong as details weren’t forthcoming as he is estranged from them too. However, he did go see him and said he was quite worried about how he looked so he wanted to pass that info along to us. However, I don’t know what we can do with it as these people no longer speak to us and we have reached out several times only to be rebuffed. We all know it is really the wife’s fault as she is one who loves to create conflict but Greg’s brother goes along with whatever she decides to do. It is very very sad and there really is no reason for it all.
Greg liked his gifts that I got him. My gift from him is a yet to be determined piece of jewelry as I thought I would shop for it after the holidays. My sister sent us some really nice gifts and Jenny gave me a huge book from the Smithsonian about gemstones. It will keep me busy for quite awhile. Plus the grands gave us our yearly calendar with their pictures on each month of the year. Each year i save the old one and it is like a photo album of the previous year.
I think we are dog sitting New Years Eve as Jenny’s
family and a group of their friends go up to a motel in Janesville and they all take their kids. They get rooms that circle the pool and everybody puts out food and drink and and the kids play in the pool while the parents socialize on the deck so it is a big group family party. We haven’t gone out on New Year’s Eve in years. We like to stay home cook a nice meal or set out a bunch of appetizers and watch old holiday movies-White Christmas, Holiday Inn, The Bishop’s Wife etc. It’s the way us old farts celebrate the New Year. We are usually not even awake at midnight. lol
Barbara, I hope we hear from you soon. You have been MIA for a little while.
Gail

[Anonymous]

#74402

Gail we are having the same frigid temps & endless wind along with snow yesterday so the ones that want a white Christmas got it. I also hope the ones that are always complaining about the heat are happy. This cold is just not for me.& I will be staying in unless I must go out for something. I think the people in NYC for the ball drop will freeze. My power was off a while Christmas morning. It happens everytime the wind blows something down & knocks out a wire.
I hope Greg feels better soon & that Brent gets good news from his tests.
I saw the kids photos on Facebook & they looked like they were having a great Christmas as they were all smiles.
I won’t be going out on New Years either.

[adele shanbar]

#74406

Hi everyone!
I am so far behind in these, i am doing a general one for Christmas Eve, and i hope I do not miss anything, so here goes…..

DD, love the pics, and especially the saying. I wish I had read it 2 days ago, as it would have helped. Maxine is the one who reminded me about the Hess trucks for boys, and I got one last year for Aizen, and another this year. When he opened it, it was his favorite gift, and he kept saying he got a new truck. It was bitter sweet, and I said a silent teary than you to my friend Maxine. then today, what comes in the mail? A family picture from her daughter, with her son holding the Hess trucks they got from Maxine last year. I know she is giving me little messages, and she is in my heart.

Colleen, you are a better Nan than I am, as by now, with everyone in the house, and a dog taller than me, I would have probably had a Santa Nana meltdown…..LOL
I am so glad that you have them all there. Was your Mom able to come over too? Are you out of Tums yet, from Mandy’s good cooking? I bet the kids enjoyed the stay with all of you, and it was like a Madea movie. It would have been like that over here, for sure. You could not even hear yourself think at one point.
Oh yes, my production table was hysterical. We had it fixed, so there was not one thing I needed to reach for, and stress out the back. It worked, and was also a deterrent for serving any dinners while baking….LOL
Well, Gary was sick all the holiday- started Thursday night, right into last night. he was even very yellow, and got the kids nervous. It looks like Gary and Greg had the same flu, coast to cost.
Tillie goes for her shot at the hospital tomorrow. Heather, Gary and Amanda will take her, as there is no way I can walk the length of he hospital right now. So, I will stay home, and make her some nice chicken soup, for when they all get back.

Gailster: Can you believe the vacuum from Amazon was here before 3:30 on Christmas eve? Heather cried when it got here. I am now a huge fan of Amazon. there is still another one coming, this one an upright, form Toys R Us- it was my back up one….LOL
Gary was sick, like Greg. Isn’t that hysterical??
I got your card today-love the Angel!

I heard from Barbara on facebook. She didn’t say much, so I hope she has tome to ocme on here to post. i am worried about her being sad because of the baby. holidays are so hard when they are not around.

I will post the funnies from Christmas, including my incident with the new peeler from the Q- got me good….LOL Jen did stop by, and we all cried, as we missed her.
Love, Adele

[Anonymous]

#74408

I forgot to post did you hear Erie, PA had 53inches of snow in 36 hours? They get lake effect snow off Lake Erie. That is North of me & they can keep it.

[Gail Norusis]

#74414

Sue,
I saw pictures of Erie on the news this morning. That is a lot of snow!!! Those lake effect cities do get it bad sometimes-isn’t Buffalo another one that gets lots of lake effect snow. Chicago gets some more on the east side but not nearly as much. It really does make you feel like you are stuck inside for the duration.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74416

Hi Adele,
Well, Greg is off to work today-he says he still feels kind of sick. I see he was wearing the new sweatshirt that i gave him from the local distillery over his regular polo shirt to keep himself warm in the frigid temperatures. All I know is that i am keeping my distance from him as I don’t want to get what he has.
It sounds like Maxine is sending you some heavenly messages-I hope they make you feel a little more at peace.
Your baking table is like my wrapping table. I have all the stuff spread out all over the kitchen table so that means we are having sandwiches or pizza or something like that for dinner for the duration of wrapping time so i don’t have to stop and cook and i don’t have to clear the table. There’s a method to our madness!
I hope Tillie has a better experience back at her regular eye doctor. She has lots of support with her so that is good.
Amazon really does good on the deliveries. I have been very happy with them. You always could have given Aizen an IOU like I had to give Lachlan. Jenny had ordered an item for me to give Lachlan that was hard to get and she didn’t realize she was actually preordering it so it wasn’t here by Christmas so I put a stuffed Pug (he loves pugs) in a bag and attached a note to his collar saying that I owed him a Crate Creature and that it would be coming to his house. So he will have a post Christmas gift. Pretty soon Aizen will be able to start his own cleaning service with all those vacuums. He can come here and vacuum anytime. I didn’t even know they made toy Dysons. I had a Dyson once and didn’t really like it-I ended up giving it to Jenny’s SIL. Ever since i discovered Sharks i am sold on them and they are about a third of the price of a Dyson. We had a Miele which worked really well but it was hard on my wrist. I am kind of a vacuum connoisseur as I am always looking for the perfect one that does carpet and floors and has the right attachments for my uses and that is easy to use and easy to move around. It is really hard to find one that meets all my requirements. I have also had an Oreck and an Electrolux which was probably the best for all around cleaning but it is getting old. I know I am weird-everyone has to have an obsession. lol
Did you break one of those Mark Charles Macelli peelers that came in a set from the Q? I read two different things on the Q boards about them breaking when he was demonstrating them so even though they looked good i decided to steer clear of them.
We are supposed to get snow again tomorrow but only about an inch so that is good. But we will be sub zero at least through the weekend. I will be snuggled in here in my Cuddle Duds.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74455

Hey Gail, Sue and everyone who did not post yesterday (DD, Barbara and Colleen)…..LOL
I attached some pics of the festivities. It is so hard to pick them, as they are so small on the laptop file.
Well a good time was had by all. I did not see Aizen with the vacuum as he opened that one at Heather’s. His favorite here was the interactive dog from the Q, and the Hess truck.
Gail you are so right again….Maxine has been sending me messages since she left this earth. I have been listening, and it is comforting. When Heather came over to see Tillie today (she had the 3rd shot), I showed her the pic of Maxine’s grandsons with their Hess truck from her last year. Of course, Heather cried again. I am goign through a lot of kleenex……
Tillie did ok, but said he hurt her again real bad. I pray the new doctor is a lot better with these dam shots. She said there was a little improvement again, but not much. I had a chat with her about how disappointing it is, to go through all this and get very little return.We both agreed it is still worth continuing, as a little is still better then nothing more. When she got back (Gary and Amanda took her today), I had the soup done, and she said that was way better than my trying to get around the hospital, and not hurt myself. She said the soup was very comforting, and just what she needed.
Yes, Sue, we are FREEZING too. Thank God the Jeep has the heated seats for Tillie, so she was all snugly for the ride. She was actually kind of funny tonight. In a much better mood than after the other shots. I was surprised. We had a couple of cookies for desert, of course, and I sent more chocolate downstairs, which she always loves. Also sent some soup down with her, as I am afraid she will be too sore for the stairs tomorrow. We will see.
It will be 6 below zero tomorrow. Yuck. I have to make those baby cheesecakes for Aizen’s birthday, whihc we will do on Saturday. his actual birthday. Steph is taking him to Chuckie Cheese first, and then all come here for Chinese food. Steph is making him a chocolate cake too, so he will be very happy with all his goodies. The second vacuum has not arrived…….I will need to do Gail’s IOU.
It was my idea to do the Chinese, as every time we try on New years Eve we are disappointed, so let’s celebrate the day before, and have a simple snack type dinner on New Years eve. Steph was on to me……she said, so this is your way of getting Chinese for New Years that does not suck? Hey, we can always multi-task around here.
Oh, we have a canister Dyson one too. If they break, I am going with your Shark,a s you seem to really love it.
it was the set of 5 peelers that got me- the ones that came in a variety of colors. I used it again today, and felt it was not as sharp. Perhaps it was because I peeled only the carrots with it…LOL I had to try it gain, with nobody home a they would have FREAKED if they saw it in my hand. it does the potatoes better then a carrot- too small of a surface for the peeler. My finger looks ok-the missing little piece is a very dark color, but, I know it will change as the skin grows.
Well ladies, I am now on an antibiotic too. it has been one holiday challenge after another around here. I have 4 more days on the prednisone, so that is good. I just hope the pain does not return.
Gail what a nice thing to have the kids change into their jammies when they leave. great tradition.
I hope Gail hears soon about Brent’s test results. I am praying it will be easily resolved, with little stress to Brent. It sound slike he really likes this new woman. I hope they will be bale to visit you soon, as you would love to hug the stuffing out of him, I am sure.
I hope Greg stays well the rest of the year. We never go out anymore on New Years too. Every time we did, I was dying to get home. Who can stay awake until after midnight to party?? We used to go to an early dinner, and then be home for the night, and then we stopped that too. We are all old Quacker Farts.
Sue- how much snow did you get? We got 4 inches, but a load of ice on top of it. Everything on our street is full of ice. A storm is coming for Saturday- they are still not sure. I saw what Penn got- wow!
DD- how has Jewell been? Your neighbors? I hope you got a chance to visit with both of them, and that you feel good too. Miss you!
Barbara- where are you? I hope you got to hug the stuffing out of Colin’s stuffie, and that he gave you both a good chuckle. How is Jerry’s back?
Good God, there are 3 of us on here that are dealing with bad backs. Four if we count DD too. I think she has an issue from time to time too.
I hope I answered everything. Signing off for the night.
Love all of you to pieces!!!
Adele

