January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures2017-01-01T12:44:33-05:00

Home Forums General Quacker Chatter January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      Welcome to our new page for the new year. Christine, good to hear from you. Don’t forget to join us more in the New Year. You too Sue. DD glad that the snow stopped when you were out the other night. Barbara, looking forward to hearing more from Tennessee. Adele, how many latkes did Gary polish off? Colleen, hopefully one of the doctors will find a solution to your digestive issues.
      We are starting a New Year. I hope that it is a happy and healthy one for all of us. As we age health becomes a priority for all of us. I hope we all have a new year of fun interesting stories to tell with lots of laughs for all of us. I wish the best for all of us in the New Year.

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      I don’t understand why those pictures won’t post straight across. The way it shows up it looks like I was drunk when I did it as they are all posted willy nilly. Sometimes this site does things goofy. Plus I had one more picture to post and it wouldn’t let me do it with that group.
      I am still under the weather. My nose is so stuffed up-it’s driving me crazy. I don’t like to take a lot of cold medicines though along with the regular meds that I take so I am just toughing it out.
      Greg was so sweet and made us surf and turf for New Year’s Eve dinner last night even though I wasn’t that hungry. He did make a really good red wine and cream sauce for the steak. Tonight we are just going to do appetizers for dinner. Some years we make a liver pate but I wasn’t up to it this year and I don’t want to make Greg do all the work. although in the winter time he doesn’t mind that much as he can’t get outside and do stuff so sometimes he is looking for projects. He always likes to try cooking new stuff but I think that’s because he doesn’t do it on a daily basis so for him it’s a novelty rather than a chore.
      We are babysitting Callie and Mimi. They are getting more used to being here so it doesn’t take them as long to get adjusted as it used to when they would come here. I would imagine the kids should be back here this afternoon to pick them up. Kendall was excited as she got this mermaid tail for Christmas that you can actually swim in so she was excited to try it at the pool. No sip of champagne for me at midnight this year. lol More like hot tea.
      Usually we watch White Christmas or Holiday Inn on NYE but this year I wasn’t in the mood for some reason so I found That’s Entertainment on TCM and we watched that. Ah those old Hollywood musicals! That reminds me. I’d like to see LaLa Land which is a musical and supposed to be very good. Neither of us was awake at midnight. lol
      Well time to watch the Bears game. No Super Bowl for them this year. They are a mess!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey everyone!
      Happy Quacky New Year to all!
      First, I will do my general news……The kids are coming today, as we are celebrating Aizen’s birthday. Uncle Bobby is still making his world famous gravy, aka spaghetti sauce, with meatballs and sausages. I was instructed to make chocolate chip cookies, and Steph is bringing either cupcakes, or a cake. So, shortly the fun will begin. If I gain any more weight this holiday season I will no longer fit in my Quacker clothes, and they do not make a 4x…..LOL
      Gary ate 6 Latke’s yesterday, or maybe 8- I lost count. Everyone here is fine, accept Heather and Dave do not feel great. They think they caught something at Chuckie Cheese, as they all went there for Aizen’s birthday.
      So……is everyone going to cheer for our Patriots? Bobby just let out a screech at the touchdown Edelman made.
      We did stay up to midnight, and saw the awful mess with Mariah Carey’s equipment malfunction.
      I go back to my back doctor this week, to see what he says about my MRI, and i ma glad there is no snow that day.
      Starting tomorrow, the Christmas will get dismatled, and it will not look as cheery in here. Thank God I have all my pumpkins and pumpkin Temptations!
      Colleen:
      Any time I make a new baked good, it does not come out well. You always have to do a trial run, and then the next time you get it right. Practice on Ron!!
      Maybe it is a good thing they did not find anything in the MRI, as it means there is no cancer, thank God. A good gastro doctor should be able to figure this out. I am still wondering if it is a food allergy, as they can develop at any age.
      There are so many people dying lately. Now, the actor who played the priest on MASH died.
      That breakfast casserole sounds like it was a winner. I bet when all the kids leave, you will take a 4 hour nap!!
      DD:
      I guess when you open up your mail, and get the huge lottery check, I will get the BMW….LOL We will give each other good luck. Gary got me scratch tickets for Christmas, and I won 7.00. he even sprung for a 10.00 one, and that got nothing.
      I am so glad the snow stopped the day you met your friends. I get scared when I see snow, and I am out, so I do not go,if they say it will snow. Even so, in our area, it could surprise you, like it did you. So happy you had a good time out for dinner. When is your birthday??
      Give a call back to Comcast, and see if your browser is compatible with windows 10- they can set up a newer one for you, and you will nto have any more problems. I even stayed signed in to this site, with the new Google Chrome browser. The only issue is, you will have to do a new favorite’s list for yourself to save them on the new browser. I am getting used to it, slowly but surely.
      Gailster:
      That is awful that you are still sick. I hope it goes away soon. These winter colds seem to last forever.
      I hope you will root for our Patriots! The game is on 2 TV’s right now, as Bobby is going back and forth between the living room and kitchen.
      We lost another branch on our birch tree yesterday- it had to be form the wind, as we did no get snow, but rain instead.
      I am attaching an embarrassing pic of me and Tillie, when she opened the needlepoint picture I made for her for Christmas. If I put that one on any chocolate in this house, I may lose weight…..LOL LOL
      Hope everyone has a good year, free from any more health issues! Love you guys!
      Adele

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    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Gail, the pics have nothing to do with you. It has to do with the size of the pic. You’ve seen some of mine do the same thing. It’s just the size of the pic & the space available. Not to worry.
      I’ve started dismantling my decorations. I’m kinda depressed cuz it takes so long to put it up.
      Adele, what are latkes? Potato pancakes? I’m gonna get an education yet, lol. I lived with a lady who lived in Missouri for yrs, & one day she asked me to fix some grits. Well, me being from out here didn’t know what grits were. (someone get the smelling salts, I think Adele & Colleen fainted). I know now, thanks to Virginia & ITKWD.
      I heard on the news tonight the temps coming are the coldest since 1979 when we had back to back ice storms in ’78 & ’79.
      Take care all.
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      That is terrible that you were sick for New Years Eve. We did not do anything either. It was a long boring night. We stayed up until midnight and then went to bed. I had to get on here and do the emails as during the day I did not get a chance. So guess I went to bed after that.
      You do better then I do. I cannot even post a picture on here and when I do it is sideways.lol I like all the pictures that you and DD post on here. They are so cheerful and make the day brighter. THe one with the snow Angle makes me think about when we were kids. We use to make them all the time. They were so cute and fun to make. It was hard to not make foot prints on the bottom though. You have to cover them up.
      That is nice that the dogs feel at home there now and are not worried or scared all the time. I bet the kids had a ball at the hotel and when they came to get the dogs had a lot to tell you. Did Piper give you a long talk on what they did at the hotel and about swimming.? She will be funny to listen to. She will talk your arm off. That is nice that they all like to swim. That is a good thing for kids to get into. It is good exercise.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      You are going to have a great day again today. It will be fun celebrating Aizen’s birthday. He will be really excited and you will hear a lot of yums from eating all of the cookies and cup cakes.
      Glad that Gary got to eat all of the latkas he wanted. Is that the only thing that you fixed for the meal? Maybe that is a lot I am not sure. I have never had them. It is nice that you fix both meals for both celebrations. That must get confusing at times.
      Nobody was watching football here today. Ron does not watch since the Rams left here and he will not watch. He will check the scores to make sure that the Rams lost and the other team that is in San Fransisco. He is a mess. We did not have any of the sil here so nobody wanted to watch. I hope that your team won.
      I will not take my Christmas things down until the sixth of January. It is the way we have done it since I was a child. I guess in some places they call it twelfth day. We just did it because that is when the wise men came to the Nativity. It was always the way it was done at my Grandmas house also. It is funny how all of these traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
      I thought that the picture of you and Tillie was really good. You looked really nice and so did Tillie. That was a pretty picture. My sister would have liked that also. She really likes light houses.
      I had not heard that he had died. I cannot remember his name. That is sad that he is gone. He was such a good actor and really was a nice man. All of the good actors and actresses are passing on. I guess they all got older at the same time. They will be missed.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      I have never really had grits either. They do make them here but I just have never tried them. Some day I will so I did not faint. I bet that Barbara has had them though.
      I hope that you can stay in the house and not have to go out when the cold weather hits. We have not had anymore really cold weather but they say we will have some this month. It is about the right time for the really cold. I will be glad when we get some snow. I really like snow.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Our news lady was wearing the black tee with grommets around the neck from Quacker Factory today. Did any of you get the TSV Dec 24th? It would have been good for those that say the short is still too long. Angel said that in one of her presentations too. I got a pair. I usually get the short, perfect for me. I got regular in these as I did not want them to short and they fit fine.
      Today is Angel’s Birthday.
      Did you know Dave King and Jenny Radko got married New Years Eve? Beautiful photos on Facebook.
      I wore myself out today taking down Christmas. So now I am watching the Rose Bowl game. Hope Penn State wins. Did any of you watch the Rose parade this morning? The surfing dogs were so cute. Those floats are amazing. I would love to see them up close.

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello everyone. Warm here today with storm warnings out and raining. This has been such an unusual winter; but at this point in our life, it’s kind of like normal. Have news for you all. Neal did pass his school; which is a blessing since it was SO hard; but then the other news is this means he has to go wherever he is assigned and that is Napa California. They only give him until January 20th to be there to start work on the 22nd. He drove home on New Years Eve and as of right now we have absolutely no idea what day they will be leaving, but it will be very soon. So we need prayers for their safe trip and that we will all face these new changes in our lives. Sarahs parents and Jerry and me and Lisa went out to dinner with them last night to Shogun resturant where they cook the meal at this big hot stove like thing in the middle of where you are sitting, and do tricks with the knives they are using and such. We had a wonderful time, but it was all I could do to hold it together. Joey had to work. He is going over to their apartment tonight. I know he has already volunteered to drive with Neal or to drive Sarahs car to help him. So many decisions for them to make; and so little time to do it. They seem like they are going to break the lease on their apartment; and all go together. Of course, Jerry and I are beside ourselves with worry for them to be moving across country in the middle of the winter. Jerry has asked me to please hold it together as much as I possibly can for Neals sake; since we both know he really doesn’t want to live so far away from all of us and she from all of her family. And I can’t even begin to talk about how much we will miss our little Colin. He was just so sweet this weekend, and I just cuddled and snuggled with him as much as I could. I know I have so much to be grateful for but my heart is breaking. So girls, these next few weeks will be difficult and we need all the good thoughts coming our way to help our son and his little family, and help us to do as we need to do.
      Well, I hope you all are doing well, and Gail hope you are feeling better. Let’s all do the best we can to make our new year a healthy good year for us all. Take care my good friends. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      You must be so proud of Neal for passing but sad that they are leaving. That was surprising that they moved him so far from home. Maybe he will get a chance to move back closer to home after he has worked there for awhile. It will be hard to see them move and we will all be here whenever you need to talk about it. We will laugh and cry with you. We know what it is like to have a family member move far away. They will be in our prayers and so will you and Jerry. They really are not giving him much time to get there.
      We have the Shogun restaurants around here also. It is fun going there. Did the chef tossed food into your mouth? THey did that at the one that we went to. It might of been because of the grands though. They had really good food and we all enjoyed it. It is fun to watch them cook it in front of us also.
      We are all doing fine here. How is Maw Maw? Hope that she has recovered from her fall.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      How was Aizen’s birthday celebration? It’s hard to believe that he is three already. Time does fly.
      Our Christmas is still up and won’t come down until after the Epiphany on the 6th. Even after that it will come down slowly piece by piece. Our decorations have only been up completely since mid December so I take them down slowly-just like I put them up slowly.
      I am finally beginning to feel better. This was a very weird kind of cold with never a runny nose just a stuffy one-and now when that is gone i have a cough. All the components came piece by piece instead of all at once.
      I think that’s a lovely picture of you and Tillie-she has on one of my favorite new shirts. I’ll bet she loved the lighthouse picture. I am intrigued by something in the photo-what are those little balls hanging off the light sconce behind you? Is it a decoration or part of the light fixture? Whatever it is I like it.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I’m glad to know that it’s not me having those pictures come out that crazy way. I had nine pictures picked out to post in what I thought would be three rows of three-not! In fact it wouldn’t even let me post the last picture of dogs celebrating 2017. I’ll have to do that individually-I guess.
      It is hard to take the decorations down when it takes so long to put them up. Plus putting them up is like going on vacation-it’s the anticipation of what’s to come and taking them down is like coming home from vacation where it’s all over now and it’s a bit of a let down to get back to “normal” life. Plus I hate putting away the lights because this is such a gloomy time of year without them. The days are still short-with lots of sunless days also.
      I have eaten grits but have never made them himself. My husband loves shrimp and grits. Although he can only get them in restaurants when we travel in the south-not around here. Interestingly enough years ago I worked in a mental hospital and the cafeteria there served them a lot. Maybe its one of those foods that are cheap and filling.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I remember making snow angels with our kids when they were little. Back then I had a snowmobile suit which was perfect for going out sledding with them. Now I just stay indoors when it snows. lol
      I am like you and don’t take the decorations down until after the Epiphany. I have even read of some people saving one present to give on that night. That’s kind of a neat tradition.
      I am finally starting to feel better. Greg has been so good. he cooked New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and last night he made me crepes because I had a taste for them.
      The kids were all worn out after swimming so much on New Year’s Eve. Kendall’s eyes were all red from the pool and i didn’t ask her how the mermaid tale worked because Piper was so busy asking me questions.
      Piper-where’s grandpa?
      Me-at the apartment and at WalMart
      Piper-Are you out of food?
      Me-no not really but he is picking some things up because we are making appetizers for dinner tonight
      Piper-am I going to be here?
      Me-not that I know of
      Piper-why do you have that picture of cats on the wall
      Me-because i like it
      Jenny-time to go Daddy and Lachlan are in the car
      Everyone-goodbye-love you lol
      We are supposed to go back into the deep freeze again for the next several days-brrrrrrr! When is spring?
      I got an email from Debbie finally. She says hi to everyone. She has to stay away from the computer because that irritates the muscles in her face and neck. She has found a chiropractor who has helped her and says the nausea and vomiting and dizziness and tinnitus is gone for the most part. However this is chronic so she has to be very careful not to overheat and over use those face and neck muscles. She is still gardening and actually had those pink grasses grow and turn pink. If anyone could do it she could she is such a good gardener. Anyway, she still has to stay away from being online too much as that irritates her situation. I still pray that someday she can come back and join us again. We should try to remember her in our prayers as she has really been fighting a battle. However, she is a very determined person so I have faith that she will prevail.
      Our grands don’t go back to school until next Monday. This has been over a two week vacation. I bet the teachers enjoyed it more than the kids. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Sue,
      How neat to see the newscaster in the black QF tee.
      I bought the TSV but haven’t tried them on yet as I have been under the weather. I bought the regular too as i want them to fit like regular pants not ankle pants. I normally buy the short also. That’s why I like ankle pants as they are like regular pants on me.
      I didn’t know it was Angel’s birthday. I wonder how old she is.
      I did see some pictures of Dave and Jenny on the Q site. I can’t quite remember what company she repped for. Do you know? I hope Dave’s career is going well. You do see him now and again on TV shows. it would be nice for him if he got a regular part. That would be a big break.
      Did Penn State win? I did catch a video of the surfing dogs float on the Today show. I’ll bet all those floats smell gorgeous with all the flowers on them.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      Congratulations to Neal for passing his course. I know it will be hard for you all with him moving away but i guess this is something that is very important to him and something he feels he must do for the good of his family. I will pray that you all make the transition successfully. Napa California is supposed to be very beautiful so maybe you can take some trips there to visit. I know that it is hard for Jerry to travel but maybe there would be a way to figure out how to do it.
      Joey is a good brother volunteering to make the trip with them. They have a lot to do in a short amount of time. Pack and move and find a new place to live.
      I know you will miss them all terribly. We will always be here to chat with and for a shoulder to cry on if need be.
      Hugs to you,
      Gail

