It"s Feruary! Let's Get Together and Celebrate Love, Quackers and Groundhogs!2016-02-01T07:53:51-05:00

Home Forums General Quacker Chatter It"s Feruary! Let's Get Together and Celebrate Love, Quackers and Groundhogs!

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    • Gail Norusis
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      Post count: 3596

      Hi ,
      This is a choc-ful month-starting with Groundhog Day-going to National Quacker Day-flowing through to Valentine’s Day and ending with leap day. Hope it’s a great month for all our Quackers. If you are new and see this posting please feel welcome to come join our discussion. We welcome everyone with open arms and are always ready to celebrate new members.
      Gail

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    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Love those graphics, Gailster- I am here!!!!

      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I am here also. I just wrote an e-mail to you on the other discussion. But will be on this page from now on. Did anyone hear if the ground hog saw his shadow?
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Supposedly the Groundhog didn’t see his shadow so we will have an early spring-we’ll see. Are you getting any snow in your area? I think most of it is missing us again.
      My Mom also read a lot of mysteries. I have a lot of cozy mysteries on my nook and i will usually read one of them in between more serious books. I get a lot of ideas for new books from that cozymystery/.com website. She has lists of them all. I don’t know how she keeps up with them all. I get several book newsletters. Another good one is Bookreporter.com-they send out lists of what new books are coming out each week in hardcover and paperback in areas that are of interest to me.
      I remember the Charlie Chan mysteries. I have not seen them on TV in a long time.
      Our property was basically a farm field with corn on it before we moved in. Some of the other plots down the road are heavily wooded and the people there had to clear out a lot of brush. We had virtually a blank slate. Greg planted a lot of trees. I had one rule. None close to the house that would block out the sunlight and drop leaves in the gutters. We had both things at our other house and I hated that. I know a lot of people want the big trees close to the house for shade but I will pay for the AC just to have the extra sunlight.
      Isn’t that new zika virus scary. If a pregnant woman is bitten by the mosquito carrying the virus their baby might have microcephaly. If I were a young pregnant woman or one who might be wanting to be pregnant I wouldn’t vacation in Mexico or the tropics any time. I know they are frantically working on a preventative shot but i understand that is still pretty far out in the future. Those poor babies.
      Was the chicken dish that you made that chicken schnitzel? It sounded like it was a winner.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Sorry that the meatloaf dish was a no go. It looked so good. If I remember correctly Mario served it with some kind of a sauce so maybe that made it less dry. I suppose Gary would never eat a sauce though. Too bad that you had to abandon the quiche-the hash browns as a crust is a good idea. How hard was it to roll that meatloaf up by the way.
      Boy you really did have a small high school. That poor hockey team they just could not compete with the bigger schools.
      Congratulations to Marissa on making the Dean’s list. Good for her. Tell her to keep up the good work.
      I’m not familiar with the show Signed Sealed Delivered. What channel is that on? As if I don’t have enough things to watch already. I finally got caught up with The Good Wife and now Grey’s is coming back. So far I have the whole season of The Blacklist on DVR and I have not seen one single episode so I am way behind on that. I will have to binge watch sometime although a bunch of those together are hard to take as they are so violent. I normally don’t go for really violent shows but I think James Spader is so good-I used to love him and William Shatner on Boston Legal-loved the Denny Crane character.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      According to the groundhog, winter will be over shortly!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I also loved Boston legal. James Spader is a great actor, and bring s a lot to each show he is in.
      I forgot to about the sauce, but, you are right, Gary would never touch a sauce. Funny thing is, I have my beef dish in the crock pot, and he will out the juice/sauce from the dish in his plate. Last time I made it, I reminded him that was considered a sauce….LOL
      I had a tiny high school, hence I could not get away with anything. It was very depressing to cheer for our team. We were always coming home on the train together, the saddest, and quietest, group of teenagers you have ever seen. I remember our games always being in Boston- at the Boston Garden. They tired so hard, but they always got killed. We were small, but had a lot of school spirit. I was on the Prom committee, and we did a Hawaiian theme. Our committed hand made all paper flowers for decorations- we had them on an Arbor we decorated, and we all took our professional pictures under it. It was a lot of fun. Kids today do not do that. they go to fancy places with no decorations, instead of the school gym- we were in the Church Hall. I think that made it a lot more fun.
      thank you for the good wishes for Rissy. Her and Amanda called last night, hysterical over the Fishie Obit- they were just reading their emails form last week.
      Kids are so funny.
      Hope you are having a good day, with no snow. I think you said to Colleen that the snow missed you- fabulous!!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      HI Gail,
      It was the chicken schnitzel. It turned out really good. We liked the spinach with the nuts also. I had to use pecans we had no walnuts. We just did not make the sauce for the top. So you can use what you want to instead of their sauce that they made. We did like the gravy that I made. So you should try it and see what you think. If you put the apples and the vinegar on top let me know how that tasted.
      The snow is going to miss us also. They predict it and then they change the forecast. I had not heard if the ground hog saw his shadow or not. I hope that we get a little cold weather to kill some of this stuff like bugs. We will see if we get some snow before winter is over. We only had that one and we got some sleet with that. We can do without the sleet.
      I did not get the new Patrick Taylor book for Christmas so have to find it myself. One of the girls will order it for me off of Amazon they are usually pretty reasonable with their books..I was surprised that no one gave it to me. Danyielle usually always gets me a book for Christmas.I need to get that book soon. I am really curious to find out what is going on now. That is an interesting series. My mom gave me a book to read and I need to get it read and give it back to her.
      We do not have any trees close to the house either. Ron did plant a weeping willow next to the deck but do not think that it is going to make it. We did have one in the yard but it died. We have no idea why. It must have got some type of disease. We have one out in the woods and that one is doing really well. Of course we cannot see it unless we go out somewhere and drive past that part of the woods. So we cannot really enjoy it. We are planting the fruit trees toward the back of the lot so they will not be close to the house.
      There are so many viruses going around out there. I had not heard of that one. I am glad that the baby is here and she is fine. That is terrible that woman went to the tropical where this mosquito’s are I hope that they do not come here to the states. All we need is another mosquito that is carrying another virus. The poor babies that get that disease from their mom. There is a lot of weird things going around.
      I am going to try that meat loaf that Adele made but am going to put some sauce in it to make it a little moist. I have never made one without any type of ketchup or something like that in it to keep it moist. It may not help but will give it a shot. I might just use Ragu sauce with mushrooms. That will do just as well as making it my self.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good day and will talk to you later.
      Colleen
      p.s. Have you heard from Brent? Hope he got the job and really likes it.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That is funny that Gary loves all the action movies and still watches Hall Mark. He is showing his tender side. Ron does not do that often. He did watch the election stuff but turned it on in the bedroom. He knew that I did not want to watch it. I do the same for him so it works out even.
      That cheese sandwich did look really good. I would not have thought about dipping that in egg either. It did look really good. I really appreciate that you told me that the meat loaf was dry so I know that I need to do something to make it moist. I am going to try it tomorrow and see how it turns out. Will let you know what happens. The biscuits looked okay that Carla made but they have too much fat and sugar. That is two things that I have to avoid. I will fry some things but that chicken you do not use that much grease in that so it was not that bad. Most things that they make looks so good. I messed up the biscuits were yesterday she made terimasu today. I know that I did not spell that right but hope you know what I mean. It did look really good.
      The baby and Danyielle are both doing really good. Danyielle is getting a little bored with staying home by herself. She is use to working and just staying home is hard for her. I just hope that she stays home for at least two months or longer. It would be so much better for the baby. We will see what she does.
      That was nice that Joyce came over for coffee. What type of sweets did you have to go with the coffee. I know you had to have something. You are always cooking something delicious in your kitchen. I wish that I had the talent that you have.
      We were supposed to have storms today but they went around us. Thank God. It did rain a little this morning and that was it. We went out to dinner with friends tonight. We had a nice meal and a nice time. We had not gone out for awhile. So we had a lot to catch up on.There was a lot going on with her kids. She is going to be a great grandma again. I may not live to see any great grand kids. Not because I am sick or anything like that but the two older girls said they will never have kids. So that will be interesting. They are not too sure if they want to get married. We will see what happens.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Isn’t a Monte Cristo sandwich deep fried or something like that. I remember having one in a restaurant and not being able to finish it as it was too heavy and greasy. So the idea of frying a cheese sandwich isn’t appealing to me. I missed that recipe anyway as I often am in another room when The Chew is on so I usually only see bits and pieces. I just found a new recipe for the crock pot that I want to try. It’s called Mississippi Roast-it sounds good and easy. You take a chuck roast or rump roast-they said sometimes they brown it other times not. Spray crock pot with Pam and put the roast in. Sprinkle on a package of Hidden Valley Ranch, a package of au jus gravy mix, put on a stick of butter and top that with some pepperocini peppers(however many you want). Cook on low for 8 hours. They serve it for a Sunday dinner with sides like mashed potatoes and salad or they also serve it on hoagie type buns for a sandwich. It sounds like just the type of thing that Greg likes.
      Yes the kids out here have their proms at some sort of ballroom or other so no one organizes it like we used to. When I was in school the juniors put on the prom for the juniors and seniors(no one else could go) so my junior year I was in charge of organizing the prom. We did a Gone With the Wind theme (I imagine that I had probably recently read the book-although I’m sure the committee voted on the theme-but remember I am a bossy party planner so I’m sure I made a strong argument for my suggestion. lol My date and I were elected junior king and queen representatives. Anyway, the juniors always headed of to the beach in Zion the next day(it was always way too freezing to actually go into Lake Michigan in May.) And the seniors headed off to Post Prom which was held somewhere else than at the school. Now when our kids went to school the prom would be held at a ballroom somewhere but the parents got together and put on a post prom for the kids which was held in a rental hall right in Harvard. The parents would put this all together and decorate the hall pretty elaborately and have lots of food and a DJ and games for the kids to play. Greg and I worked on them when the kids were in school. I think it was done by the parents of the seniors so one year there was an Under the Sea theme and the next year it was a 50’s theme. The one thing that is nice about the kids proms now a days is that both the boys and girls can go without dates. Back in our day if you didn’t have a date you didn’t go and there were a lot of people that got paired up just for that night in order to go. Actually my senior year my boyfriend and I had broken up (his idea as we would be leaving for different schools in the fall) but we kept our prom date-needless to say it was awful. lol Plus I hated the way the hairdresser did my hair that year. Funny the things that you remember-junior year was a dream-senior year was a nightmare-same date-different circumstances.
      I see the Wednesday night line up of comedies isn’t on tonight. I’m really enjoying Superstore so far and a show with John Stamos called Grandfathered on Fox is pretty good too. We’ll see which of the new sitcoms will get renewed. I hate to get to really like a show and then it gets cancelled after one season.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I’m surprised that no one got you the newest Patrick Taylor for Christmas too. You will have to buy it for yourself. I am only three books into the series so I still have several yet to go. I think you read them pretty much all in a row where I mix them up with other books in between.
      We have a few weeping willows-they were my favorite as my childhood climbing tree was a weeping willow. However they are very messy as a lot of branches will break off after a storm or a heavy wind so we won’t plant anymore. The people at the end of the road have them lining two sides of their property and they have to have them trimmed every year as too much drops off onto the roads otherwise.
      I didn’t know that Danyielle worked. I thought she stayed home with Owen-or did she go back to work when he went to school full time. I hope that she stays home for a couple of months too. It seems like the younger people always have to be with someone or doing something or they get bored. It seems like they don’t know how to amuse themselves like we do. Jenny would go nuts if she were home alone as much as I am as she always needs to be in contact with someone. It seems like she and Adam are always talking and texting when they are at work. I never call Greg at work unless I really need something.
      I e-mailed Brent last week and the new job hadn’t started yet as things were behind because of their snowy weather out there. He also interviewed for a different job in a different town so I’m not sure which job that he will take now. Hopefully he’ll know what he’s doing within the upcoming weeks. In between he has been working a construction job so at least he’s working-that’s the main thing.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleeen and GAil
      Those weeping willows are beautiful trees. I always loved them.
      Good that Brent is doping well. I hope he loves the new job!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I did not know that was considered a Monte Cristo sandwich, as I never ordered one.. It just seemed too much for me. Some of their things work, and some not. The crock pot roast you are making sounds good. Let me know how it turned out, and I may give it a try. I love the crock pot dinners. House smells good, and little clean up- a winner on all sides.
      I bet your Prom was pretty. The high school years are so important, and sometimes these kids do not get it. It is a series of events to prepare you for adulthood. You make lasting friendships, and some marriages that last forever. Is it not funny that the Quackers are former high school organizers, and decorators? It is just in us. That one, and Beauty and the Beast.
      Stephanie would have loved the Under the Sea theme- I cannot tell you how many times I saw that movie.
      I did take out my Valenties Annalee dolls this year, and with Easter so fast, it will be a put away, get out in a day for the Easter decorations. TA least I do not have as much as I do for Christmas and Halloween! Plus, the Easter decorations are so much fun, because they are so Spring looking..
      I missed the Wednesday fun line up. Did watch Chicago Med and Fire- they are good shows. We recorded the OJ Simpson one. I am going to watch the Madoff one tonight. I love the Superstore- the one with the mannequins was hysterical.
      It is pouring here. It is supposed to get colder, and maybe some snow for Friday, but not a big deal. Hope your weather is good today, because it means mine will be in a couple of days….LOL
      Hope your day is going well!
      Adele
      PS…glad Brent is good, and hope his ne job gets going soon.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      It is funny about Gary and Hallmark. From one extreme to the other.
      Let me know how your meatloaf turns out.
      So good that the baby and Danyielle are doing good. If she is getting bored, that means she is recovering very well, and fast. That is good news, as complications after are miserable.
      Do not worry about being a great-grandmother- Stephanie said she would never have kids too. Now she has 2. You never know.
      I think we got your rain- it is pouring out there today, and we may get thunderstorms too. that is funny. It may snow on Friday- this weather is nuts.
      I bet you bake just as good as I do. All you do is measure, and pour- all done… Oh…..and sample the batter….LOL
      You know, this is the second time Joyce just popped over, and neither time did I have something baked. We both think that is quite funny. Later that day, I did brownies. But, it was way too late, as she had a lot of errands to do, so she could not stay long. I love when someone just pops over-makes for a nice day. I did have Lindt chocolate balls available.
      That was good that the weather cooperated for a dinner out with friends. We all need those, for sure.
      My new black top with the hearts came yesterday. Also was able to get that beautiful black shirt with the pumpkins that was out of my size in the Fall.
      I have the Chew on right now.
      Have a good one!
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      For some reason I stopped getting notifications. I shall have to try rechecking the box and see what happens. I loved my high school years but that is not true of everyone. I remember one girl(woman) that they called one year about a reunion and she said that the last thing she wanted to do was go back and relive those times as they were horrible the first time around. I guess we were some of the lucky ones to have had a pleasant experience.
      I can only think of one marriage from high school that is still intact. Some of the others lasted a long time before they split up too-you would think by that time they would stay together. In fact I’m one of the few of both high school and college friends who has a long standing marriage and the only one of my siblings also.
      Those OJ and the Madoff movies are supposed to be pretty good. I saw Richard Dryfuss and Blythe Danner who are in Madoff on a talk show and they said he was a sociopath who didn’t care about anyone-even his family. I also saw Marcia Clark talking about the OJ movie. I wonder how OJ’s kids have grown up through all of this and I feel bad for Ron Goldman’s family through all of this being dredged up again. I hear that Chigaco Fire is good-you would think I would watch it being from the Chicagoland area. We watch American Idol and the Voice and DWTS and sometimes it all gets to be too much. Too much TV=not enough hours. lol Well it’s the middle of the night it it seems we just blew a circuit breaker for some reason so I am on battery power on my laptop right now. I will have Greg turn the power back on when he gets up as I’m always afraid that I will flip the wrong switch. Anyway, I better sign off before I run out of juice.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      The Patrick Taylor series is easy to follow. He always has the same characters and then may add one or two new ones. So you can miss a few and still follow what is going on because they are all the same people. I am looking on Amazon trying to find that book. Will have to have my daughter do it for me. They will find it right away.
      We just have the trees through out the property. They do not cause that much of a problem that way. Ron trims the trees when they need it so that is not too bad. He usually does it when he is cutting the grass. He will trim them when he cannot get under them without getting hit with a branch. My grandparents had a big one in their yard and it was so pretty it always reminds me of them when I see one. I do not think that we ever climbed it though. My older cousins and sisters might have but I never did. My grandma could make anything grow. She had a green thumb. She use to have beautiful flower gardens and veggie gardens. She did not have a lot of space but she still could grow a lot of things in the space she had.
      She went back to work after she got the divorce. She only worked part time. She was working for Hall Mark and putting cards in the stores. Stores like Wal Mart and places like that. She will go back after the baby is old enough to be with a babysitter. It will probably be me or Amanda. If she goes back to work full time it will probably be when the baby is old enough to be taken care of by someone else.
      Sounds like Brent has a lot of opportunities there. I hope that he finds a good job and keeps it for a long time. Is he still going with this new girl? That is one good thing about e-mail and texting you can keep in touch with him a lot easier. The kids all seem to respond to a text or an e-mail. I know that it will be hard with him gone. We have that same problem with Melissa. We do not get to see them as much as we would like to.
      I never called Ron at work when he was working either. We were brought up different I guess. Well when we worked they would not be allowed to talk to us on the phone as much as they let them now. Times have really changed.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good day.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      You must have gotten our rain because it went around us. It was nice that it did. We just had some rain in the morning and that was it. So things worked out pretty well. We did not need the rain yet. It will be nice if it waits a little longer to come here.
      We are having it tonight. I was not feeling good last night so decided to have it tonight. I hope that it turns out really good.
      That is really unusual that you do not have something baked. It happened twice that is really unusual. She may start bringing things with her so you two can have something sweet to eat. lol You have to have a special touch to bake things and make them taste really good. I do not have that anymore. I quit baking a long time ago and have lost it. I can still bake pies though. That is about the only thing that I can bake.
      That black top was really cute. I did not buy anything this time around. Probably will not buy anything else for awhile. I have some easy pays that I need to get payed off before I buy anything else. So will have to resist for awhile. I have some red tops that I have ordered for Valentines day in the past. They do not have hearts on them but they are red and they sparkle.
      Ron is helping his bil out at his car lot for awhile. It is nice to have the house to myself for awhile. I am always falling all over him all the time. I may be able to get some things done with him gone. It is just like when he worked full time he would come home eat and then we would watch some tv and he would fall asleep; We did do more on week-ends though. I really enjoyed being with him on the week-ends. He was a lot more fun. lol
      Have not done much today. Need to go get something done. May have to vacuum the floors and mop the kitchen. That will probably be all for today. Have to follow docs orders and not do too much in one day.lol
      Have a good day. will talk to you later.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      It is too much TV. But, they are doing a lot of good programs, and sometimes you need to make a choice as to what to record, as you just cannot watch everything. Ta least the Madof is only 2 days, and I think the OJ one is time limited too- thank God!
      I really love the Chicago ones- fire, med, and police. We never miss those. Gary is a bog fan of them.
      I hope you have all your electricity intact. There were a lot of people up here who lost electricity last night with the high winds. We were fine. Now, today, the temp is going down and that storm from yesterday is coming back as snow tonight, into tomorrow am. We will not get a lot- maybe 2 to 4 inches, depending on where the line is. Glad Gary has no doctor appointments for tomorrow!
      It is still very gloomy here. I love it when the sun is shining- so much nicer. I have to be grateful, though, as we have really been spared of snow.
      Have to tell you this funny story. We have this donut shop in Saugus called Kane’s Donuts. World famous, they say. their donuts were very good, and they get all awards. When I first moved to Saugus in 1989, they were 6.99 a dozen. The last time we got some, about 3 months ago, they were a little over 18.00. Today, Gary went to get some, because it is Frankie’s ( he is our delivery driver for the business) birthday, and he loves them, to the tune of 24.00. Of course, Gary had to tell them off this morning. They recently opened a second shop in Boston. that is when the price went up to over 18.00. Gary did say, it was not crowded at all- only one other person in line. Usually, the line is out the door in the morning. I think that says something.
      Hope your day is going well!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Read my post to Gail for another funny Gary story.
      My Q bill has almost 2 pages of easy pays….LOL LOL I was very bad over the holidays. I have been trying to be good too.
      The rain did not do any damage over here, so that is good. the wind was howling like you would not believe. So, we are in the living room watching TV, and you hear this horrible noise every time there was a huge gust of wind. Gary tells me the shade was moving- mind you, a pleated shade, which is a lot heavier. so, I tell him he did not properly lock that window, and he, of course says ,”oh no, I did it right.” After another round of scary noise, I got up, mover the dam love seat, re-opened , and closed the window. No more noise, accept for Gary yelling not to move the loveseat, or I will hurt my back. Noise gone, and all was right with the world again, all due to the ingenuity of a Quacker.
      It is gloomy here. Still better than 110 inches of snow. I am counting my blessings.
      It was weird that the 2 times Joyce stopped by, I had nothing baked. So not like me! I need call ahead service, or a butler.
      Hope you are having a good day, and that Ron comes safely back for his yummy dinner.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      The electricity was just a breaker and Greg fixed it when he got up.
      So here’s the main question-did Gary end up buying the doughnuts after he had the melt down in the store. That was a big price jump. Heck I remember when we were first married I bought a week’s worth of groceries for 25 dollars and now that buys about a day’s worth. lol Subway even had to change the 5 dollar footlong to a 6 dollar footlong now-although they hadn’t had a price change on that in 9 years so I guess they were about due.
      I finally figured out that I must suffer from seasonal affective disorder. I have been worrying as I have felt so tired and unmotivated lately-well today was finally sunny and I swear my whole attitude changed and I got a bunch of stuff accomplished and just felt so much better in general. Maybe I am like a bear and I should just hibernate for the winter.
      I missed the Quacker show tonight as there were too many other shows to copy and we had to watch American Idol live. I see there is a new Quacker contest this year. I signed up for another contest that I won’t win. lol I hope that they have a lot of short sleeve stuff this summer. I really don’t need anymore three quarter sleeves-although if it is I design I like it’s hard to pass up-but three quarter sleeves are practically full length on me so they are more for spring and fall-not summer. When did that length become so popular. I’d like to see more either long sleeves and short sleeves in both Quacker and Denim and Company.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Before Danyielle knows it her two months will be over and it will be back to work-so she should just relax and enjoy the time with the baby while it lasts. That time goes by so quickly. I was lucky since Jenny lives close I could scoot by just about any time when she was home. It is a little nicer when the baby is born in the spring or summer rather than the winter as you don’t want to take them out in the cold as much.
      I got an e-mail from Brent tonight and he said the new job starts next week. He said he is also still dating Wendy and he sounds pretty happy about it. They go visit her parents up in the mountains sometimes and he said the elk there come in their yard just like the turkeys come in the yard here. Although I haven’t seen the turkeys much lately but I have seen two deer-I think mom and child grazing out in our back yard quite a bit lately. I love when there are several of them out back and they all run around and leap and chase each other like they are playing tag or something-they look so joyful and it always makes me smile to see that.
      I do miss seeing Brent-especially after he lived with us for a year and a half. Now we will only get to see him when we take a vacation and it will be us mostly having to go out there since it will be awhile until he will have time off from work-so we will probably end up seeing him maybe only once a year. It’s already been eight months. We got used to it when he was away before but then we got used to having him around again when he and Kim moved back to Illinois and now we have to adjust to him being away again. I doubt that even if he stays with this new girl that they would ever come back here to live since her parents are out there.
      I hope you enjoyed your day with Ron out of the house. Sometimes it’s just nice to have the place to yourself for a few hours. At least the news isn’t on then. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I cannot believe I missed the show too. Tillie asked me if they were on, and I said no, because I did not see it in the schedule when I looked. How did I miss it???
      I agree, I like the short sleeves for summer. Quacker ones come to the elbow, and that look is nice. I would love more of those.
      Gary did buy them, but he told me these are our last donuts form them….LOL When Bobby came home, he said a good donut form a donut place is 3.50 in Boston. I would not get to taste one of those, with Gary.
      I will have to check the Q to see what they had on the show in a bit. I did sign up for the contest.
      So, we were getting rain today. The schools are closed, and the snow is coming down in buckets. I heard this new report on the 6 pm news. I missed the up-date!
      I hope this is not the first of many, like we had last year. They started late last year too.
      Hope you have sun today, as that will come our way in a day or so….LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      that is good news about Brent. I am so happy that this relationship looks like it is going in the right direction.
      Are you planning on a visit to see him, or will he be coming up? It is hard to not have him around. I bet that is another reason you are sad on a gloomy day.
      We love you!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That is too funny about Gary having a melt down at the doughnut shop. Did he end up buying the doughnuts? That is kind of expensive for them. It must have been a total shock to him. Hope he gets over it soon.
      It is a good thing that you got up and shut the window or you would have had to put up with that noise all night. Wind can do a lot of damage sometimes glad that you did not have any. We are having another warm up and then it is going to get cold again. Those are the days that I would rather stay at home and hibernate. It would not be so bad if it would just stay cold until winter is over and then spring take over. It does not do that though at least not this year.
      Has Johnny gotten a permanent job at the post office yet? I hope that he has. Does sound like he gets a lot of work just being a temp. The only bad thing about that is they can put you anywhere they want and call you in at all different hours. How are Steph and the kids?
      I saw both of the Quacker shows this week. I have my dvr set to tape them whenever they come on. This new contest is a good one. It would be nice to win that five pieces of clothing from them. It can be anything that you want also. That was a cool idea. There are a few things that I would love to get. We all deserve it we buy so much.lol I think that is all I wear anymore is quacker. We do not go anywhere I cannot wear my dream jeannes and a quacker top. I have one dress but I am not sure that it fits me anymore. So when we go to weddings and things like that I will have to buy a new one. I have different jackets that I wear with it.
      I did fix the meat loaf last night and added some of the sauce to the meat. It was really moist. Ron liked it just had to put some of my touches to it.lol It really was good with the sauce in the meat. I also used mozzarella cheese and that was good. That is two recipes that I will make again. Ron liked them both. I had to write down what I did or I will forget and it would be dry. My mind is not that good.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I signed up for the contest this time too. I am going to think positive this time. I am going to win at least one time. We should all take that attitude and maybe one of us will win. Have you noticed all the people that have signed up for this site since that last quacker show? It happens every time they do a contest. That is really strange. Guess they think that they have to sign up for this site to be in the contest.
      That is great about Brent. Sounds like he is really happy. Hope that he likes his new job. How nice to have a place in the mountains. I bet it is beautiful up there all year round. I really hope that things work out for him. I know what you mean about missing them more after they move away after staying with you for awhile. Melissa moved in with us when Ethan was younger and stayed with us for a long time. Mandy and her family moved in with us also. It is like going thru the empty nest syndrome again. Luckily the kids have not moved in with us again. I do not think that I could go thru that again.
      Danyielle is going to find out that it is not as easy to leave a little on with a sitter. I could never have done that. I do not think that her boyfriend makes as much money as her ex did so she cannot afford to stay home and live off his salary for very long. He is new at this job and has not had time to build up his salary. He will though it just takes time. I told her the other day that for right now he is nice but if he moves out then he will be a jerk just like her ex. She was just laughing when I told her that.
      How are your grand kids doing? You have not said much about them lately. What has Piper been up to. She is such a funny little girl. There is no telling what she will do next. Does she like to wear clothes yet? That is funny that she likes to take her clothes off. There a re a lot of kids that go thru that though. She just does some really cute things. She is going to be fun to hear about. I cannot wait to see what Aliza will be like.
      I love to watch the deer. They are so graceful. It is amazing when they jump over fences they just look so pretty. We do not have as many deer in the yard since we have the dog. Austin is not as bad about chasing them as Biskit was. He does not want to get up unless he has to. Now if we are outside he will go after them. Dogs are strange.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      ‘I just lost my entire post. so, here goes again.
      Gary did get the donuts, but, said we will never get them again.
      When I re-heated the meatloaf, I did like the taste, so I may do it again, but without the onions, and with more ketchup. What sauce did you add to yours?
      Jhonny said a lot of the guys who started with him, were either fired, or quit, so he is hoping to get a permanent job. I felt so bad for him in the storm yesterday. Steph just called, and had to hang up, because Jhonny was calling- it is lunch time for him, so she had to hang up. I will find out the scoop in a bit.
      I did enter the contest- love it!
      The rain ended up as 8 inches of very wet snow. We lost either most, or all of the birch tree. I attached pics Bobby took. The rest of the tree is on the fence, and ground. I love that tree- it gives us shade and privacy in our bedroom. If we have to rip it up, and re-plant, we will not live to see it get up to the window. LOL It is a mess here- the lilac bushes are laying on one side of the pool. Those branches are stronger, so they should come back up, with no damage to the bushes- I hope.
      Hope your weather is better than us- we are getting more snow early this week.
      Adele