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[Barbara Smith]

#74462

Hello to everyone! I haven’t had a chance to read anyone’s notes before writing to you all; but surely do hope you ALL had a wonderful Christmas and are making plans for this weekend. We have had some very cold weather; not like you all I’m sure since we don’t have the ice and snow YET, but they say we are due to get some this weekend. It is just bitterly cold here; so I am trying to make sure that all the animals to have to stay outdoors are protected and fed something warm everyday. I just feel so badly for them; but we have a lighted area out at Joey’s that is enclosed where they all stay with lots of cheap blankets and things for them to cuddle up with.
We had a quiet Christmas day; with the exception of our skype time with the baby. He was so excited. He really didn’t know what was the reason for everything that was happening; but was running and playing and just jibber jabbering and moving from toy to book back to ride on car for 5 seconds and then on to something else. ha ha I told Neal that he and Sarah are just beginning to be Santa helpers this year but just get ready for years to follow where they will really be busy. They are actually doing their dinner today since he worked on Christmas day and he and Sarah both worked half a day on Eve. Neal called today for some instructions on baking a ham and making potato salad. I really think he does most of the cooking; with her helping him, and she does most of the cleaning and laundry. So; if it works for them; it is fine for me. They seem to be doing really well; but homesick.
Our oldest son who lives in Vegas called. Their daughter from Florida is visiting. He said he had told his wife that they have to adjust to not being in the military and start living a normal civilian life and spend holidays at home. He said he missed us all and I told him how happy we are that he is at least within a day of Neal now. They have already visited Neal and his little family during the babys first birthday.
Joey had to work that night; so we had dinner on Christmas eve. Lisa was sick; coughing a lot; and Joey whispered in my ear for us to please not get too close. He said she is much better; but just wanted to come up and join us for dinner. So I am praying none of us get sick. Jerrys brother and his wife both have the flu; and so does our friends we go to dinner with occasionally. So it is definitely going around down South. Hope all of you are okay.
Gail, I have surely been praying for Brent and his tests. Any news? The wait is always so terrible. At least when you know what is causing him problems you can begin the process of doing things to make it better.
Love all the smiling faces in your pictures Adele. I can tell you all had a wonderful time. Bet there were some happy people with all the baking and cooking you have been doing. It always makes me feel so good to have someone enjoy something I have cooked or baked.
DD; it is so cold here that one day I was looking for our kitty and calling him; and after about 30 minutes of searching I found him up under the covers of our bed where he had gotten himself up under there and would not come out since he was all warm and comfy. ha ha So now if I am missing him I look under our covers first. He does not like the cold. Mabey his little bones ache too.
I am so sorry to see that it hurt Tillie again on her eye. We did the birthday get together for MawMaw on her 91st birthday last week. I had her a chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream icing made and lots of pretty piped roses and decorations. She loved it. We sent what was left back with her. She has some periods of confusion now; but when you talk for a while about something it seems to “jog” her memory and then she starts to talk about things. I really believe she had a good time. Lord, Jerry is such a good son to her. Would you believe he bought her not one but three zip up fleece jackets? When I asked why three he said well she wears them all the time (which she does) and he wanted to keep her warm. We also brought her out for Christmas, and since it was so cold we just had some vegetable soup and cornbread and apple pie. She didn’t want to visit as long that day; but it was really cold out and she does not like to be out after dark.
Well, I will close for now and try to catch up on all of your news that I haven’t had a chance to read. We do not go out on New Years; haven’t in years. It is definitely one holiday we stay indoors here. I think it is supposed to snow that night. BURR Take care everyone. Hugs, Barbara

[Colleen]

#74473

Hi Everyone,
As you can imagine it has been crazy around here. It has been wall to wall people. Poor Aliza was really surprised when she came here and saw so many people. She came to me right away but when she say grandpa she was ready to go to him. She got this big grin and put her arms out. So Ron took her and she was happy. She does pretty good if he is around.
Sue, I am sorry that you do not like the cold and the snow. I guess there are just some people that love the cold and the snow. It must be hard when you live in a state with a lot of cold weather and a lot of snow.
Gail, I am sorry to hear that Greg was sick. Did you go ahead and play the game even though Greg could not? I bet the kids would really enjoy it if they could play. That is nice that Santa always leave some nice warm pjs so they can wear them home and be nice and warm.That is such a good idea even for the older ones. They can just be nice and warm. I hope that they get the tests done on Brent soon and tell him the results. It just always seems to take forever for them to do that. We are still praying for him around here and will until he get the results that everything is okay. We do not go out on News Years eve either. There are too many crazies out that night. It is nice to just stay home and be warm and cozy. The New Years eve plans that Jenny has sound really nice. It will be fun for all of them.
Adele, My mom does not come to my house for Christmas. She has my oldest sister and brother and his wife at her house for Christmas. She does not do all the cooking they all bring food and that is why we do not come. I would have to make a lot of food to bring to have enough for our group. She comes here for Easter and stays for a few days. She likes to be here when it is warmer. I have a shark vacuum also. I love it would not trade it for anything else. I love all the pictures that you posted. Looks like you all are having a good time. I love the hats that the boys are wearing. They are really cute. Maxine is really helping you out this Christmas with all of her messages. Aizen looked really happy with his truck. JJ looks like he is really happy with his gifts also. Did you have many bake good left over at the end of the day? I bet they had a good time eating them all. The kids baked cookies here and them my daughter Danyielle brought a tray of cookies and a tray of candy that she made. So we had enough to eat but it is almost all gone now. We have a lot of people that love to eat sweets.lol We will all being sitting on our couches or in our chairs and snoozing away at midnight.
Barbara, It is nice that you had Jerry’s mom at your house for Christmas. I do not know what happens to people after it starts to get dark. A lot of the elderly they want to be home and in their beds all the time. It makes sense I guess they are not use to going out at night anymore. How cute that Colin was running from toy to toy. He sounds so cute. I am so glad that you got to watch him on Christmas morning even if it was on skype. That must have been so much fun. That was nice of Joey to let you know that Lisa was sick and not to get too close to her. You and Jerry do not need to get sick. I hope that the snow and ice hold off until Melissa and her family get back to Tennessee. I sure would hate to think of them being on the road. The cake that you made for Jerry’s mom sounds really good.
Well that is about all from here. I hope that all of you have a great night.
Colleen

[Dianne Danielson]

#74479

Hi Ladies,
I’m hearing all about the snow in the East. WOW!!! We’re starting to warm up now. We had a white Christmas sort of. It started out freezing rain then snow. Not a lot but it rarely happens on Christmas. It’s nothin compared to what you’re getting back there!! But the rain is returning so it will be gone. New Years Eve & New Years are supposed to be dry. NYE is Diane’s b/day so we go out to dinner & celebrate. She pays for my dinner & her friend pays for hers. Then New Years it’s time to relax & watch football &/or take down the tree & put everything away.
For Christmas Eve I cooked the turkey & had Christmas dinner. I fed my neighbors, Kay, Critt, & Jay, & Roxie. I STILL have leftovers!! I’ll be ready for a beef roast dinner New Years or later in the week.
I haven’t read all your posts yet but I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day!!
I was so tired from cooking dinner I was ready to rest & watch Christmas movies.
I love decorating for the holidays but it’s time to take em down & get back to normal again. I think Jewell is ready to get back to normal too. She seems to be doing fine right now. Fingers crossed!!🙏
That’s all for now.
Dd

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[Gail Norusis]

#74496

Hi Adele,
I don’t know what a Hess truck is but I’m glad that Aizen liked his. lol
I’m glad that Tillie will continue with the shots as one time there might be a breakthrough that is worth it all. I thought that this trip was back at her regular doctor but I guess not. Will the next one be there?
Good idea making the soup as she seemed to really like that. I noticed you and Tillie had your Quacker on in the photos. In fact I have the outfit that Tillie was wearing with the Christmas tree shirt and gray vest.
What is the story with the Chinese on New Year’s Eve? Is the good restaurant not open on that day? Will the kids eat Chinese? Better yet-will Gary eat Chinese?
Be careful with those peelers as i read reports that Mark Charles broke at least two on air. I guess it was funny as he tried to cover it up.
I doubt that Brent will be visiting any time soon as we just saw him at the end of October. Plus he has run through all his savings paying the copays on all these tests he has been having and on visits to specialists. We also like Wendy a lot-she is a very warm down to earth person.
I see the little Quacker stockings you have hanging on your kitchen cabinet knobs. Our smaller Christmas tree is almost entirely decorated in Quacker ornaments with a few other things thrown in for good measure.
Your wine glasses are so beautiful! I always admire them when i see them in your photos. Plus i think i spied an electric menorah in the background as i had asked you one time if you lit one. Electric is better than real-I have eliminated all the real candles from around the house and replaced them with tons of battery operated. I always used to light candles nightly but then i started to worry about forgetting to blow them out at night so now i have battery operated all over the place as i love the glow of candlelight and love seeing the lights glowing inside the house when we have been out somewhere and are returning at night.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74504