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      I think Angel is 48.
      I really like Dave King. He will answer people that post to him on Facebook. He does not act like he is better than anyone. He seems to be doing well. I do wish he would get a regular part in a TV show. Maybe one of these days as he has appeared in a lot of different shows. He also sells houses. He and Jenny are so cute together. I am not sure who she represented on QVC. I do remember her being on and someone thought she appeared for more than one company.
      Unfortunately Penn State lost in the last seconds of the game when USC kicked the winning field goal. Final score 52-49. Penn State did very well this year and can be proud of the team. It was the highest scoring Rose Bowl game ever. It was a good game.

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hope you all are all well today and having a good day. Gloomy gray skies today; but no rain so far. You all make me feel like the Grinch about all your Christmas decorations. This was such an unusual time this year that all I put out was the porcelin tree with the lights on each tip like I had when I was a child that the Q sold in July; and my Christmas Angel on one side and the old time Santa statue with the deer and little forrest animals all around him that winds up and plays Christmas songs on the other side of the tree. So it only took just a few minutes to pack everything back in its boxes. Next Christmas; if the family can just all be together I plan on going all out; so I will make up for this year. Little Colin loved the lights shining on the tree. He is reaching out now and grasping at things. He is beginning to drool; so there is a little tooth hiding in there somewhere waiting for the right time to pop out. I know the children have so many people they want to be able to see or at the very least talk to before they make their move. Jerry and me are just playing it by ear and having them keep us in the loop as they can. I am hoping Sarah will take a travel nursing assignment for a few months; since the company she chooses to work for will provide them furnished housing; and most assignments are for 12-16 weeks, and that would give them a good amount of time to decide where they will want to live on a more permanent basis; and for her to decide which hospital she will want to be at if any. She said over here the other night that she is not sure she is even going to go back to work; but even though Jerry looked wide eyed at that statement; he kept his mouth shut which I have asked him to do; except to offer help when asked or to speak to Neal on things like driving conditions and what ever Neal might have questions about. And you are right Gail; this move will give Jerry and me a reason to go to California and add some adventure to our lives. I just have to get some doctor who I trust to tell me it is definitely okay for me to fly. They have been so wishy washy about this that it kept us from being at Buddys retirement, and that was so heartbreaking to miss this. I don’t know why no one will commit to a definitive answer but it is definitely something I want to know and I expect someone to have an answer. I feel like you do Colleen, just tell me for goodness sake. If I can’t fly then let me know so I can look for other means. I just know we don’t plan on going a year or more without seeing them.
      I heard from Debbie as well, and was happy that I did. I really miss her, and the interesting stories she would share with us. But I know her health comes first, and if it hurts her to look down at the computer than she shouldn’t. It just made me feel so good to know she is okay and thinking of us. Did we ever figure out how long we have been chatting with one another? And now with Sue retired she has more time to visit, and Adele has so many great stories and DD with her wonderful pictures. I meant to ask you DD if you don’t mind, are you in your 20’s or so; since I think I am the oldie on here. If so; it is so nice to have a young in age perspective since all of us are definitely young at heart. Sarahs Mom told the waiter at the restaurant the other night that she isn’t “old” enough for senior citizen discount right after her husband asked for his if they honor it. I think she is about 55. So she is quite a bit younger than I am. I think back on how hard I was working when I was her age, and I am not ready to go back there. I enjoy my afternoon nap and a good book; which usually puts me right off into my nap. LOL By the was, I was given a Christmas treat from one of my neighbors and it was so good it is almost addictive. It only has 2 ingredients, a box of graham cracker little squares cereal and melted bag of white chocolate. You mix the two together, let it cool, and break it into bite sized pieces. It was SO good, I just couldn’t believe it. I had to give it away to Joey because I found my hand constantly in that plastic candy/cookie bucket she had brought it in. So I think your grands would like it.
      I know I am in a sappy kind of mood with all the changes in our lives taking place right now; but I just want to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for being so supportive, encouraging, and kind to me over these years that we have been talking to one another. There have been so many times that your words have meant more than I could ever say, and even though I have never had the privilege to meet you all in person, I have felt the love and sincerity across the miles. I have cried with you, laughed with you, and shared your lives through your words. One of the greatest lessons I learned from the stroke was how fragile our time can be; and how I want to make sure that I let people who are important in my life know how important they are to me. So, thank you all for being you and being my true friends. From my heart, Barbara

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!! The COLD air has arrived & isn’t leaving anytime soon, they say. And when it does it’s gonna be a nasty transition over the weekend.
      That means when the rain tries to come in it means possible freezing rain or snow. Either one is dangerous! IT’s snowing in other parts of the state, mostly the mts & upper elevations.
      Oh Barbara, thank you for thinking I’m in my 20s. You’re sweet. No I haven’t been in my twenties since the 70s. I’ll be 67 next week.
      Don’t feel like the Grinch because you put out simple decorations. Sometimes less is more! If you enjoy it that’s all that matters.
      What was Neal studying for to be sent out to Napa, Ca.? It is beautiful there.

      Was Debbie in an accident to have those injuries? That’s a shame she can’t communicate with us anymore. there should be some way she could
      use a computer without bending her neck. That’s too bad. there’s the voice activated system they had on the Q. You hook it up to the computer & you talk to the computer & it types out what you’re saying. I can almost see the name of it but it isn’t coming. I hate that.

      Gail, I got a kick out of your conversation with Piper. As Art Linkletter used to say, kids say the darndest things, & ask the darndest questions.

      OK girls, who is Dave King? I don’t think I know who he is. Maybe I do & just don’t realize it. The name doesn’t ring any bells.
      Now that I’ve taken down the tree, & stuff it’s bare & an echo chamber in here.
      Well, that’s about it for now.
      Stay warm
      dd

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      Your pictures of birds, butterflies and flowers warm my soul on the bitter cold day that we are experiencing.
      Debbie has a very rare and serious disease called mastocytosis. It’s so difficult to explain that it’s best if you just google it. Anyway, it affects different people in different ways and because it is so rare there is not much good treatment for it as not much research money is pushed that way. She had a doctor prescribe an antihistamine which just messed up her system worse than it was so since then she has been struggling with the aftereffects and trying to find a way to live life as normally as possible without bringing on symptoms of the disease. She used to be on here and she is so full of life and would regale us with such amusing stories that we all miss her.
      Dave King is a former QVC host. He left the Q to go out to California and pursue his acting dream. I have seen him recently on a short spot on the show The Middle and I know he has been on some other shows too. He was a real gentleman and seemed like a nice guy so we hope that he can fulfill his dreams. I don’t remember how long ago he left the Q-maybe someone else can answer that.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      You are not being sappy. You have a lot of changes going on in your life right now and it’s normal to feel emotional. We have all been through a lot together and have been there to support each other and will continue to do so. Hugs to you.
      I think I came on here around July 2010 and I think Debbie had just started right before and you came on shortly after that. Colleen and Sue were on practically from the first i think. They were both on the original board I think. So it’s been quite awhile since we started.
      It sounds like no one wants to commit to an answer about flying. Could you talk to other former stroke patients and see what their experiences have been and whether they flew again after a stroke. I would try and do some research and see what the general consensus is on this. At that point I would talk to my most trusted doctor and tell him you want to fly to see your son and see what they say. If they say no you will have to try and figure something else out. Too bad there aren’t more and better rail systems for those who can’t fly.
      You know maybe Joey and Lisa getting back together is a blessing in disguise with everything else that is happening in your life. I know you and Lisa used to be quite close before the accident so maybe you will become close again and she will be there to help you through all these changes. I hope so.
      We are all here pulling for you.
      Gail

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      I don’t know how long ago Dave King left QVC. Its been a while but he seems to be doing well and seems very happy.

      I just read this morning that Max & Peta from DWTS had their baby boy this morning.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey everyone!
      I cannot believe how much I missed in a couple of days! Holy crap! First, I will give you all my news.
      The decorations are finally all down, and put away. It looks very sad in here. I mat give in, and get out my Annalee Valentine dolls. I changed the lights on brown tree on the deck to red, for Valentine’s day- I will have to pick a color for March- maybe green for ST Patty’s day??
      Tomorrow I go to my doctor to do the review on the MRI, and the rest of my upper body aches. At least the weather here will be ok tomorrow, no snow. It will snow on Friday, and then once more over the weekend. It was in the 40’s yesterday, and will drop down tonight, but nowhere near the temps DD has had.
      Aizen’s party went well. He LOVES the dragon I got from the Q. It is one of those interactive ones, that will even repeat back some words he says. Gary was amazed, as he has never seen a toy like that before. At first, he was a little scared of it, and then he loved it. It was funny.
      I just washed and ate some strawberries. First of all, they look weird- they are kind of cone shaped, and boy, are they sour. I had to dunk them in sugar, which kind of defeats the eating of fruit. I could have had Lindt balls, with less calories….LOL
      Speaking of life being short. My old friend, who is 5 years younger than I, had a heart attack, and had 4 stints put in yesterday. She is the SIL of my bestie Maxine. She was not feeling great, and had heartburn. They are all so very lucky her husband insisted she go to the ER.
      Nancy finally has a date for her son’s surgery for the throat cancer- it is Jan 14th. Please say a prayer for him.
      My other friend Joyce had another grandchild- a girl, who came a month early, but is healthy and fine. They are thrilled.
      I cannot get onto Facebook. i am able to read the first post, and then the little circle goes round and round, and I get nothing else, and end up shutting out of there. So, I am missing a lot!! i may have to call the Geek Squad again. Or Comcast.
      DD:
      I had grits on a snowmobile trip we went on decades ago. I loved them, and got some, and followed the directions on the box. They did not taste as good as the restaurant’s.
      Latka’s are potato pancakes. We only have them once a year, or I would have a heart attack….LOL They get fried.
      I will also be 67 this month- on the 22ond. Isn’t that funny?
      I also feel sad the decorations are down. At least we have our pretty Temptations to look at.
      It is not as cold as your place, which is unusual for New England. Up further north, they have been blasted with snow. Ours keeps changing to rain
      Colleen:
      See above for the birthday news. The Aizne had a good time, loves Uncle Bobby’s meatballs, and the dragon from the Q.
      I made the last of the 2 sides I got form the Q- the mac and cheese, and the rice with chicken and broccoli. They were really good, and I was tired yesterday, so just popping them in the oven was great.
      When we do the Altka’s, it is the only thing we serve, as they are very heavy, and you could just not eat another thing. plus, we only have them once a year, so you need the room to enjoy just them, says Gary. The first time I made them, I served them with Matzo Ball soup, and that did not go over well with the Jewish guy….LOL
      how have you been feeling?? Tomorrow is the last holiday baking show. I really enjoy that show.
      Sue:
      That is hysterical that your news lady had a Quacker top on. I never see anyone in any, accept me and Tillie. Only Amanda has seen someone in Quacker at her restaurant on Boston.
      I did see the surfing dogs, on the news. I was not watching the parade, as I was doing a double batch of cookies for the party. i caught a few little glimpses, but, nothing much. Are you cheering for our Patriots now?
      I did not know who Dave King was, either. I have not been able to get into Facebook since I ahd the Geek squad fix the last issue,and changed my browser. this is getting ridiculous. I am missing a lot of news.
      Barbara:
      That is great Neal passed, and awful he will be leaving. of course you are depressed. Every time you hold little Colin, you are thinking of not holding him. I totally get it. Do you think they will let yo have the baby more, before they go? To help them pack, etc? that would be a good excuse to take him for a day, or more. Neal is starting his new job on my birthday. I hope that brings him luck.
      On the other hand, 12 to 16 weeks will go by fast. But, not if you are miserable. being sad makes time drag. Can you do that face time thing with them and Colin? One of my friends does that with her grands. Still sucks. It is just plain mean for a grandchild to be moved away from any of us. Do not feel bad at all, by coming on here, and telling us how sad you are. We are sad for you! Also…keep off the internet weather. Every storm you see across the country, will make you nuts. Just gently ask if they will check in with you every night, so you do no worry. Not that it will make a difference in your worrying. We are mothers, and that is what we do.
      Gailster:
      The pretty balls you saw are the Waterford cased crystal ornaments. I hang them from all the chandeliers- hall(one in the picture), kitchen and living room. They are so sparkly and pretty. I have a couple of clear angel ones that hang with the colored ones, and 2 snowflake ones- all from Waterford. i usually get their annual one, on sale, of course, but, I am now out of places to hang anymore….LOL
      Your Piper is hysterical. I am surprised she was not sleeping in the car, from the trip. Sounds like Kendall had a ball in the water. Do you miss their puppies?
      How is your cold today? I hope it is all gone. At least you still have your pretty trees up.
      So, Tillie and you were twins on Christmas Eve. At least the 2 of if had on different Quacker tops for a change. i love those 2 piece ones they had this year- too bad they only had 2 sets. I hope they have a couple more next year- one in red would be great.
      I hope everyone’s day is going well, and you are not freezing. DD- I bet you are thrilled you got that new cuddly throw, and are putting it to good use this winter, for sure!
      Love, Adele….who will soon be 67, just after DD is…LOL LOL