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I was hoping that most of the snow was going to go around you this year. I cannot believe the damage that the snow did this time. It did not do as much last year did it when you had all that snow. We are supposed to get some snow next week but we will see if it happens. We usually do not get that much snow though. I just hope that your tree comes back and is not as bad as it looks.
      I used a spaghetti sauce. I did that because of have to pour some on top of the meat loaf. So just decided to do it that way. Then I did not have so much left over. We did not have as much sauce left as we did meat loaf. We have a lot of that left over.
      I hope that Johnny did all right on his route that day in the snow. It is hard on the mail men that have to walk their route. The mail men we have ride in a car or a jeep to deliver. They have to drive their own vehicle they do not get a mail van. I cannot imagine all the ware and tear on their cares that it does. Our mail man does not come if we have a lot of snow. He is something else. I hope that everything was okay with Johnny when he called.
      Not a whole lot going on here. My one daughter came over with her one daughter. The other daughter was out with friends. She is sixteen so do not see much of her anymore. She is into going with her friends. She is at the age where she is with friends more then with us. She is the one that would never do that she would always be with us. It was funny. we knew when she made friends she would not come over as much.
      It would be nice if one of us won the contest this time around. It would be even better if all of us won. At least we do have a chance of that happening there are 12 months in the year. We just all have to think positive.
      Well that is about all from here. Are you ready for the big game tomorrow? I will not watch the big game but will eat the snacks that we bought.lol Have a good night will talk to you later.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      It is because the snow was so wet, and it was not that cold. The lilac bush lost 3 branches. that is fixable. I am more worried about the birch. If all the branches that are not broken, do not come back up today, we are screwed, because we are getting another 7 inches tomorrow. Boy, am I glad I got my hair cut!!
      Jhonny was drenched. He was safe, and that is all that counts for me. He has been getting all the Boston routes, which means walking. he said he would love our Town, as most of the routes are in the truck.
      I am glad you had a nice visit with your daughter, and granddaughter. I love when they just pop by, so much fun!
      I decided not to do any football snacks. Gary is so picky, the only thing he will eat are the cocktail hotdogs, in the dough- pigs in a blanket. So, because of all that salt, I said forget it. I hope Paton Manning wins, because he will retire. I like him. Who are you rooting for?
      Hope you have a good day, and that the rain misses you.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Did you see where King Arthur is having a contest. You can win a kitchen aid mixer. I signed up and will see if I win it or not. It should be interesting. I usually do not win anything but maybe this time I will.lol I know better but it always nice to think that I can.
      That was good news that Johnny was safe. That must have made him colder to be wet like that. He will have to wear layers of clothes under his coat to stay warm. It would be nice if he gets a route with a car to drive. That would be a lot nicer. He won’t get as wet that way.
      Wow that is a lot more snow. 7 more inches. Maybe that birch will be okay. That is bad when you lose a tree like that. They cannot be replaced and a new one does not grow as fast as you like them to. Maybe it will not be as bad as you think that it is. I sure hope so. It is good that the lilac bushes will be okay. They always have such a good smell to them. We have two lilacs bushes on our property. We also have a holly bush and we thought that it would not make it but it is really big now. We planted it too close to the house but we did not think that it was going to get that big. We may have to cut it back.
      I really do not care who wins today. It would be nice to see Patton Manning win because of it being his last year but we will see. I am not going to watch the game. Ron will watch it on the tv in the bedroom. I will watch the tv in the living room and watch a good movie. I have some on the dvr that I can watch. I also have a show from qvc that I have not watched yet. I am not making a lot of food tonight. Just the pigs in a blanket and the wings. We also have chips and dip that we will eat. As soon as I get done here I will start cooking. You should fix you somethings that you like. Gary can eat them if he likes or not . If you are making the lil sausages for him he should be happy with that. You need something good to eat since you are watching the game with him.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night and hope that Manning wins.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Well, we had Bobby go out to get pizza form this really good place, that does not deliver. He also got these fabulous wings. The pizza place makes only pizza and wings. Of course, we had to order a plain burger with fires, for Gary form the local take-out….LOL LOL
      the game is on- the Football Family commercial was hysterical, with the super bowl babies. I watch it for the commercials. Not Gary- he is serious about football. I annoy him with the questions….LOL
      Say a prayer for poor Jhonny tomorrow- we are now getting about 10 more inches. He has the USPS boots, so his feet will be ok. It is the rest of him that is not warm enough. he said he is always wearing a the hoodie I got him last year, with the furry inside form LL Bean. I am glad I got it for him. He needs a really water proof jacket. His br irthday is next week, and I am going to look for one for him.
      The birch did s come up, accept for the broken trunk, so I am hoping it will not go down again. I am praying for the snow to be dry, so it will not weigh down the branches. I do not think a tree can come back, 2 days in a row.
      Have a good night- watch the news tomorrow for us poor Massachusetts people! here we go again!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Your pizza and wings sound good. Gary ate his hamburger and fries while all of you had the good food. We enjoyed the snacks we had. Ron ate a lot of them but still have some left over. We will just snack on them today. The biscuits with the apples turned out really good. Ron really liked them. He has eaten all but one of them. He will eat that in the morning with his coffee. I had some biscuits left over from the pigs in the blanket so spread them open a little and put apples, butter, brown sugar and cinnamon on them. I closed the biscuits up like a boat. That is the first time I had tried that. Just needed ice cream or whip cream to put on top.
      We did not watch any of the commercials. Ron just watched the game. It was nice that Manning won. Since it was his last game. Ron said that the game was won by the defense and not the offense. I just act like I know what he is talking about and go on. It is easier that way.Two of my daughters watch foot ball but the other one does not. She is like me. She could care less about who wins or loses.
      It is really cold here. The wind has really been blowing. We had some snow today but not enough to notice. We are supposed to get more this week. It would be nice to get at least one good snow before winter is over. The snow that we get is not as much as what you get there. If we get a lot it would be a mess. Hope that the next snow does not kill that tree. That would be so sad. Will just have to keep hoping that it does not happen. Maybe you will not get as much snow as you think that you were going to get. They might be wrong.
      That is a mess that Johnny is having to go out in all this snow and they do not furnish them with some type of gear to keep from getting too wet. Even if it is just a plastic coat to cover them so they do not get so wet. Just hope he gets his own route soon and it is one that he can drive the whole time. That would be the best thing for him. It would be hard to walk in all that snow. That is a rough job. The best jobs are the ones where you are in a vehicle all the time or you work in the post office.
      Well that is about all from here. Will be thinking of you and praying that you do not get all the snow they are predicting.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Forgot to say yesterday- I did enter the king Arthur contest too. I love that we the ingredients, and the recipes. It would be great if one of us won it! You would start baking again.
      We got creamed. Now, the ice is bad, as it got real cold. The schools are open today, but a lot of them had 2 to 3 hour delays. Tomorrow we are getting a few more inches. I guess I will not see Nancy for a while….LOL
      We are getting a visit tonight form Tommy, Siobhan and TJ- Rachel is working tonight, so she will not be able to come. (Tommy is Gary’s bio son) I am making lemon squares, as that is their favorite. We are going to just have pizza- that is simple, with no clean-up….LOL
      Ron was right about the game- they kept hitting the quarterback, so he could not get any decent throws in. You missed some hysterical commercials. the one with Kevin Hart was the best- reminded me of my Dad.
      Jhonny said they do have clothes, but you have to buy them, of course at a special store somewhere. I think he does not want to get them, if he is not sure he will be permanent, because they say USPS all over them. I say a prayer every night that he gets a permanent position, and a permanent route. he has one of those little trucks, but all the routes he gets are city ones, and he parks in the middle of each street, and walks up and down. the poor city postal workers do not have it very easy at all. The suburbs workers are so lucky. This is giving me a while new respect for the postal service.
      Hope your day is good- ours is cloudy, with flurries….LOL
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Sorry that you are getting more snow. So far this winter we have been pretty lucky and it has passed us by except that one big storm in November. Your weather makes me wonder how all those pilgrims managed to survive that New England weather when they first came over. whoever survived must have been the hardiest of the lot.
      I hope that Gary wasn’t too disappointed that the Broncos won the Super Bowl. I must say we loved the weiner dogs dressed like hot dogs commercial and Lady Gaga’s National Anthem. I vacillated between having a regular meal or just serving snacks and decided to make a he-man meal of T-bones, mushrooms and onions, salad and garlic bread. the weather was 40 degrees so Greg grilled the steak and the bread outdoors. I enjoyed the game-I thought the Panthers would win and I think they did too so they didn’t take it well. Cam Newton is still young so he will probably have other chances-this may be Payton Manning’s last game so it really was poetic justice. Plus Cam could stand to learn a little humility so I hope he learned something from watching Payton’s class act. don’t get me wrong-I like Cam Newton but he is just a tad bit cocky-I chalk it up to youth-heck 26 or whatever he is-is still wet behind the ears in my book.
      I imagine if we want to see Brent we will have to make a trip to NM. With him just starting a new job it will be awhile until he has any time off – So it will probably be up to us to go out there to see him.
      Adam stopped by a bit ago to borrow Greg’s car. He has to go to Rockford to pick up a new phone and one of his tires on his van is really bad so Jenny didn’t want him driving over there with the kids in the car with the bad tire. So he stopped by-put the car seats into Greg’s car and went to pick up his phone. He will drop the car off when they are done and switch back to his van to go to work. Speaking of cars-Adam’s brother Aaron got his totaled on Saturday. He was coming back from Wal-Mart in town and a guy blew a red light and plowed right into him as he was driving across the intersection. Probably someone talking on the phone or something. It amazes me how many people I still see with their phones in their hands driving when the law is everyone is supposed to be hands free. I feel like pulling them over and doing a citizen’s arrest when I see that. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      It seems like there are always a lot of new sign ups on here right after Quacker shows. Maybe you have to sign up here to enter the drawing. I used to pay attention to the new sign ups and now I barely notice anymore. It’s the way this website is set up.
      I’m like you-most of my wardrobe is either Quacker or Denim and Company. Man I have some stuff from way back in both of those too. Both types of clothing wear like iron. You really get your money’s worth.
      The grandkids are good. Kendall is doing good this term so she doesn’t even need a parent teacher conference. I think the kids are off Thursday, Friday and Monday so it’s a short week. Kendall has been in the Spanish/English bilingual class since she was in kindergarten and it’s amazing how easily those kids pick up another language at that age. Piper told me yesterday that she likes my sparkly rings( my wedding rings) and wishes that she could have some too. I hope both grandaughters grow up to like jewelry as i have tons of it and Jenny is not really much of a jewelry wearer so i need someone to leave all my pretty things to. Saturday night the preschool that Lachlan attends had a fundraiser that Jenny and I went to. Has anybody been to a thing where you buy paddles and when you want to bid on an item you hold up your paddle and put quarters in a jar to bid on things. It’s kind of hard to explain how it works but it was sort of fun and it was for a good cause even though I didn’t win a bid on anything.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hi Gail
      Glad you are back!
      Is Aaron ok? That is all that maters- everything else can be fixed. Have you notice people are driving like lunatics lately, or is it that we are getting older???
      Your dinner sounded great. A BBQ would have been the all time best. We cannot get to the grill. Probably not for a while, if this continues. We are getting 3 more inches tomorrow, but, not a big storm. It is very icy around here. The temp dipped, and it is supposed to be freezing this weekend. Of course, a New Englander’s idea of freezing, is not the same as yours. Below zero wind chills, I believe. That should make my oil man happy, as we have hardly used any all winter so far.
      I love Lady Gaga- she is one of my all time favorites. She is a real performer. Not many can hold a tune without all the special effects.
      My favorite was the commercials. How come nobody s talking about the bear on, where in the end one says…I was going to hug him, and the other says, I was going to eat him??? Also loved the one on the Super bowl babies- thought that way so cute. Of course, the favorite of mine was the Dad one, with Kevin Hart. Reminded me of my Dad. If only he had access to a GPS….LOL
      Gary was not as crazy when he watched, as there were no Patriots. Do you they boo’d Brady? Not sportsmanlike at all.
      I am making lemon squares for a visit tonight. Tommy, Siobhan, and TJ are coming- Rachel is working. They love the lemon squares- their favorite.
      I hope you can get a visit in with Brent, because I know how much you both miss him.
      So, will the kids stay a little and play, before they go back home? I hope Adam has some time, as you would love that.
      hope your weather is good, as it comes here in a few days- please share the good stuff!!! You can keep the snow….thank you very much…..LOL
      Hope you have a great day.
      Adele
      PS….did I tell you the pumpkin shirt I missed out on in the fall was back in stock, and I nabbed it?