Hi Barbara,
It sounds like Colin was excited by all the Christmas festivities. How cute he must have been! Christmas is just made for little ones. I know i get excited to see if the grands will like their gifts and to see their reactions when they open them.
That is great that Buddy is now closer to where Neal and Sarah live. Maybe they can have more get togethers.
There are lots of flu bugs around here too. When Greg went back to work yesterday he said a lot of people reported stomach bugs so he must have picked it up there. I am giving him a wide berth so I don’t get what he has. He really didn’t even enjoy Christmas dinner.
I’m glad that MawMaw enjoyed her chocolate birthday cake. I did get a chuckle about Jerry getting her three fleece jackets to keep her warm. He is a good son!
No news yet about Brent. He still has to get an endoscopy too. So many tests!!! They are costing him a fortune in copays and such as the young people don’t have a big financial cushion. I’m just having this gut feeling that it will be something autoimmune-like ulcerative colitis and maybe Hashimotos too. He already has gout so I am thinking he is prone to autoimmune stuff. But I could be totally off base too. I’m just kind of diagnosing by Doctor Google. But hey that’s how Jenny diagnosed my mono weeks before the actual specialist did. lol
When you said you found Auto Kitty under the blanket that reminded me of our cat Dixie from years ago. She could be way over on the other side of the house and as soon as she heard that i was changing sheets on a bed she would rush over and i would have to make each layer on top of her. The fitted sheet would go over her and I would have to play around with her and let her attack my hands-then I would have to take her out and put the top sheet over her and play-etc. etc. with each layer on the bed. it made changing sheets quite time consuming. Sometimes If i was in a hurry i would try to do it really quietly or even shut the door so she couldn’t get in the room. and of course she would be quite insulted by that. lol What we don’t do for our beloved pets.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74507

Hi Colleen,
It sure sounds like you had quite a party at your house. You must have been very happy.
When do Stephen and Melissa have to leave to drive home? I hope the weather will be good for their drive. We are getting a very light snow here now but only an inch is predicted so that is good.
Thank you for the continued prayers for Brent.I know he will be relieved when he gets some answers too. The scariest thing is the continued weight loss. But he can’t eat much because his stomach hurts.
Another thing about going out New Year’s Eve is I think the restaurants inflate the prices just like they do for Valentine’s Day. If we ever do go out we go early to some place local-but i don’t think we have gone out in ten years. We like staying home and watching some old movies and either cooking a nice meal or setting out appetizers and just grazing all evening.
We didn’t get to play the new charades game but Jenny said Adam has some vacation time in a few weeks so we will play it then since everybody will be there. It will be interesting to see the kids acting things out.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74509

Hi DD,
How nice that you go out for NYE and Diane’s birthday-I just realized you both have the same name but different spellings.
We won’t be taking everything down until after January 6th or later. I think since we don’t have everything up until mid
December we are not as tired of the decorations as people are who have had them up since the day after Thanksgiving and i like the lights on the cold dark winter nights. We dance to the beat of our own drum here at the Norusis house. lol
You are a wonderful neighbor to make dinner for your friends and I am sure they are deeply appreciative. It is tiring though and I know I always need a good day of doing nothing the day after Christmas.
I love the picture of the cat who knocked over the tree. lol
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74511

Hi Barbara!
So glad you got on here. It was good to hear you were bale to get some nice skype visits in with the baby, and watch him go form toy to toy. the little ones are so cute on Christmas. you had to see my face, when Aizen opened the BB8, form the Q and said….I don’t like this one”. I had to be quick, as his parents would have had a fit if they knew he said that, and I did not want him to get in trouble for not being grateful. He is too small to fake liking a gift on Christmas, and his little face looked so sad that was his gift. Thank God he loved the automated pet dog, and REALLY loved his new Hess truck. Now I knwo his stuff has to make nose, light up, or be cuddly.
That was such a nice dinner for a 91 year old Mother. i know from over here, that chewing, and digestion can be real issues, even with the food they love. you had to see Tillie with the soup yesterday. Especially since she was out n the cold. She was thrilled with it, and then I stopped feeling guilty that I just could not do the walk with them right now. I may never be able to do a walk like that again. Our eye doctor already called, as they got some of her records form the hospital today. they changed her appointment, after reviewing the records. They cancelled her first appointment with a regular eye doctor, and went right to the visit with the retina specialist. they said no need to stress her out. so, she has an appointment in 6 weeks for the next shot. I told them how much the last 2 hurt her, and they said that should not have happened. When I told Tillie what they said, she was relieved. A neighborhood, good eye practice is way better than the huge hospital settings. Honestly, I think they get desensitized to elderly people’s fragility. Also, getting in and out of there is a breeze- 20 feet to the door, and 4 handy spaces right there. Takes all the stress out of this mess.
So, Missy Barbara……I am making 2 loaves of English Muffin toasting bread, to be served with a cup of soup from yesterday, a salad or antipasto (depending on what you put on your lettuce), frozen chicken fingers, and cookies for desert. I emailed the grands, and Bobby with the menu for tonight, and said….so,. who is in? Heather is babysitting the Aizen tonight, and they are coming. everyone else is working, I believe. Not sure if bobby will be home late or not yet.
It is freezing up here- they said the coldest December in many years. good day to put the oven on, hence the bread….LOL
Love, Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74513

Hi colleen
If you read my post to Barbara, almost all the news is in there. I am so glad we heard from Barbara today.
it is so hard to keep everyone’s names and plans straight….LOL We have a lot of people in our lives.
Amanda’s car would not start. Heather went over (she was at her girlfriend’s house) with the battery charger we gave her for Christmas, and got it going so she could get to work. So far, she is the only one whose car would not start. I do not think she got a battery since she bought it a few years back- it was used, not new.
I put away all my Quacker Christmas, and took out only the snowmen shirts I have for the rest of the winter. Do you remember those very pretty pink ones, with all the sequins on them? Seems like they do not make them like they used to anymore.
After I finish posting, I am going to make a nice hot cup of tea. My nose is cold….LOL Every once in a while when it is quiet and I have the TV off, you can hear a huge gust of wind. the heat has been on non stop. Tomorrow, the oil company is coming to do the burner clean out.
Did your electric ever get repaired? you have not mentioned it in a bit, so I hope all is ok.
We do have cookies left- 2 tins, about half way full, and one additional one half full, of cookies that do not need to be refrigerated. We gave a lot away.
it will be sad when I start to put the decorations away this weekend. I will try to do the trees on Monday, and then on to the last few things. I really did not put out a lot at all this year, but, for anyone else, it looks like I did.
Are you getting any storms this weekend? They are on the fence as to what we will get.
Have a good one!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74515

Hi DD
I am so glad you had dinner with all you friends there. I bet they loved what you cooked, and were glad to celebrate with you. Friends are such a blessing, and I am glad you are blessed with them too. Also good to know your neighbor is doing ok. I hope she continues to do so.
So, which day is your birthday?? I have to remember to say Happy Birthday to yo,. as i always forget to check the board on here to wish all the Quackers a good one. i think Gail and Colleen are good at that.
Glad to know Jewell is ok too. I hope she stays that way.
we got the same thing over Christmas- snow, sleet, ice, and an all aorund mess. there is still snow on the ground, and maybe more on the way in a day or two.
Quacker is having a show this afternoon. I hope I remember to turn it on. i got that new gray holiday cardigan, and do not want to put it away. It is nice and long, and so cuddly. I have it on, over my CA role Hochman gray pj’s, and have the cardigan to the pj’s on the bench. It adds festiveness to my house attire….LOL. i wish they had a more generic one of these, for all year long.
hope your day is going well, and you are cozy warm!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74517

Hey Gail
yes, this was the last eye one at the hospital. Read my post to Barbara for all that news- her next one is in 6 weeks, and I already spoke to them about the pain she feels in the eye. they said that should not have happened.
I only have those little stockings, and one set of the sweaters for Christmas from Quacker. I was so sad when they stopped making them. I have a set for Halloween of them too.
Oh yes, it is an electric menorah. i would freak at those tall, tiny lit candles on the other ones- they do not stay in the holders, no matter what you do.
I am bog on the colored everything. I love the pretty colored crystal glasses. the kids are funny about them. they come and change the color on the place they sit, so they have their favorite one. this year, even Jj got one, as he is getting older. We serve that Welch’s sparkling grape juice in them,and it is a huge fan favorite. i went through 16 bottles of it, over the 2 days, and we have 8 left for Aizen’s birthday. There is not a lot o in the bottle to begin with. that is the only time I will drink something that is not water, as I figure a sugar drink is just wasted calories.
Here is the deal with Chinese. It is always awful on New Years Eve, and everybody wants it. If you order the food, you have to order by 11:00 am, to get anything by 5. It will come late, cold, and not tasting as good as it usually does. the volume in Chinese food up here on new Years eve is through the roof. if you order after 4:00 pm, you will be told there is a 4 to 6 hour wait, or they just stop answering the phone altogether. I thought it was like that all across the US. Not where you are?? that is why we started to go out for a very early dinner (lunch) and had hordeurves later. so, maybe with my big idea of doing Chinese Saturday, we will be on a win, win situation. Who knows!
OMG, i cannot believe you do not know about the Hess truck thing. Hess is a huge oil company up here, and they started the Christmas truck lines generations ago. they are collectibles, and the older ones are worth a fortune. they are very realistic, and the lights and noises are unbelievable. All the boys love them.
you know, I am continually amazed at the differences in the areas of this country. Wow, is all I can say. i thought those trucks were everywhere.
hope you are warm…..my nose is cold, and the heat has been pumping all day.
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74519

hey all….
forgot to say, I hope everyone is better from their flu’s, back issues, cold’s etc.