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      I forgot to say….so happy Gail and Barbara heard from Debbie. please give her my best for a healthy new year.
      ‘Barbara- how do you make grits?
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      How did the results from the MRI go? Greg goes back to the pain doctor on Monday. I hope they can figure out more to do for him.
      I didn’t realize that you had gotten Aizen that dragon. it is really cute and does lots of cool things. I can see why he loved it.
      You can’t get into Facebook and Greg can’t get into his e-mails on his laptop-but at least can see them on his I Pad. It’s hard when we get used to checking those things and then they become unavailable.
      I’m so glad that you liked those sides. I think we have been using them off and on for a few years now. It sure makes things easier sometimes.
      No one does cut crystal like Waterford,do they?
      I was so happy with our trees this year. Glad that I brought the one from the upper landing into the family room. That’s the one that has mostly Quacker ornaments. Everyone liked how it looked there. Plus I decorated my big tree in front of the living room window different this year. I usually use all these Thomas Paccone ornaments that i bought from the Q over the years. This year I used just Joan Rivers egg ornaments and some others that were special to me like our sports teams and ones with our dogs pictures and ones that I have picked up while traveling etc. Greg is happy because i would always have him help me take down the tree and each of those Thomas Paccone ornaments went into a special cut out section in their boxes and it took forever to match the right ornament with the right spot so this will be much easier to dismantle this year. Greg would complain the whole time before so he was glad when I used other ornaments this year and i really liked the way it looked.
      Jenny’s dogs are pretty easy to have around as they are older so they don’t require much other than to sit by you and be petted. It’s funny how you always think of dogs laying at their master’s feet and our dog Abby always actually did lay at my feet(if she wasn’t next to me on the couch-lol) I even bought a sculpture of a woman sitting in a chair reading a book with a dog at her feet that looked similar to Abby because it reminded me of us.
      You know this year should have been my 50th high school reunion and i was so surprised not to get an invitation-I tried to search online but found no info and so just assumed that they decided not to have one. Well then i get a Christmas card from someone i went to school with and she says I missed you at the reunion. So obviously they had one after all. so now i go online and see the details where i couldn’t find them before. It was last October. Now i don’t know what happened. I am not that hard to find and have had the same phone number for the last 40 years. But maybe they just put up online notices and didn’t actually send invitations and somehow I missed it. So I am kind of sad about that. It’s fun to catch up with people who have moved away.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Well it is finally quite here. Everyone has gone home and the house is almost back to normal. It is snowing here and we have over an inch right now. That does not seem like much with all the snow you have been getting. This is our first good snow and it is nice to see it.
      Sounds like the kids had a good time at the pool. Piper is such a cutie. That was an interesting conversation. She can ask a lot of questions. That is funny that she thought you were out of food. Guess they do not think that there is any reason to go to the store unless you are out of food. They learn a lot of things when they get older.
      I have been sick for the past couple of days. I was in bed all day yesterday and am not feeling much better today. I really need to find out what is causing this. I am really getting disgusted.
      I have the Thomas Paccone ornaments also. It is hard to get them back in the boxes. You would not think that they would be that hard but I guess just that little difference can make them hard to put back. I really do like them though. We did not put that tree up this year. We just could not decide where to put it.
      Next time that you talk to Debbie tell her I said hi and i am have been thinking of her. She was so much fun to talk to and she always could make everyone laugh.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great day.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I really like the sides from that company also. I usually get them on auto delivery. This time we are just getting the 2 pd. of mac and cheese and the dressing an sweet potatoes. I really like the broccoli and rice but it did not come with this group. Maybe next year I will be able to get those. Wish they would make a set where you could pick the sides that you want.
      I am not feeling very well today. I have been sick for the past couple of days. I am really tired of this. I wish that they would figure this all out and I could start to feel better all the time.
      It sounds like the potato latkas are pretty filling. I have never had any but have heard of them. Never have had the soup either. I should try some of both and see what they are like. I have not tried very many Jewish dishes. They are not easy to find around here.
      I hope that you get good news from your mri. Hope that you did better when you had yours then I did when I had mine. That was funny that Gary was so drugged before he did the mri. That is the best way to go though I think. If I ever have to have another one that is what I am going to do.
      Well I am going to go for now. Have a great day.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Not much on tv right now so I thought I’d write a few lines. I’m glad someone saw that dinosaur they had on the Q. I saw it when they had it on in July, I think it was. Rick was the host & I don’t remember the guys name who was presenting it, but I got such a kick out of watching those two, I don’t who was the bigger kid that night. I knew it’d be great for the grands.
      I have those Thomas Pacconi ornaments too. I have the same problem of getting em back where they belong. I have several sets of them. I also have several of Christopher Radko ornaments. I wonder whatever became of those guys? They haven’t been on in yrs. I wonder if they went belly up.
      Colleen, are you in a lot of pain? My cousin was recently in the hospital in excruciating pain. Turned out there was a problem between the stomach & the small intestine. Too much acid is created when the food leaves the stomach, going in to the small intestines, causing pain. Have the Drs looked into that?
      It’s called the douodonum(?).

      It’s still cooooooooooold out here. I had to go to the store today to pick up prescriptions. Luckily the wind had died down so it wasn’t nearly as bad as it was. I bundled up to the point I looked like the Michelin man, LOL.
      It’s only gonna get worse over the weekend. But that’s better since people will be home from work & no school. Some schools have had to close all week cuz they got hit with ice & snow in the higher elevations earlier in the week. When the warmer air comes in it’ll be back to regular Oregon rain.
      HOOOOOOOORAY!!!
      those sides will be on Holiday gourmet for Easter & probably before that. They sure sound good. I got some a few yrs ago & they were good. I think I got the sweet potatoes, & dressing. I don’t remember the mac n cheese.
      I guess that’s all for now.
      take care.
      dd

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    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Gail, I looked up mastocytosis. Wow, I’ve never heard of such a thing. Poor Debbie, has she had this her whole life or is this a recent attack? I’ll be praying for her & all of you as well.

      Colleen, I was talking about the duodenum. Have they tested for an ulcer there? It’s where the acid comes in. It burns the lining of the stomach causing pain & other symptoms. I think my sister had one many yrs ago. She was on a bland diet for a long time.
      Have they tested for cilliac disease? Allergic to gluten in wheat, oats, & barley? Mary,of ITKWD has that. That’s why she can’t eat cookies, brownies, pasta, etc. There has to be something going on down there. I hope they figure it out!!!
      Sending prayers to all.
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I wish that I could tell you that you could fly. I do not know for sure. The only thing that I know is that if you have blood clots and they have taken care of them you cannot fly for a year. The only reason that I know that is Christine had a blood clot and that is what they told her. Just keep pressuring your doctor to let you know. I cannot get a doctor to tell me what is wrong with my stomach. That is how good I am at getting answers when you need them.lol
      It may be a good thing is she Sara does not go back to work right away. That way they can figure out where they are going to live and she will not have to keep finding babysitters. That is hard to do when you first to move to a new place. Especially with a baby. My daughter has family to watch our little one and that is the only way that she can work.
      There is nothing like a good nap. I take on a lot. I think that we all do now. Some times reading a book helps me to fall asleep. It is not good because I fall asleep mid chapter then have to read it over again.
      I have been having all kinds of weird dreams lately. I do not know why but I do. One was we were burying people under our porch in a house we lived in when I was a kid. I think that I am losing my mind.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Going crazy in Mo.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD.
      They have checked all of that. They did a endoscopy on the upper stomach and then the mri on the lower stomach. It is just a puzzle to them. I am leaning towards the diabetes thing. That is about all that is left. They will give me medicine to see if that will take care of it. If that does not work then I do not know what they will do. Thank you for all the information though. That is something to keep in mind if they cannot find it. There is not a lot of pain with it just get sick to my stomach. It is okay when it is just nausea but then when it goes farther it is not fun. I can get sick on a plain bowl of oatmeal. I hope that your cousin is okay now.
      We have snow here also. We are supposed to be cold here for the rest of the week and then it is going to get warmer and rain. Then it is supposed to drop again and do not know what will happen then. This weather is crazy. It just goes up and down.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night. Thanks for all the information will keep all of that in mind.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I am sorry that you have been sick again. I guess you will have to pursue going to that other gastro doctor. Did they say that you had that gastroparesis or not-and if so what can be done about it? I hope there will be some relief in sight soon.
      Isn’t the house quiet after all the kids go home? It’s nice and not nice both at the same time. How much longer before Stephen comes home?
      I may have to retire those Thomas Piccone ornaments after this year. Hopefully maybe one of the kids may eventually want them.
      Debbie told me to say hi to you-so I will say that you said hi back and that you think about her alot like all of us do.
      I think Piper thought that we had no food because at their house by the time their Mom goes shopping on the weekend their refridge is pretty empty after feeding three growing kids and a 6 ft. 5 husband all week. lol
      How much snow did you end up getting? No snow here just below zero windchills.
      I have not watched Chick’s Night In yet but i think it was all clearance stuff.
      You probably are worn out after all the activity with the kids. Were you able to get any naps in while they were there? You’re probably nap deprived.
      Hope you are enjoying that new Kitchen aide-pretty soon you’ll be baking like Adele.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I don’t think any of us knew about mastocytosis until Debbie was diagnosed. It is very rare so even the doctors don’t know that much about it. I’m not sure but I think Debbie always had it but it didn’t start affecting her badly until more recently. Because so little is known about it she has been on a quest to learn as much as she can and to discover what works best for her and her particular symptoms. It’s an ongoing process for her. I’m sure she will appreciate the prayers as she has a tough hill to climb.
      I think (am not sure) that both Thomas Piccone and Christopher Radko both went over to HSN for awhile. Not sure if they are still there or not. I also have a few of the Radko ornaments. Most of them are quite large and if i remember they were kind of pricey too. I will have to google and see if they both are still around somewhere.
      Stay inside and keep warm and dry this weekend.
      Gail