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hey Gail
      that fundraiser sounded like a blast. We have never had anything like that here.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      You are getting too much snow again. You need a break. It just keeps going around us and hitting other areas. My daughter Amanda lives four towns over from us and they had snow. Enough that everything was covered. We did not even get a flurry. It is funny how it does not matter how far you are from someone they can have all kinds of snow in their town and we do not have any. Weather is kind of interesting.
      How nice that Gary’s son is coming to visit That is a good idea to have pizza and not a lot of cooking or clean up. That is always a better way. We did that the other day when my daughter came to visit. That way we did not have a lot of cooking and cleaning to do. You are so nice to make what the kids like and the right snack for each group. I would never remember all of that. I would never stop coming to your house if I was them. You always have good things there for them to eat. Hope one of us do win that mixer. It would be nice if we could both win. lol
      I do not blame Johnny for not wanting to invest money for clothing if he is not sure if he has a permanent job. It is a shame they do not just hire him since they seem to have him working all of the time. They could hire him as a sub and when he is not subbing for someone he could work in the post office sorting mail or working behind the desk. Seems like there are all kinds of jobs. Maybe they will hire him soon. I do feel bad for the mail people that have to walk their routes. It is really hard on them and they get cold in the winter and hot in the summer. At least they can wear shorts in the summer. Some of the men do that in the towns around here. Our mailman is something else. He jams our packages in the mail box or he will not deliver on a day that only one or two people on our road have mail.We have had to break the box to get something out of the mail box. It is really aggravating.
      They were lucky that one of the quarter backs did not get hurt really bad. I agree with Gail about the young quarter back. He does need to have some humility. He is young. He is sure to win one because he is good.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night. Stay warm and safe.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I have never been to an auction like that. It sounds like a lot of fun. It is hard to win a bid some people go crazy at auctions. I usually end up with things that no one else wants. It is for the church so I do not mind. We have seen people bid 100 dollars for some spools. They were antiques I guess but not worth that much. I am glad that you enjoyed it.
      I hope that Aaron is okay. That is terrible that guy plowed right in to him. Hopefully he did not have any kids in the car with him. People can be so careless. Wish they would make them stop driving and talking on the phone. These people need to get caught. One of these days they will really hurt someone. Aaron had an angel on his shoulder that day.
      Kendall is doing really good. I am glad that she did not have to have a parent conference. That probably made her feel really good. That is amazing how quickly kids pick up on those things. Does she ever talk to you in Spanish? Do you speak Spanish? I cannot remember if you said that you studied that or not. She sounds like she is a really smart kid.
      Piper may want your sparkly clothes also. She is so cute. She sparkles and shines without the sparkles on her clothes. Is she still dancing? I can picture her wearing sparkles and dancing all over the stage. She is going to be a star. How does Lachlan like school? He did not seem to have problems with going to school like Kendall. It is so funny how each child is different. Did he go to the auction with you and Jenny? It is nice when they include the kids in these events.
      I watched one of the denim and co. shows today and they have a lot of cute things on there. They have a sweater that is a one time price and would love to have it but will wait. It is not that much higher at regular price. There are so many things that I would like to have. I have a lot of denim and co. also. I have a couple of the sets of long sleeve ts and jackets. You are right about both lines of clothing. We could wear this stiff until we are in nursing homes and just wearing pjs all the time.lol We just need to have new things so we feel sparkly. I guess we need to wear a lot of stars.
      It is warmer where you are then it is here. It is really cold here. The high today was in the 20’s and it is going to be even colder tonight. I am wearing layers in the house it is so cold. We still do not have any snow does not look like we are going to get any. I am glad that it is not supposed to be cloudy on Friday as we are going to watch little bit so Danyielle and her boyfriend can go out to dinner. They have not been alone since the baby has been born. So it will be nice for them to have the night out. Well and we will have the baby to ourselves for a whole night. Well until they get home from dinner. They made a reservation so it will be awhile before they get home.
      Well that is about all from here. Glad to have you back. Talk to you later.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Aaron is okay-thank goodness. He did go to the hospital to be checked out afterwards which I think is always a good idea. He thought maybe his wrist was broken but mostly he was just bumped and bruised.
      I have to admit I missed some of the commercials in the first quarter as I had been taking a nap and then got up and showered. I saw online that Brady got booed but never read the article. That’s really uncalled for.
      How was your visit? You are so nice to make the lemon squares for them. Just in case I ever drop by I’ll tell you right now my favorite is everything. lol
      Adam just picked up the car and came and went as he needed to get back home. That’s okay as I just saw the kids on Monday anyway. He has his new phone now so he is happy. The Sprint place really gave him the run around but Jenny is persistent when it comes to saving money so he did end up getting a new phone-first Sprint tried to tell them it was water damaged and it was his fault but that ended up not being the case.
      I’m glad that you finally got the pumpkin shirt that you missed in the fall. I learned that you have to be quick on the trigger with some of that seasonal stuff.
      Gosh it’s already Ash Wednesday! I was thinking about it this morning-where do those ashes come from? A special burning of holy wood? Or do they just go sweep out the fireplace? Does anyone know? Maybe they burn leftover palms from palm Sunday? I guess I will have to consult with Mr. Google.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hey I was right-they are made from leftover Palm Sunday palms and then blessed by the priest. But I wonder if each individual parish does this themselves or if there is a mass burning of palms somewhere and then they send the ashes out to each parish. What are the logistics behind this? I know-I am a dork and a nerd but I wonder about things.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Fortunately none of the kids were in the car with Aaron.
      I took Spanish in college but I don’t remember any of it well enough to talk to Kendall. Half of their whole day is taught in Spanish so it just becomes second nature to them. It’s a good time for them to learn this as it will just become second nature and it’s always good to be fluent in another language-you never know how that might help in finding future jobs. Piper does like the sparkle on my rings and the sparkle on my clothes. She is still dancing and twirling away. lol Lachlan does fine in preschool-probably because he’s there with his cousin and best buddy Finn-next year he will go on to kindergarten but Finn will still be in preschool-so we’ll see how that goes. There were no kids at the fundraiser and mostly women but there were a few men. One guy won this body wrap thing-so that was pretty funny. He also won some hair stuff and he was bald. lol
      Even though the old Quacker and D and Co stuff lasts a long time it’s still always nice to get new things too.
      I get the Zulily email everyday and they had the cutest socks on sale today so I went over and bought some. It’s interesting that Zulily is now owned by QVC.
      It was minus 10 here this morning so we are back into the really cold temperatures again. I don’t like the hot but don’t like the extreme cold either-thirties are okay and actually feel almost warm after it’s been zero for several days.
      That will be nice for you to babysit for Aliza this weekend. Danielle and Kevin? can go out for Valentine’s Day.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hey Girls,
      I just realized that I left the R out of February when I started this discussion. I just finally noticed it today. lol What a dummy I am-it took me half the month to notice it. I do know how to spell the months of the year. I think…
      Hope we hear from Barbara soon-she’s been MIA for awhile.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are burned palms. Here they ask us to bring our old ones in that we got last year and they burn them with whatever they have left I guess. That is the only reason that I know this is because they asked for our old palms.
      I took Spanish for awhile in High school and had a neighbor that was from Cuba that tried to help me learn to speak Spanish. I can recognize some words that they say but not as much as I use to. I do remember all of the cuss words. They taught me those also. It is funny how that stays with you but the other words just kind go out of your head. It is so strange. Kendall must be really good at speaking Spanish. That is hard to believe that her classes in the afternoon are all in Spanish. These kids are so smart.
      I am so glad that he did not have the kids with him and that Aaron is fine. I hope the guy that hit him has to pay a hefty fine and will never drive while driving again. That is terrible that he was doing that.
      She is going to be a star someday. I can see her in her sparkly jewelry and clothes. Does she sing or just dance? It is gong to be interesting to see what Aliza will be like. It is always fun to see. They are all different.
      I did not know that QVC owned Zulily. I wonder how long they have owned it. It seems like QVC is buying out a lot of things. I had heard a rumor that they own HSN also but do not believe that one. How could they be in competition with them if they own them. That would be interesting to see if it is true. Probably never will find out though.
      That is really cold there. We got some snow here today but not much. It is on the ground but not in the trees or anything like that. That is when it is pretty when it is in the trees. Them temperature has not been below zero here just the wind chill factor. So do not know if that counts or not. It will be good if it gets it over with now so when spring comes the weather will be nice. This is a good time to just stay warm and snuggle by the fire or read a book. Mandy ordered the new Patrick Taylor book for me. She said that it should come in this week. Cannot wait to get it.
      Yes his name is Kevin. He is a nice guy. So do not mind doing this for them. I would do it even if I thought that Kevin was a jerk. lol Just a day to spoil the baby. We are going up on Friday.
      None of us realized that the letter was missing. No one said a thing. We all just went on there and starting chatting. So no worries. lol I hope that we hear from Barbara soon also. Miss her when she does not write.
      Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      The R is there it is the B that is missing.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      This must be visit week over here. Today, Amanda and her friend stopped by, and so did Jhonny and JJ. Jhonny is really excited about his job at the post office. he said he doe snot have to go work out anymore….LOL Jhonny’s birthday is Sunday, and we got him a lightweight jacket that is wind and roan resistant from LL Bean. I wanted him to get it now, as it is going to be freezing this weekend, and more snow. I hope that helps him. His mother is getting him good, warm, waterproof boots for his birthday. he should be all set, until he passes the 90 days, and they give hima small clothing allowance he can spend at the USPS clothing store. I continue to hope he will become permanent within this year. Thank you for your good thought for Jhonny.
      Gail is so right about the quarterback!!
      I hope your weather stays good, so you can go u and visit the baby, any time you want to.
      I was glad we got pizza too- we could talk, instead of clean. Then, we saw yesterday was NAtional Pizza day….LOL
      Hope your night is going well!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      Is that not funny that none of us noticed the typo???
      I cannot believe you missed the commercials. Also missed the booing. What was up with that????
      I am glad Aaron was ok. God that he had it checked out. You never know.
      Too bad they could not stay for a minute. They have such bust schedules. The cell companies really do not want to pay up for anything. It is always a commotion, and you do have to stand your ground. Just this simple phrase does wonders……”I am on my way to Verizon”.
      I believe the ashes are Palms. O know I learned that somewhere. Hey- we are all products of Catholic schools….so how do we all not know for sure? Shame on us!
      So Gary was looking at the Victoria Secrets catalog that came in the mail for Marissa. So, I say…what are you looking for, and he says…..a present for you for Valentine’s Day. I tell him to turn over the cover, and see who it is addressed to. He then looks at the sizes, x small to large, and says, “Yup, Marissa is the only one who would fit in any of these.” I start laughing so hard, I can barely tell Joyce, when I called her to give her a good laugh. The two of us were hysterical, and Joyce said she could hardly wait to tell Ron when she got home- she was babysitting her grand. I shuld have told him they come with a wedge of cheese.
      hope your night is good!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Gailster….you and I would have both been sitting in the Monsignor’s office together, were we in the same high school….LOL
      You are not a nerd- you are a Quacker!!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Sue
      LOL LOL Thank God one of is can see!!!
      This is too funny.
      Have a good Valentine’s day- read my post to Gail, so you can have a good laugh about my wacky husband, who hates cheese.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Well, Sue, I guess I can neither read nor write. Maybe being a kindergarten drop out has affected me after all. lol

      • Anonymous
        Inactive
        Post count: 643

        Gail we all make mistakes. I would have never brought it up but when you said the R was missing I just pointed out it was the B. Did not mean to offend.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I guess they feel like if they immerse the kids in the language it will be much easier for them to learn it at that age. They do not have to take those classes. When they start kindergarten you can choose whether to put them in the Bilingual classes or the English only classes. I guess Jenny figured it couldn’t hurt for them to know another language so she choose the bilingual route.
      Oh Piper sings, dances and tells stories. She is quite the dramatist! lol
      I don’t think that QVC has owned Zulily for long-maybe 6 months. I had heard rumors that they owned HSN too but I think that’s pretty unlikely. I must admit I have never bought anything from HSN-have you? Every once in awhile I flick by it but it never really interested me much for some reason. I know some vendors that used to be on the Q moved over to HSN and probably vice versa-who knows. I have seen many come and go at the Q over the years.
      Enjoy the new Patrick Taylor when you get it. I still have quite a few in the series to read before I get to that one.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Maybe they were booing Brady because of Deflategate still-who knows but that was pretty much uncalled for. All he wanted to do was go watch the game in peace.
      Hey, Jhonny is a Valentine’s day baby. How sweet. Speaking of that I think it’s cute and sweet that Gary was looking for a gift for you in Victoria’s Secret catalog. It means he thinks you are as beautiful as those models. Maybe he was looking to get you a pair of those huge angel wings that they show on the advertisement for the fashion show because you are his special angel. Yep-that ship has sailed long ago where I could wear anything from that catalog. That reminds me-does anyone remember Fredrick’s of Hollywood and their “risque” fashions for the boudoir? The advertisements always used to be in the backs of magazines. At one time I think I actually got a catalog from them. I wonder if they are even still around. Not that I am going to shop there-it’s just kind of a blast from the past. Of course that stuff would be considered tame compared to what you can probably get online nowadays. Wow-I have really digressed. Anyway-I still think it’s sweet that Gary was looking in that catalog for you-but now that I think of it-maybe he was just looking at the pictures and since you caught him in the act he had to do some quick thinking to explain himself. lol You see why I call myself a dork-I can just take a topic and run with it and think up all my own little private scenarios to go along with it. I may have found myself in the Monsignor’s office with you because deep down inside there is this little mischievous streak that likes to pop up.
      Okay-what marvelous treats are you making for Valentine’s Day? You must have something up your sleeve-or in your oven?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      No offense taken. I was making a joke poking fun at myself.That’s why I wrote “lol” at the end. Sometimes the written word just does not get the intended emotion across without the voice inflections. I was being silly because I made such an obvious mistake. I have already started practicing my spelling of March-M-A-R-C-H. LOL We do all make mistakes and I was just being my silly sarcastic self. I didn’t mean it to sound like I was angry. Hope you are having a sunny day without any snow or ice. It is frigid here but at least the sun is shining. Hope you have a good weekend.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gailster
      It is freezing here. It will be way below zero for a wind chill tonight, and the weekend. Winter arrived late in New England.
      Well, half the people think he was looking at the pictures (his friends),and half think it was sweet he thought I would fit into something there. You know, that man is hysterical in his own rite. he looks at me, and sees the same thin, pretty 16 year old he met in 1966. On the other hand, JJ comes in last night and says, “Nana, what happened to your hair?” (this was the first time he saw me in the very short all grey haircut) So, we have two extremes here, one who cannot see well, and one who sees like a hawk. You should have heard me explain to a 9 year old, why I decided to let it go grey. I am telling you, if they filmed this house on a daily basis, the sitcom would be better than the Goldberg’s, or Modern Family.
      You want to hear a real funny story. When we married, and I was being fitted for the gown, “the girls” were pretty large. The seamstress said I needed a push up one piece undergarment. As we l all know, Victoria Secret does not go up very far in bra sizes, so where do you think I went Gailster, for my one piece pretty white bra thingie that had the garter attachments……… I am proud to say I got it at Frederick’s of Hollywood, along with the thigh high white nylons….LOL LOL LOL I tried to hide the bag, when I left the store in the Mall, as I was getting funny looks from people. That was in 1999. What do they call those things???/ I cannot remember! They come down to the hip. The naughty girls wear them. I would not be able to fit in that one anymore, either.
      By the way, apparently Amanda and Marissa were hysterical when their mother told them the story last night. I am glad to keep people laughing, as I have always felt if I can make one person smile, it is a good day.
      Ok Quackers…….get your catalog’s ready, as Quacker Factory does not make sparkly undergarments! Hey…..maybe we can get some by next Valentine’s Day.
      I am not sure what I will be baking. I cut out a recipe for chocolate pudding filled cupcakes….not sure yet, what I will be serving in my bustier….I remembered the name….LOL LOL
      Adele

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      March should be much easier to spell, less letters. I read somewhere if the first and last letter are correct it does not matter about the others as you do not read the whole word anyway.