Still praying for Brent to get good news, Greg to have no more back pain, as well as Jerry, and DD to feel good too…..and Gail’s hair to grow in, and Colleen’s belly to stop doing bubbles….and Sue’s knee to continue to heal.

there, did I forget anything????? hope not!

Adele
PS. I always add a generic prayer for anything I missed or forgot.

[Anonymous]

#74522

I think I forgot to tell you my Christmas disaster. My Keurig died. I need coffee to survive so I ordered a new one. It shipped UPS If they don’t drop it at the Post office I may get it yet this week. I hate when they drop it at the PO as then it takes more time to arrive.
I have been busy making dishes to use up my ham. I made scalloped potatoes & ham, split pea & ham soup, which tastes good in this cold weather and ham salad for sandwiches. I also froze some slices for later & some chopped ham for more scalloped potatoes & ham later. So I am getting it cleaned up because I will have pork & sauerkraut for New Years and then hot dogs in the leftover sauerkraut. I love sauerkraut. So I am eating well & I am sure the scales reflect that. The doctor won’t be happy.
Adele those Hess trucks are so cute. I bought them for my friends son when he was little & he loved them. If he still has them they could be valuable.
We are to get a couple more inches of snow Saturday but I will be staying in & watching football. I just wish it would warm up at least above freezing.

[Colleen]

#74538

Hi Gail,
We did have a nice day Christmas. Stephen and Melissa have to go home on the 30th. He has to report back to work on the 2nd and I am not sure when the kids have to go back. The way Barbara was talking it is going to be a rough trip for them going back home. I just hope that the snow and ice holds off until they get home.
Gail when I was sick like that I lost a lot of weight also. He will gain some of it back when he starts to feel a little better. I know that it is scary but it will be okay. That is a tough time when you feel so bad and they cannot find out what is wrong with you. I know that it is really rough on Brent just waiting to hear what they have to say. Does he still have his gall bladder? It seems like if they remove that you have stomach trouble later after you have had the surgery.
You are right about the restaurants raising the prices on News Year eve night. They also raise the prices of the drinks because if you get a glass of wine it almost twice as much as usual. I guess that people just do not notice it when they are out partying. We just do not party anymore.lol I am not sure what we will have here for that night as Amanda and the girls will be here. Kylie may not be she may go out with friends but Brook will have to stay here. Mandy will not let her go out. The roads are not safe.
You will have a lot of fun with the kids acting things out. I can just see Piper now. She will be very good at it. How is Kendall doing this year at school? You have not said much about her getting sick and having to stay home. I hope that she is over being so shy at school.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74540

Hi Adele,
I will be right over for the muffin bread. That sounds so good.This year I made the rolls that rise in the pan but they got so high they were coming out of the pan. So I made it into a loaf of bread. It did not taste too bad. We ate it Christmas day and then we ate it again tonight with butter and garlic on it. We had it with our spaghetti. That was my big mistake for the dinner this year. Have you ever baked a pie and forgot to put the sugar in it? I did that one year and have never made that type of pie again. It was a pumpkin. That was so horrible. I do not know why I got off on this sorry.
That is one bad thing about this cold weather. It is hard on batteries on our cars. It is good that Heather had a battery charger to she could help Amanda out. It is just cold all over the place right now. I love the cold weather though always have. Just wish that we had more snow on the ground. I am not sure if we are going to get any snow this week-end or not. They change the forecast here a lot.
We have one more Christmas dinner to go to Saturday. We go to my mom’s and have dinner there. I have to bring the food that we are going to eat. I am bringing ham and chicken salad sandwiches. We all have eaten so much that we do not want another big meal. Mom does not like to cook big meals anymore so we bring the food.
That will be so nice when Tillie starts going to the doctor that is close to you. Hopefully they will do a better job giving the shot then they were at the hospital. They are right it should not have hurt her giving her that shot. They must not be very good at it.
That will be nice when they get the furnace cleaned. I hope that they do not have to turn it off for very long. We do not have the electric fixed yet. It looks like we may never get it fixed. We are not having any luck finding a good electrician. It is hard to do down here. I am hoping when we see our friends that they will know of someone that is good at it.
Well that is about all from here. I know that i have not covered everything but I am getting really tired. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74542

Hi DD,
I am so glad that Jewel is doing better. It is funny how just putting up some decorations can really make our animals feel different.It effects them in different ways.
How nice that you fixed dinner for all of your friends. Did they all come to your apartment to eat or did you take it to them? I imagine that it is hard for Kay to get our since she has been so sick. You are such a nice person to do that for everyone. It is just good that you were not alone on Christmas.
We are just really cold here not much snow. I really hope that we get more. Your weather is so nice where you are. I do not know why I thought that it was really cold there in the winter and lots of snow.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Collen

[Gail Norusis]

#74544

Hi Colleen,
Thanks for the pep talk on Brent-I needed that. He did have his gall bladder out maybe five years ago. I thought he was so young to have problems with that as it is usually something that plagues older people. He is not the healthiest eater in the world as he is not a big vegetable person and i think he and Kim ate a lot of fast food. I think Wendy cooks at home more so maybe he eats better now.
Actually so far this year Kendall has been doing good. She is in 4th grade and the 4th and 5th graders go to a different school than the one she went to before. Jenny used to drive her to school and this year she is taking the bus with the neighborhood kids so that is a big accomplishment and it makes it easier for Jenny.
I don’t blame your Mom for not wanting to cook a big meal at this stage in her life it would be hard. You are an angel for bringing all the food over. Who will be there besides you and Ron?
Maybe Amanda will surprise you guys with a special New Year’s Eve dinner. There is something cozy about having all the Christmas lights on and snuggling in for the night that evening. We haven’t decided whether we will do a dinner for two that night or appetizers. We’ll see. Of course we will be grand dog sitting too and Callie and Mimi like to snuggle on the couch too.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74546

Hi Sue,
I hope that Kuerig arrives soon. I gave up drinking coffee for the most part about a year and a half ago but i still use it for cappuccino, tea and hot chocolate drinks. It just seemed like the coffee always gave me heartburn. I still have an occasional cup if we are out or at someone else’s house. Now that i think about it i never really liked the taste but i started drinking it when i was a working person and just kept it up for all those years after that. I don’t really miss it. My SIL is a coffee nut-Jenny just got him one of those Ninja coffee bars for Christmas. I haven’t seen it yet-we will check it out tonight.
I have some left over ham and we are tired of eating it and I never knew you can freeze the slices. Thanks for the info-I will do that with the rest of it.
You and Greg and your sauerkraut. The kids always used to hate that he would eat it at his mother’s on holidays and then it would give him gas on the two hour trip home so every fifteen minutes it seemed he would have to open the window and they would get all the cold air blowing on them in the back seat. He would get a lot of Daaaad shouted at him on the trip home. I did just buy a small can to serve to him with sausage and potatoes but we will be home afterwards so I can escape him. lol I never could develop a taste for sauerkraut Just the smell was enough to turn me off. I know my parents ate it and I am trying to remember what my Mom served it with maybe spareribs.
I am with you and am looking forward to the temps at least rising to the upper twenties lower thirties. this arctic cold is for the birds.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74548

Hi Adele,
I love English muffin bread!!! That is my go to breakfast. WalMart stopped selling it but now i see that they have brought it back and the local bakery does not make their own but sells a packaged kind which i did not really care for. I wonder if people complained to WalMart when they could not get it. I’ll be right over to get mine. lol
I’m glad Tillie’s next shot will be at the local office. Easier all around for everyone and it’s good to know that you talked to them about her pain so they will be more careful.
I didn’t know that Quacker had any of those little Halloween sweaters. I kind of miss their home good line-they had some cute stuff. I still have my cake plate.
Who had to lug 24 bottles of the sparking grape juice home? That’s a lot of bottles. You are so good only drinking water. I am kind of addicted to diet soda i must admit.
Wow! I can’t believe the whole Chinese food for NYE thing! I’m sure if i called the local place on NYE they would say come and get it in the usual twenty minutes. We can barely get there in that amount of time. However, we have stopped ordering from the two local Chinese places as the food has really gone downhill. Last time the stuff tasted like it had been in a freezer for six months. Not good! So unless we are over in the next town we just don’t do Chinese anymore. Sad.
Isn’t it terribly interesting that something we thought everyone knew about is a regional thing. I find the differences between the different areas of the country endlessly fascinating. And just think if we had never met on here we wouldn’t have learned these things. I keep saying it’s like pen pals for grown ups.
I will have to google Hess trucks.
Our heat is going constantly too and it looks like we will be like this into next week. Winter really came on with a vengeance!
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74550