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      We have snow here today. This is kind of rare for Tennessee, at least our part of the state. I know you ladies who see this a lot would laugh at all the confusion and running around these folks; including me; do at the first hint of a snow flake. LOL Sarah worked last night; but another nurse she works with lives in their same apartment complex, and Sarah rode with her to and from. Neal was worried; but they did fine. Neal kept Mr. Colin last night; this was his first night alone with the baby. Colin was a sweet boy, and only woke up once for a feeding and change. When we went out to dinner the other evening with her parents, I saw Neal kissing Colin and playing with his little feet. It was so sweet to see them finally together after these 3 months being apart. Neal was in Air Traffic Controller school; and his initial assigned airport is Napa. We have just made ourselves available for any time or anything they may need us for; and we knew he and Sarah would need time to really think about how they would be handling their move. Right now; according to Neal the plan is to have this container thing come to their apt. and they will store everything up in there except the absolute necessities, and it will be shipped to California as soon as they get and apartment. It takes Sarah about 6 weeks to get her nursing license ready to be used in CA. so she and the baby will stay here until that is ready and fly out there then. I am so happy for them. This is something that Neal is so interested in, and Jerry and I plan on having visits per this computer regularly. LOL Honestly, I just can’t wrap my mind or my heart around how much I know I will miss them; but he has worked so hard for this; and I have to be grateful for this opportunity for them, and make myself put on my brave face once again; for their sakes.
      I have lots of the Thomas Piccone ornaments as well. It takes me SO long to put them back in their little indentations, but I just love them. They remind me of old times. I always laugh at me and Jerry trying to fit an ornament in the wrong hole. It seems like it should be so simple; but I thought it was just us. ha ha I remember once that Joan Rivers sold a metal tree that held her egg ornaments. I wanted it so badly for my eggs, but it sold out in a flash, and there was no wait list. I guess I should try to google it and see if someone has one for sale. I just love to see someone besides me in a Quacker shirt. It happens so rarely though. You would think as many of us as there is that you would see more people. One lady did quack at me once in Florida. I was thrilled. Little Colin loves my shirts. He is a real Quacker. The more sparkles the better for him. Bet your grands love them too.
      I guess it is a good thing it doesn’t snow that often here, girl
      s. Jerry stayed in bed until almost noon today. He woke up about 8, fed Auto Kitty, who promptly got back in bed and snuggled afterward (Auto Kitty, not Jerry) but Jerry did get back in bed with a big cup of coffee for him, hot chocolate for me, and his computer, and he played on his computer all morning. I got up and showered, put clean pj’s back on, and we all just snuggled in and watched the snow. I put a crock pot of soup on and later today will have some crusty bread and warm soup.
      Hope you feel better soon, Colleen and Gail. Bless your heart, Colleen, I know you want to just open the front door and give this sickness a swift kick out the door and tell it to stay away! Gail, are you having problems with your sinus/respiratory issues now? Take care. A good remedy for chest congestion is deep breaths; so have Piper just do her little cute things, and her acts, and you will get lots of deep breaths laughing at her cuteness and that will keep your chest clear. I have meant to ask you Adele, how is Garys brother now? I know this must be so hard on Gary. I will be praying for all of you all, and for those in your families who are sick or having surgeries. So much going on with all our families.
      Take care everyone. Keep warm. Barbara
      Diane, you are young at heart; not sure how I get things so mixed up. ha ha But do love your pictures. They always make me smile.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      This sickness is never ending. They want me to come in Thursday for more blood work. My white cell count is high and they want to see what is wrong. I am about ready to give up. I may not have any blood left by the time they get done. Ron wants to tell them to stop taking all the blood and just figure out what is wrong. It is just crazy that they keep doing this. It is no wonder that I am anemic. Oh well life goes on.
      It is quite here. I miss the kids a lot but am glad for the peach and quite. There were no naps taken while they were here. They were busy all the time and always wanting me or Ron to come and see what they were doing. They also fight a lot. It is hard at their age to get along all the time. Ethan like to aggravate Kaylee and he does a good job of it. lol
      We ended up with about 3 inches so not much. It is so cold here though. It is 6 degrees right now. So the dogs are in the utility room tonight. Last night we had to force Snoopy to come in. He was not going to come in for nothing. I had to get a treat for him to get him to come up close to the door and then grab his collar and bring him in the house. Goofy dog don’t know what is wrong with him. Austin came right in and made himself comfortable. They stay in the utility room. They like it in there and do not try to come in the house.
      I wanted to buy a pair of the jeans that they had on sale but did not get on the computer in time. They were sold out in my size. I could not get either pair. So that was that. I tried using my gift card on the computer last night and that did not work either. Last night was not a good night for me. Just not meant for me to buy anything.
      I did look for Thomas Paccone and could not find him at all. I hope that you have better luck. It seems like his family would take over the business if something happened to him. I cannot remember if he ever had family on qvc or not do you? That would be sad if he had no family to carry on.
      Well that is about all from here. have a good night
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      That is a hard thing to get use to knowing that your son is going to move away. It will be nice to go see him though. California is a pretty place but expensive. I have a niece and a nephew that live in California. They use to live in San Jose but they have moved to different towns. Do not know where they live now.
      It is really cold here also. It is 6 degrees and still going down. It is a good thing that there is not a lot of wind though it would make it worse. I do not blame you and Jerry for just snuggling in bed and watching the snow. There is not much else to do when it snows. We do not go out much when there is snow on the ground. It is better to stay in the house. It makes for good napping also.
      We are all closer to the same age then we thought. I am 66 so am not that much younger then the rest of you. I will turn 67 later in the year. So we all have lived thru the same times. Just in different states. It is funny how we all do things different because of where we live and call food different things.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Just dropping in to say Hello to everyone. The snow is clearing off the main roads, but our backwoods country roads are still icy. I just won’t drive on them; but Jerry does. All those years of being an over the road truck driver and he has had to experience some really bad road conditions. I have spent many a day and night just terrified for him. I know he wishes he could just be healthy enough to still do this; but I am grateful to have him home instead of the other. He actually started to fall last night but I caught him. He was taking his pants off for bed and lost his balance, but I was right next to him and caught him. I know it scared him too. I have told him 1000 times to lean against the bed when he is taking his pants off, but you know men. I think he will be more careful now. He made me swear to secrecy and not tell any of the boys. So I will be watching him tonight and see if he really learned his lesson. I lectured him more than I should have afterward, but he needed it.
      Spoke to Neal today. He said they will be staying in today since it is still so cold. I know he has missed his little family. He was sort of whispering so he told me Colin was asleep in his lap. What a precious time this is for him. They are coming over tomorrow night for dinner. Sarah has to work tomorrow night so she will go on to work from here and he and itty bit will stay and visit with us and Joey. You can bet I will be making lots of pictures. LOL
      So sorry you have to go for more tests Colleen, but I am going to pray that this test will give the right doctor the answer you need to help you feel lots better. And go ahead and let Ron fuss at them for putting you through so much. Sometimes they need to hear that. It is so easy to forget how this is unless you are going through it yourself. I have always told my nurses to put themselves in the patients place and think of this (whatever they might be doing) as if they were the one it was being done to and how they would feel. Prayers coming your way.
      Jerry just told me that we are out of eggs and he wants breakfast for dinner; so he is going to the store. Guess I better get off of here and see if we need anything else while he is there. Take care everyone, and will talk to you soon. Barbara

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey everyone!
      Just a quick up-date. I will read all the posts tomorrow, and answer everyone.
      The MRI showed arthritis, and the usual “spondyliosos”.I have a couple of discs collapsing, but not bad, and nowhere near surgery level. The larger issue is the shoulders. He said it is also bursitis, and is afraid the shoulders “will freeze”, lose mobility,and end up with surgery to repair the damage. So……off to PT I go. I hope it doe snot stress out the back or neck, so I will talk to them about being very careful with me.
      I came home in a lot of pain, and it took 2 days to get over that. they do a lot of….”hold your arm there, and do not let me move you” things. That stirs everything up, and it hurts later. Then add I got a miserable cold. So, I just do not feel good. But, nothing serious, so I am ok. A lot of other people are dealing with things way worst, so I am grateful it just affects my mobility.
      I hope everyone is good. headache is too bad to read everything today….LOL
      We are in the middle of a doozy snowstorm right now,. so the new snowblower will get a workout, for sure.
      Love all you guys!! Tomorrow am, i am planning on making blueberry muffins…hope I will not sneeze on them….LOL
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Only you would be thinking of baking something when they are in so much pain. Just take it easy and use ice packs when things start to hurt. They say that heat gets the blood flowing and ice will help with the pain. That is what they told me so do not know how your doctor feels about all of that he may tell you something different.
      Just take care of yourself and rest and do not do anything to strain things. I hope that the therapy will help and not make your back and neck worse. It is not right that the older we get the more pain that we have. We need a break.
      I will be praying for you. Just take it as easy as you can.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      It is the same here. The main roads are clear but the country roads are still icy. They always clear them last. Our schools are always closed longer then the schools in town. That makes it hard on the kids in the country in the summer when they have to go to school longer then the other kids.
      That will be so nice that you will get to have Neal and the baby at the house for awhile longer. It is so sweet to see your children taking care of their children. It makes you feel like maybe we did a good job raising them after all. It will be hard on Neal when he has to leave his family again. At least this time he know that it will not be long and they will be with him again.
      Thanks for the prayers. It might make Ron feel better also if he can fuss at them. I know that he is worried and does not like that I feel so bad all the time. You were a really good nurse. It is hard to find a nurse that feels the way that you do. A lot of them just want to hurry and get out of the room and go on to the next patient, I bet there were a lot of patients that wanted you to be their nurse.
      Men do not like to be told what to do. Even if it is for their own good. Jerry is lucky that you were there to catch him. That could have been bad news if he did fall. It is hard to get use to not being able to do the things we could do when we were young.
      Well that is about all from here. Enjoy your time with Colin and Neal.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      Even around here if a big storm is predicted people will run to the stores to stock up on things. I know Brent thinks it’s funny when it snows in NM how people there have no idea how to drive in it-and of course by comparison he is the expert having grown up driving in snow.
      I think it sounds kind of nice that you and Jerry had a snow day (or date) and just stayed snuggled up under the covers all day. Those kinds of days happen so very rarely when we all just laze around. By the way-are you and Jerry reading anything good? I always like to hear the update.
      I’m so glad that you caught him before he fell. I know I have to be a lot more careful than I used to be standing on one leg putting on and taking off pants. The safest way is if you can sit down to do it-I’ve discovered. but sometimes I don’t follow my own advice.
      It’s sounds like Neal and Sarah have a good plan for their move. I imagine the hardest part will be to find child care without family and friends around anymore. I’m glad you got to spend time together yesterday. I know your heart must be so sad.
      I’m happy to find out that we are not the only ones who have trouble putting those ornaments back in the proper slots. At least you and Jerry laugh about it-Greg grumps the whole time and says why don’t we just dump these all into a container. Anyway, he is overjoyed that I didn’t use them this year and I must say I did like the way the tree turned out doing it with just the eggs and the special ornaments so I may very well repeat that next year. I have that egg tree that you mentioned. I’ll bet that you could find one on Ebay or you could always Facebook David Dangle and ask if they might make another one.
      Our grands love the Quacker shirts too. The babies just like the sparkle and the older kids like to talk about the pictures.
      The cold is much better just a bit of a lingering cough but not bad at all. Thanks for asking. I think I was in PJ’s for a week. Now our poor Adele has caught the bug. Darn colds!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Adele,
      I’m with Colleen. Only you would think about making blueberry muffins when you are in pain and have a cold. lol I guess baking really is therapy to you. How much snow did you end up getting. It looks like some parts of the east and south east got quite a bit. Bobby is probably thanking you for the new snow blower-even though it’s still not as good as a new BMW. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I know what you mean about the kids fighting. Sometimes Jenny’s kids will play together just fine and at other times they are arguing and fighting. I guess that’s just kids being kids.
      I never found Thomas Paccone when I googled him either. His ornaments like we have are being sold on EBay. Maybe he has gone on to some other sort of business. I’m not sure if he owned a company or was just a rep for someone else.
      I’m sure Ron is worried that you are sick all the time. I think if it were me I would finally just lose patience and bug those doctors constantly until they gave me some sort of an answer. Maybe you should give that job to Ron and have him rattle some cages and get some answers for you. I know they do take a lot of bloodwork but they can do so many different tests with it and it does give them good information. We will keep praying for an answer and a solution.
      I hope your snow is melting and the roads are less icy. We are supposed to get close to forty degrees on Tuesday and get rain. That will be like a heat wave compared to the last week of subzero wind chills. I do notice that it is staying light a little bit longer now so that’s a good feeling.
      Gail

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Is it SPRING yet???!! I’m sick (literally) of this icy weather!!! We’ve had freezing rain all day. The roads have been ice skating rinks since last night. I’ll be glad to see the old fashioned Oregon rain return. It’s always the transition that’s so tricky. And yes I do have another cold. so Adele, we’re in the same
      club.
      I have a yearly inspection coming up this week. They come in & check to see if I’m keeping it up & see if I need any repairs. they’re here about 90 seconds or so. In & out.
      I should go bake a batch of brownies so I’ll have the oven ready for inspection. Bribery will get you every where. lol
      Still getting used to the bare room. I’ve put out my knick knacks so it doesn’t look quite as bare as it did.
      Well, that’s all I have for tonight
      take care
      dd
      pics are of snow on the Oregon coast. That’s as rare as a hairy toad. lol