      It is soooooooooo cold here and the wind is terrible. The sun was out today but did not warm it up. We had snow squalls this morning that put down another coating. I don’t know why I fix my hair as soon as you go out the wind whips it around and it stands straight up. I was off today and I cannot wait until tomorrow is over so I can hibernate for the weekend as it is to be even colder. You can not put on enough layers to stay warm. Give me the 90’s anyday. I do not like extreme heat but prefer it to this cold. The people in Florida are saying it is so cold at 38 that would be a heatwave here right now.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue
      What state are you in?
      We had some snow this morning too, and it is freezing. The wind is gong to howl here tomorrow too. You must be close to me in Massachusetts.
      When I was still working, I wore a mock turtleneck under everything for the entire winter, and those Cuddle Duds under my pants.
      Hope you stay warm, and that tomorrow is over fast!!!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Sue,
      That is all you needed is more snow. This weather is crazy. We have had a mild winter until the last couple of weeks. Now it is really cold and we have had some snow. It is not sticking though. We are supposed to get more in a couple of days. Hope the snow is done where you are. You sure do not need anymore. It is good to see you on here. We are always glad to hear from you.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      It is nice that they do that. Jenny was smart to let Kendall take those classes. It is good for kids to have a second language. It is going to be an important thing one day. We have a lot of spanish speaking people in the states now.
      I watched HSN once and they talk a lot. They had two hosts on there and they both were talking. It gave me a headache. This was around Christmas time and I just turned the channel. I do not even remember what they were selling. Do not know how anyone could tell what they were selling. That was it for me. Ron has bought a guitar from them. I cannot remember what the guys name was. I have not bought anything from anyone but qvc on the internet. If I get something from Amazon my daughter buys it for me. Then I just pay them. They do deliver fast though. She ordered the Patrick Taylor book for me and I got is already. I started to read it but stopped to make supper. Have not gotten back to it yet. Probably should not read it yet tomorrow we will be at Danyielles and can read it when we get home. I will have all week-end to read it.
      See you should have spent more time in kindergarten.lol It is funny that none of us noticed it. I guess we just knew what you meant and moved on. Sue is very observant. She does a lot more typing then we do and is on the computer more.lol Well that is my story and I am sticking to it. It is nice to have Sue coming on here. Hope she will check in more now.
      My days for Fredicks was over a long time ago. Do not think that I could revisit those days ever again. We are older and more interesting and better looking. lol We do not need those garments anymore. I do remember when they were the store that we were not supposed to go in or look at there catalogs. They were forbidden. It is funny how times have changed. You are right things on the internet is a lot more revealing then back then.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I agree with Gail that is flattering that Gary was looking in that catalog to find you a gift. Fredick’s of Hollywood always has such interesting things. Did he find anything for you?
      That is funny that JJ made the comment about your hair. Kids notice everything. If mine ever turns grey then I intend to leave it that color. It is not fun dying it all the time or having it high lighted. You have to sit in the chair forever when you have it high lighted. At least the girl that I go to takes forever. The old hair dresser that I had is not working anymore. She had a stroke and is not doing very well. It is sad that she is so sick. Hope that she recovers soon.
      That is nice that you had so many visitors. It is really nice that Johnny brought JJ over to see you and Amanda brought her friend over. That is nice when the kids bring their friends over to see you. I meant grand kids. My mind is going.
      I found a dessert to fix for Valentimes. You put chocolate chip dough in the bottom of the pan of the pan and then top it off with red velvet cake. I hope that it tastes good. Ron is taking me out for dinner so that will be nice. I told him that I did not want candy or anything else this year. Just a good dinner and then come home. We could even bring it home if he wanted. I am really picky.
      That is nice that you got Johnny that jacket. How nice that he will be working inside for now. Maybe he will be inside until the winter is over. I cannot believe that they would let him go after doing all that work for them. He has to get thru his ninety days. He is such a good worker.
      Well that is about all from here. We are going to watch the baby for awhile tomorrow. Cannot wait to spoil her.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Sue,
      You are right 38 would feel like a heat wave. I guess it’s a matter of the kind of weather that we are normally used to. Also you are right about us not actually reading the whole word. They just had a thing about that on the Today show yesterday. I hope today goes by quickly and you get home and snuggle in for the weekend. A good book or a movie, a bottle of wine, a box of Valentine’s chocolate and a hearty pot of soup would make for a nice warm weekend indoors.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Those grandkids or greatgrands are unflinchingly honest. Poor Jenny gets mortified when Lachlan tells me I am fat-and I say he is just speaking the truth. I know what she means though-she doesn’t want him going around in public saying that to just anyone.
      If you got married in 1999 you are really a newlywed compared to the rest of us. I hope Gary enjoyed that bustier as that was probably the first and last time that he saw it. lol That’s funny that you ended up getting it from Fredericks. I never saw an actual brick and mortar store for them-just the catalog. I wonder if they are still even in business.
      I think the reason those family sitcoms are so funny is because we all recognize a little bit of ourselves in them. Obviously families are funny-look how many comedies are based on that dynamic. And I love to laugh. In fact I think a sense of humor was something I unconsciously looked for in a husband. I actually find funny men more attractive than classically handsome men. Of course a combination of the two would be ideal. lol
      I too hope that Jhonny will get a permanent job with the post office. That would give him and his family a sense of security. He is a hard worker so I hope that they can keep him on.
      Everyone stay warm and bundle up if you have to go out.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I will probably keep coloring my hair forever. Getting my hair done is like a spa day for me. I know I will be there the whole morning and I don’t mind-it’s a place to chat and relax and laugh. I think I will keep having it colored and hilighted as long as I can afford it. It’s my little splurge for myself.
      Your Valentine’s dessert sounds like a good one. Does it have an icing on top?
      You are right-Sue is probably a much better typer. I use the hunt and peck method. I took typing years ago in high school but I always hated it so I used it very little afterwards other than to write college papers. My kids just skim right over the keyboard but I will never be like that unless I take the time to reteach myself and I doubt that I will.
      Ron probably bought an Esteban guitar from HSN. Years ago he actually sold on QVC first. Your daughter must have Amazon Prime with the two day shipping. That is nice. I signed up for it this year to try it out and see if I use it enough to make it worth my while. The last two years I have done most of my Christmas shopping for the grands online. I find myself doing more and more shopping online as getting out and walking around for too long becomes more tiring. Plus I don’t have to go out in the cold and snow then either.
      Bill is in town this weekend and they were supposed to come out here and record so I thought Nan would come with and we would go out shopping. Well it turns out they are not prepared to record so Greg is going into Tim’s house. Nan called to see if I was coming with but I just can’t see fit to leave Rocky home alone for 8 or 10 hours anymore. He’s just getting too old for that. I figured if they came here even though Nan and I would be out at least they guys would be in the basement and Greg could check on Rocky occasionally. So I am kind of disappointed as I always like visiting with Nan and going out with her. I guess in the future if I can plan ahead of time I will have to take Rocky to the pet sitter for the day if we want to go somewhere that will take all day. Then I won’t have to worry and he will have company and someone to keep an eye on him.
      Have fun babysitting little Aliza Mae tonight. You will have her all to yourself to cuddle and snuggle and kiss. What a nice treat!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      They are very honest. I know we find them funny, but their parents do worry about what they say to others. plus, we are able to laugh at ourselves, so that makes a huge difference.
      We are like newlyweds. But, we have known each other since I was 16. When I got married, we lost contact, as Gary hated my husband. more because he was in love with me, and never had the guts to say anything. But, life has a way of working things out. I saw him maybe 3 times over the years- at a store, at a reunion, and once we all went to his house for a party. Then, after he got separated, he found me, and we started to date. it is quite a funny story. He went to my Town hall, and pretended to be doing a reunion, the lady said my address was private. He looked so pitiful that she pushed the book toward him, and moved away, so he looked it up himself. When I came home form work, he left his business card at my door, and the rest is history….LOL
      I do not think they are in business anymore. I know that store in the Mall closed years ago. An old friend of mine told me to go there to find the bustier. It was a funny place, but, they had a lot of pretty bras in bigger cup sizes.
      I hope you are warm and cozy- it is freezing up here!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen!
      You will be having a very happy day, snuggling the baby. Your day will be the best, out of all of us.
      Oh God no, on Gary finding something in Victoria Secrets for me….LOL I do get some pretty bras form Breezies. As soon as I see a pretty color, I get it, before my super size is gone. I love pretty colored bras. I am so glad Breezies has larger sizes. All of us deserve pretty things to wear, no matter our size. That is where the Q has it all together. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had a Valentines issue that had pretty matching briefs? Notice, I did not say thongs….LOL
      I had even more visitors yesterday- Marissa (Rissy) came by with her new friend from college. Gary ahs not been able to get up the highway to get his favorite bagels, and my Rissy bought them for him yesterday. She is such a sweetie. So, this week, we saw every single grand accept Aizen, who was sleeping when Jhonny came by with JJ. It was nice.
      You have good plans for Valentine’s day. I am still not sure what I will bake, but, I have to make my mind up soon!
      Stay warm!!!!
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      That is such a sweet story about Gary. He worshipped you from afar. lol Where did you actually first meet then? I also like they way he left his business card at your door. Now that spells romance or he was wondering if you needed some car parts! lol That was nice of that woman to turn the other way while he found your address.
      I like the breezies bras also. However, I must admit I cannot stand underwires-they are definitely a throwback to some medieval torture device. I would rather drag my boobs on the ground then wear something all day with wires poking into my ribs. I know tons of people wear them but I just cannot. As to thongs-I just have one word-why? I have a lot more important things to worry about than panty lines. lol I have always liked though that the Q doesn’t upcharge for plus sizes-even though when I first started shopping there it didn’t matter as I wore a small. Since then I have expanded my “horizons” so to speak. lol I always used to hate when I wanted to order something from a catalog and I saw that the plus sizes were charged 4 or 5 dollars extra. I do like that the Q offers everything in all sizes at the same price too.
      That was nice that Marissa got Gary’s bagels. She’s a sweet girl. We went to Jenny’s last night for our Friday night dinner. Kendall was at a birthday party so we missed her. Lachlan was watching the Minion movie for the 100th time that day and Piper was systematically trying to play with every toy in the toy box. lol Poor Jenny-she doesn’t even have to try to get in her 10,000 steps on her fitbit-she gets them just by being a mom to three kids. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      It is a funny story how he found me again. I still have the business card- I keep it in my wallet. It means a lot to both of us.
      You made me laugh so hard about the drag them on the floor instead of wearing an underwire. I need a laugh today, because on the coldest day of the year, our heat stopped working this morning. Waiting for the oil company to come. They said there is one person in front of us.
      I feel the same way- why charge a larger size more, when you do not charge an extra small less? I love the Q. Also love the value pay thing, as I hate to pay interest on anything.
      So at the moment, the house is 62, and going down…..LOL Thank God the sun is out!
      Poor Jenny. She must be exhausted every day. I know Hetaher was, when the 3 girls were little. Now that they do not need her anymore, she is sad.
      Hope your day is going well, and your heat doe snot shut off…..LOL
      Adele

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      I don’t know if you ladies have heard but there was a 50 car accident here in Pa today. Multiple injuries and deaths. It is awful out so cold and windy and then we get snow squalls and visibility is zero. So glad I decided to stay home all weekend. But they are calling for snow Monday and a mix on Tuesday.

      Adele I hope you have heat now it is way to cold to be without.

      Have a Happy Valentines Day Everyone.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      I had not heard about the car accident. That’s just awful. I’m glad that you are home safe and sound. Hope Adele has her heat going again. It is frigid!

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I did not make any icing for the cake. You can put powdered sugar on it or cool whip. We chose the cool whip. We had our Valentines dinner tonight because of the weather advisory that they have out for us for tomorrow. We just decided to get it tonight we just brought it home and ate here. It was pretty good.
      Aliza is such a good baby. We just held he all night. She did go thru her fussy time while we were there though and that was not good.Danyielle told me that at least she did it earlier last night. Usually she goes thru it when they are getting ready to go to bed. She was awake most of the time that we were there. So we really had a good time playing with her. She is just so sweet. We thought that she may have grown a lot since we had last seen her. She is still as tiny as she was. She is going to be like her mom and be really tine.
      It was Estaban that he got the guitar from. I think he said that he got two of them.One is electric and one is not electric. I cannot remember what they call them right now. It will come to me after I get off of here. My daughter does have Amazon Prime. She gets a lot of stuff from them. She does some type of mystery shopping and she gets gift cards sometimes and you likes to get Amazon. She can find all kinds of good deals on there.
      I do not do much shopping on the internet. This year was the most that I have ever done. That was because of my hip and it hurting so much. Next year we will all be in better shape around her to go shopping. The baby is here and so Danyielle will feel like shopping. We really had a strange year this year.
      That is a shame that you and Nan could not get together this week-end. It is good though that you stayed with Rocky. Is he having a hard time now or is he about the same? It must be hard on him having the other dogs around and now it is only him. Tonight we were sitting in the living room and I heard someone at the front door. So I went to open the door and it was Austin. He was hitting his paw on the glass on the screen door. He wanted a treat. So we gave him one and he ran off. We will let him in later if it starts to get too cold. He seems to like it in his dog house. We put a door on it and extra hay and blankets so it is pretty warm in there for him. Sometimes he will come in but most of the time he will stay out. I guess he is more comfortable outside. It was just funny that he was knocking at the door. He also moves the furniture around on the deck. he is a mess. He has taken up where Biskit left off. We still really miss her. I still kind of look for her when I go outside. I really got off the subject. Sorry about that. Poor Rocky needs a friend.
      We will have to take as much time with Aliza as we can because she will be the last baby in our family for a long time. The other two girls said that they would never have another baby. That is kind of sad. But I guess we cannot have babies in the house all the time.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      We did enjoy staying with Aliza. She is just so cute and tiny. We got to hold her all night and just snuggle her. She loves to snuggle. She is small enough for that. She does like to be held. She did have her fussy time while we were there. You know how babies do that. It only lasts for a short time and then they stop. She stayed awake the whole time we were there. She is such a sweetie.
      How nice of Rissy to bring the bagels for Gary. You have such good grand daughters. They are very thoughtful. Maybe they bring Aizen over soon and you will get to see him. I guess Steph stayed home with Aizen so he could sleep. It would have been nice if the whole family could have come over and visited.
      The dessert was really good that I made. We had our Valentines dinner tonight. We are supposed to have a winter storm tomorrow. So we decided to pick dinner up and just eat it here because we were neither one of us in the mood to get all dressed up for dinner. It was nice to have the food here and not have to go to the restaurant. It was a lot more private. It was all good.
      That is a sweet story about how you and Gary got together. He sure waited a long time before he let you know how he felt. I guess it was the perfect time for both of you. You are really a good match. Have you decided what you are going to do for Valentines day? You are probably going to fix some fantastic meal and dessert and everyone will be there for dinner. It would be nice if Bobby would come in and fix the meal for you. You never know he might,.
      Gravity does take over as we get older. Everything is going down ward. I agree with Gail I would let mine drag the ground before I would wear a bra with wires. I do not like breezes. They fell apart. I was so disappointed in them. Never have bought anymore of them. I would never go there with the thong. It seems like it would travel into places that would not be comfortable. Would be tugging at it the whole time I had one on so will pass on that one. The panty lines would look better then me tugging.lol
      Well that is about all. There is a quacker show on right now. I think I have missed a lot of it but am taping it. Thank heaven for dvrs. What did we do without them.
      HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Sue,
      That was terrible. It was a good thing that you decided to stay home for the week-end. Hope that they are wrong about the snow on Monday. If not please be careful going to work. Will you be able to do any work at home since you have the computer? I may be thinking of the wrong person that said something about doing work at home on your computer. I hope that you can and not go out at all. You have worked at that place for a long time. The people sound like they are nice.
      Be careful if you have to go out.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that your house is warm and cozy again. It’s a bad time to be without heat with the frigid temps. If you heat with oil maybe your oil line froze up. We used to have oil at our old house and that would happen sometime. We used to have to wrap the line with heating tape. I’m surprised that you have oil near a city setting as everyone is so conscious of pollution and such. Anyway-I hope that everything is working again. Especially since I don’t think you have a fireplace-or was that Colleen? I’m confused. We have a woodburning fireplace on the first floor and a gas fireplace in the basement. Well next we are getting snow after the cold and then by Friday it’s supposed to be 50! Wow-it’s not consistent but I’ll take it!
      You know I would think that Jenny would be exhausted and complain of lack of sleep but she never does. She is kind of my hero because she really does do it all and makes it look easy. I really don’t know how she does it.
      Have a great Valentine’s day!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I’m glad Aliza was awake this time so she could see you talking to her and she can get to know your face. I would have thought that she would have looked bigger too. I like when they get to that stage where they are all chubby cheeks and chubby arms and legs. That just makes you want to eat them up. lol
      Maybe you were thinking of electric guitar and acoustic guitar? I didn’t even know Esteban sold electric guitars.
      Rocky is not really feeling any worse. It’s just that he gets anxious if we are gone for too long and he has the problem now where when he has to poop he has to go out immediately so he does have some accidents sometimes now. Poor guy. It just comes with age sometimes and he can’t help it. After 16 and a half years of unconditional love and affection I am not going to complain over a few little accidents. He and I are so joined at the hip since the other dogs are gone-we are constant companions. I don’t know at this stage if he would even like another dog around or not-it’s hard to tell. One thing I always think it must be so hard for him to be deaf now. As humans we understand why the sound goes away when we lose our hearing but a dog has no conception of why he now lives in a silent world and it must be tough
      That’s funny that Austin was knocking on the door for a treat. I guess he just wanted to stop in and say hello. lol
      After Greg got back from rehearsal we went out to dinner at that local restaurant in the old factory building. I was surprised that it wasn’t really crowded for Valentine’s Day.
      Well if you don’t have anymore Grandkids that will be okay. You have six of them to love so that’s a good thing. I would guess Amanda probably doesn’t want anymore since her two are getting older and Melissa had such a hard time with Kaylee that two is enough for her also. I know I just want to be around to watch ours grow up-that’s the main thing.
      Happy Valentine’s Day! Everyone give their husbands an extra hug today!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue!
      Our heat is back on, thank God. I get the system cleaned every fall, and the nozzle was gunked up. I just do not get that, unless they are selling us bad oil. Who knows!
      We broke the record for low temperatures last night. My daughter and granddaughters had not electricity for a few hours this morning. It is back on, or I would have picked Steph up, with the little ones, because Jhonny is working. Today, he delivers packages, so it is not as bad as a regular mail day. Since he is at the Post office, it has given me a new appreciation for our mailman. At Christmas, jhonny told me, with all the packages we get here, I need to give the mailman a real good tip.
      I did hear about that pile up. it was awful. I hate to hear when people getting hurt. Around here, we have a lot of people who fall through the ice- kids, and adults who are usually chasing a dog. As it has been so warm, prior to this week, the ice is not thick enough.
      Can you believe it is 14 below zero, and on Tuesday it will hit 50? we are supposed to have some snow, that will change to rain, and then the warmer temps. This is th ekind of weather that makes people sick.
      I hope you are warm, and snuggly!
      Happy Valentine’s Day, Sue. I am do going to make a pound cake later so the house smells warm.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I am glad you got in that snuggle time. Your storm is coming here tomorrow, and will bring warmer weather. It is way below zero- we broke all the records last night.Our heat went out yesterday morning, and they came within 2 hours to fix it. Thank God, we were only second on the list for a repair yesterday.
      Read my post to Sue for the electricity news on the rest of them.
      I am NOT going out there in this freezing weather….LOL I am making a pound cake later, and bobby is doing dinner- he is making beef short ribs…that will make the house smell good too- just found that out, as he is back from the grocery store.
      I am very blessed with Gary. he gave me a card this morning, and I made one for him….LOL I was not going out with the ice, and definitely not in sub zero weather- I would be afraid to start the poor Jeep.
      Hope your day is good, and that the storm is no too bad.
      All the grands have already called to wish us well today- 3 are working.
      Happy Valentines Dayt!!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello again, Sue
      I did not realize the pile-up was near you. I am also glad you stayed home, and hope none of your friends, or relatives were involved. when I was still working, I used a lot of vacation days when the weather was not good for me to be out in. It is just not worth the risk at our ages. things do not heal as well.
      Hope you are safe, and sound.
      Adele