OMG, Sue!
I love sauerkraut. Do you make it the German way, or just heat it up? Which makes me then ask, are you German?
I have been dying to make a big pot of sauerkraut. Tillie puts in a daisy ham, a chunk of smoked bacon, more slices of bacon, onion, and at the end she grates a potato into the sauce. All the meat is purchased at a local German store, as they have a whole different way of smoking their meats- smells so good in there all the time.
I hope you got your new Keurig today, and have your hot coffee for the cold weather. They do not seem to last very long. We get 2 to 3 years, max, on a machine. They are good at replacing them, if they go before the warranty is up.
We are freezing too- 5 outside today, with less wind than yesterday. Still not sure about the snow for tomorrow. I am hoping it is not bad, as the kids are coming over for Aizen’s birthday, and we are getting Chinese delivered.
I am making the baby cheesecakes for Aizen tomorrow.
Hope you are all cozy and warm!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74552

Hey Colleen
You still have a house full of people who love you. That is always good. I did not realize your daughter from out of state was still there. How nice for all of you.
I bet your Mom will be thrilled with all of you there tomorrow. i hope you have good weather to get you all there, and back safely.
I have done some doozies in cooking and baking. It all goes with experience. I did learn one very valuable lesson….never use fresh cranberries an any baking- they are way too tart, and never taste good enough to eat. When I do the little cranberry cookies, I use the craisins. I also learned never to present a new recipe on a holiday. Those always end up in disaster. So, I re-make anything new on a holiday….a kind of test run. As we get older, we have to check, and re-check our ingredients, especially when the phone keeps ringing, etc. I pre-mix my wet and dry ingredients, and the spices, into smaller bows, and then combine them. That way, no Adele errors. So far, it has been working. Isn’t it funny how we find ways to get things done?
It is freezing here again- 5 outside today, but no terrible wind like yesterday.
Still waiting on the boiler clean-out. they will be here before end of day. I hope no other emergencies impact the appointment. They said they have had some no heat calls, and they always take priority, as they should, especially today.
Stay warm!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74554

Hey Gail
I have a real funny for you today! Soooooo, when Bobby came up to look over the directions for the game I got all of them (Game of Thrones Trivia), I was looking at Facebook posts. I came upon a pic of Jenny, and showed her to bobby, saying that is my buddy Gail’s daughter, and told him about funny Piper. Bobby comes home at least twice a week reading me the accounts of a friend of his, with her 3 girls- she is hysterical. So, he looks at the screen, and is speechless, with this cute little boy look on his face. I think he fell in love with your pretty Jenny. LOL LOL I thought you would get a big kick out of that.
Remind me….Greg has some German in him too? I think this is hysterical that we are all hankering for sauerkraut. Actually, that is the German way. they make the sauerkraut after the holidays to ward off all the sweets consumed. So gas will be plentiful coast to coast.
It is amazing what we have learned form each other. So far, Sue and I have very similar things, as we are the closest. What is the go to take out for New Years Eve out there? Now, I want to take a survey….LOL
I am still waiting for the cream cheese to come to room temp- actually, room tempt today is too cold….LOL
Hope you have a good day.
Also hope Brent gets some news before this weekend, as this is going on way too long. He must be stressed to the max. You and Greg too.
Adele

[Anonymous]

#74562

Gail, I just wanted to let you know that Sue Grafton’s daughter just posted on facebook that she has passed away and the alphabet series will end at Y. I still have some of them to read but really liked that series.
Also I got your card today. It took a detour & was delivered to 28 Pleasant St. Don’t know how they confused those addresses as only 28 is the same. I do know they have some fill in carriers working. My regular carrier is off & my neighbor got a package of mine & I have gotten mail 3 times for someone else.
Ups brought my Keurig this afternoon. so I am going to wash it & get it ready to use. UPS got it to the correct place.

[adele shanbar]

#74564

hey Sue!

So glad you got your Keurig. We were lost without ours for those 2 days. Did they give you one of those cool new needle cleaners? They are saying that device keeps them working longer. I clean mine every 2 weeks, and do that needle thing then. i even use my Keurig for tea. I used to do a pot of tea, and now i just do a cup at a time. the Keurig is the est thing they ever invented.
Besides the Keurig, the Kitchen Aid Mixer is the other appliance I just could never live without.
By the way, forgot to say. You have been doing some good cooking with your leftover ham this week. I may come down….LOL I love pea soup, sauerkraut, and all. go Sue!
Hope you are warm and cozy. Our oil people just left, so we are all nice an clean for the winter. We were late this year, as I dropped the all. I usually call and get a Fall appointment. We were lucky nothing happened.
Have a good night!
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#74566

Sue,
Oh no. I am so sad to hear that. Thank you for telling me. I think I still have X and Y to read. I know she planned on ending the series with Z as she said she would be in her 80’s when that was finished as she took a few years to write each book. Kinsey is one of my absolute favorite characters and I am sad that there will never be a definitive end to her story. Maybe she already had a good start on Z and someone else will come in and finish the story. Wow! I just was not expecting that.
Yes we have mail that took a detour too. I had sent off some end of year charitable donations and a few days ago one turned up delivered with our mail-it had never even been postmarked or sent to the addressee so I have no idea where it went after I originally placed it in the mailbox. So I put it back in the mailbox and tried to send it off again. Hopefully it gets to the animal shelter this time.
Glad UPS came with your Kuerig and you can enjoy your coffee again. Thank goodness they got that delivery right.
I’m sure our mailman is happy the holiday season is over. I could hear him coming to the front porch and just literally dropping the packages on the step. I can’t stand the man but I bite my tongue and don’t say anything as we know the family personally. I will be very glad when he retires.
Gail

[Anonymous]

#74568

Gail, That news made me sad too. Her daughter said she did not want any of her books made into movies and she would not have a ghost writer. She did not want anyone to finish her work so the family considered Y the end. I loved the Kinsey character too.
It seems when I don’t get my coffee I get a headache. I switched to tea bags a couple of days so I still got some caffine.
I meant to tell you if you freeze some ham make sure it is wrapped well. If you have a food saver use that & suck the air out of it so it keeps well.

Adele, I did not het a needle cleaner. I did not know they had one. I had trouble registering it online as it said my e-mail was already used. Of course it is as I had an account before. I even checked the box that it was a replacement. So I called & she could not get it to work either so she took my info & is going to get help from another dept to get it registered. And when they get it registered I will get 50% off my next order.
Stop by for soup I still have some left. When you come bring me a cheesecake. I wanted to get cheesecake for Christmas they had them advertised in my stores circular but I could not find them so I ask the lady in the bakery & she said they didn’t have them. I guess that is a good thing as I had way to many calories anyway.

[adele shanbar]

#74570

hey Sue……

Here I come, open the door quick, it’s cold out here…..LOL LOL

Call them back and say you did no get a needle cleaner. It is an orange weirdo looking thing you put where the pod goes. You fill it with hot water, and put the lever up and down about 10 times, and you end up seeing coffee grinds in it.

I am also in the coffee club with Green Mountain coffee. I get my pods cheaper, and free auto delivery every 6 weeks- that is what I wanted. You ca go with the delivery weeks you want,and how many pod packages you want. you get points for the coffee you buy, and can cash them in for more pods, or money off another machine. Now that I think if it, is ti Keurig club, or Green Mountain? LOL Ill have to double check for you. be right back…..

[adele shanbar]

#74572

me again……the line item on my checking account says “Keurig green mountain”. So they may have combined over the years since I have been in the club. Check it out- great values, and every once in a while they have a 25% off sale too. they have more pods in their boxes, and even have Starbucks. I get the one called pike Place once in a while- really good. Our favorite is Donut House blend. One more thing- they also started carrying Dun Donuts pods.

See ya….I am pooped today, as I just could not sleep last night. My eyes are burning….LOL

Adele

[Barbara Smith]

#74597

Burr from Tenn. I feel so bad acting like you all are not having it lots colder than us here; but as my grandmother used to say, “our blood is too thin for this cold weather” HA HA But in all seriousness, we down South just do not handle anything below freezing well at all. And we are due for some snow and the temps are to be below 10; so it is definitely time for something warm from the oven and a bubbling pot on the stove.
Our New Years day always consists of a big pot of blackeyed peas and get ready girls, hog jowl. I know you all must be saying what in the world is that? but it is just part of the hog that old time stories says if you eat a bite of it on NYD that you will have good luck in the coming year. I know Colleen has heard of this before. It is like smoky fat ham; and you use it to flavor your peas and then eat some of it. We add lots of good ham while we cook the peas as well. We also make a big pan of cornbread to go along with it; and bake some sweet potatoes and usually steam some brocolli or do cabbage and of course; we have to add dessert. The boys have always asked for banana pudding. I love how Tillie does her kraut. Sounds yummy. Jerry and I are the only two who will eat sauerkraut here.
I have heard of the Hess trucks; but haven’t actually seen them. So I will look this up too.
So glad that Tillie will be seen by a specialist. She will be treated very well, I believe. Hope you all will hear that Brent receives good news soon. The wait must be so hard for you all. Prayers for everyone. I remember once when our oldest son was so sick; and no one could decide exactly what was wrong, but was hinting for us to prepare for something really bad, and Jerry just literally fell to his knees in the doctors office and prayed that if it was that it be him instead, and I was praying that it be me. It turned out to be something that once the right doctor saw him he took care of it right away, and Buddy was fine soon; so just be as strong as you can Gail, and pray. Hope I didn’t say anything wrong; just want to comfort you all.
Better go, Jerry is saying something from the kitchen and heavens knows what he may be up too. ha ha Take care all and Happy New Year to everyone. Hugs and best wishes to all, Barbara

[Colleen]