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Was glad to hear that you are feeling better. At least this cold is not going to hang on for a long time. This is a bad year for everyone to catch a cold. Hopefully the weather will warm up and everyone will feel better.
      We went to our last Christmas dinner today. It was at my mom’s and we had a nice time. Little Aliza got into everything that she could.Then she got tired and would not have anything to do with anyone. THey tried to get her to take a nap but she wouldn’t. She is such a little stinker.
      I thought that he owned the company because if you look on the bottom of his ornaments the bigger ones his name is on them. I wonder if we just google his name and maybe we can find out what he is doing. I may try that tomorrow. I am tired tonight and am going to bed as soon as I get off of here. They really had some pretty ornaments.
      Ron might just start saying something when I have to go back on Thursday. He says things when I wish that he wouldn’t. This time I do not care so he will be really careful. The worse thing about my primary care doctor is that their phone system is terrible. You call and you never talk to a human it is always a machine. So you leave a message for them to call you and they never do. It just really gets on your nerves. I finally just drive over there and talk to them in person. Usually the receptionist will look you up on the computer and tell you what they read on there. So you really do not know if that is what the doctor thinks or not. It is a mess.
      It is supposed to warm up here also. We are getting the rain at the end of the week.Then next week it is supposed to be ice. I hope that they are wrong.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      I hope that the rain will come soon and it warms up and melts all of the ice. That is terrible when it is really icy like that. Just be careful if you have to go out for any reason. It would be better to stay inside. That way there is not way of getting hurt.
      That is a good idea to make a batch of brownies. They will be so happy with them they will leave you alone. They may stay longer to eat but that is better then having them snoop around the apartment. That would get old after awhile.
      I like your pictures of the snow. That is really pretty. That is the only good thing about the snow and the ice. It is really pretty to look at but not fun to walk or drive in.
      I still have my tree up. I will have to take it down tomorrow. Ron is starting to complain. I keep telling him that he can take it down if he wants. That would be fine with me.lol
      That is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello everyone!
      Well….the virus I have is weird, for sure. first, you gt a head cold, then you vomit (I tried all I could not to, and succeeded- hate to puke- it is gross), then you end up on the bathroom for the night, and when you wake up the next day….you have a rash. My face was covered in a rash yesterday morning, and it is t still there, just not as swollen as it was yesterday, and not as red. Wow, is all I can say. Apparently a few people have had t in a similar way- one had a rash on her arms, and one had a swollen face. So,this must be a virus. Plus, I had the flu shot! Go figure.
      Well, ladies, I never baked those muffins. The blueberries are still in the fridge,a nd I may freeze them. I also had to cancel everyone coming here tomorrow for Marissa’s birthday. I do not want anyone to get sick. Unfortunately, the kids were here before I knew I was sick and low and behold, poor JJ was sent home from school, vomiting.
      We got 8 inches of snow, and Bobby had a ball playing with the new snow blower. He even wanted to do one of the neighbor’s driveways, but she had someone come to do it…LOL
      It is freezing here, and DD- we are in a contest as to who will have the most snow, ice, and lowest temperature….LOL I hope your brownies made you feel nice and warm. We are getting more flurries tonight, into tomorrow, and then the temps will go up to almost 50. Absolutely crazy!
      Gailster:
      I hope you are all better. Also hope Greg gets good news from the doctor today. Tell Greg the same thing happened to me with my emails. they changed my browser to Goggle Chrome, and said my old google was not compatible with the windows 10 up-dates.
      Joan’s egg ornaments are very pretty- I did see those on the Q. Your tree must have looked quite lovely. I have not noticed the Piccone ones- I will have to peek at them.
      Funny story- my 50th high school anniversary is also this year. My school closed decades ago, so I do not anticipate any get together.
      Colleen:
      Have you made anything with your Kitchen Aid yet? We are all dying to know what goodies you will make. I did not make the muffins, felt too sick, and Gary put my butter (room temp) away, probably because he thought he would get sick,if he ate anything I made.
      It is good everyone went home, so you can rest. But, I bet you miss them. I am so sorry you are still not feeling good, and hope this will be the last time they stick you with needles.
      I have real weird dreams too. i have noticed I get them when I eat dinner too late in the evening. I do not know if you notice the same thing.
      DD:
      Christopher Radko makes some very pretty ornaments. I have one from him that was made after 911- a beautiful heart with the American Flag on it.
      We have both been getting freezing temps and snow. Our temps are going up by Thursday, I think. I hope your go up too. I laughed so hard, when you described yourself all bundled up for the cold. You are so funny! I love your humor, and your beautiful pictures.
      The sides were really good, and even Bobby liked them.
      Barbara:
      That is awful that Jerry almost fell. I do not think any of us can take off our pants while standing anymore. Gary has been sitting down to do it for years. I hope you can convince Jerry to sit, so he will not trip. How is his Mom doing?
      My BIL is now extremely thin, only eats pureed foods, and can no longer walk. It is very sad. We need to get down to see him again, but I cannot go if I am sick. My SIL has a form of blood cancer, which she just got before the holidays. She is in remission, and now only has to go to Boston once a month to be checked. Still, I do not want to get her sick, as that would not be good. She had a really tough couple of months.
      You are so right- our grands love our sparkly shirts. I hope you can do the “face time” thing, when they move. It is just like being there with them.
      Air traffic controller is a great job, and very stressful. He is a good man, and he will do well, I am sure.
      You sure sound like you were a fabulous nurse, and taught your fellow nurse to have empathy, which is a wonderful thing.
      I think it is great that you and Jerry stayed in bed, and snuggled the snow day away! Soup is a great meal for snowy days. I have a pot on now, more because I am sick.
      I hate the ice. I refuse to go out at all, until all the driveway, and streets are free of any possible piece of ice.
      I hope you get to see Colin a lot, before they go. It is sweet to see your child become a parent. Makes us realize we did something right.
      Hope everyone is having a good day, feeling better, and warm and cozy.
      Love, Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Most of our ice melted off today; but still cold here. Jerry has gone to visit his Mom, and I feel badly about not going with him, but just didn’t want to get out in that cold today. We had a wonderful time with the family last night. I cooked what Neal asked for dinner, and he and Sarah really seemed to enjoy it. She went back in our bedroom and fed the baby before she left for work. She wasn’t back there too long; and I don’t think he was “full”; because he began to fuss right after she left, and he just doesn’t hardly ever do that unless he is hungry, and then he lets you know! He is growing so fast. He coos so much and you can actually see him trying to form words and sounds with his mouth. Gosh, I have really turned into one of those old ladies who goes on and on about her grandchild. Now all I need is one of those bumper stickers for my car that used to irritate me when I was young that said “ask me about my grandchild” in big letters. I could see worry and tiredness in Neals face, and in Sarahs’ so we just tried as best we could to assure them that when things in our life just seemed impossible to figure out that somehow whatever decision we made turned out allright and to try not to worry so much. I know, easier said than done, isn’t it?
      So sorry you all are having sickness. Gosh, that whatever that you have contracted Adele sounds awful. I am glad your cold is doing some better, Gail, and if you can, just think about all of ladies being right there with you Colleen, when you have to see the doctor. I want to hear your stories of the broom and the buffalo again, and we have to get you all well so you can get back to chasing buffalo LOL I thought your story of having to literally pick up one of your puppy dogs and make him come inside from the freezing cold. Isn’t it something how some of them just don’t want to come inside and others have to be forced to go outside? But that was sweet that you were trying to protect him from the weather. Our three outside doggies all head for their dog houses on the porch before dark and don’t come back out until the sun is shining on the brick of the south side of the house. I always say I will not go through the hurt when we lose one by getting another, but we do. THey bring me comfort. Our cat just snuggles up between Jerry and my feet. You have a cat, don’t you Dianne? Ours in very spoiled, and a little on the chubby side, like me in the X size department. Speaking of clothes, did any of you see how expensive most of those LOGO pieces are? My DIL wears them, and they look so cute on her, but she if like a size 8. I am watching Amy Strand right now, and she just had a baby, and I think her whole body is smaller than one of my legs. But I sure do love to sparkle and decorate it as Jeanne would say. Gosh, I miss her, and her sense of humor. I love Angel and Patrick though. Sue you are so lucky to have met them. You are our celebrity!
      Take care everyone. I hear Jerry raising the garage; so he will have lots of news, I’m sure. Please ask the good Lord to give me some extra strength as I face saying my goodbyes to Neal. There is just something about knowing your child is across town or across the country. We are going to miss him so much. I know he is a grown man and it makes me and Jerry so proud of his accomplishments and what a good husband and father he is, but this one really hurts. I tried so hard not to cry when he left last night; and was able to stay together until he was pulling down the drive. I know you all face some of the same hurts; so thanks for your understanding. Have a good evening. Barbara

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I DON’T believe what I heard on the weather tonight. We’re in for ROUND 4 of snow & ice starting tomorrow (Tues) night into Wed. then, the East wind starts up again for 3 days with sunshine. but the sunshine means cooooooooold temps again!!! We had a heatwave today. We actually got up to 40 degrees today. I took the trash out & it was balmy compared to what it’s been. Next week it’s supposed to get into the 50s. I’ll believe it when I see it.
      Adele, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been so ill. I also got my flu shot around t’giving & a few days later I was sick. Now it’s a repeat less than 2 months later.
      Something’s weird. I hope all of you get better soon!

      I’ve been putting out my rose plates, & spring things so I don’t get too depressed with all this cold weather, & the cold.
      I guess I’m as ready as I’m gonna be for the inspection. At this point I don’t care anymore.
      I googled Thomas Pacconi & it said he;s selling cars in Tenn., who knows how old that info is.
      Have a good week
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Our weather has warmed up here. It was in the 40’s today and is supposed to be warmer tomorrow. Then we will get the rain and some more cold weather and ice. I hope that they are wrong. I do not like the ice the snow is not so bad but the ice is terrible. We will have enough groceries here that we will not have to go out and get anything so that will be good.
      Sorry to hear that you had to cancel things at your house but it is better then for everyone to get sick. This must be a new type of flu that you have. Just take care of your self and get a lot of rest. The soup should really help. That is weird that your face was swollen and that you broke out with a rash. That must be a virus.
      I still have not made anything with my Kitchen aid yet. It has just been crazy around here trying to get the house back in order and getting the laundry don and getting all the bedding washed and put away. We took the tree down today and have all the other decorations on the table so we can put them away tomorrow. It will be so bare here and empty. I do not like to put the Santa’s away. Will have to get the Valentine things out and put them up. This is such a boring time of the year.
      I am sorry to hear about your sil. I hope that she feels okay. It is good that she is in remission. It must really be hard on the kids to have both parents sick and nothing they can do for it. Does Gary have someone that can go with him to see his brother other then you? It would be nice if one of his kids would take him and spend some time with their uncle.
      Well that is about all from here.Take care.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      You can just brag about your grandson all you want. We all do the same thing. When they are tiny like that they change so fast and do so many new things. They just grow so fast. One thing that I have found that helps with the grands is talking to them on the phone. Even when they were babies. That way they will always recognize my voice. Another thing is to get one of those books that you read and it records your voice. That is just some ideas. It is a long time before I get to see my grands that are in Ft. Leonard Wood. It is hard to get on the base now so we do not get to go up there that often.
      It nice that you had a good time with the kids. Did you hold Colin a lot while they were there? It is such a joy and comfort to just hold them. Is he eating cereal yet? It should be about time for that soon if he is not already. Our little one is walking now and getting into everything. She just started and surprised everyone. My daughter did not think that she would want to walk yet because every time they would try to get her too she would not even attempt.
      I go for another blood test on Thursday. I wonder how many tubes of blood they will take this time. I wonder how much they can take before you need a transfusion. I feel like I am almost at that point now. No wonder that I am anemic.lol
      Our dogs have dog houses also. We worry about the puppy being out when it is so cold. It was below zero so we brought them in. Austin loves it inside and would be in here if we would let him. He is the older dog.Snoopy was outside from the time he was born. So I guess that is what he is use to.
      Well that is about all from here. You and your family are in my prayers.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD.
      You are really getting a lot of snow and ice. I hope that this does not get too bad and it melts right away. We are headed for a warm up. So that will be nice for a few days and then it is back to being cold again. Then we will get ice and snow again. Hope it is more snow then ice.
      I wonder what happened to the ornaments that he was selling. They were so pretty and not that expensive. I cannot imagine him selling cars. Guess that is a side of him that we did not see when he was selling the ornaments.
      It will look nice with all your spring decorations. It sure will make the house look cheery. We took the tree down today and put it away still have some other decorations to put away. At least we have them all on the table so it will not be as hard to put them away. I will miss having all my Santa’s out. I do have one of Santa in a pair of shorts and holding a fishing pole. Guess I could leave that one out all year.
      I like the pictures that you posted they are really nice. That is cute the cat trying staring at the butterflies.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      Colleen, I can’t believe that Aliza is walking and into everything now. Although she probably wanted to walk quickly so she could keep up with Owen. Does your Mom do much Christmas decorating in her house? It’s nice to spread out the get togethers so you aren’t trying to cram everything into two days. That gets too exhausting.
      At least when we call the doctor we can get to talk to the nurse and then she can tell your concern to the doctor and call you back with the answer. When I call my rhuematologist with a problem I will tell the nurse but he will usually actually call me back which is kind of unusual in this day and age.
      Greg went to the pain doctor yesterday and he said he got to see her all of five minutes and he had a whole list of questions and comments. He said she actually left the room at one point while he was talking and he didn’t know if he was supposed to follow her out into the hall to keep talking to her or what. I told him to give her a bad review when they send that questionnaire that they always send after a visit. Anyway, it sounds like she doesn’t know what to do with him anymore since his MRI doesn’t show that big of a problem-some degeneration, a small bulge and a little stenosis but not enough to explain his extreme discomfort so she is now passing him off to a nuerologist. So we’ll see what happens next.
      Adele, that is a very weird type of virus. It’s a good thing you cancelled the get together for Marissa so no one else will get sick.
      After Greg changed his browser a bunch of times he finally tried Google Chromium and was able to get into the emails.
      I have one of those Christopher Radko ornaments from after 911 that has a fireman carrying an American flag.
      The only place that you can see the Thomas Piccone ornaments anymore is on EBay or at other resellers.
      Barbara, you are allowed to brag about Colin as much as you want. There’s a special bragging dispensation that comes with the birth of a grandchild. lol Plus, it’s not bragging-it’s sharing stories. And we all love to hear what the kids and the grands are doing. The kids will be fine when they move-I’ll bet they are more worried about you and Jerry.
      That Amy Stran is a tiny little thing-I was like that too-many many moons ago. I have a few of the logo pieces but I don’t wear them with 17 layers like they show.
      You know hearing you guys talk about your dogs I have such mixed feelings. I miss our dogs terribly but in some odd way I am enjoying not having the responsibility of always having to be around to care for them. It seems like I’ve been a caregiver my whole adult life and I am just enjoying a little respite from it. I think maybe in a couple of years I’ll be ready for another but right now I’m just not ready. We lost three in five years-two with cancer and it was trying. Has anyone read the book A Dog’s Purpose? It was so good and one of the best books that show how dog’s think. They are coming out with a movie and every time I see the trailer it makes me cry-so I don’t think I’ll be seeing the movie-but it is a great story.
      DD little by little I am getting the decorations down-it takes awhile. I think I am going to leave some of my snowman stuff up through February. Interesting that Thomas Paccone is selling cars now. You are having some unusual weather for your neck of the country. Did anyone see the picture of that giant redwood that had the tunnel through it that collapsed in California after all the rain and wind? I wonder how old that tree was?
      It’s raining here today-kind of unusual for northern Illinois in January.
      Gail