      • Anonymous
        Inactive
        Post count: 643

        Adele it was not close to me a couple of hours away. I do have cousins that are closer but do not think any of them were in it. They said this morning there were at least 56 cars they had trouble getting to them as there were so many tractor trailers blocking them. I do know they took buses and brought the people that were not injured to a firehouse until they could arrange a way to get home. I feel bad for those out in this cold trying to get the mess cleared up. I have been out when those whiteouts occur and you cannot see a thing just have to pray for safety very scarey.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      hey Gail!
      Jenny is a hero. Any mother of 3 is one. That third one just adds so much more work, and I do no know quite why. At east, that is what a lot of the mothers of three say.
      We all have oil heat around here. Some have gas, but ,we do not have any gas lines on this street. That is one of the reasons we got this house, as Tillie is deathly afraid of gas. we have a fireplace downstairs, but, we have never used it. Again, because of Tillie- she is also afraid of fire. But, it is there, should b we need it.
      We are getting your snow Monday night, and then turns to rain on Tuesday, and will be around 50. I think it is so funny that you get most of the weather we have, before us, accept for the systems coming up form the south. Sharing, is caring…..LOL
      Hope you have a good Valentines Day. Bobby is making braised short ribs, and I am doing a pound cake. It will smell great in here shortly.
      Have a good one! almost time for in the Kitchen with Dave.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue
      I remember the days of travelling in a snow storm. It would take me 3 to 4 hours to get home, and my trip home was 30 minutes. As I got older, I used vacation time for storms. Just not worth the risk.
      I am glad you were nowhere near it. I hope none of your cousins were, either. The roads become so dangerous and people do not need to lose their lives to earn a living.
      Here on Friday, a poor lady was driving under the tunnel in Boston. hit a sewer cover, and died. All she was doing was going to work, and she is gone. What a shame. the road crews have been out testing all the manhole covers.
      I am like you- I hate when bad things happen to people. I say a little prayer for the victims, every time I hear about them. So terribly sad. I wish we had a tiny bit of good news on TV, every once in a while. I love those stories when they make the news- gives us all hope.
      Have to go make my cake for tonight, as the butter if finally soft enough.
      Have a good evening- I love the TV shows on Sunday night- the Good Wife, Madame Secretary.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I have no idea if the 3rd kid adds more work-I guess it would. In my case it was a pain for my older brother and sister as they had to baby sit me. lol Or you could be like those huge families where the older kids basically raise the younger. Greg used to work with a guy that came from a family of 17 kids and that’s what he said was that the older kids raised the younger kids. I never could understand why as a parent you would want so many kids that you couldn’t even raise them yourself. It was different when you needed a lot of hands to work on the farm but we no longer live in that kind of society.
      So it just dawned on me that you must have an electric stovetop then. I have always cooked with gas and found the electric cooktop at my Mother’s difficult to control. I suppose just like anything else-you get used to it eventually. I have a gas cooktop now and an electric oven. So is your poundcake cooked in a loaf or a bundt. My grandmother’s pound cake has to go into a long loaf pan which is not always that easy to find.
      I’m not sure how much snow that we got. Maybe a few inches. Then Friday it’s supposed to be 50 degrees and rain.
      I hope that you had a good Valentine’s Day. I ended up making “goulash” for Greg which is one of his favorite things. This year we never even got cards as I hadn’t been out to get one and I told him before he went to WalMart yesterday not to get me one as I hadn’t had a chance to get one for him. Valentine’s Day was never such a big deal around here anyway. I think once you are in a long standing relationship the little things that you do for each other on a daily basis become more important than the big grandiose gestures-although every once in a while a big gesture is a good thing too just to have some variety. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      Yes, the stove is electric. You can get a larger loaf pan through the King Arthur Co. I have to cut the recipe in half, as this one is huge, and then the cake never is fully cooked in the middle. I use the Temptations pretty pumpkin Bundt pan, and it comes out perfect.
      We are having the same weather. This evening, it is going to snow, then sleet, and in the middle of the night, turn to rain. We will have almost 2 inches of rain when it is done. If it were all snow, I would be in the house until April….LOL
      Bobby’s braised ribs were fabulous. Got no complaints on the cake, either. So we are good here. But, when Bobby did the shopping, he forgot to get the meat I wanted for this week for meals. he said when he decide to do the ribs, he left the meat section, to get the other ingredients he needed, and totally forgot. So, tonight we are having frozen chicken fingers, and frozen fries. Tomorrow, I am taking out the chicken soup I froze. I have one night of meat- chicken breasts, and then we are done. I do have another lentil soup I froze, so that will be Thursday, unless THE BOY gets his butt back to the supermarket. So, I guess I will make some fresh bread with the soups this week. I hate to be out of the “emergency frozen soups”. So, I will have to make some soup next week. This will be an amusing dinner week, for sure.
      Gary gave me a card for Valentines Day, and I had none for him. So, I told him to wait a minute, got a piece of paper, folded it, drew 2 hearts together on the front, and a personal message inside. Of course, I told him my card was better, because it came from my heart. I got “the look”. Hey….adapt, improvise, and amend.
      I feel the same way. Every day is Valentines Day when you love your husband. I refused to go out, because it was too cold, and the food always sucks on Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day, and New Years Eve. So, why bother? Go the next weekend, and enjoy your meal with less commotion. He has his appointment with the surgeon on Friday, so we will go out after that. I hope there will not be any storm that day.
      Did you see Quacker last night? I got the new dragonfly short sleeve shirt. Tillie got the 2 piece outfit, and missed the cute yellow bee shirt. Didn’t April look adorable????
      Hope you are having a good day….I am off to clean the bathrooms, after The Chew, of course.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail and Adele,
      We had three kids but the youngest was 9 years younger then the oldest. It was not as bad but it is hard to keep up with them when they are that far apart. They have different things going on in their life and you have to do what they all want to do. Melissa was a good baby and easy to take everywhere. It was a good thing because she had to go to a lot of different things.
      Did not buy anything from the show but there was a few things that I liked. I liked the top with the cherry blossom on it in yellow and navy bottom. It would look good with the navy pedal pushers. There were a couple of other tops that I liked but will have to wait before to order. I promised myself that I would not buy anything else until I pay off all of my easy pays. Will see how long that i make it. Bet it will not last as long as I would like. These new things are too tempting.
      I am supposed to go and see the baby again this week. Just a visit with Danyielle and Aliza, Hope that Owen will be home but probably will not be. Any time we go up there we go on the day that he is supposed to stay with his dad. We are going to have to bring him down here and spend some time with him. Would love to spend some time with the two of the kids together.
      We had a nice Valentines day. Ron went and bought dinner for us and I made a dessert. We ended up doing it Saturday night because we had a weather advisory for Sunday. So we stayed home Sunday. Was a good thing it was bad like they said it was going to be. The roads were slick but not a whole lot of snow. Sounds like everyone had a nice day. It is nice just to be together with our husbands. It is always Valentines day when you are with the person you love. We all got keepers.
      Adele it was good to hear that you got your heat fixed. I would not like to think of all of you sitting in the cold. They did come fast. You were lucky. At least you do have a fire place. It would be nice.
      Gail, Poor Rocky. He must feel bad when he has an accident. He is use to going out when he has to and it is not like him to have an accident. You are a good dog mom. You have a lot of patience with him. The poor guy.
      Your dinners sound really good. The braised ribs and the goulash. Makes me feel bad that Ron had to go out and get something for our dinner. I did make dessert and that was it. I did get a card but no candy and was glad of that. That is one thing that I do not need. Did either of you get a box of candy?
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen and Gail
      Gary put some scratch tickets in my card, and of course, true to form, I won 2.00. It is a long standing joke around here- I never win. I ordered the Lindt balls/truffles for everyone, so we have plenty of candy around here….LOL Everyone loved the strawberry one we had for Marissa’s graduation party, and they are only made in the spring. So, when I saw they were out, I ordered them, and gave everyone some.
      We had a lot of mess last night. First about 2 inches of snow and then ice on top of that. It is supposed to rain, much later in the day, a lot of rain, actually. It will be 55, so I am hoping it will melt.
      OMG….on the Kelly and Michael show, they just talked about Fredrick’s of Hollywood….LOL How funny is that!
      We are all blessed- Valentine’s is every day, when your husband is a good man, who love you, no matter what sags, how grey you get, or how your chubby bits increase in size. Not that they have remained the same, either. Aging is one of the funniest things ever. We have to keep our senses of humor.
      Gail…..what happened to poor Rocky? Is he sick?
      Hope everyone’s weather is getting better!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      You won 2 dollars that is better then nothing. You can buy a candy bar or you can get a soda. So you did not do too bad. I am not sure what else you can buy for two dollars.lol. Oh you can buy a pack of gum maybe even two. The Lindt Ball /truffles sound good. I have never had any. The strawberry sounds really good.
      We had snow today. We were supposed to just get rain in the afternoon and some snow and sleet in the morning. Well we had snow all day. It was coming down like rain. It did cover the ground but it melted later in the day because of the warmer weather. It was really strange. It is that time of year though.
      Have you noticed that our husbands do not spread out as bad as we do though. That is just not fair. Their metabolism is different then ours and so that is why. Well today I have been sick all day. Ron has been taking care of me. He is such a good person.In the morning it was toast and then in the afternoon after my stomach settled down a bit it was salad. I thought that it would make matters worse but it didn’t. He knew more then I thought that he did.
      I have been in bed most of the day and night and feel like I better go lay down again. Tomorrow has got to be a better day.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Oh I have plenty of long loaf pans. I have my own and also have my mother’s so I don’t need any but it’s nice to know somewhere to go in case anyone wants my recipe and needs a pan. It used to be people would ask for the recipe and not be able to find the right pan. I also found a kitchen store up in Minoqua where we go in the summer that has them.
      You should have good weather on Friday to take Gary to the doctor and to go out to eat. I think we are all having heat waves.
      I figured that you would snap up that elbow sleeve shirt from the Quacker show. I got some of those pedal pushers with the cutouts.
      Two dollars is better than nothing which is what I usually win. Colleen gave you a nice list of things that you could get. lol
      How funny that Kelly and Michael mentioned Frederick’s of Hollywood right after we were just talking about it.
      Nothing happened to Rocky. He’s fine. I was just telling Colleen about not being able to spend the day away for 8 or 10 hours anymore as he can’t be left alone that long as he gets anxious and he now will have some accidents where he can’t get outside fast enough. So in the future if we want to be gone for the day I will have to take him to the dogsitters.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I didn’t realize there was such a big difference in years between your oldest and youngest. Is Danyielle the oldest?
      I hope that you are feeling better. You need to get better to go see that baby again this week.
      Don’t feel bad about going out and getting dinner for Valentine’s Day. Greg and I went out Saturday night so that’s why we were home Sunday and we had to eat something. Heck I would go out both days without blinking an eye. It’s always good not to have to cook. Or to order something and have it delivered. The older I get the more I am about less work. It’s hard to believe as I used to be such a stickler about cleaning once a week and having everything else up to snuff and now I just don’t care as the dust will still be there tomorrow and if it’s a choice between doing something fun or cleaning when I was younger cleaning would win but now the fun thing wins out every time. I guess you get to a point when you realize life really is short so you may as well do the fun things first and worry about the chores tomorrow.
      I didn’t get any candy here. But Greg would be more likely to get me flowers if anything. If I really wanted the candy I would just get it myself. Isn’t it funny how as women we have learned that if we want something we just get it ourselves rather than waiting around for someone to get it for us.
      Hope that tummy is feeling better today. Ron is a good nurse.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I am so glad Rocky is good. Scared me, thinking something was wrong.
      I love those small kitchen stores. We do not have anymore around here- all out of business. Only Bed Bath and Beyond. Even Linens n Things is gone from around this way.
      it is sunny today, and almost all the snow is disappeared. Yahoo- we will have a good time out on Friday. Will definitely do our dinner out together too. But, I have to be back for Blue Bloods….LOL
      Rissy came by today to visit for a few. She is such a cutie. She is getting bagels for Gary again tomorrow. She likes to do nice things for people. It is so nice that she drives, and can stop by when she has a minute. I really love the I unannounced little visits.
      Hope your day is good!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi colleen
      So sorry you are under the weather. Do you have a fever too- if so, it must be the dreaded flu. Sending good vibes your way………
      It is sunny here- have not seen that in a while. Hope you do not get too much snow.
      How nice that Ron is taking good care of you….so is he making you potato soup???
      Hope you are up, and recovering.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Yes we did not think that we would ever have another child it was so long. But surprise there was another one on the way. I took fertility pills to get pregnant or there would not have been any kids at all. Back then you could only take them once and that was it. So it was a blessing from God that we had the other two. Life never goes the way we think.
      I am with you. Lets just go out and eat every night and not worry about cooking or getting groceries. Wouldnt that be nice if we did not have to go out and get groceries and come home and put them away and then have to cook them. There is just something unfair about that. We are supposed to have a cook and a maid. That has always been such a good dream of mine. That will never happen but a girl can dream.
      Ron really was a good nurse to me the other day and night. He stills worries about how I am feeling and if I should be doing much. I think that I have found a new doctor. I have to call tomorrow and see if they will take me as a patient. I need to get a questionnaire and take it in and see if I am going to accept them as my doctor. We are the ones that should be asking all the questions and finding out about them. I wonder what they would do if you came in with a list of questions. They would probably ask you to leave. lol
      This time around I really did not want any flowers or candy. Just getting a meal was good enough for me. We got them at that little restaurant we like. So it was nice to get that,. I got pasta and you get a salad with it. They filled the whole big take out box with salad. It was the same size as the main meal came in. I was really surprised.
      Well that is about all from here. Will talk to you later.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I did have a fever but it did not last for very long. Just the first night that I had it. So I am not sure what it was. Will find out when I go to this new doctor. Hope that he turns out to be really good. Time will tell.
      Our weather is getting warmer. THe snow has melted we did not have it for very long. I like the warmer weather. I cannot go see Aliza this week. Since I am not sure what it is I better stay home. Tomorrow I plan on going to buy a new wallet. See how I feel after doing that. If I get sick then I know that I should not have gone out. lol
      Have you been watching the Chew? What did you think of them having for robbery in the Chew Kitchen? It was kind of funny but would have been better if it was someone in the audience. The clues they had I guess let up the that girl that they said did it. I have no idea who she is. All I know is that she is married ot Lawrence Fishberne. I think that I spelled his name right. I have not seen the show that she is on. It would be fun if they did that again but pick someone that no one would suspect. They have had some good recipes. I want to try Micheal Symon’s tator tots. They looked really good. Would not do the eggs on top though. Unless they are scrambled and have gravy on them so you cannot taste the egg it would be good. The tator tots would be good on there own.
      Do you ever get recipes for Pillsbury? I have been getting some and they are really good. Ron is enjoying the food that I have been cooking. He really surprised me. We had chicken with wild rice. That was something that was easy on the stomach. So will keep fixing things like that for the rest of the week. Except if I decided to have oat meal. I can eat oat meal for every meal. Ron does not like to eat it for dinner though.
      Ron would never fix me potato soup. He would let me starve. Now he may go to the store and buy a can of it and say here eat this but to fix it for me no way. Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      How nice of Marissa to stop by for a little visit and to come back with bagels today. It is nice that she can drive and do those things. Does Amanda drive? I know Steph doesn’t. I could have never been home with two little kids out here in the country and not drive. We never would have been able to do anything. Plus what if one of them fell or something and had to be rushed in for stitches-it would be almost a safety hazard not to have a car when you live out in the country and have kids.
      I like those little kitchen stores too. They have different things than the big box stores. We have one two towns over and I just like to go in and look at the stuff. But for the most part the big box stores have taken over that market. Just like they have with the independent bookstores. The only way they stay open is because of customer loyalty. We have one a town over and when i am in that town I do love to go a browse the bookstore. They moved to a little larger storefront so they must be doing okay.
      Have fun for your dinner out tomorrow. I hope that you find a place where both you and Gary can enjoy the food.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I didn’t even know they had fertility pills back when we were younger. That’s interesting that you could only take them once. Did they give you mood swings or anything like hormones. Life never does go the way we plan does it? That’s how we ended up with two kids 10 months apart. You can try and plan for every eventuality but something will always change and throw a monkeywrench into the works.
      Speaking of having a maid-this is kind of a funny story. When friends of ours both worked they had a cleaning woman that came in every two weeks. They have a very neat house with no kids and just one cat so their house doesn’t get very messy and most of the times looks like a showplace. Anyway, the husband sold his business and retired first while the wife was still teaching. So he said “Oh now that I am home we don’t need the cleaning woman anymore-I will do the cleaning.” Well, I’d be surprised if that attitude lasted any more than six months until the cleaning woman was back at work again. I guess he didn’t really care for doing the housework that much. lol
      I hope that you will like the new doctor and he is kind and understanding. It would be nice to find a doctor that you really like again.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      They had just come out. I do not know if they knew what was going to happen with them. I am trying to think of the name of them. We had to go to a clinic and they did all the exams and everything. It took awhile for me to get pregnant and had miscarriages at first and then finally had children. They said that it was common. I think the name of the pill was clomid. I am not sure and probably spelt it wrong. I will have to look it up. Your kids are close together. You must have had your hands full. That would be harder then having three kids. I always wonder how my mom did it with 5 kids.
      That is funny. Her husband did not enjoy doing the house work for long. It is nice if you can have a cleaning lady to clean for you. It would be nice to have a clean house all the time and not have to worry about doing anything. Then if the house is dusty you can just wait for the cleaning lady to do it for you.lol We probably would be cleaning the house before the cleaning lady got there. Can’t let anyone see the house dirty.lol
      How is your weather? Ours is warming up and windy. I just hope that it is not leading up to some storms. It is supposed to cool down again on Monday. They did not say how long it would last. Just wish it would make up its mind. Feel sorry for mom’s having to decide how to dress their kids for school.
      When you get the replies on here are they from the people that sent you an answer of someone elses? Like today, I got the reply that you put on here to Adele. They did not send what you had sent to me. It is weird. Guess that it is better then not getting any reply. At least we can see that one of us is on here.
      Well that is about all from here. I hope that you have a good night.
      Colleen
      p.s. Ron is watching that news again. I need to have it blocked from our tv