#74601

Hi Gail,
It is hard to believe that Christmas is over and the new year is almost here. Melissa and her family left this morning and they are back home again. We went to my mom’s for our Christmas dinner and opened gifts there. It was a nice day and it was good to see my brother and his wife. We always have fun talking and laughing about crazy things. He had been so busy that it was hard to get together so maybe now that things have slowed down a little for him we will all be able to get together again.
I am so glad that Kendall is going good in school this year. That was good that she started taking the bus and she is with her friend that lives in the neighborhood. She can spend more time with her and have someone to sit with on the bus. Maybe she is getting older and enjoying it more this year.
That will be interesting to babysit two dogs and celebrate the new year with them. Hopefully they will let you and Greg snuggle and not try to get between the two of you. I never knew that animals could be so jealous of things like they are. Kaylee wanted to sleep with Mandy last night and the cat got mad and was growling and hissing. So Kaylee went in and slept with her mom and dad. She is scared of the cat and with good reason. That cat can be mean when he wants to be.
That is a shame that Sue Grafton died. A lot of people will be disappointed that she did not finish that last book. My mom was reading that series also. I will have to call and tell her that she died. It would be nice if she had most of the book written and someone can just put it in print. They could just leave it like that and let everyone figure out their own ending.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74603

Hi Adele,
We have never had sauerkraut for dinner on New Years day. The tradition is like Barbara’s we have black eyed peas and ham in them or hog jowl. That is supposed to bring everyone good luck in the house. So we will definitely eat that this year because all of us need good luck.
We really had a nice time with my mom and brother today. We fight over the candy cane cookies that my mom makes. She has made them since we were little kids. They were our favorites she use to freeze them until Christmas eve and then get them out so we would have some for Christmas day. It has gotten to be a game with my brother and I. We either try to eat them all or hide them from the other one. I always have at least one of them and hide all the rest. This year we were nice though and did not hide them or eat them all. I guess that we did not want to scare the grands. lol
I have never used fresh cranberries in a cookie or anything but my mom uses them in jello salads. They are tart but the sweetness of the jello and the sugar that she puts in them cut the tartness. She uses equal to sweeten them. My mom always makes really good jello salads and she puts them in a mold and they come out perfect every time.
It is freezing here also. I am not looking at the temperature it will just make it seem colder. Our dogs will not come in the house it is too hot for them in here so Ron has a wood stove in the shed and so he put a fire in it and left the door open so they could go in. Well they will not go in they are laying in their dog houses. They will go in if he goes in but that is about it. I keep telling him he may have to move a bed out there and sleep with the dogs. He just will not go. lol
Well that is about it from here. Hope that you have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74605

Hi Barbara,
You are right the black eyed peas and hog jowl are the meal of the day for New Years day. I do not know if we will have it this year unless someone goes to the store and gets some. I forgot to get some so they can get it tomorrow. I like sauerkraut but have never heard of eating it on that day.
I hope that you had a good Christmas and Jerry’s mom enjoyed the day also. It is nice that it was not that cold on Christmas day and that she could come to the house. hope that no one got sick from being around Lisa.
Melissa and her family went back to Tennessee this morning and were home by 3:30 this afternoon. I know that they were all glad to get home and get warm. They were surprised that it was so cold here. The kids had their winter coats but the adults did not . They should have known better.
It just seems like there are so many different things going around right now and they do not know what is causing it. I do not know where all this stuff is coming from. It is not unusual to have something wrong with you and they do not know what it is. Have you ever heard of someone having stomach bubbles? That is what they say is wrong with me and I thought that was the craziest thing that I have ever heard of. I do not know of anyone else that has said that they have stomach bubbles. If you have heard of this I would appreciate it if you could tell me.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night and stay warm.
Colleen

[Dianne Danielson]

#74616

Hi Ladies,
This will be short as I had to sign in again & had trouble getting it done.
Happy New Year 🎈🎊🎆🍾🎉🙏
I can’t believe the holidays are almost over!!! By the time you get this they will be gone!
I’ll read your posts again & respond tomorrow.
Dd & Jewell

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[adele shanbar]

#74621

Hi Barbara
Glad to ehar from you. I have to say, I would never get Gay to eat that. Speaking of him, he is really sick. Today he does feel a little better, as it is day 2 on the antibiotic. I am so glad he got one yesterday, as he was really miserable. he had on an undershirt, warm crew neck shirt over that, and his button up cardigan, and he was still cold. Most of the day, I had on my tank top without the fleece jacket over it. Mine goes on and off, all day long.
We were right to do the Chinese last night- even cam piping hot, within 30 minutes. So, everyone was good. Aizen ate, and loved his cheesecake. Steph made a 3 layer cake ( out of a package…..LOL) with 3 bright colored frosting on them. She made this design that had it look like a stuffed animal’s fur. I forgot to take pics with my cell, so maybe she has some, and then I can post them.
We were all cleaned up by 8:00, so that was good too. Then we watched the Hallmark channel , of course.
So, today I am goign to prepare that yummy praline French Toast casserole thing I made a bit ago, for tomorrow’s breakfast. I have one bog box to fill with decorations that goes in one closet, and Bobby brought up the containers for the tree ornaments. I will do take the trees down tomorrow. Then the rest ( which is only about 3 more small boxes), will be done on Tuesday. I really did make it very easy for myself this year. But, i missed seeing a lot of my other pretty decorations.
Tonight, we have enough left over Chinese for the 3 of us, so that is good too. It will be a very easy New years Eve. We intend to watch White Christmas tonight, before we watch the NY celebrations. Gary will be watching the Pats later. If I had a ticket for today, I do not think I wold go. It is goign to be brutal up here. Boston ahs cancelled a lot of the First Night festivities, due to the cold and the wind. I htink a lot of people will just stay home, as nothing is heated. It will be a record braking night for the whether.
Hope you are good, and enjoy your traditional meal. At least the sun is shining up here, for now…..LOL
Adele.

[adele shanbar]

#74623

Hi Colleen
I am glad you all had a good time at your Mom’s. that must have made her very happy, to have you all there. that is wonderful that she is still able to cook and bake. Tillie just can’t. She will forget if she put something in, and ask me again and again, if she added something, so I took over from there, years ago.
It is so cold up here, we have all the shades down in the living room,as that room is 3 walls of windows. We have those pleated shades, whihc are good at insulating, the cold and the hot.
read my post to Barbara for all the Gary and Aizen news. Gary is sick, and Aizen’s birthday went well.
That is funny about your dogs. i guess thy want to sleep in their own beds, no matter how warm it is in the barn, with the fire going.
I decided to do a big turkey breast for dinner tomorrow, as i am dying to do that Turkey and Dumplings recipe I found last year. I will have a good amount of meat left over, and then I can do the Dumpling one later in the week. It is kind of like a turkey pot pie, with a dumpling top, instead of a pastry one. It was really yummy.
hope you all have a good time tonight. What are you planning? We will watch the old White Christmas movie tonight.
Happy New Year!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74625

Happy New Year to all my Quacker Buddies!!

I wish you all a healthy, happy New Year, with no new health problems.

I also wish all the people we are worried about ( friends or relatives) will have a good year in 2018, free of any illness, or worry that will cloud their minds, or judgments, and peace in all our families.

My third wish is for everyone’s pets to be healthy, and no more losses of any dear, beloved animal.

I wish we all have at least one good laugh, every single day, as laughter is good for the soul. To this, I add we will always be able to smile and laugh at ourselves, as getting older needs to be funny, not tragic.

Last, I wish there is at least one thing, every single day, you will need to thank God for, at end of each day.

We are all blessed to have each other, and I think God for that every single day. Imagine how good friends we have all become, and we have never met. That is a real measure of our worth as human beings. We need to know and remember, we are good people. World peace would be nice too…..an no more tragedies, anywhere, that would harm another innocent person.

God bless us, evryone………..Love, Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74627

Happy New Year to all my Quacker Buddies!!

I wish you all a healthy, happy New Year, with no new health problems.

I also wish all the people we are worried about ( friends or relatives) will have a good year in 2018, free of any illness, or worry that will cloud their minds, or judgments, and peace in all our families.

My third wish is for everyone’s pets to be healthy, and no more losses of any dear, beloved animal.

I wish we all have at least one good laugh, every single day, as laughter is good for the soul. To this, I add we will always be able to smile and laugh at ourselves, as getting older needs to be funny, not tragic.

Last, I wish there is at least one thing, every single day, you will need to thank God for, at end of each day.

We are all blessed to have each other, and I think God for that every single day. Imagine how good friends we have all become, and we have never met. That is a real measure of our worth as human beings. We need to know and remember, we are good people. World peace would be nice too…..an no more tragedies, anywhere, that would harm another innocent person.