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      We are getting snow here today and then it is to change to sleet & freezing rain tonight. I am glad I went out and done my errands yesterday. It was cold but at least nothing was falling from the sky.
      Gail did you ever watch The Pioneer Woman (Ree Drumond) on the Food Network? Any way she had a basset hound named Charlie and he died on Sunday. They found out he had lymphoma a year ago and the vet got him into remission but he got sick again and now he is gone. They have a lot of other dogs on the ranch but Charlie was special.
      They sent me an e-mail yesterday from the doctor with a number to call in case of bad weather to see if they are open. I have an appointment on the 24th but won’t go if it is bad out. You do not get to talk to a person if you call my doctor either you leave a message for the nurse and she calls back & can check with the doctor with your questions. If the doctor needs to talk to you he will call back. Their website is also good you can e-mail questions, make an appt. and check test results.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Aliza is growing up too fast. She makes funny faces now also. She thinks that she is funny. When she makes them she waits to see if any of us are going to try and imitate her. She is going to be a little show off I think.
      Ron bought me a new key board for my computer. The old one was getting pretty bad. Some of the letters were fading so bad that you could not tell what they were. Anyway it is hard to get use to this one. It is smaller and it has more on the top row then the old one did. It has the plus and minus keys right before the back space key so I am hitting the wrong one all the time. So if you should see a lot of plus and minus signs that is why.
      My mom does a lot of decorating. She gets it all up and then when we have the Christmas dinner we take all of it back down to the basement for her. The only thing that we did not do is take the tree down with the ornaments. I guess she thought that it would take too long to do that and everyone was wanting to get home. My brother and his wife are going over there one day this week so they will take the tree down and put the things away.
      I can not believe that the pain doctor just walked out on Greg like that. I can imagine how upset he was with her. The pain clinic here is pretty good. They will talk to you for a long time about any question that you have. They seem to work things out so you are not in pain. The chiropractor that I go to has a bad back also. So he understands how you feel. That makes it nice. He said that he does the same exercises that he gives his patients to do. It is a shame that the pain clinic that he goes to is not as understanding.
      It is hard when you have animals. They require a lot of care and it is hard to go anywhere when you have them. We have more of a problem with our guineas then we do the dogs. We have friends that will feed the dogs but it is hard to ask them to take care of the guineas. You have to close the coup at night and then come in the morning to let them out. So that is a lot to expect of anyone.
      How are you feeling? Did you finally get rid of your cold? Hope that Greg does also. Hope that he finds someone to help him with his pain.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Sue,
      It seems like lot of dogs are getting cancer here lately. You hear a lot more people talking about it. I wonder if it is new or if the dogs were getting it and the vets did not realize that is what it was. It is sad.
      I do not blame you for not going out if the weather is bad. It is better to be safe and stay at home. Your doctor has a nice set up there. Hopefully the doctor I go to will get their phone problem fixed soon. It is a mess
      Have a good night and stay safe.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      DD,
      Saw on the news this morning that parts of Portland got 12 inches of snow. Wow! I hope that you are home and warm with plenty of food in the pantry and refrigerator. I think I missed your birthday too-so happy belated birthday. Sorry about that.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Sue,
      Yes I like it too that my rheumatologists office has a website for questions and where you can look up your test results. I think they just may have started the same thing at our primary care doctor’s office too so i need to get signed up for that.
      Glad that you got everything done before the weather turned nasty. I’m sure that you are enjoying not having to get up and go to work on the days when it is bad outdoors.
      I am familiar with Ree Drummond and had heard that her dog had died. Poor Abby had lymphoma too but she only went into remission for about two months. It’s interesting that it’s a very curable disease in humans but dogs don’t fare as well-even though they use almost the exact same drug protocol. Abby was in a clinical trial so hopefully they at least learned something that will help other dogs down the road.
      I hope that your weather has improved. It’s just dreary outdoors here. Why does it feel like there are so many cloudy days in the winter?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      That little Aliza sounds so cute! I like that she wants you to make faces back at her-that is funny.
      That is such a good idea to put the stuff away for your Mom when you all go over there after Christmas. It works out just perfectly.
      Ron was nice to get you a new keyboard-so far I don’t see any plus or minuses so you’re doing good. Does Ron use the computer at all?
      Greg and I are both over our colds-thanks for asking. I told him he should make the appointment at the neurologist as soon as possible since he is a new patient he will have to wait awhile for that first appointment. It seems like the pain doctor kind of washed her hands of him and just wanted to pass him off to someone else. I hope he finds someone to help him. He had stopped going to the chiropractor since he went to the pain doctor but he used to at least get relief from him so I am wondering if he should start going back. I will have to mention it to him again and see what he thinks.
      I saw on the news this morning that you may be getting a lot of icy weather towards this weekend. I hope that you don’t and that it will pass you by-that is the worst!
      Kendall is having her birthday party at the bowling alley with her friends on Sunday. I’m not sure if we will go there or just drop by the house in the evening-or maybe we will go there on Monday when it’s her real birthday. She got an American girl doll from her folks so she wanted a carrier from us and I bought a little outfit too. They said it’s already shipped so I should have it by the weekend-I hope. Do or did any of your granddaughters have the American girl dolls. Now they have smaller ones too called wellie-something or other-maybe wellie wishers? I can’t remember what they’re called now-anyway-Piper got one for her birthday-they were really popular over Christmas-Jenny had a hard time finding one as Piper’s birthday is right before Christmas.
      That’s the one thing that i wished my Mom had not thrown out-my old Ginny dolls and their clothes and my old bride doll. I often wished she had kept them or at least asked me if I wanted them before she got rid of them. Oh well-nothing to be done about that anymore.
      Gail

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I’ll try this again. Boy, oh boy, do I have a story to tell. Portland got over foot of snow overnight. It put those other storms to shame, it was coming down in buckets. It started at 7 pm & continued all night long. We even had thunder snow. I was sitting here when I saw a flash of lightning. At first I thought it was a transformer that blew but they said it was thunder snow. We haven’t had a snow storm like this in yrs. They’re calling it historic. They’ve closed down all the schools, freeways, roads & are telling everyone to stay home & play in the snow & stay off the roads unless you absolutely have to be out. But there are those crazies who have to be stupid making it hard for those who have to go out & rescue them. Luckily, it didn’t start until the kids were home & people were home from work. There must’ve been something going on cuz traffic got crazy later on.
      It’s been wall to wall coverage on the local TV. There was a brief power outage late last night, just after I got into bed, but it was back on in a couple minutes.
      There are trees downtown that came down due to the heavy snow. It’s the wet heavy snow not the powdery snow we usually get. Truthfully I’d rather see this than a quarter inch of freezing rain, ice!!!
      I saw a couple guys cross country skiing down the street this morning. I’ve also heard a woman was snow shoeing downtown. When all else fails….
      I took a bunch of pics & will try to send em along with this post.
      Now we have flooding to worry about after this melts. No more drought around here.
      I passed the inspection with the comment, excellent condition. I don’t have to worry about that for another yr. whew.
      I;m doing fine, except for the cough I have. It’s driving me crazy!!
      take care,
      dd

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      I had to import my pics so I’ll try it again.
      dd

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    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      I was having trouble sending my pics to my friends till I figured out what I was doing wrong. Here are some more of today’s snow.
      Now the cooooooooooold East wind kicks in & freezes everything up…oh joy!!

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      It is really pretty when the snow falls and it is new and clean. Then after it gets dirty looking and it is not so pretty anymore. It is hard on the trees when it is a heavy snow like that. We get thunder snow around here too sometimes. It is weird. That was a good thing that the kids were home and people were home from work. I guess the people that had to go on second shift were the ones that were on the road. They would have gone to work before all of it started. That makes it hard.
      I hope that you do not have a lot of flooding. That is a mess when that happens. It does so much damage. I think that is one of the worse things that can happen. It would be hard to decide what things that you have in your house that you would want to take with you if you had to leave. That might be a good question for us to ponder on here. It would be fun to hear what everyone would take.
      Figured that you would pass inspection. Your apartment always looks so nice when you send us pictures. You are not the type of person that would tear a place apart. They should have known that your place would be nice and well kept.
      Well that is about all from here. Hope that you get rid of your cough soon.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Glad that you and Greg are feeling better. It would be nice if Greg could find a pain clinic where the chiropractors work with the pain doctors. That is what it is like where I go. The pain doctor checks to see how I am doing about once a year unless the chiro thinks that I need to see him sooner. It is really a nice place. I hope that he finds some one that will help him soon.
      He uses the computer once in awhile. Mostly he wants me to look things up for him. He has decided that we need to get a different plan for our phones. He has a trac phone and I have a go phone. He wants to get one that we can get on the internet and it has a bigger screen. It should be interesting to see what we end up doing.
      We are supposed to get the icy weather. We are going out to get some groceries tomorrow and so we will not have to go out all week-end. It should be interesting. I want to get some stew meat and make a stew that we can have over the week-end. It just sounds like good comfort food to me. We got some bread to bake so that will be a good meal. Just hope we can keep our electric on.
      Sounds like a good time for Kendall and her friends. It is nice to have a party at the bowling ally it saves a lot of thinking of what to do with all the kids now that it is cold. I do not blame you if you do not go to the bowling alley. That will be a noisy place and a lot of taking care of the kids. lol It would be nice to go over on Monday when it is her birthday. She will be excited it will be like having two birthdays.
      None of the kids got American girl dolls this year. We tried to find a small one for Aliza but could not find one anywhere. May go to the American Girl store during the summer and see if I can find her one then. I have bought the dolls for all of the girls but her. So it will be her turn. Her birthday is the 18th of this month but they are not having her party until the end of the month. That is good because we do not know what the weather will be like then.
      My mom kept our dolls. She had my Polly Ana doll and a brides mate doll. I have them both now and my grands play with them. They have as much fun with them as I did as a kid.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I saw that your area got socked with snow. Stay inside safe and warm. You have been having some really wild weather there.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey girls
      I just want to let you know I am ok. But, I am still real sick, and was getting worst. Started an antibiotic last night, and still feel miserable. I cannot believe I am this sick, since I had a flu shot. I hope evryone is ok, and that Dd is now snowed in, and freezing., Colleen is feeling better with her belly, and Gail is not sick anymore. Also hope BArbara is hugging the stuffing out of Colin, before he leaves her.
      Was not able to have the birthday party for Marissa- they had it without me. Please say a prayer that Tillie and Gary do not get this. I am hoping thie flu shot worked better than mine!
      Love you guys!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey again
      I scrolled up a little to see how you all are, so here goes. I have a fever, and it is making it hard to concentrate….LOL
      Holy crap! Aiza is walking! Wow.
      I had American Girl dolls for Marissa and Amanda. They were not out as much when Steph was little. We had another doll for her- Madame Alexander??
      When the girls were little, the first American Doll I got them was called “Itty Bitty”. I miss those days.
      Sue is so right- nobody ever gets to talk to a human anymore. My friend had 2 dogs in a row that got cancer- they were the same breed- scotties.
      I hope Greg does well at the neurologist and they can locate the source of his pain. I ahve nto been able to do anything about getting to the PT for the shoulders, because of how I feel.
      I wish I had some funny stories for all of you. Did you all see “this is us” the other night- so glad Toy is alive! I have been falling asleep during the programs, so I am missing things there too.
      here is a good one…..I should have dusted the furniture last week, after I got all the decorations away. I can now write on my bedroom furniture- the dust police will be coming her soon.
      Love you guys! Quack, quack!
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      You know Greg used to go to the chiropractor regularly for maintenance and then he stopped going. I’m wondering if that’s when his other problems started. I wish the pain doctor would work with a chiropractor too. Now he won’t go because he’s afraid it will do something to make the problems in his back worse. But I think the chiropractor helped him the most. I wish a doctor would tell him to go back. Well he has an appointment with the neurologist next week so we’ll see what he does now.
      We had dinner delivered last night and the guy said the roads and sidewalk were really icy and we didn’t even know that was happening outside. I hope it melts away today and we don’t get more. I have really been stuck inside recently and I hope to get out and do something-anything this weekend.
      I thought Jenny was going to take Kendall into Chicago to pick out her doll at The American Girl Store but there must have been a change in plans. I’m sure Jenny is happy to have the party at the bowling alley as then she won’t have the mess at her house and the kids like those kinds of parties anyway. Maybe we’ll just drop in and watch for 15 minutes or something since it’s right in town.
      So Aliza’s birthday is two days after Kendall’s. I don’t know why but I was thinking she was born in February-well I was kind of close.
      You are lucky that your Mom saved those dolls. My Mom was not a saver. We always joked that when it came time for a house to be repainted she would just move and buy a new house. lol
      Gail

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      How y’all doing? I still have this awful cough. Can’t seem to shake it. This weather isn’t helping any, either. My neighbor was going to the store today so I bummed a ride with her in the cab. The cabs were busy with the snow & everything. The side streets are the worst since the plows don’t go down them. But there more cars out on the roads today.
      Seattle sent down a bunch of their equipment to help us out. They didn’t get the snow we got. I think they got the main streets, freeways, main thorough fares cleared out, but it’s still a huge mess!!! Now the question is, where is all that snow gonna go?? they’re saying beginning next week we’re in for a lot of rain. Hellllooo flooding!! Better start building an ark.

      Say, I’m seeing some of you talk about back issues. Have any of you heard of the Laser Spine Institute? I see it advertised on TV out here. I Googled it & most of the clinics are back there. St. Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Tampa, just to name a few. Maybe they could help you & your hubbies. Laser surgery is painless, I believe. It’s quick, & recovery is shorter than traditional surgery.
      A friend of mine had laser surgery to remove cataracts & her vision is better than 20/20.