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Well I’m glad that you are feeling better. The only problem is now that you are better Ron doesn’t have to take care of you so now he is back to watching the news. With this being an election year I imagine he’ll be watching a lot and there will be a lot to complain about too. You may have to get yourself a set of noise cancelling headphones and wear them. or only allow him an hour of news a day and then he has to watch stuff that is funny.
      I see next Friday is a Quacker TSV. I remember Sue posted the number a long time ago but I don’t know where I put it. They’ll probably be showing lots of spring stuff that we won’t be able to wear for another 2 or 3 months but sometimes if you want it you have to get it now or it won’t be around come spring. I am getting to the point now where I am tired of wearing long pants and enclosed shoes and am looking forward to wearing capris and sandals again. although it will be at least a couple more months before that happens.
      We are getting weather in the 50’s today and tomorrow. They are not predicting storms but I know when it heats up this much in the winter sometimes we get bad storms so i hope that won’t be the case this time.
      When I was younger I might have thought of cleaning before the cleaning lady came but not anymore. Now I would let them have the dirt all to themselves. It’s funny-when I was young I was so fussy about my house and now as long as it’s dusted and vacuumed and reasonably neat I am happy. I guess as we get older time becomes more precious and we want to do the things that we want to do rather than the things that we have to do and housework is like a never ending chore. As soon as it’s clean it starts to get dirty again so instead of giving us a feeling of accomplishment we feel like we are chasing in circles. Like a dog chasing it’s tail. lol
      With five kids I imagine your Mom didn’t work outside the home-or did she? My Mom worked from as far back as I can remember. At one time I remember having a lady come in to watch us before she got home from work but I don’t remember much about her for some reason and then when I was a little older my brother and sister were stuck watching me-I imagine they didn’t like me much back then as they were always stuck watching me. lol
      When I get notifications in my e-mail I get the postings of anyone who posts on this discussion whether they are addressed to me or not. sometimes i might get a posting from Adele to you but then if I scroll down underneath it will be her posting to me or you posting to me etc. They often come in under the same e-mail. I guess it really doesn’t matter as I suppose we all read all the postings anyway-at least I do as I consider it all one big conversation. Speaking of posting, we haven’t heard from Barbara for awhile. I hope she comes on and fills us in on her happenings soon.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      That is funny about Ron not making you the potato soup. It is great that he is trying, and liking the new things you are making. I missed quite a few Chew’s this week. I have one recorded, and forgot to set the recorder when we went out today. we had to get to the accountant , and do our taxes, before Gary has surgery next week. Trying to get everything done before then.
      I hope you are better soon, so you can go see Aliza again. I bet you miss her.
      Steph is supposed to come this Sunday, so we can do Jhonny’s birthday. I hope it works out. Gary wants to see his brother, too before he is laid up again. I hope the weather is good for that tomorrow, as it is going to snow some tonight.
      I have never had any recipes from Pillsbury- do you get them on-line?
      We are so much alike!! I love oatmeal for supper in the winter, and of course, Gary does not eat that either.
      Hope you have a good night!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      Hope you are good tonight.
      I am so sorry all those nice kitchen stores around here are gone.
      Amanda drives too, and has her own car. She works a lot, and does double shifts, so she does not come by as much. Steph does not drive, and I so wish she would. I have re-visited that so many times, and finally gave up.
      How is everyone at your place? How has Ron been doing?? I hope he is feeling better, and that your foot is better too. Winter makes everything hurt more.
      read the piece about the fertility drugs. A friend of mine took them too, and she ended up with twins. She had to do shots in her stomach, which were very uncomfortable. Not easy to help Mother Nature along. But, it is great that we have the technology to do so.
      Hope your night is going well!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      The news shows are on. He has been complaining for about an hour now. I do not want to keep hearing all that stuff. That is why I am on the computer and not listening. That maybe why I am so against getting a lap top. Then he would keep wanting me to come in the living room and listen, This way I cannot. I just say I am busy on the computer. That man is driving me crazy. He has had a head ache for the last couple of days. I told him he is trying to cram all this knowledge in his head that he hears on the news. It is just not good for a person to know all that crap.lol Of course he will not listen to me.
      The special value is a skort with a vest. It is 39.96 it come in a lot of colors. The item number is A273161 the colors are Heather Grey,white, lime punch, light navy, red and black. That is the scoop on the tsv. It is really cute. They show a stripe shirt with it and it looks really cute. It will be interesting to see how many will be in stock after they show them Friday night. I like the navy color. That would be the color that I want.
      The temp here is going to be in the 70’s. It was 71 today and about the same tomorrow. Then it is supposed to cool down. We have had snow in spring before. I can remember having snow on Easter day. We were younger then and we were all dressed up to go to church and it got really cold. It was funny. Everybody was dressed in their Easter best with winter coats on.
      No my mom did not work outside the home. My dad was a lawyer and his office was at the house so she would answer the phone for him and take messages. So that saved them money, He never had to hire anyone to do that for him. We also could not use the phone from about 8AM until 5PM. If we did we had to keep it short. Can you imagine trying to keep four girls off the phone during those hours. I felt sorry for my mom. She was in charge of all of that. By the time he could get a separate phone for his office we were all gone. well maybe not gone but old enough that we were either working full or part time and going to school. So we were not home that often.
      There was always someone older to watch the others. My sister Sue was the oldest so she was the only one that ever had to have a baby sitter. Usually my grandma would watch us if Sue was busy. She was so much older then the other three of us. She was a war baby. So my second sister was not born until the war was over. She had it made. They lived with my grandma and grandpa while dad was over seas. So talk about getting anything she wanted. You would have thought she would have been a little bit spoiled. She said that she wasn’t but she was too much older then I was for me to argue with her.
      I will have to check that out next time. I was just reading the first one and did not go to find out if there were anymore on there.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that you taped the Chew that had that guy from dancing with the stars. His name is Derek Hough. Carla went crazy over him. She wants to go on that show so bad. He was funny though. His sister will not be on the show this year not even to judge. I am not sure what she is going to be doing. It is just sad that she is not going to be on there again. She probably got tired of sitting next the wild man. I cannot think of his name. The one that throws his arms around fell off his chair that one time. She always has to sit next to him.
      I feel bad about you for going to the tax man. I hate going there. It is not as bad as it use to be though. We do not have anything to claim anymore. That is one nice thing about retirement. There is a lot of things that we use to have to do that we do not have to do now. We just spend most of our time with the doctor. When is Gary going to have his surgery? It will be nice when they get that done with.
      Well I hope that Steph and her family will come over on Sunday for Johnny birthday. It will be nice for you to see the kids and Steph. Seems like you see Johnny more then you do Steph right now. It is good that he brings JJ with him. That way you can see him.
      I miss seeing Aliza. She is so sweet. She will grow more this time I am afraid. My middle daughter is going over there tomorrow and she will send me pictures of Aliza. She says she is going to be nice but i think that she is rubbing it in.lol
      How Is your weather? It is in the 70’s here. Going to be the same tomorrow and then we are supposed to get cooler. We will see what happens. I am tired of the weather changing from one day to the next. This weather is crazy.
      Not a whole lot going on here. Have not done much. So guess that I will sign off for now. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Lol you married me off to Ron! When there were more of us on here that would happen all the time where someone put the wrong husband with one of us and we had lots of fun with it. We had a regular wife swapping group going on! lol It sounds like since Ron is watching all these news shows lately that Colleen would gladly hand him off for a day or two so she wouldn’t have to listen to him complaining about the news.
      I hope that you got your dinner out last night. We won’t do taxes until it’s closer to April as we are in no hurry to pay Uncle Sam more. But I understand that you want to get that all done before Gary is recuperating from surgery. I hope everything checked out good for him so he can get that shoulder fixed.
      I hope that Steph will get to come for dinner on Sunday-you probably haven’t seen them all together for awhile.
      I also hope that Gary gets a visit with his brother.
      I guess that I am in the minority here as I don’t eat oatmeal. I’ve tried to eat it and like it as it is good for you but I just can’t eat it. I think it’s the texture and the taste.
      Last night before we went to Jenny’s Kendall was eating a piece of hard candy and choked on it. She came out of Lachlan’s room and was all red in the face and couldn’t talk-Jenny was going to try and Heimlich her but it then dislodged and went down and she could breathe again. It scared the heck out of her and she was pretty shook up when we got there. I know that’s one thing I always worried about with little kids was that they would choke on something. It’s so scary! Then at dinner Piper choked on a pickle slice and everyone at the table jumped to their feet and Jenny dug it out of her mouth with her finger. Scary night!
      It’s going to be another warm day. Yesterday was so windy-today so far is sunny and the winds have calmed down. The only bad thing is that Mr. Cardinal is pounding on the window. Have a good one.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I hope that Ron is taking a break from the news this morning so that you get some peace and quiet.
      Thanks for the info on the TSV again. I haven’t gotten a skort from them before but I just might get this one.
      We were warm here but not nearly as warm as you-plus yesterday we had a ferocious wind. I can remember it snowing for Easter too. That golf tournament that Greg goes to in KC used to be in April until one year it snowed so much there that they had to cancel it. So after that they moved it to June. I actually like it in April because there was just enough climate distance between there and here where spring flowers would be blooming there in April where they wouldn’t be blooming here for another month so it was nice to go down and get an early taste of spring. Now when we go in June it is already hot steamy summer down there.
      My Mom was a secretary for a school district for many years when they lived here but after they moved to Louisiana and my Dad worked from home she then worked as his secretary. it always reminded us of the old Carol Burnett show and the skit with Mr. Tudball and his secretary. lol
      I cannot imagine keeping four girls off the phone until five o’clock. Your Mom deserved hazard pay for that job. lol I have a sister Susan too-how come i never realized that we both have sisters with that name before!? My brother and sister were both born before Dad went overseas-in fact I think Susan was just a tiny baby when he left as there was always a family joke about him taking one look at her and leaving immediately for the army. Now here’s an interesting story. When my mom was pregnant with my brother Bruce her Aunt Clara (my grandmother’s sister was also pregnant) so Bruce had an Uncle Wayne who was virtually the same age as he was. My Mom said it was so embarrassing for Clara to be pregnant later in life back then as everyone knew then that she and her husband were still “doing it.” lol How different times are now and probably for the better-no one would give it a second thought in this day and age.
      You must be thinking of the wild man judge Bruno-he cracks us up! it was funny when he fell right out of his chair. I knew that was bound to happen eventually. i guess Julianne will not be back this season because Len is back. I hope they keep just three judges-they did not need four and it just took up too much time. I wonder who will be on this season. It’s always interesting to see people go from knowing nothing about dance to improving with time. I hope they give Tony a good partner this time-he seems like such a gentleman and he deserves a good partner. They should give Derek and Mark and Val some of the harder ones this time around and see how they do with those people. I’m pretty sure they have a general idea going into a season who might do well and who might not.
      I hope that you are feeling better and that you have a good weekend.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Not too bad at the tx man visit- at least we do not have to pay this year. That is all that counts. Gary hates going. But, since I took over all the bookkeeping, it has been a lot easier. He was awful at it.
      Gary goes in on Friday. He will stay at least one night, and be home before Monday, as long as everything goes well.
      I did not record the Chew on Friday- I forgot. I can on demand it, though. I knew Derek’s sister was not going to judge this year. I think it is because she is doing something else, and I cannot remember what I heard she will be doing.
      Steph and Jhonny are still coming tomorrow. Only thing is, I may not be able to make his favorite thing- the mini cheesecakes, with the strawberries on them. The cream cheese has to be completely at room temp, or it will not mix well. If Bobby doe snot remember to get them tonight (he is out),I will have to make them another day. It is too late when he comes back with the shopping tomorrow. I will just do something else, and make them during the week.
      It is in the 40’s here today. Got a dusting of snow last night, and that is gone.
      I know how you feel about not seeing the baby. It is so hard, and you do not want her to get sick. I hope you will be good soon, so you can get back up there, before they all hog her attention!!
      Hope you have a good evening.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I think I wrote the response to Colleen for you…..LOL
      We were so late yesterday after the accountant, and then forgot it is vacation week for the kids- everything was jammed. We tried 3 places, and ended up at the Friendly’s near us, ands till had to wait for 20 minutes at 2pm.
      I did want to get everything done before his surgery. Gary did see his brother today. That was sad. he does not know him, but did say I have a brother Gary- has no idea it is him, though. he slept through most of the visit. Gary came back pretty bummed out.
      Steph, Jhonny and the boys will be coming over tomorrow. I love when they visit. Today, Marissa came by for breakfast, with the 24.00 Kane’s donuts….LOL Poor Amanda works double shift all weekend long, so we will not see her.
      You must have all been frightened with poor Kendall. That is the scariest thing of all. I hope she is a ok, as well as poor jenny!
      Hope you have a good weekend!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      You can have Ron for awhile. You need to catch up on the news.lol You need to hear all of the primary results. It is important to hear what Carolina thinks of Donald Trump. I have heard more speeches then I care to hear. We hear what the losers have to say and the winners. It is always about the same.
      After I got a good look at the vest am not sure that I want it. I do not like the lines going down the front. Maybe it is just me. I thought that it was going to be just a vest without all the extra things on it. It is also really short. It will show my elephant knees. So have to think this over again. It is hard to tell what it is going to look like in the magazine. If it came down a little more it would be so much better. I will have to think about it again. I have a hard time making up my mind.
      June is not a good month to be in this area. Kansas or Missouri. The hot weather really starts to set in. It gets really humid here also. It is better if you can stay in a place where it is not as hot and not as humid. I guess it is good weather for the guys to play gold though. They do not have to worry about the weather as much. Just heat. You usually go shopping while they are golfing don’t you? Maybe you will find an inside mall and not get as hot. It is more fun going to the little shops though. We are going to go to Kimswick as soon as it is warm enough to go looking around. They have some new stores there that we have not been in yet. Cannot wait and explore.
      I use to love the Carol Brunette show. Tim Conway was so good on there and really made everyone laugh. Even the cast. Were you still at home when your mom quit her job and worked for your dad at home? Your parents lived in some interesting places. Which place did you like the best? You did live in Chicago for awhile also didn’t you. We never lived anywhere but Missouri. I guess that is why my mom and dad always took us somewhere for vacation. That was the only time that we left the state.
      Your brothers and sister must be a lot older then you are. Do you see them as much now that you are all older? It seemed like after my dad died that we all stop getting together as much. My oldest sister does not drive as much and does not like to go that far from home. She does go to Mom’s but that is the only place she will go. She use to drive a lot more when she was younger but now she just does not like to drive. All of her kids live in different states. So she is on her own. We really hoped that my mom and her would both live together. It would make more sense. My sister’s name is Sue Ellen. We all just called her Sue. My grandma’s name was Susan so I guess that is why they just called her Sue Ellen. She was named after my grandma. It would have gotten confusing if they called Susan and they both would answer. lol
      Tony does get the bad dancers. He does need a break. He should get some of the dancers that Derek gets. He usually gets the really good dancers. He was talking about Bindy the other day on the Chew and said that she was such a fun person. She was so full of life and always smiling.
      They are having rain again in the same area that flooded last time here. It all went around us. I am hoping that they do not get any flooding this time around. That would be a mess. They just all got cleaned up and reopened.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I do not think that Gail Ron right now. He is watching too much news for her. It is funny that you got them confused. Like Gail said it use to happen all the time on here. We each had the wrong husband at one time or the other. It was just funny.
      That is always when you do not have to pay in. Uncle Sam takes enough of our money. It would not be bad if they put it to good use but they waste a lot of it. We could do better on our own. Our president now thinks that we have more money then we have.
      We will be praying for Gary. I hope that the surgery goes well for him. That is not bad just staying for the three days. Usually the insurance will pay for most of the cost if it is a short stay. You never know though. It just did when I was in there. I only stayed for three days.
      It is so nice that you are getting to see the kids tomorrow. They will not mind not having the cheese cake. I am sure that you will fix something just as delicious that they will all really like. You will have what he likes later and that will be just as good. Just have a good time with them. It will be so nice that you will be able to see them all.
      It has been warm here. We were supposed to get some rain but all we had was thunder and lightening. No rain. That is so strange when it does that. All the rain went to other areas. They are getting the rain again where it flooded before. Those poor people are getting flash flooding again. Hope it does not hit the same businesses that it hit last time. They probably will not open again if it does. So we will not be able to go to my mom’s again until all the flooding is gone again. Maybe it will go right down again and not do as much damage.
      I am glad that you found a place to eat. You did have a long wait. I did not know that people took their kids to lunch like that. They must have all decided to do it the same day. I hope that you had a good meal and it was worth waiting for. If you go there all the time though you know what the food will taste like. My brain is not working as well as it should tonight. So if I say something that is rude or weird please excuse. Too much news today.lol
      I will try to go and see the baby this week. She is such a little doll. It is hard to stay away. I do not like to go if there will be a lot of people there anyway. They want to hold the baby and not let me hold her as much. lol How rude.
      How nice of Marissa to come by and bring the donuts. She is such a good kid. Your grands always think about you and Gary and bring you good food. I guess because you always make good things for them. You are a good grandma.
      Well that is about all from here have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      You are a great grandma too! We all are!!!
      I hope the flooding stops. That is so upsetting, and you cannot visit your Mom. This weather has been awful. I always say, give me a snowstorm instead of a rain storm. Snow can be shoveled, nobody can control water.
      Thank you for the prayers for Gary. All I have been hearing is…..”I do no like pain”. He is really getting nervous about it.
      It was great to have them all here yesterday, but Aizen was asleep on the way over, and needed to go back to sleep- he was not a happy camper, as his nap was disturbed. he slept through dinner, and woke up when dessert was done. So, he was on Jhonny’s lap, and took 2 bites of the cream cheese pie, and di his usual, “Yum, yum.”
      We could not believe how n busy it was out there on Friday, but, it was finally sunny.
      Marissa is a cutie. She is a very caring young woman. We are lucky to have her.
      I hope you get to see your daughter, and the baby this week. I also hope nobody is there, so you can hold her all you want.
      Hope you are having a good, sunny day.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I’m glad Gary got a chance to visit his brother even if it was a sad visit. Alzheimer’s is kind of like a living death as the person that we knew disappears right in front to of our eyes. Their bodies are present but their minds are somewhere else it is very very sad to watch. I will pray that Gary has an easy surgery and a speedy recovery. We are all anxious before a surgery-it is a scary thing and the older we get the harder it is, I think. Anyway, he will have lots of prayers to carry him through.
      How nice of Marissa to come by with the “expensive” donuts. They are probably worth the money. And the cost for the ingredients I’m sure keeps going up.
      Sorry that Aizen was a bit cranky for his visit. I’m sure it was good to see him anyway. The kids do like to doze off in the car and sometimes it’s hard to get them back on schedule after that. Piper fell asleep while playing on her tablet before we got there last Friday and then was awake until 12:30 in the morning. Poor Jenny was so tired.
      We didn’t do much of anything this weekend. Greg was feeling a bit under the weather. He has been so worn out since Troy quit and having to do all the work again. They are looking for someone to come in and help him out a bit so I hope they hire someone soon. I am worried about him having to work like he is thirty again when he is in his mid sixties. Life sure likes to throw us curveballs.
      Next month is march so spring will be coming. By this time of the winter I am really looking forward to it even though this winter wasn’t too bad thus far. I think we all get tired of the heavy coats and the sweaters after awhile.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      You do not have elephant knees!!! You are way smaller than me-are you a medium now that you lost weight after being sick. It’s nice to lose weight but not to be sick. I actually gained some weight after my ankle went bad as I sit more now than I used to just to kind of keep off of it. I know I should wear the brace and walk more but I really hate putting the brace on. I still struggle with this.
      I kind of like the lines on the front of the TSV. since it’s a plain color it kind of gives it visual interest. I like the QF shorts as they actually come right to my knee. I wore them all the time last year on our trip to Disney. So I’m thinking that maybe this skort will hit right at my knee too. I know the ones they had last year got good reviews but I think those were DJ ones-I think Debra got one and thought it was a winner.
      My parents moved to Louisiana right after we got married so I never lived at home when Mom was Dad’s secretary. I always joke that once they married me off they moved away immediately and didn’t leave a forwarding address. lol After Dad died Mom stayed in Louisiana for a little bit and then she moved to Florida where they had some old friends-so she knew a few people when she moved there. That’s where she met her second husband. They were only married a few years and he died too so she remained single until her death then. She is buried in Florida and my Dad is buried in Louisiana so I have never been to either of their graves except when they were buried. Mom was cremated so just the urn is buried there. I did live in Chicago up until I was five and then from the time I was twenty until a little before I got married at twenty four. It was a great experience-I think everyone should live in a big city for a little while. It is eye opening and a lesson in diversity. That being said-I wouldn’t want to do it again now. I like the calm and peacefulness of the country. But it was a good experience when I was young and single-there was always something going on and that’s where I met Greg.
      My sister and brother are 4and1/2 and 5 and 1/2 years older than me respectively. They were very close in age and also were close in general-I think that’s one of the reasons i created my invisible friend Jolly as I was lonely and wanted to have a relationship like they did. My sister and I see each other about once a year but we e-mail often. I don’t see my brother that often because he has always been the independent wandering cowboy and he never or hardly ever comes back east. We are not estranged-just have gone down different paths in life. My sister was called Sue sometimes when we were younger but now she usually uses Susan. It seems to fit her better and she always used it in her professional life.
      I hope those places by you don’t get flooded again. If only you could take that excess rain and send it out to California to help with their drought. It has been a different year weatherwise. I just like to see the sun!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Colleen and Gail
      What is this about elephant knees? Colleen, yours are like Twiggy’s, compared to mine. Do not fret- you lost weight, and I bet you look real good!
      We are all so hard on ourselves. We need to give ourselves a break. I bet Colleen looks good in a skirt.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      Thank you for the prayers for Gary. he is very anxious about this surgery, because people keep telling him it is very painful, and to Gary a paper cut requires Morphine. God bless him, I love him, but he is such a baby when it comes to these things. I keep reminding him he has no rotor cuff damage, so his will not be as bad. (His surgeon said that too)
      We will both be glad when this is all over. I hope this will be his last surgery for a while. Since I married him, he has had 8 surgeries. Can you imagine that?
      Oh yes, Marissa was so funny when she called, and said not to do breakfast yet. Hetaher was here too, as she spent the night, so it was fun with everyone here early in the am.
      I really wanted to hug, and hold Aizen, but it was just not a good time. You know, with toddlers, it can get hairy…LOL He was so funny when he loved the cream cheese pie. He loves sweets.
      Now, on the other hand, JJ loves bread with butter- that is his favorite.
      I feel so bad for Greg. When they have to work harder at this age, it is hard, and they usually get sick form all the stress. He is in my prayers.
      We are getting snow tomorrow- 3 inches, they are saying. It will melt quick, this time of year.
      Hope you get some sun!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      The flooding has stopped. I t was a flash flood and this time not as bad as the last time. Flash floods in this area do not stay up for that long but they sure can do a lot of damage. The poor people that have to live thru it twice. I am just glad that mom does not live where it floods. Just the area around her.
      It probably will not be as bad as he thinks that it is going to be. That is usually the way it happens. We will just keep praying for him and hope for the best. I hope that the pain will be no more then he can stand. I am sure that they will give him enough pain medication that they can to help him thru it.
      That is sad that Aizen was grumpy and you could not hold him and spoil him a little. That is funny that as tired and cranky he was still excited about the ice cream cheese pie. That is so cute. That is funny that JJ is more of a bread and butter kind of kid. Most kids will go after the sweets. It is just funny how different each one of the grands are. They all have different taste and act differently.
      I am not sure if we will make it to St. Louis or not this week. We need to go to Costco and pick up a few things but am not sure if we will do it this week or not. Ron knows how much I want to see Aliza. I really do miss her. I do not like to call Danyielle that often because of the baby being asleep. Do not want to wake her up. It is hard when they are this tiny. They just grow up too fast.
      Not a lot going on here. I did laundry all day and got that all done for a week. I hate doing laundry. That job is never done.
      Elephant legs are when your knees are so big they look out of proportion to the rest of your legs. That is my problem. They are still just as big as always. They look awful.
      Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I have lost weight and am in a medium. Just hoping that I do not gain the weight back and have to buy new clothes again. I still have elephant knees though. My knees did not get any smaller. It is really aggravating. I wish they a surgery that took the fat off your knees. I would be there for that surgery.lol It is hard to get up and move around if your ankle is hurting. I know what you mean about the brace. That back brace they want me to wear gets in my way and I do not wear it as much as I should.
      I can remember wearing skorts when we were younger. They were called something else though. I cannot remember what they were called. I will have to ask my mom she will remember. She is 93 and remembers more then I do. They were not popular for a very long time though. I keep going back and forth on that tsv. Maybe I will order it and try it and see if I like it. I can always send it back.
      That was nice that your mom had friends in Florida that she knew. It must have made it easier on you to know that she would not be there alone. It is hard when your parents live so far away. It is hard enough on us with mom living as far away as she does and we can get to her house in a couple of hours. We wish that she lived closer to us but she never will. She is just like that. She likes where she is at and will never move away.
      We live in St. Louis county when I was a kid. It is funny because I could go anywhere in St. Louis without getting lost. Now there is no way that I would go to St. Louis unless Ron or the person that knows their way around was with me. Even when we go to the fox to see a play Danyielle drives. I am not good at finding things anymore. I guess we have not lived there for such a long time that I forgot a lot and things really change. Now I am like you. I do not think that I could live in the city or county anymore. I like the peace and quite here where we are. Just hope that it stays that way.
      It is sad how we drift apart when we get older. I do not see my sister as much as I use to either. We keep in touch thru my mom. I see and hear more from my brother. I guess when something happens to mom he calls me. Then we both are there to help take care of her. My oldest sister does not drive at night and will not drive when it is raining. So we just take care of things. She is divorced and has no one around. I at least have Ron to go with me. My brother has his wife to go with him. So it is better for us. My one sister would not come if she was the only one available. She is not that type of person to come when there is trouble. My other sister we never hear from at all. I have not seen her since Ron and I got married. No loss though she was kind of crazy anyway. lol
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I will keep praying for a speedy recovery for Gary. Eight surgeries are a lot-no wonder he’s not looking forward to another one. It’s funny that everyone has different fears before having surgery. Gary is afraid of the pain most-I’m afraid of the anesthesiology most-probably because of the experience of waking up during a surgery. In any case I know he will be glad when it’s over and he starts to feel better. I think maybe men are more sensitive to pain than women-I don’t think they could ever get through childbirth. lol
      It is hard not to snuggle with the little one-but it’s also good to back off if they are crabby from just waking up. Aizen knows what’s good-the sweet stuff! Of course I like the fresh bread and butter like JJ too. That’s why I look like I do. JJ and Oprah and their bread!
      I see that maybe you are getting snow today. I hope it won’t be too much. We may get some tomorrow but right now they don’t sound too sure about that either. I could do without it personally. I am so looking forward to spring!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Years ago they used to call the skorts culottes or scooter skirts except they looked like a skirt from the front and pants from the back-the skorts they have now are more like skirts with pants attached underneath.
      I am like you in the big city. When I lived in Chicago I knew how to get around everywhere. I didn’t have a car there so I took buses or Els or sometimes a cab if I was out late. Now it’s been so long ago that I don’t really remember my way around at all. Greg always drives in the city anyway as he is from there and grew up driving in traffic. As to finding places we always use the GPS. Greg has no sense of direction at all. I know how to get somewhere if I have been there before but for everything else we just plug it into the GPS and let the “lady” tell us how to get there.
      It seems like so many people have one person in the family that doesn’t talk to the rest of the family. Greg’s brother and his wife have split off from the rest of us and no one knows why. It’s all her though because she is notoriously hard to get along with-even two of her three kids don’t speak to them. What a shame. We have a friend with a brother and a sister-he and his brother are close but the sister has nothing to do with either of them-they say she is kind of nuts-the only bad thing is her married name is the same as my maiden name-so she’s giving that surname a bad name. lol
      How is Christine doing? We haven’t heard from her in awhile. I also wish Barbara would check in-we haven’t heard from her in ages.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      It is funny how in our younger day we lived in town and now we are so happy being out from there. It would be hard to live in a place like that now. All the traffic and the lights. That really drives me crazy when I stay at Danyielles. The street lights that are on all night long. The traffic always going up and down the streets. Guess we are too use to the peace and quite.
      Christine is doing pretty good. They still have not done anything for her foot. They are just taking too long to do something. She has her next appointment in April or May I think. I will have to ask her again. I just keep praying that they will get her in sooner and get that taken care of. I cannot imagine how hard it is to try and do things with his foot hurting so bad. That is terrible.
      People probably know that she is a little crazy and do not pay attention to her or her name. My sister has two kids and we have never seen them. I know that it bothers my mom but she acts like she does not care. My dad just told everyone that he was done with her and did not care. I just never did believe that either. It would be too hard to do that. You never know what will happen when you all grow up and move away from each other. She was older then me too so we did not have a lot to do with each other. I better shut up about it I do not want to bore you to death. lol
      Are you supposed to get the snow tonight? I did not know if it is headed your way or if it is coming from your area to ours. We are supposed to get 5 to 6 inches of snow. We will see if it happens. It has been a strange winter.
      I am a little worried about Barbara. It has been a long time since we have heard from her. Hope that she is okay and Jerry also. Have you heard anything from Debbie lately? We have really lost a lot of friends on here. Hope that they come back.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Since I grew up in a small town I guess I always figured that I would move back some time or other. Living in Chicago was a good experience when I was going to school and working and was young and single. Interestingly-it was Greg who wanted to move out into the country first even though he grew up in the city so it worked out well for both of us. I know I would have wanted to come back when we had kids if we had not already been out in the country by then. It’s nice for kids to have open spaces to run and play. You don’t have as much of that in the city. I think one thing that I don’t like is all the people-everywhere you go in Chicago is so crowded and that gets to me after awhile. The older I get the less I like crowds.
      I feel bad for Christine. It seems like the medical services in England really are sucky. She should not be suffering with that heel spur for this long. That’s just terrible!
      I agree with you. I’m sure being estranged from your sister was and is bothersome for your parents. I guess that she must have done something that really bothered them. It’s always a shame but like in the case of Greg’s brother and his wife I take the attitude that no one did anything to offend them so if they are mad about something that is their problem that is made up in their own head and nothing we can do will change their mind-so it is their loss-not ours. I just will never understand why some people are not happy unless they are creating conflict. I’m a lover not a fighter!
      I think we are going to get lucky and miss the snow. It’s kind of a narrow path and they are just predicting maybe a few flakes. Towards Chicago they are getting more and I heard 4 to 6 inches around Saint Louis so maybe you will get some. It’s going to be in the 40’s again this weekend.
      I wish Barbara would check in again too.I don’t think we have heard from her all month. I emailed Debbie about three weeks ago but have heard nothing. I will have to try again. If you, me and Adele ever stop coming on here there will be no one left. I noticed that Carol Hugli doesn’t even post those pictures for birthdays and new sign ons anymore. We have lost many old friends and aren’t getting any new ones. I guess everyone is just too busy.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Our grands are certainly funny. they each have their little quirks. I love Gail’s stories about her little ones. Piper is such a character. I hope you get a visit in this week. You miss so much when you miss a week, when they are Itty Bitty’s.
      I am trying to get everything done before Friday. So far, I still have 2 rooms to dust, and then vacuum. Also want to get the Easter Annalee Dolls out. I put so much pressure on myself it is ridiculous.
      It is pouring here, and Gary had a tough night with his shoulder. Only 2 more nights to go!
      Your roan comes here in a couple of days. At least we did not get the storm as bad as the south did. I would be scared to death if we had tornados. Those poor people. The weather has been so violent all over this country.
      I got the dragonfly short sleeve shirt the other day. I love it! I hope they come in with more zipper crops in other colors. I have every color. I love that I do not need to hem them.
      Hope you get to Costco. I needed to get to BJ;s, but, I do not think it will happen before the surgery. Running out of time. Thank you for the prayers for GAry.
      hey- has anyone heard from Barbara? Is she ok? What about Debbie?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      The snow and ice changed to rain. It will be pouring, on and off today. we are supposed to get an inch of rain. If it stayed snow, we would get buried, so I am grateful for that!
      My next door neighbor just put in a solar system. Out of the 12 houses on my street, 4 are solar. I cannot wait until they perfect the solar water heaters, so we can get the water heated without oil. My plumber said to stay away form them, until they perfect them.
      Thank you for the prayers for Gary. he is looking forward to the anesthesia, because eh has not slept much at all in the last couple of weeks. I bet they will not get him to wake up. I tiled him I will get there, when he is back in his room, and awake- good and awake, as that way I will not have to sit in those uncomfortable chairs, and watch him sleep. I figure somewhere around 2 he would be awake.
      Almost done with the house- need to finish dusting 2 rooms, vacuum tomorrow, and hope to get out a few Easter Annalee dolls.
      I put the trip to NJ’s on hold. Might have to get Bobby to do it, or one of my Minnions. When I ask Bobby to do something, he usually says….”What, no Minnions available today?”
      I just copied a recipe on King Arthur, for lemon cakes. I love lemon!
      Hope your weather is good….have you heard anything form Barbara or Debbie? I think it is safe to say, we are all worried about them.
      How is Greg doing????? I hope they are close to a hire.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      It is better to have the kids in a small town then in the city. At least you know more about their friends and families. It is hard to keep track when you live in the city. My oldest daughter did not like it as much as the other two kids did. She loves living in the city. Well at least in the suburbs. She likes being close to the stores and all the action. I never thought that she would turn out like that. She even married a guy that was from the country and he likes the city better also. I guess he had more woman to chose from to date while they were married. As you have guessed I am talking about her X. I do not think that he understood that when you get married you stop dating. lol
      They have no idea why she quit talking to everyone. Her first husband did not know either. He said that he tried to get her to tell him a few times but she would not say. She always was a little crazy. So we just say that is what was wrong with her. At least the would make my mom laugh.
      We had 5 inches of snow here. It was a really pretty snow. The wind was strong though and really blew it around. It was pretty on the trees. It was big flakes they are usually really pretty. By the afternoon it had started to warm up and the snow started to melt. It will probably be a mess in the morning. We wills see. At least we did not have to go out in it. Ron keeps saying that we are going to have a snow in March. He thinks that it will come late in March. We will see if we do. I think that he is going by the Almanac. We will see what happens.
      I noticed that sometimes she will put some cards on here and then she will stop for awhile. I do not think that the big ones that she puts on will show up on here sometimes. I guess they are still having trouble with posting things like that. I hope that they get it fixed soon.
      Well that is about all from here. have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      We did get the snow last night and this morning. We got 5 inches here but not sure how much they got in St. Louis where my daughter lives. We were going to go to St. Louis this week but Ron has changed his mind. He has to help his bil burn some branches and stuff on his property. So he needs to get that done. It is supposed to warm up this week so he will do it now instead of waiting. He wants to get it done before it gets too warm and the snakes nest in the stuff.
      I hope that you get everything done before Friday. I would not worry about getting the Easter stuff out. You still have enough time to do that. I hope that Gary has gotten over being afraid of getting the surgery. He will do fine. We will be praying for him. I am sure he will do just fine. He will feel so much better after it is all over and he is healed.
      Gail’s Piper is a little character. She is going to be a star some day. I hope that Greg finds someone to help him at work. That is really worrying Gail. There is always something going on.
      Not much going on here. We did not go out much today with all the snow we had. It was a mess when the wind was blowing. I am glad that it is all done now.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I’m glad that you got the rain instead of the snow. That’s a lot of people on your street that have solar power. I don’t think anyone around here has it that I can think of.
      Do the chairs at the hospital hurt your back? I suppose Gary has to be there bright and early on Friday morning too. Will you stay there with him until he goes into surgery and then go home and wait? Is it far to the hospital? We will keep praying for a speedy painless recovery. Don’t overtax yourself-you will have plenty of time to get out Easter decorations. It’s hard to get the minions to work for you when they are all busy with work and school. Now I picture all those little yellow guys walking around your house and helping out. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      You are right. It is easier to know the families where the kids are playing when you live in a smaller area. Gosh between Jenny and Adam both growing up here they know all the families of the other kids. In fact a lot of people that Jenny grew up with live in the same subdivision that they live in.
      It’s the same here. We have no idea why Greg’s SIL decided to remove herself from the family either. But his brother goes along with whatever she tells him to do so they cut themselves off from the family. She waited until after Greg’s Mom died and they got their share of her money and personal possessions and then it was goodbye everyone. I always predicted that would happen. She used to try and take things that she wanted from Greg’s Mom’s house when she was alive but that stopped when she moved in with us because she couldn’t get to things anymore. She helped Greg’s Mom and Uncle move so who knows what she took then. She had the nerve to ask my MIL if she could have her wedding rings when she died knowing full well that my mother in law had a daughter to give them to. She is just greedy and I think one reason she doesn’t talk to anyone in the family is because she feels like she was cheated out of something. I know she also wanted my MIL’s mink jacket and Greg’s sister gave that to Jenny. Anyway, it’s her loss and I hope she can sleep with a clear conscience at night-I couldn’t if I were her-she’s just not a good person.
      You got quite a bit of snow. It missed us. We got very lucky.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail and Colleen
      I agree. When a family member dies, it brings out the worst, in the worst people. You really get to know someone when you see how they act with people’s possessions. It is so terribly sad, for everyone to deal with, while they are grieving.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      ‘here is a funny for you- I give all the kids socks in their Easter baskets, and this year I got all the girls a pack of Minnion socks from Kohl’s….LOL
      I have decided to get out only one box of my Easter decorations , as I think it is just a good idea right now. I will do it after he gets home. Today, I am vacuuming, and then showering late, so I can be ready to go tomorrow in case of any emergency….which I hope will NOT happen.
      Bobby is taking Gary to the hospital. It is in the next Town, and we are only 5 minutes away from it. I will stay here, the doctor will call me when he is done, and give me an idea of when he will be in his room. That gives me a chance to finish everything up for the business before I go in. You know the drill- end of month it is busy getting all the vendors paid. I cannot believe how many times I have to call some of them- nobody likes to answer a phone anymore.
      The hospital chairs always annoy my back. Sometimes I sit in the one n the room for the patient- that one is more comfy. plus, with the short legs, that doe snot help either. I want to be there when he is awake, not asleep. I figure the surgery will start around 7:30- done around 10:30. Then the recovery room, for at least another hour or so, and by the time he is settled in his room, another hour. So, I figure between 1 and 2, I will be going there, and stay until after his dinner.
      We got soaked last night with the storm- heavy rain, thunder, and the wind was really bad. The wind was so strong, it sounded like a train, which got me nervous thinking tornado. So, I was awake a lot of last night- even the remaining birch tree was smacking the side of the house- my bedroom, of course. Very noisy storm, but, thank God, no damage that I can see.
      The sun is shining- yahoo!!!
      How is Greg doing?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      So sorry for the snow , that you were no able to get to see the baby. This has to be over soon, as it will be March next week.
      I think we got the storm last night. Huge amount of rain, thunder, and dangerous winds. It was so noisy that you could not sleep. I was awake a lot last night. Even the birch was banging against the house. The wind sounded like a train, which scared me, thinking a tornado was forming. You know how they freak me out!
      I hope Greg gets someone to help with the business. So much stress on both of them.
      Thank you for the prayers. I know he will be ok. He is freaking out about not being home for the business, etc. I am sure he will be home by Monday.
      Do those snakes nest in the branches during the winter, so they will disturb them when they get rid of the wood? You really have a lot of snakes out there. You need that Irish Saint to lead them out of your town!! Ban them from the property. We have a lot of birds, squirrels and chipmunks- some rabbits too. I have not seen a snake in a while. Last time I did, it was a dead one. Snakes are just not on the list of creatures to like in the yard.
      I hope your weather gets better, so yo can see the baby. Maybe this weekend you will be lucky.
      Heather spent the night at Steph’s last night. OMG….did I tell you they all finally made up? Just in time for Easter, and Tillie’s birthday in May. I am so glad they are all talking again. Well, she said when Aizen got up this morning he hugged her, and said,”I’m hungry”. That was the first time she heard him say that, and she said it was so funny to hear him say that.
      Hope the sun is shining- it is bright, and windy over here.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      That was really nervy to ask for you Mil. wedding rings when she had a daughter. That is terrible to do that. I am glad that she did not get the mink either. It was nice that your sil gave the mink to Jenny. Some people think that everyone owes them something. That is crazy. My mom made out her will and the lawyer told her to make a list and give the stuff to who she wants to have them. She has been asking me and my brother what we want and we keep telling her well we take this if no one else wants it. I imagine that is how all of you were with your mom and Greg’s mom. Except that one sister in law. That is just sad to have to go thru that. I do not think that we will have to go thru that at all. We will see. I know that the best thing that happened is when you took you mil. in. You would not take anything away from her. It is good that your sil did not have them move in with them. She would not have had anything left.
      That is really nice that Jenny lives close to kids that she knew from school. She can feel safe letting the kids play together. It is also nice that the kids live next door to their cousins. They have someone to play with all the time and she knows them really well. We really enjoyed living in a small town. We should have moved a lot sooner. Danyielle was older when we moved down here and she was use to living in Rockford. So guess it was our fault that she did not like this area much.
      Is Greg having any luck finding someone to work with him? I hope that he finds someone soon. I know that you are worried about him working so many hours. It will happen soon I am sure.
      Well that is about all from here. Tonight is the night of the quacker tsv. I hope that it is not too short when I see it on the models. I like it when they have the short model on there. It gives you a better idea of where it will come on us. I am a little taller then you are but my legs are short. If they cover my elephant legs then I will get it. I figure if I do not like the vest it does not have to be worn with the outfit. Thank you for reminding me what the name of the skort was when we were younger. They were different though.