God bless us, everyone………..Love, Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74629

Hey DD

Hope your internet connection stays good, so you can read the posts. I had to sign in again yesterday, I think.
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#74632

Hi Colleen,
Yes it seems once December hits the holidays come and go very quickly. Our decorations will be up for a couple more weeks though since we put them up so late. Last night when we went to Jenny’s her decorations were already down and put away but they are up the day after Thanksgiving.
We don’t have to worry about the dogs sitting between us as Greg sits in his recliner and i sit on the couch. So the dogs and i will probably be the ones snuggling since I spoil them and let them on the couch with me while they are not allowed on at home. Jenny doesn’t care as she knows I do this.
I can’t believe that your dogs won’t come in to warm up. Our dogs would have froze out in this cold as they always lived indoors. It’s funny the differences in what they get used to. If Belle was still alive she would be in a sweater through all this cold. And Rocky should have worn one in the cold when he got older but when I would put his on he would just stand there and not move. lol So I would just have to cover him with a blanket as soon as he came in from going potty outdoors in his later years.
That’s funny about your brother and you and the cookies. Are those the ones that are made with red and white dough braided together and shaped like a candy cane. They are kind of labor intensive. That’s great that your Mom can still make them.
I’m glad that Melissa and her family are home safe and sound. I’ll bet you and Ron loved having them home. Now you still have your minions Mandy and her girls to help you take down your decorations when the time comes.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74634

Hi Barbara,
You could never say anything wrong. Your words and prayers are very comforting to me. It sure is taking a long time for this all to get figured out though. I know it happens sometimes-you just have to find the right doctor with the right information.
On another front though there is some good news. Greg had another back shot a couple of weeks ago and he said the last few days his one foot is not numb at all and the other foot is only about 40% numb. So maybe this new pain doctor is doing the trick. We know it probably won’t last forever but this is better results than he has had thus far. I hope it stays good for a long while.
You know cold is relative. Living in a warmer climate you are not as used to the cold as we Northerners are. I’m not saying we like it but we get more of it so you do get used to it. I know after all these subzero days when it gets back up to 30 it will feel like a heat wave. So much of the country is in the same boat right now at least that is comforting.
You know my parents lived in Louisiana for ten years so I have heard of many of the southern style dishes and they really embraced the cuisine. My Dad loved to go to New Orleans and seek out the great places to eat.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74636

Sue,
Thanks for the tip about putting the ham in the food saver-that is good to know.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74638

DD,
I think our internet is being influenced by the cold weather. Greg was trying to get some of my pictures off my phone onto my laptop and he could only get half of them.
Stay warm!
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74640

Hey Adele,
Very good wishes for the New Year. Well said and I second your thoughts.
Oh my goodness-Greg is 100% Lithuanian-he would be upset if he was called anything else. lol I always tease him and tell him his cousin told me that Grandma Norusis was actually born in Poland and he won’t believe me. lol Actually the Polish and the Lithuanians have a very intertwined history just like the Polish and the Germans as someone was always marching in and taking over and claiming the lands for themselves-this went on constantly in early history and there was a constant tug of war over land in those areas of Europe. Although my family DNA came back as 98% Polish from the Pomeranian area so we are named after dogs. lol or mostly likely the dogs originated in that area. lol
So you have Game of thrones fans at your house? I don’t watch but the books have been on my to be read list.
That was a sweet story about Bobby and Jenny’s picture-she and his ex do share the same name.
As to what is the go to take out around here for New Years Eve I don’t really know-maybe pizza or McDonalds?
I know as to the other’s talking about what you have to eat for good luck my Mom always made us eat a piece of this creamed herring for good luck. Yuck! Greg says the same for his family.
What is wrong with Gary? I hope he feels better soon.
We just unplug our Kuerig with a bent paper clip. I’ll bet we are on our third one. We used the filtered water from the fridge but that was not pure enough so we switched to bottled water from the store and that works well but is a pain in the butt to remember to buy and schlep those gallon jugs all the time. So I saw this Aquasana thing and bought one of those to try and that seems to work as well as the bottled water. So far we have only broke one of those. lol So far it is three Kuerigs and two Aquasanas. Our relatives would think we were crazy as they had 50 year old percolators that probably would still work. First world problems! lol
So we normally do either appetizers for dinner or surf and turf for New Years Eve so this year i decided to do surf and turf. So I was deciding on a side dish and potatoes and thought I would do twice baked potatoes but then I remember that we hadn’t done kugelis since last year and asked Greg what he wanted( didn’t really need to) as I knew kugelis would be a no brainer for him. I was going to make a salad but then I remembered there is some garden asparagus in the freezer so I think i will do that.
We will also settle in and probably watch White Christmas and Holiday Inn. We don’t even watch the New Year’s Eve stuff.
Gail

[Gail Norusis]

#74642

I wanted to post some pictures of Christmas decorations. For some reason Greg could only get half of the pictures off my phone as my computer was being stubborn so I only have pictures of the smaller tree and some decorations.
There’s also a picture of Greg on Thanksgiving after Piper and Isla covered him with stickers.
Also a picture of Piper at her Christmas program-she’s the one with the crown and the red cowboy boots-lol her cousin Isla is standing next to her in the pink dress.

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[Gail Norusis]

#74647

Pip

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[Gail Norusis]

#74652

Decorations

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[Anonymous]

#74660

Greg is a good sport as they sure have stickers all over.

I want to say Happy New Year to everyone now as I may be sleeping at midnight. At any rate I will be home watching a move or reading a book while munching on popcorn. How is that for partying? We are all some party animals( More like the hibernating bears) I did read some communities have cancelled New Years Eve plans as it is to cold for people to be outside.

I don’t use bottled water in my Keurig as it has a filter so just need to change it every couple of months. I was hoping mine would last longer but I use it a lot so I guess its to be expected. My new one is working fine. I have been making coffee & hot chocolate during this cold weather.

Penn State won the Fiesta Bowl yesterday. Lucky them as it was played in Arizona. They won’t want to come home. We had about 4 inches of snow. I shoveled twice yesterday & it is not going anywhere with this cold in place. Like Adele said the sun is out but it is still very cold & tonight is to be the coldest night so far & we are under wind advisories so it will feel much colder. I wonder if anyone down south is looking for a houseguest until summer.

[Dianne Danielson]

#74670

Hi Ladies,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!🎆🎉🍾🎈😃🙃

[Dianne Danielson]

#74672

Hi Ladies,
Apparently my pic didn’t go through. I’ll give it another try.
Dd

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[Colleen]

#74682

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!!
Just wanted to say Happy New year to all of you. It is so late right now that I will have to write tomorrow. I agree with what Adele said about the new year. I hope that all comes true for all of us.
Colleen

[Gail Norusis]

#74706

Happy New Year Everyone,
Yes Sue-Greg is a good sport. What he won’t do for his grandkids! I had to help him get those stickers off.
He made most of the dinner last night and is making us breakfast right now. Fried kugelis and eggs-Yum!
We watched White Christmas and then I put in Scrooged and I was asleep on the couch before the first ghost even came. However, then I was wide awake at two in the morning. It was minus 13 when I got up at six to let the dogs out. I can’t wait until next weekend when we finally get a break from this extreme cold. The furnaces can barely keep up.
We have a single serve kuerig so it doesn’t have a filter. I never realized that the larger ones did-that’s a nice feature.
I wish, happiness, health and peace to all this New Year. I also hope that we all achieve any goals that we set for the year.
My lucky SIL just got back a couple weeks ago from her honeymoon in Mexico and is off to Florida later this month.
Maybe when Greg is totally retired we’ll escape the winter for a couple of weeks each year. We have been thinking about doing that.
Have to go my breakfast is ready. Will start a new discussion page later.
Gail

[adele shanbar]

#74708

Hi Gailster!
Love the pictures. I love the village on the mantle. Looks so warm and friendly- bet it is even prettier all lit up at night.
Love the pic of Greg with all the stickers on him. your kids will have memories for years to share. Greg is such a good Papa. Also love Piper’s outfit. She is such a fashionista. Who knows, maybe she will be a designer?
So glad Greg finally got a doctor who hit the right spot with his back shots. That must be such a relief to him to have the feeling back.
Gary is sick again- he got my cold,and it is worst. he has been on an antibiotic for the past few days, and is still miserable, as he cannot sleep at night. He is walking aorund with a scowl, as he is tired of being sick all during the holiday season. Christmas he had the belly flu.
I am attaching pics of the Baked French Toast with Praline topping- a Paula Dean recipe. This is the second time I made it- big hit. you cut up the French loaf the night before and do the egg/cream/milk mixture, pour it over, and seal it with tin foil in the fridge overnight. The praline topping is made the next am, and then it gets baked. really simple, and very good.
I am goign to do only one more box today, as I feel so exhausted. It feels like my arms and legs have 10 pound weights on them- hard to move today. No idea why, but, i guess my body is telling me to rest a little. After I do the one box, I will take my shower, and then relax until I do the turkey breast for dinner tonight- simple- with Stove Top stuffing and a can of corn. Done!
happy New Year…..I had hoped i said somethign to make eveyrone smile with my wishes yesterday…..LOL
Adele

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[adele shanbar]

#74712

Hi Sue
We were all in too. All the kids were too, accept Amanda who was at the restaurant working until they closed. I hope she made some good tips last night.
Boston closed a a lot of the events last night, and if you wanted to watch them on TV, they were not there. they were showing some things they must have added in to cover the space for what was closed.
We watched White Christmas, and then switched to the NY one. Went to bed a soon as the ball dropped.
Bobby went out for his coffee this am, and it was 3 out there. Good Lord. I think your temp is close to ours. That is one reason I did the baked french toast this am, and will do the turkey breast, as it makes the hose feel warmer, with the nice smells.
I have nto checked yet, but, I hope there is something new on TV tonight…….
Happy New year!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74714

Hi DD
Love your New Years greetings!! What did you watch last night?
Happy New year!
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74716

Hey Colleen
Happy New Year. It would be nice if all my New Year wishes could come true. LOL
Adele

[adele shanbar]

#74718

Gail……what was for breakfast at your place???