      Coming from an old broad who never had kids, I think the bowling alley is a good idea. They can be noisy, learn a new sport, & not get into a lot of trouble. Maybe I’m naïve but that’s just me. I remember when kids would go to the roller rink for birthday parties, but they don’t exist any more, which is a shame.
      What is American Girl? I don’t think I ever heard of them. I led a sheltered life. I did get dolls for Christmas but I don’t remember what ever became of them.
      I see QF is on during the night (my time) so I won’t get to see it. Oh well.
      Adele, I;m sorry to hear you’re still sick. This crud must be making the rounds across the country. I too got my flu shot around T;giving, & was sick a few days later. And again now. I hope you get well soon.
      I guess I have to go, someone with 4 legs made her presence known & is on my chest. Someone wants some attention. lol
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      When my girls were young the dolls that were popular were the cabbage patch dolls. I do not think that the American Girls dolls were that popular in our area. We have a store here now so it has become a lot more popular. I cannot wait to take Aliza to that store and let her pick out her first doll. It was fun when I did it with the other grand daughters.
      That flu has really got you down. Just take good care of yourself and rest as much as you can. We will be praying for you here. You really need to get rid of that.
      Well that is all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      My mom fixed up one of the bedrooms in her house for the granddaughters. She had the dolls on the beds and all kinds of girlie things in that room. When all the grands started getting older she sent my dolls home with me. So now all of our granddaughters still play with them. I use to really love the Polly Anna doll. She was so cute.
      We have not gotten any of the ice yet. Hopefully we will not get it. They were saying something on the weather channel that the storm was headed to Chicago did not know that it went you way also. Hopefully it is not too bad. Be careful if you have to go out. It is so easy to fall when it is that icy.
      We have never been to the American Girls store in Chicago.They built one in St. Louis and that is where we go. It is not as big as the one in your area though. They have a place where you can take the kids to lunch with their dolls but it does not have very many tables so it is hard to get a reservation. We could not get a table when we took Kaylee there. She was not too disappointed though she wanted to go get pizza instead.
      Greg should go back to the chiropractor and get something done with his back. They can really help. He must have chronic back pain like I do and needs to go at least every 2 months. I have to go every month but I imagine if Greg is like Ron it would be hard to get him to do that.
      Well I talked to my doctor today and she told me that I need to go see that doctor in Cape. So I called to make an appointment and no one has heard of him. I had to laugh. It was someone from their office that called me so now I have to try and talk to the nurse practitioner and see if she knows who this doctor is. This is just getting weird.I am about ready to say the heck with it and just live with the sickness.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      An American Girl doll is from different periods of history. She comes withe a book that talks about her life. and is really cute. They have all kinds of clothes for the dolls and you can get outfits for the kids to match the dolls. They are just a doll that every little girl wants now.
      That is bad that you still have your cough. I hope that you are taking something for it. You should try a hot toddy. It is tea with honey and a shot of brandy. My mom use to give it to us whenever we would get bad coughs. The only thing is you have to get covered up and stay there for the night so it will work. It has to be heated also. It really seemed to work when my mom gave it to us.
      That is good that you got a ride to the grocery store. It is nice that the cabs are running and the lady in your building shared her cab with you. Will the cab driver wait for you while you shop or do you have to call him to come back? I always wondered about that.
      The pictures of the flowers make me want spring to get here soon. It will be awhile though.Really winter has just started. Tomorrow I am going to make a pot of stew and some fresh bread. I have a bread maker so will make it in there. I like that machine it is a lot easier then having to do all of it by hand.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen
      p.s. I have heard of the laser clinics but do not know if they are any good or not. Have to look them up and see what people think of them.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Feel better soon-I will say a prayer for you and that Tillie and Gary don’t catch anything from you. Those flu shots only cover a certain strain so there is no guarantee that you won’t catch something else. I hope that you are feeling better today.
      Don’t worry about the dust. It will still be there when you get around to it. Just concentrate on feeling better and taking care of yourself.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I have heard of those laser spine surgery places but none of the doctors ever seem to recommend them. Plus Greg is no where near needing surgery the bulging disk and the stenosis are not that bad according to the MRI-it’s just that he is having the annoying effect of the weak legs and tingling feet from whatever is happening. I’m thinking that it’s some kind of pinched nerve or something. We’ll see what happens next.
      The bowling alleys have regular party packages for the kids that includes a couple of games of bowling, usually pop and pizza and cupcakes or cake or sometimes you have to bring your own cake. I’m not sure what the package includes-I will have to ask Jenny. Plus they have the bumpers in the alley and even those platforms now that the kids can roll the ball down. I’m sure Jenny is overjoyed that Kendall decided to do that this year. It makes it so much easier for her.
      I remember I only had one birthday party not at our house when our kids were little. We did it at McDonalds. I think it was for Brent. Anyway, afterwards I put the gifts in the car and then somehow locked the keys inside. This was in the days before cell phones so I had to find a pay phone and call our neighbor to come bring me an extra set of keys from our house as my husband was out of town. So that ended up being a not very good experience for me. Just a total pain in the butt! lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      That is weird about no one knowing about the doctor. You will have to go back and get the details from the nurse practitioner now. I wouldn’t drop it though as you don’t want to continue feeling sick if something can be done to help you. We all want you to feel better again and not be sick to your stomach a lot. That is miserable. I remember all the years my Mom was sick before she had surgery for her ulcer and then how much better she felt afterwards-she could actually eat again without feeling sick afterwards. So I want you to feel better too. i know it’s a different problem but hopefully there is a solution you just have to be persistent and have Ron whip those doctors into shape.
      Greg used to go to the chiropractor every 2 to 3 weeks and then stopped after he got the MRI and stuff. I think he did better then and suggested that he go back but he is being resistant for some reason. I think he thinks they’ll hurt the bulging disk.
      I don’t think that I am familiar with the Pollyanna doll. I will have to google her.
      It’s showing that the ice will go south of the Chicago area but the Rockford stations are saying we may get ice Sunday night and Monday morning so I guess we will have to wait and see what happens. I hope that you don’t get it bad and lose power. Do you have a generator? How many things will it run. I guess the worst is doing without heat for a long time. Of course no water is not good either and you have to worry about things in the refrigerator and freezer going bad too. No electricity is bad all around.
      Stay safe and warm.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      He must not be a gastro but what is he? This is a mystery. I did not call the NP today because of the weather. Everything is closed around here and all over Mo. So will wait until Monday. The ice is really bad and it is hard to walk outside. I did not go out but watched Ron out there.lol He has been trying to knock some of the ice off our pine trees. So more power to him. At least he did not fall.
      I think that the chiropractor would be very careful of the bulging disc. I have one also and they have never hurt it. They know where it is and they are careful of it. He should go and just talk to the guy and let him know what he is worried about. They should talk to him and put his mind at ease.
      Did you ever see the movie Polly Anna? It was Haley Mills and Jane Wyman. It was a good movie. I had the book and the doll. The doll is a big doll though not a small doll that was easy to carry around. My dad found it for me and bought it. I always say that it was for me but I think that I was the youngest girl so I just got it. It just sounds better to say he got it for me.lol
      We do have a generator and it runs a lot of things at one time. Ron bought a bigger one so we could plug in the fridge and freezer. We can run the water for awhile and we do have the heaters that we can run for awhile. We just cannot watch tv or get on the computer for very long. That is what bothers me at night. Not being able to get on here and watching tv. There is no light so we cannot read a book or anything. Will have to find a lantern that is brighter and I can read by it. It is hard to read by candle light. They do have generators that you can hook up to you gas tank that heats the house and it will kick on as soon as the electric goes off. It also goes off when the electric comes back on. It is a nice thing to have but really expensive.
      I hope that this storm goes around you and does not hit anywhere near you. You sure do not need that to happen. We are just stuck in the house and for a few days.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Not much going on out here. We still have a lot of snow, but the roads seem to be getting better. Bad thing is they freeze over at night & makes it bad early on in the day. We had a couple sunny days which melted some of the snow, but clouds rolled in today. They say no more snow in the forecast, but what they are predicting is what we call a pineapple express coming thru starting Monday night & go on thru the week. Mudslides, landslides, flooding, we could be sliding off into the Pacific before it ends. lol. It will be a lot warmer is the up side to all of it, that’s all tho.
      I’m still putting out my knick knacks. I’m sooooooooo ready for spring!! I imagine you are too!! I’m decorating for Valentine’s Day & spring. I’ve had enough of the winter scenes.
      I heard about the ice storm out there. Be careful. We just had one ourselves, before the snow.

      As for the cabs, they don’t wait, we call when we’re ready & they show up pretty quickly. The longest wait is when ya call for one they put you on hold.
      Thanks for the info on the American Girl dolls. I remember Cabbage Patch & Barbie dolls, but I was tooo old for the Cabbage patch dolls. (I thought they were ugly). Sorry if I offend anyone.
      Have a great weekend & stay safe!!!
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      You are right about the cabbage patch dolls. My daughters thought that they were the cutest dolls that they ever saw. We had to get on a wait list before we could get one for the girls. It was really hard on them to have to wait. That was a strange time.
      You have some pretty knick knacks. I do not have anything out right now. Just pictures at that is about it. The next thing that I will put out is the Easter things and St.Patrick day things. They are always so close together. We always have a big dinner for St. Patty’s day.
      What beautiful flowers. IT will be so nice when the flowers start blooming again. It is hard to believe that they will ever bloom again. If you saw what it looks like around here with all the ice. Ron has gone out a couple of times during the day and tried to get all the ice off our pine trees. I sure hope we do not lose any because of the ice.
      I hope that they are wrong about the mudslides, land slides and flooding. That is something nobody needs to have. Just stay safe.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Tell Ron to be careful out in that ice. I actually have some of those gripper things that the Q used to sell to put on your shoes. They work pretty good but now that I don’t babysit anymore I just don’t go out when the weather is bad.
      Now I am curious about the new doctor. I wonder what kind he/she will turn out to be? Hopefully one that can help you.
      I googled the Pollyanna doll so now I know what she looked like. I remember Hayley Mills in lots of Disney movies when we were kids. I remember that I really used to like her.
      We have a small generator. I’m not sure exactly how many things it could run. Our friends who have the home in northern Wisconsin have a whole house generator. You practically have to have one there if it is not a year round home. They are in Chicago most of the winter with just some weekend trips up there. If the power went out for any length of time they could have broken pipes and a mess so they have to have one in case something like that would happen when they are not up there.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I’m with you. Bring on the spring!
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey girls!!
      Well, the good news is the antibiotic kicked in, and I am feeling better. Still do not have a lot of energy, but, it is coming back, and I am grateful.
      I actually baked something today. I had the recipe for Sticky Buns form the King Arthur site, and finally made it. It is the first thing I have made since the holidays….or, since the cookies for Aizen’s birthday.
      We have been hearing about the awful ice in Colleen and Gail’s neck of the woods. I hop everyone is ok, and that it is melting!!
      The Patriots have a big game tonight. Gory looks worried. he will be glued to the TV. I will watch a little, and hope it is a fast game.
      I got a couple of those 2 piece Okla dot sets last week, as I love the tank, with the cardigans. they hide my chubby bits, and I cna take the jacket off when I am hot.
      Gail:
      I hope you were able to get to Kendall’s party for at least a little while. How is your cold/flu doing? Did you end up with an antibiotic too?
      So, this week will be Greg’s appointment with the neurologist. If they do a nerve test, he will not be a happy camper. They shock the nerves, to see which ones are alive. It only hurts for a second, but, men do not do well with it.
      Thank you for the prayers- so far, I am the only one who got sick. I am thanking God every day, and hope it stays that way.
      Gary went to his GP yesterday- he was summoned by his doctor. they did a lot of blood/urine, and scheduled an echo cardiogram, as he is getting winded just coming up the stairs. I would not be surprised if they find a small blockage.
      DD:
      I love those pics. Especially the one of the checked tablecloth and beautiful tulips. Keep them coming!
      I am glad you got a cab ride with your neighbor, so you did not have to wait for the bus in the cold.
      How nice that your pretty kitty comes up on your lap for attention. I love to hear them purr.
      Colleen did a great job describing the American Girl dolls. they are pretty new, to my granddaughter’s generation. My daughter had the Cabbage Patch, and Barbie and my Mom got her a Madame Alexander doll every Christmas. That was a special treat, and a tradition of my Mom’s.
      I hope your snow is gone, and all is good out there.
      Colleen:
      You did a great job explaining the Am Girl doll!!
      We have heard how bad it is there with the ice. I hoep things are better by now. I have not seen the news yet today, as I was baking. Tillie and bobby came up, when the buns were done. Bobby the “Great Criticizer” said this recipe is a keeper. It felt good to bake something today. I felt normal again.
      I did see the Pollyanna movie, and loved it. God, are we getting old. Gary had Lassie on today, and then commented that all of them are dead. I reminded him we watched that when we were kids, and we are now elderly.

      Hey……did you all see Tom Selleck on Stephen Colbert’s show? He was really funny.
      Anyone else scared for Friday the 20th??? I hope nothing awful happens. It was bad enough watching what happened at the Marathon that day. Do not want to ever see anything like that again.
      Hope everyone is good……go Pats!!!
      Adele

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    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I;m glad to hear you’re feeling better, Adele. Whatever it is we have it sure has a grip & doesn’t want to let go!! It does take a lot out of ya. I hope you’re all safe. I heard about the ice storms out there. We still have the snow out here & it isn’t going anywhere soon. We’ve had some bitter cold temps freezing it & making it dangerous on the sidewalks & streets. But the rain is due to come back Monday night into Tues. I’ll be glad to see it come but not so much all at once. We go from one extreme to another.
      Maybe I should put up my tropical pics & dream I was on a tropical island somewhere. lol
      I guess maybe we should get some of those Coleman lanterns they sell on the Q. They don’t use kerosene but batteries. and those ice things you put over your shoes/boots that are like chains for your feet. I think they have cleats that dig into the ice so you don’t fall. Who knew we’d get a foot of snow down here?!
      Guys have NO clue about pain. If they went thru what we go thru in child birth there wouldn’t be any kids or grandkids, lol. Aren’t I awful?
      Yeah, Jewell, sometimes crawls up on my chest & parks herself underneath my chins. It’s usually when I’m on the computer. She doesn’t like it when I have it on my lap. lol Jealousy.
      If as or when you’re baking again, Adele, I’ll be right out. lol
      Well, I guess I better go get something to eat.
      talk at ya later.
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better. You have been sick for so long it was about time for you to get over this. Does not sound like you have passed it on to anyone else in the house. That is good news also.
      We still have ice on the ground and are supposed to get more tomorrow. I hope that they are wrong and it all melts. It is supposed to warm up on Monday so we will see what happens. This weather is crazy. I wish that we would get one really good snow before winter is over. I like the snow a lot more then the freezing rain. Snoopy likes the ice he can go sliding all over the place. He is a funny dog.
      We watch all those old shows also. They show the Lone Ranger here a lot and Andy Griffith. I always liked Any Griffith show with little Oppie and Barney. Barney always did such goofy things. I like all the old movies also. There are not that many new ones that I would go see with my girls or my grands. They are too embarrassing.
      I did not see Tom Sellek on the Colbert show but did watch Blue Bloods. That is such a good show. I like all the actors on that show. They really have some good ones. For awhile I thought that they were going to take it off the air but now it does not seem that way. It is such a good show it would be shame if they took it off. For awhile the way they had things going for Donnie Whalberg’s character I thought he was going to quit. It has changed again now though. Wish they would make some more new Jesse Stone movies. Those are really good also.
      Your sticky buns look really good. I think that we could all move closer together. Then we could enjoy your baked goods and everyone’s special dishes that they make. It would take a long time for me to figure out what mine are but I would give it a shot. I could bring the drinks. That would be fun.
      What happens on the 20th. I must have forgotten. Was that when they had the marathon? I did not think that it was in January. My mind must be going.
      well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      What beautiful pictures. It makes me want to go some where warm. I love roses better then any other flower. We have a lot planted on the place and they are so pretty when they bloom. We have one forever rose and it does really good and we have flowers all summer into the fall.
      We still have ice here and are expecting more on Sunday. It will be in the 50’s Monday so most of it should melt. We think that all the ice on our weeping willow tree may have killed it. It was bent almost all the way to the ground. If it did not hurt the trunk of the tree we may be okay. We will not know until this spring.That would be a shame if it does not make it.
      Are they still selling the Coleman lanterns. I have not seen any lately. They are really nice. They seem to give off a lot of light. I know the ones with kerosene usually work really well but the smell is awful. Do they have emergency generators at your apartment in case of the electric going off? They should have it seems like they have a lot of seniors in there and they should have a way to keep the electric on at all times.
      You are right if guys had to go thru the pain of child birth they would never do it. Just think if they had to go thru monthly cramps. They think that woman are crabby can you imagine what they would be like.They would be so crabby we would not be able to be around them.lol
      Jewell is such a pretty cat. I bet she is a lot of company. It is nice to have a cat or a dog around they are such good company. It is funny that she does not like it when you are on the computer. She knows how to get your attention.
      Well that is about all from here. Hope you get better soon.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Colleen,
      I’m glad you enjoy the pics. I try to pick out pretty ones. I too love roses. My dream when I was younger was to have a house with a few acres so I could have roses. I missed out on having my own home, but I did have lots of roses at one time. I had them in pots. It started out as mini roses, & it grew to bigger roses. They did pretty well up until a few yrs ago. I’m not sure why but they started dying off one by one. It’s still a mystery to me. I didn’t do anything different from what I’d been doing. But I can’t have any here, anyway. So I guess it was for the best. They were my babies. I’ll send along some pics of houses I’d love to have. Of course I’d have to win a BIG lottery tho. lol So instead of real roses I now have a ton of artificial ones, among other things, like dinnerware, furniture, table cloths, you name it I got it with roses on it. At one time I counted 50 different pots of roses.
      Yes, QVC was still selling those Coleman lanterns up until Christmas. I imagine if you went to the website & typed in Coleman into the search bar they’d come up.
      I kinda jumped around in that first paragraph didn’t I? I have bad habit of going from one subject to another & back again. I lose my train of thought & go back. Sorry.
      Adele must be happy, the Pats are winning. Our Seattle Seahawks lost today. I think they lost to the same team earlier this yr; Atlanta. I think she was referring to the Inauguration of Trump as Pres, on Friday. At first I thought she meant Friday the 13th, then I realized what she was referring to.