      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I will be praying for Gary tomorrow. When you go to the hospital. Take your pillow and if your legs are too short turn his waste basket on its side and put your feet up there. It will help to keep your legs from dangling. I do that sometimes if my back is hurting and I am at my daughters. It helps for awhile. You will also be standing so that will not be too bad. Here I go with all this advice. lol
      I do not like when the wind is really strong either. It is scary even if it is not storming. Wind can do a lot of damage. It can up root trees around here. We have so many because of the woods. Our poor dog was going crazy last night. Every time he heard the wind blow he would start barking and waking us up. It was not as strong as the wind you had though. We just had the wind when we had the snow. Ron threatened to throw him outside if he didn’t stop. He didn’t listen though.lol It is weird how some of us got the wind and snow and others got the wind and rain storms. This weather is just crazy this year.
      Snakes will nest anywhere they think that they will not be discovered. They nest in the ground so they need brush and things like that to cover their holes. They say if you pour bleach down the hole they will move but have not noticed that it worked around here. Now that we do not have our snake guard any more Ron is going to have to be extra careful.
      I am so glad that Heather and Steph made up.I can imagine that she really missed the grands. That would be hard to not see them. Maybe they will not have another argument for awhile. My daughter came over tonight for dinner with her two girls. They are funny. The sixteen year old thinks that she is a brain and knows everything. She would argue with you if it was a bright sunny day and you told her the sun was shinning. She is just like that. She likes to think that she is right all the time. Can you remember the days when we were right about everything and our parents did not know anything don’t talk about our grand parents. It is funny how they change after they get a little older and have to live in the world.
      Well that is about all from here. It is almost time for Quacker factory. Want to see what they have in the show.
      Have a good night
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I love the minion socks idea! How perfect! We will all be thinking about you guys and praying for you today. However i must say how rude of the doctor to chose a QF TSV day to perform the surgery. lol I guess watching the shows while you are waiting will help to keep your mind from worrying too much. I wonder how Gary will like the hospital food since he is so picky? lol Tell him not to worry about the work stuff-it will get done.
      I’m so glad that Heather and Steph made up. She must have missed seeing Steph and her grandkids so much. I wonder what Aizen got for breakfast after he told her that he was hungry. lol
      Prayers and Hugs and keep us posted.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      My SIL,her name is Kay is nervy. After her father died she hurried over to his house to take what she wanted out before her siblings could get there. From what i understand there was a lawsuit about that and she ended up being estranged from her own siblings too. didn’t even go to her own brother’s funeral. So she has managed to estrange her own family, her husband’s family and two of her own three kids so i guess that tells you something about her right there. When Greg’s Mom died they were already at our house and Greg told her right off the bat since he was the executor of her will that there would be no grabbing of things as long as he was in charge. She had a will and her money was divided equally and all her personal items were given to her daughter to be distributed as she wished. I helped Char go through all the things and she divided the good jewelry between the DIL’s and grandson’s wives who actually wanted something. Kay would never have volunteered to take care of my MIL because according to her husband-Greg’s brother-she could not handle it when my MIL would have the occasional accident. Personally, I thought that was bullshit-I mean she had three kids and I’m sure she had to change their diapers-she just didn’t want to help-that’s all. She talked such a big story about family being so important but her deeds never matched her words.
      My Mom was like yours. She had all the personal items written down. As for other things we would just ask each other if they wanted something and if they didn’t then we would take it if we wished. There were no fights or arguments it was all very civilized. After all-we had just lost our mother-why in the world would we want to argue and lose each other in the bargain.
      Greg has interviewed some people this week so hopefully there will be someone that he can hire to help out. We are supposed to have warmer weather again this weekend. Between the weather and the skort TSV I am really thinking spring!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail and Colleen
      Gary is out of surgery- all went well- ended up a 4 hour surgery. Doctor said there a lot of arthritis, and bone spurs, and the joint was completely gone. He will be uncomfortable for a couple of day form all the chiseling…..yuck.
      The Minnion socks have not arrived yet- I am dying to see them. the kids are going to love them.
      I am still home, as he will not be in a room until around 2. So, I did see a little of the shows. Tillie ordered the capris. I did not order anything yet. I should be home by the time of the next show, I think.
      I just hope I get a good parking spot today. they do have valet parking, but, by the time I leave, it will be a pain to get the jeep. Valet only works until a certain hour.
      I am so glad they made up too. This went on for too long, and it was not good for anyone.
      So happy there is some progress on Greg getting help at work!
      Dear Lord, Colleen. You live in snake country!!! I hope Ron will be good at looking out for where he walks more, since your other dog is gone.
      I hope the wind is not coming this way again. It was awful- we had gusts up to 65mph. We were lucky there was no damage.
      Oh yes- I do remember being the know-it-all. Unfortunately, Tillie still says I am….LOL LOL
      Talk tomorrow!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I am glad that Gary’s surgery is over and they got it fixed. Hope that the doctor is wrong about being in pain for 2 days. Gary will not be able to stand it. I am glad that you got to watch some of the shows. I had to tape some of them also. I did see part of the show that Patrick Hoy was on last night. Fell asleep half way thru it so will watch that half tonight. I did buy a top though. I got the top in Blue Iris the one with the scalloped neck line. I forgot the number but it was really cute. I have been wanting it for awhile. Now I need to get the yellow cherry blossom top and navy capris. I hope that they have them in the dream jeannes. If not I will get the terry cloth ones. They had stars on the bottom. I guess they will go okay together.
      It is hard to find a good parking spot at the hospital when you need one. Maybe there will be a handicap space open for you and you will not have to do a lot of walking. They always seem to have a lot of parking spaces for the handicap until you need one then they are all full. Maybe since you are going at 2 it will not be as bad.
      That wind was really strong. 65 mph is really strong. You were lucky that you did not have any damage. I am like you windy weather is not pleasant and we can do without it. It is supposed to be really windy in March. March is going to come in like a lamb so it will go out like a lion. I hope that they are wrong this time.
      Well I will go for now. Will keep praying for Gary. Hope that he gets to come home soon.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I do not see how Kay did herself any good. She just lost her family and her husbands family for him. That is terrible that her two kids will not speak to her. I could not do that. I did not take anything when my mil died. There were so many grand kids that they should get it and not me. So they offered some things but I turned it down. Kay probably would not be able to take care of Greg’s mom. She would only want the money and what else she could get from her. That is terrible to be like that. Your family sounds like ours. Nobody will fight over things either. There is not reason to fight. Gregs mom should have written everything done in a will. It was a good thing that Greg told Kay that she had no right to his mom’s things.
      That will be good when he finds some help. I bet Greg is really tired when he gets home and I can see where you would be worried. We had to go shopping today. It was cool out but not as cold as it has been. Tomorrow it is supposed to be in the 60’s. I cannot believe how much of a change there is in the weather.
      The skort is a lot cuter then I thought it would be. It is just too short.Even on the model that is so short it did not come down to her knees. The rest of the pants capris and pedal pushers come down over my knees. So I can wear them. My knees are just too big to be seen in public.
      Not a whole lot going on here. I have to get in touch with the kids and see when they want to celebrate St. Patricks day. We will have to figure out if they want to come the week-end before or after. It is going to be really close to Easter this year so they may not want to do that. Well Melissa may not want to come down here for that. It is hard for them to have to come down here and then come back again that soon. They have a lot of things to pack and bring the kids and the animals. I wish they had a dog sitter. Then they would not have to worry about them.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Cynthia Shay
      Participant
      Post count: 65