[Gail Norusis]

#74723

Adele,
Breakfast was fried eggs and fried kugelis. As Greg would say the breakfast of champions.
I love what I can see of your holiday plates. It looks like pine boughs with berries or something. Very elegant. Mine are much more whimsical with snowmen but in that case i do find myself using them all winter long into March which is kind of nice.
The mantel does look nice all lit up-the snowflake mantel scarf was a new addition this year-it lights up too.
I am starting a new discussion page. I’ll see you all there.
Gail

[Colleen]

#74736

Hi Gail,
I loved all of your pictures. Piper is so cute and she looked like she was really getting into the songs that they were singing. I must comment on her good taste in fashion with the cowboy boots and the tiara.It is so much fun to go and watch the little ones at their concerts. They are so funny and they like to perform. That was a good picture of Greg with all of his stickers on him. He really enjoys his grands and lets them dress him up. He is lucky they did not try to take them back off of him because they wanted them back.lol
Our dogs are goofy. Ron is still building the fire in the wood burner and they can go in if they want. He is good about trying to get them to go in there. He just won’t sleep out there with them. I just do not understand it.lol I am enjoying the cold weather but no snow and that is a real downer. We did have some flurries but that was about it. Maybe later this month we will have the snow.
That is good that Greg finally found a doctor that is hitting the right spot for his shot in the back. That is miserable if they do not do it in the right spot. I hope that this will take care of things and he will feel really good.
Your lucky sil being in Mexico and now going to Florida. That would be such a nice trip and so warm. I bet she was surprised when she got back and it was so cold. It would be a shock to come back to this weather.
I use to have a snow man playing piano also. My sil gave us those for Christmas she would give one to each of us. For awhile she would get the things from the Hall Mark store for us. I will trade Christmas trees with you. Yours is so pretty and big and mine is a Charlie Brown tree.
Well that is about all from here . Have a great night.
Colleen

[Colleen]

#74738

Hi Adele,
My mom is like you she loves to bake and does it all the time. The candy cane cookies are the ones that are white and red and you braid them to look like candy canes. You can put pieces of peppermint in them but she does not do that anymore. We all like them with out the peppermint. I think Gail asked about them sorry if I wrote this in the wrong post. Mom still cooks meals for herself and makes salads for all the family dinners.
It has been really cold here also. We need to get some insulated curtains to help with the heat and the cold. We have been talking about doing that for the last couple of years. It is just hard to find curtains or drapes that we like.
I hope that Gary is feeling a lot better now. It always seems like someone gets sick around Christmas. We have colds around here and that is about it. The kids mostly have the colds we are doing okay.
That is so sweet that Aizen really liked his dinner on his birthday. The cheese cakes sounded really good. That was sweet that you made it for him. The kids all know that you will fix what they want and like for every occasion. They are lucky to have you as their Nana. My kids are not that lucky. My youngest daughter has a birthday on the 4th of this month. I cannot believe that she is getting to be as old as she is.
Your french toast sounds so good. It looks good also. I have never made it with praline topping though. Have you ever made french toast with eggnog it is really good also.We usually have that around this time of the year.
I hope that your back is not what is making you feel so heavy. Also hope that it is not the flu. Just take care of yourself and rest all that you can. You sure do not want to get sick or down in the back.
Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
Colleen

[adele shanbar]

#74796

Gail
What are kugelis???

Your kitchen looks nice too- love the wall oven- no bending.

Ill go to the new page…..

[Dianne Danielson]

#74836

Hi Ladies,
It’s with a heavy heart I pass this along. Kay was taken to the hospital this morning. I don’t think she’ll be coming home. I don’t think she’ll make it to my birthday. Maybe not the weekend. Her sister has been with her this week so she hasn’t been alone. She will keep me posted on what happens.
Dd☹️😢😢
I hope you’re all safe today!! I heard about that horrible storm that’s coming! Never heard of such a thing!! Wow 😮

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[Anonymous]

#74841

So sorry to hear about your friend Kay.

[Dianne Danielson]

#74843

Thank you, Sue. Stay safe!!

[Gail Norusis]

#74845

DD,
Sorry to hear about Kay. Glad her sister is there. I will say some prayers.

[adele shanbar]

#74853

DD
I am so sorry about your friend Kay. I hope the Angels surround her, and she has no pain. So merrily sorry you, and her family have to lose such a beautiful soul.
We will all be praying for all of you.
Is that Critt in the picture with Kay? Such a nice group of friends you have. It really stinks when we start to lose our friends.
You are in my thoughts, and prayers. You are such a good friend and neighbor. God bless you.
Love, Adele

[Dianne Danielson]

#74855

Hi Ladies,
Thank you for your prayers & kind words. I haven’t heard anything yet. She didn’t get into the ER till 5 pm! There were 10 ambulances that brought patients in ahead of her! People with the flu 😷. That’s all she needs is to be exposed to a virus!!
I’ll keep you posted.
Dd
Oh Adele no that wasn’t Kay & Critt in the picture, lol.

[Colleen]

#74857

Hi DD,
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. You two have been such good friends for a long time. I will be praying for her and all of you there. I am glad that her sister was there to be with her for a week. That means a lot.
Colleen

[adele shanbar]

#74891

Hey DD
Who were the people in the picture? I thought it was your friends.
I hope you have heard something by now, and that it is good news.
Boston is closed, actually the whole state is closed as of now. The ocean in East Boston flooded the MBTA lines there. No school tomorrow either.
I am doing the turkey and dumplings, and making some whip cream for hot chocolate, as i have heavy cream left from baking.
Bobby came home a few hours ago- he was home aorund noon. he is outside snow blowing again. So far, we are good. there are some streets in Saugus that are closed- heard that on the news.
Bobby is in….gotta go and do the whip cream…..LOL Ill read the rest later
Still praying for you and KAy!
Adele

[Dianne Danielson]

#74941

Hi Ladies,
I tried writing a post last night & lost it, so here I go again. I had some good news about Kay. Yesterday she was feeling so much better. They gave her fluids, antibiotics, & breathing treatments Wed. & she felt good after that. But not so much today. we thought for sure she was going to pass when she left here Wed. they had her up & taking mini steps from the bed, then back. then I got a text from her sister, they plan to release her to a care facility tomorrow (Sat.). We can’t figure out how they can release her when they don’t even know what’s wrong with her. Her blood is all screwed up I guess. She’s anemic I guess. With all they can do these days, you’d think they’d be able to figure out what’s causing anemia. I always thought it was low on iron. Bring out the Geritol!!! lol
I’ve been industrious the past couple days. I took the tree down & bagged it up & threw it away. I’ve taken everything down now & am in the process of packing it all up again. My apt looks so barren & it echoes now. Jewell’s not sure what’s going on.
Speaking of which my fur baby is laying here on the couch with me. It’s her way of telling me she wants me to go to bed so she can curl up next to me. I wish she liked getting under the covers, but she hates anything on her. If I cover her when I’m changing sheets she bolts for the other room.
Barbara, thank you for the pretty card. I love glitter on cards. It makes the card prettier, I think.
I hope & pray you’re all safe & warm in this horrific storm. I’ve never heard of such a thing, bomb cyclone. Unless it’s a matter of life or death, stay OFF the roads, PLEASE!! Apparently the west coast is the only area of the country that isn’t affected by that Arctic blast. Unlike last year, we can’t buy a snowflake this year. At least for now. they said we were going to have another wet/cold winter, but so far it’s been dry. Dec. was the driest Dec. on record. NOT good!!!
Adele, those pics come from my FB page. I ‘like’ a lot of different pages, & I get pics/stories & if I like the pics I save them. I think the pic of the ole couple came from ‘Oldies’.
I’m forgetting something, but I’ll think of it at 3 am. lol
Oh, I know. You guys were talking about what you were going to have NYE/NYD. You spoke of things I’d never heard of. The only time I heard of hog jowls was on Beverly Hillbillies, Granny’s favorite dish, I believe. Never heard of Black eyed peas either. It must be different sections of the country.
Well, I guess that’s it for now. I plan to go see Kay tomorrow, but I’ll call to find out if she’s still there.
Stay safe & warm.
dd
PS. Is it spring yet??!!!

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[Colleen]

#74947

Hi DD,
That is such good news about Kay. It is a shame that they will not let her come home and have home health come and visit her. She would probably be more comfortable at home. I know that they are doing it so someone can keep an eye on her 24/7 but is would just be nice if she could come home. Will keep praying for her.
I need an ambitious person to come here and take down my tree. All of my decorations are still up and need to come down. I do have help here though and it should not take too long to take down. Hopefully.
That is funny that Jewel is telling you it is time to go to bed. She seems to be pretty good at it. She is such a pretty cat. Sounds like she is feeling better these days and that is good news.
The hog jowls that we get are nothing like what granny use to use on Beverly Hillbillies. lol I do not think that I would eat anything that she cooked. Black eyed peas are really good. I did not realize that they did not sell them all over the country. We just get ours out of a can. I think that you can get them dry but have never fixed them that way. Is there anything that you eat there on New Years day that is supposed to bring you luck for the year?
I really like your dishes they are really pretty. The beach picture is so pretty. You always find the cutest pictures to post.
Well that is about all from here. Have great night.
Colleen

[adele shanbar]

#74966

Hi DD
My Jeep has not left the driveway on weeks. I have no intention of going out there. I do love being retired, as I do not have to go out until I want to. I do have 2 doctor appointments on Wednesday, and if it snows again before then, I will have to reschedule.
I am so glad Kay is making positive progress. I was worried you would lose your friend. I hoe they get her back home fast, so you can all have some fun together.
That is so nice that you will be able to visit Kay today. Thank God your weather is cooperating for you to go.
everybody here is hunkered down. Even the grands have not ventured forth to visit. After they get home from work, they are snuggled in their pj’s under the covers….LOL Heather said that Amanda has to work later. I bet there will not be a lot of people out for dinner tonight, so Amanda will not get good tips tonight.
Hope you find Kay better and thrilled you are visiting. Have a great time!
Adele

[Gail Norusis]

#74968

Hey DD,
Glad that Kay is feeling better.
Don’t forget to come post with us on the new page for the new year.
Gail

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