      Can we TAWLK????? I JUST moved AGAIN. two streets from where I was LAST year. This time a 3000 square foot place with a pool. Still unpacking boxes. Lost way too much weight (27 pounds) and found out I NOW have not only MS and breast cancer…(survived that one) Now I have Diabetes. REALLY?????? My clothes re falling off me, I’m wearing 3 and 5 and I never eat junk so HELLO!!! So much has happened. But now I MAY be getting things back to NORMAL with the new house. It’s EIGHTY FIVE HERE PEOPLE….Ive got all the doors and windows open. Just bought this in Pink.

      Attachments:
    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Cynthia
      Love the pretty top. I am sorry you have another illness to deal with. You are dealing with a lot, and are always in my prayers.
      We were all wondering what happened to you. So glad you are ok.
      Hope you love the new house- post a pic for us to see.
      I am attaching a pic of the Lemon Cakes I just made for Gary’s homecoming today. he way in the hospital with a total shoulder replacement. he came home this afternoon.
      It is 45 up here, not 85…..LOL
      Hope you got all your things un-packed, and ready for Easter. Are you still in the Las Vegas area?
      Hope you have a good evening.
      Adele

      Attachments:
    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail., Colleen, and everyone!
      Gary is home. believe it or not- no pain. I was right. He had so much pain prior, that this was a piece of cake. he said occasionally there is a dull ache. So glad the surgery part is over. the worst part is his sore throat from the breathing tube thingie.
      Look at the post to Cynthia- I made a new recipe- Lemon Cakes. I love lemon, and I hope Gary likes them. they just seemed so spring like for today.
      You had to see us get him settled. The hospital gave him a couple of johnnies, as he cannot get that arm in anything. So he has his PJ bottoms on, and the johnnie tucked in….LOL He came home with a machine that runs ice through it, and all over the shoulder area. he has that on all day long. Only thing is, our fridge does not make enough ice for that. We will have to get some extra, or bag some as the fridge makes it.
      Gail- I have that top in the salmon color- it is really pretty.
      Colleen- I am like you . If the knees are showing, they will be on You Tube. I only get the crops, as they fit me perfect length as long pants, and no hems needed.
      Hope everyone’s night is going well.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That is good news that Gary is home. I am glad that he is not in much pain. It is amazing how much ice can relieve pain. That is what I put on my back when I am in pain. It really does help.
      Those lemon cakes look really good. Did Gary like them? I hope that he did since you did them for him. He probably will because lemon is really good. I just hope that he arm will be okay and he does not have anymore pain then he had after surgery.
      You would find my knees on there right along with yours. My legs are a little skinnier and it looks really bad. My moms legs are like that also. I guess I got them from her. I tried to give them back but she will not take them.lol I ordered that same top that Cynthia ordered only in the blue iris. I may wear it Easter with a pair of white capris. I have a bunny shirt that the kids may wonder why I am not wearing it. So will decide on Easter morning. Maybe wear the bunny one when the kids are here but the blue iris to church. They are not as crazy about my bunny shirt.lol I cannot believe that Easter is almost here. It is really early this year.
      Well that is about all from here today. We did not do much. Ron went out and chopped down a lot of dead trees and brush that we need to get out of here. He will burn it when the winds dies down and we will not have to worry about starting a fire.
      have a good night and hope that Gary does okay. When does he go back to the doctor?
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Cynthia,
      I hope that you like this new house that you have moved into. Sounds like you have been really busy.With all the moving and getting settled again. That is nice that you have a pool. That will be a good way to relax just laying on a raft in the water.
      I ordered that same top that you did. I bought it in blue iris. It is a pretty color. The color you got is pretty also. I love the scallop neck line. It just makes the top look better. They had some pretty tops on the quacker shows this time around. I love to watch quacker.
      Do not worry about having diabetes . I have had it for years. You get use to it and adjust your diet according to what is on your diet. There is a lot of sugar free things out there that taste really good. It will take awhile to get use to not having the regular sugar in your food but once you do you will not miss sugar anymore at all. I still go thru times when I crave things that I am not supposed to have but go ahead and eat it or you will go off your diet and have a hard time getting back on it. The doctor told me that when they first discovered that I had it. Just take care and do not worry about it as much. You will be fine.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Cynthia,
      I have that shirt in the pink also. I’m sorry that you have a new diagnosis of diabetes now. Life has sure thrown you lots of curveballs-but you are a strong Quacker woman and will overcome them all. If you need help managing your diabetes I’m sure Colleen can answer many questions as she has had it for quite awhile herself and knows a lot about it. I hope that you are enjoying your new home. I’ll bet you are hoping it’s your last move for awhile. It’s good to hear from you again.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Wow! Gary is home quickly. I’m glad to hear that the pain has been minimal. I’m trying to picture the shoulder icing thingy and I have no idea what it is. Is it a machine that you have to return to the hospital? I hope he continues to do well post surgery. I like his outfit-pajama pants and hospital gown-all it needs is to be Quackified.
      Your lemon cakes look so tempting! It’s making me hungry just looking at them. lol
      We had a glorious day up near 60 yesterday. We got out and about a little bit as it’s about time to replace my car so we were out looking around. It’s no rush so we will take our time until we come across what I want. It just felt so good to be out walking around with no snow or freezing temps.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      The skort did look cute on everyone so I am going to try it out and see if I like it. Of course it will be another three months before I can actually wear it. lol I’m sure your knees are just fine and not as bad as you say. When it gets hot in the summer I wear shorts. The Quacker ones and one style of D and Co. comes right down to my knees so I like them a lot. Now I won’t show my thighs as they are so full of cellulite they look like the surface of the moon-I’m surprised a lunar module hasn’t tried to land on them. lol I found a company called Juno Active that actually has long swimshorts that come to the knee. I bought some last year before we went to Florida so I could use them in the pool. I love them and they come almost to my knees. I had been looking for something like that for ages. I love internet shopping! You can find just about everything.
      I forgot that you used to have a Saint Patrick’s Day party and hide the gold (chocolate) coins for the kids to find. It will be close to Easter this year. I wonder if the Q will have Saint Patricks Day programming this year. They have had less and less over time. Also I swear March First used to be Big Bonanza Silver Day and they sold silver jewelry all day long-I don’t see one silver program on that day this year. I love jewelry so I miss those shows. They had so much better jewelry years ago-and a lot of variety and price points. They had tons of diamonique designs-now all that stuff has fallen by the wayside. I miss those shows but I guess I am saving money instead as they just don’t have as much stuff that I like anymore. Things change and ebb and flow and I guess there’s nothing we can do about it but change too or get left behind.
      I hope that you are having nice weather too. We are having a glorious weekend!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Cannot type much today. with all the things I did for Gary, my back went out. I really cannot do any reaching , that involves bending down. Did ice and Advil, and hope it stops quick.
      The nurse comes today. Bobby is out shopping, and does not know yet. Between him and Hetaher they will help, but, I feel bad always asking. Hetaher was going to BJ’s today, and maybe I will just have her stay here for a while instead.
      What got me was carrying the ice machine thing- it was heavy. Plus getting it plugged in, etc. I am sure it was that, and helping Gary with his socks and shoes. This stinks. I am praying ti will stop fast.
      Everyone, including GAry likes the cakes. I told Gary maybe the anesthesia fixed his food issue….LOL
      Ron does a lot of work. I am glad he is able to, and you do nto have to worry about him. One person with back issues is enough in a couple.
      I hope you get to see the baby soon, and your weather cooperates.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi GAil
      Read my post to Colleen for more info- hard to type today.
      The machine looks like a small cooler, has 2 hoses that are together, and attach to this shoulder harness/ice pad, and the cold water circulates through it. We get to keep it. That is what hurt my back, as it is heavy to carry full of the water and ice in it. We will have to get one of the kids, or the nurse to do it today. there is no way I can, as I can barely walk. Standing, and walking is very difficult today. This is what I was afraid of. I am so screwed with this dam back. I feel useless when this happens. Trying to keep my spirits up.
      I have to be grateful he is in no pain, and doing so well, and I am. I have to count all the good today, to keep my spirits up.
      Hope your weather comes this way….LOL
      Let me know what car you decide on- I am a Jeep girl.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Our weather here has been beautiful today. It was in the 70’s. It is supposed to be nice again tomorrow and then the rain comes. It will cool down again but not as cold as it was. The fifty and sixties is not too bad.
      I do wear shorts around here but not in public. I do wear capris, crops and some pedal pushers if they cover my knees. when I go out somewhere. I was looking at the girls knees on the q and my knees are bigger then anyone that was on any of the shows. it really is not a pretty site. You will look cute in that skort. It will be nice to take to Kansas when you go to watch Greg play golf. It will be hot around that time. i am going to have to look on that site for a swimming suit. Then I will not feel so bad getting into the pool with the kids. They always want us to go to the pool on the base. So maybe this year we will go if I can find a long swimming suit. You always find the best things. You are a good shopper.
      I have not heard them say anything about having the people over from Ireland this year. That would be a shame if they do not have it. That always makes it a fun day. We will not have the dinner until the week-end so I can watch the shows on the 17th. I will just have to chase Ron out of the house. He has been aggravating me about buying so much from Quacker. Most of the things that I ordered lately was for Christmas. The last few things that I bought was for me. I needed tops that fit me. Men are a pain in the neck. Well at least he is.at times.
      The q has really been changing the way they do things here lately. It will be interesting to see if they have the silver shows on later in the month. I imagine that there are a lot of people that watch those shows and are upset that they are not having them on. I do not understand how they pick and chose what is going to be on. I wonder if had something with Lisa not being there any longer. She was the one who usually went on all the jewelry buying trips with the buyer. A lot of things changed when she left. I am glad that they are still having the Chics night in shows. They were so interesting and they are fun. They all seem more relaxed and laugh more then on the other shows. Which I like all of the quacker shows. there is just something different about that one on Wednesday night.
      Well that is about all from here. have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I know that it is hard to ask your kids for help. But you better before you end up in the hospital again. They are there and they do not mind helping you out. You cannot lift all that heavy stuff and not hurt yourself. That machine really sounds interesting. It would be heavy to carry around. You may have to find a way to bring water to the machine instead of carrying the machine to water. Even if you have to get a hose and hook it up to the faucet and fill it that way. I know that it sounds crazy but it will help you a lot. When the nurse is there she may have some ideas on how to make it easier on you. It would not hurt to ask.
      I am glad to hear that they all liked the cakes. That is funny that the surgery has changed his taste in food. That would be great if that did work. Then you could start cooking the way you want and he will eat it. That would be so nice and better for you.
      We will see the baby this week-end. Friday is Owens birthday and so we will go there for his birthday. He does not want a party this year he just wants to have a friend spend the night. So we will go for dinner and cake and then we will go home. I think that his friend is coming on Saturday to spend the night. So he will have a good time.
      If you feel this bad tomorrow you should just take it easy and take care of Gary. Do not worry about writing to us. We understand and you need to take care of yourself. Just write when you can.
      We love and worry about you my friend and do not want you to hurt yourself.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      The back is a little better today. I still cannot bend over to pick anything up. We have a grabber, so that is good. We had the kids fill the machine the last 2 days. He really can use an ice bag, but, he likes the machine.
      Marissa came by, and went to BJ’s for us. We had a huge order! So glad Rissy is not working today, or in school. She has classes on Tuesday and Thursday’s.
      Hetaher is doing the route all by herself today. She usually goes with Gary on Monday, and he stays in the van, while she goes in and out of the customers shops.
      That is great that you get to see the baby, and the grands on the weekend. I hope the weather cooperates, and you have a good time.
      Did you see the Oscars last night? I was a little disappointed. The songs were good- loved Lady Gaga, and the sexual abuse survivors. That brought tears to my eyes.
      Have you heard form Christine? I usually hear form her, and I have not in a few days.
      hope your day is going well- it is sunny here and in the 50’s.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I am glad that your back is better today. Just take it easy. You are lucky that you have people around that will help you if you need it. You have good kids and grands and they will do anything for you. You are lucky to have them all. How nice of Marrissa to go shopping for you. That is one more thing that you do not have to worry about. With all the kids around they will help you and you do not have to worry.
      Heather will do okay on the route by herself today. She knows what she is doing and will get it done. Has Gary stopped worrying about that? He is a born worrier I think. Sounds like his shoulder is doing okay and he is feeling more relaxed about it. So that is one worry off your shoulders.
      We do not watch the Oscars anymore. We do not go to the movies and do not know who is in the running. So it is a waste of time to watch. I use to watch to see what the gowns looked like but they do not wear the pretty gowns anymore. It is a shame how it has changed. You never know how they are going to behave there either. Some of the things that the people who sing do is terrible. So we just quit watching. We really sound like a couple of fuddy duddys.
      I hear from Christine everyday. They have scheduled her shot for her foot. She goes on the 16th of March. I am so glad that she will be going and getting that taken care of. She has been in pain for too long. Just hope that they work and she does not have to have surgery. Other then that she is doing okay. Sunday is Mothers day there so have to send her a card on the internet. Cannot find a card around here this time of the year.
      Well that is about all from here. Please take care of yourself while taking care of Gary.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Good Morning Everyone,
      I’m starting a new chat for March. I hope that I can get things spelled right this time! lol See you all over there.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I did hear form Christine, so that is good. She did not email me, because she thought I would be too busy with Gary. I got worried, like we all do , when we do not hear from one of us.
      I am blessed. There are a lot of people who do not have granddaughters, and I feel bad for them. They are a blessing. My grandsons are still too small to do any adult errands….LOL We are both blessed. (Wait a minute—- yours are still small too, right? But you have more daughters.) Gail will have to wait for hers to get older, so they can come visit her.
      Gary is doing better today. But, the nurse who came could not get a vein to get blood, so we have to take a trip to the hospital. If it is not stormy tomorrow, we will do it them. I am not sure though, because I thought I heard it was going to rain.
      I do not think we will watch the Oscars anymore, either. What a waste of 3 hours. The Jimmy Kimmel after show was a lot better. I recorded it- it was hysterical.
      I am so glad the back calmed down. It is so hard when one needs help, that the other has no business doing. Nobody told us about this when we were young….LOL
      I can hardly wait to hear how much fun you had with the baby!!!! Take a pic, so we can see her cute little self.
      Hope your weather is good.
      Adele

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