      Yes I do believe they have a back up system in case the power goes out. It did go out the night of the snow storm for a couple minutes, but it came right back on & hasn’t gone off again. The snow has melted off the power lines now & off the trees for the most part, around here anyway. who knows what’ll happen when all that rain comes in tho.
      I better get off here before I lose it & have to start over again
      Be safe!!!

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      You do a good job at picking pictures. They are always so bright and cheerful. I like the picture of the house with the wrap around porch. That is really pretty. I do not know if I would want a house that big anymore there would be too much cleaning. You must be really good with flowers. I do not have luck with any flower that I put in pots. Now Ron has a green thumb and he can make anything grow. he just does not like to put them in pots. He thinks that I am crazy when I want him to do that. That is men though.
      I jump around on here also. I will write about something and then think of something else that I wanted to say. So you do not have to say sorry we all do that.
      I forgot that the inauguration is on the 20th. I do not know why I kept thinking it was on the 18th. It will be interesting I just hope that everyone behaves themselves that day. There is not reason to keep protesting and doing all that stuff. He won so let wait and see how he does. He may be a good president we will have to wait and see. That is all we can do now.
      We do not have a football team here any more. I do not think that anyone wants one again. We have been burnt twice with football teams. The guy that owns the Rams had wanted to move the team back to California ever since they came here. So now he is there and they still are not doing any better then they were here. I also think that another foot ball team is moving to the same part of the state that they are in. Serves him right.
      We still have ice on the trees and it is really foggy outside. It is supposed to be like that all morning. Then clear up in the afternoon. We will be getting more rain though. So that will be fun. It will be a muddy mess here.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello ladies. This has been a very busy week. I am so proud to say that I have held myself together; except of course when hugging him goodbye; because I know how badly he misses his little family. He left very early yesterday morning and his original plan was to drive through Arkansas to Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, and then into California around LA and go upwards to Napa. But since poor Colleen got all that ice; his Dad and he talked about his going further south( several hundred miles further) and through Dallas, El Paso, then up through Phoenix and on to Bakersfield Ca. and on up to Napa that way. He went through a terrible rain storm around Dallas, but he finally got out of that and made it to Midland Texas where he spent the night. Now he is to stop in right outside of Phoenix and then on to California tomorrow. Jerry and I wanted to pay for his hotel for tonight since he just wouldn’t take a dime from us before he left, and it was like an act of congress to simply make and pay in advance for his reservation tonight. I am very glad that people are so conscientious about identify theft; but it was a lengthy process. I had to call our CC company and okay the charge since it was for an out of town charge. That probably makes no sense. We will be so happy when they all are together again. Jerry offered to drive the trip with him; but Neal told me today that he just couldn’t hurt his Daddy like that. He said he knew that would be too hard on Jerry. Made me proud. I know Jerry would have grabbed an overnight bag and been off if Neal had said yes.
      Dianne, I love your pictures. I love roses too. I love the Kincaid one with the lighted windows and the walkway that looks like it just invites you to come inside. Jerry was going to buy me one for me years ago; and it just really wasn’t in our budget (was an original no less) but I have always missed not being able to have it. You know what I was thinking one day? If I just had taken all the money I have spent on this and that, and things that collect dust now, that I probably could have had that painting. LOL Isn’t it funny how we look back on things as years go by? Speaking of that; do any of you all know of how to have someone come in your home and take out all the things that you want to sell and you give them a percentage of the profit of the sale of things like clothes household things? I just don’t have the strenght to collect up all that I would love to get rid of but need to do this so badly. I want to downside in the worst way. Would appreciate any ideas.
      So glad to hear that some of you and your families are feeling better. Gail I worry when you get that cold, bronchitis, whatever that is thing. Hope everyone gets good results from your tests. Colleen, you can google the ratings of doctors and information about them. Usually people give their opinions about them. Mabey that would help you to find out something about this doctor they have you set up with. Hope he turns out to be Highly recommended.
      Better go for today. It is rainy here, and Jerry and I are having a sandwich and pickles night. Neither of us have much appetite today. Waiting for our boy to call and say he is safe in his hotel. Take care everyone. Adele, I have made the sticky buns. They were deliscious. Now I am in the mood for some warm cookies or something. Bye you all. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I think that Adele has inspired all of us to bake. I made some oatmeal and cranberry cookies and then made some peanut butter. We also made a loaf of bread. I made enough cookies that I had to freeze them so they would not get stale or go to waste. I still have not made my cream puffs. I really need to get them done.
      I would cry if one of my girls moved away. I know that when Melissa and her family get transferred to another post it will just about kill me. I will be crying just like you did. He was smart to go further south rather then coming thru this area. It was a mess for awhile. It is all gone now the weather warmed up and it has been raining. We are now going to get more rain then we will know what to do with. Hopefully no flooding.
      Ron and I got new cell phones today and it is funny. Ron does not know how to work his and he is getting really mad. I thought that one time he was going to throw it. He did change his mind though. He wanted the phone she he could just say siris and it would go to voice. You can ask it anything and it will give you the answer. It is nice but he could not get it to work. So we will see how he does tomorrow. This could be interesting. We both have I phones and they are a lot different then his flip phone.
      I am not sure who to call to help you with that. They use to have that tv show where those people would come to your house and help you clean things out and they would do a garage sale or yard sale and help price things. I think that they might stay and help but I am not sure. That is the only thing that I have heard of. Maybe if you look on the internet you will be able to find someone. Sorry that I cannot be of more help.
      It would be nice if the people at the number they gave me knew who the doctor is. They keep saying that they do not know who he is. I have no idea where his office is or anything else. So am just waiting for them to call me back and give me more information. You have to laugh because if you don’t this would drive a person crazy.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      HI Ladies,
      I’m gonna try this for the 5th (!) time. The rain has arrived & is later than they expected. I can finally see the blacktop of the streets & sidewalks for the first time in a week. It’s still cold but it is washing away the snow. It’s been warmer on Mt Hood than down here. It’s gonna take tonight into tomorrow to get the cold air out of here then we’ll be back to normal, I HOPE!!
      I see spring has sprung on the Q today. they’re having their annual pre-season spring sale. I’m loving all the flowers. I wish I could get some, but where to put em. I miss my flowers. is good to see Phillip Watson again.
      OK ladies, I have a question for ya. Is it toooo early to decorate for spring? I’m done with winter, but I imagine you guys are too. I’m tired of winter scenes with snow. Can’t imagine why.
      Colleen, I got a chuckle out of your story about your hubby & his phone. Has he figured it out yet? If not take it to a local phone store & they should be able to help him or point him in the right direction. or when all else fails, read the directions. lol
      I hope you’re feeling better Barbara. It’ll take time to adjust.
      I hope he’s called you by now & said he made it safely.
      Adele I hope you’re all over what ever bug you had. I still have this nagging cough.

      Take care all.
      dd

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      Decorate for spring. It is so dreary outside and everyone needs some spring right now. It rained here yesterday and it has been cloudy today. It will be so nice to see the sun again. We have not heard anything about our cold weather coming back again so maybe it will not be as cold again for awhile. I cannot believe that winter weather is gone for the year.
      I did not watch any of their shows today. Have you ever ordered any flowers from any of them? I never have because they do not always work out where we live. We have a place here that we buy our flowers and that is about it. We have had more luck with the roses that we bought at Costco and a store by my mom’s house. We also get our trees there. They usually do really good here.
      He still has not figured it all out. He is just not good with these new phones. He was showing me how to find the instructions on how to use the phone but I am not the one that needs it. So I just humor him and look at the page and go on with what I was doing. He tries and that is good.
      What beautiful pictures of the flowers and the beach. That is one place that would be nice to be right now. It is nice to dream about being there even though we cannot. It would be nice to be laying on the beach with the cabana boy bringing us drinks with umbrellas in them. He could put lotion on our backs. Well that is enough dreaming for tonight.
      Guess that is all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I just saw your post from 4 days ago. I do not know how I missed it. I wonder if the q still sells those grips for your shoes. I will have to look and see. Ron will need them if we get anymore ice or snow. I wonder what it would be like to wear those snow shoes. They always show them in movies but have never seen anyone wear them. I always wondered if the are really any help or if you can fall off of them also.
      I still have not found of what type of doctor this guy is. They have never called me back and no one seems to know who he is. I googled doctors at that hospital with that name and they had one that is a cancer specialist and one that is a diabetic doctor. I am not going to drive for two hours to see a diabetic doctor. The doctor that I have now can take care of that without him. This is just ridiculous.
      We have a medium size generator. It can keep a few things going but not all at once. It does better then the first one that we had. It would be nice to have the one that takes care of the whole house. Your friend that has the house in Wisconsin is smart to have that. It would be a mess if they were not up there for awhile and the electric went out. Just wish that it was not that expensive here. We have too many other things that we need.
      Ron is getting into the 21st century. We both got new Iphones. It was funny because he is having all kinds of trouble getting his to work. We went back to the store today so they could help him. I think that they are going to start running every time they see him. The kids were shocked when they found out he had one. Wait until they find out he won’t hardly use his. He is not going to give them his number. I think that this is funny. He said that if they want to talk to him they can call my phone or the house phone. This could be interesting.
      Well that is all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      We have been off line for a few days. I have no idea why. But it’s been driving me nuts! My tablet is no good for sending e-mails or shopping and I had some of both to do.
      DD-I would do the spring decorating if it makes you feel more cheerful. Spring is my favorite time of year when everything is coming back to life. It’s like the Lazarus of the seasons. The flowers and beaches are so cheerful. And of course I love the butterflies. I keep thinking I should get a small Christmas tree and do it all in butterflies.
      Adele, congrats to the Pats. We were hoping Dallas would beat Green Bay-that was quite a game. If only Chicago could have a Tom Brady or an Aaron Rogers. Someday…
      I got one of those polka dot two piece sets too. I love polka dots-they make me smile.
      We went to Jenny’s house after Kendall’s party to give her her gift. She wanted this carrier for the American girl doll so we got her that and surprised her with an outfit for the doll too. Then we all went out to dinner together for Kendall’s birthday so it was fun.
      Greg did that nerve test and now he is sending the results back to the pain doctor so she is still treating him. Everything is so specialized now.
      Barbara, I hope that Neal is now safely in Napa. And I hope that you get to see Colin a lot before Sarah joins Neal in six weeks.
      I know what you mean about not having spent money on this and that over the years. Now I too want to get rid of stuff that just sits on shelves and that we no longer use. Jenny said that she will help sell some stuff-she will put it on Ebay or she has these Mommy garage sale groups where she can sell stuff. The clothes I will donate or throw out the stuff that has been sitting in the closet for 20 years. It’s a long slow process. I just have to try and do a little bit everyday. There are some charities that will come and pick up the stuff that you have gathered together to donate-around here some veterans association and the epilepsy foundation does that. I don’t know of any service that comes to your house and goes through the stuff on their own. Don’t know if that helped at all.
      Colleen, I figured you missed that post but I couldn’t get back on here to answer you either.
      I know they have those get a grips on Amazon. I bet they still have them on the Q too.
      Our friend that has the place up north goes snowshoeing when he is up there in the winter. He does it kind of for the sport of it I think.
      Maybe even if the new doctor is a diabetes doctor you could go to him for a second opinion. Sometimes it helps for someone to see a problem with fresh eyes. I think I would try seeing him at least once if you ever get an appointment.
      Ron is so funny-I can’t believe he won’t give the kids his number. You will like the i phone. We don’t have them we have Samsungs but they are smart phones too. I know we don’t use them for half of what they can do. But that’s okay. One thing that was nice when we took that trip to New Mexico we were in the car for long hours and we would get to talking about various things and then a question about something would come up and we could just “ask google.” Plus we used it to find motels to stay at when we were getting ready to stop for the day-they really are nice to have. You will love it and Ron will get used to it.
      I hope our internet is done acting up now as i was having withdrawal. lol
      It’s been kind of gloomy this week. Lots of rain and fog-the only thing good is that the temps are a bit warmer. It’s always a trade off. It would be nice to see the sun again though.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey everyone!
      All the cold/flu symptoms are gone. But, I have a pain in my tooth area. Cannot figure it out- it hurts when I bite, only. I hope it is just a quirk, and will go away by tomorrow. noddy else in the house got it, and i am so thankful for that,you have no idea.
      I just made Marissa the Lebkuchen she wanted for her birthday last week. They will all be coming for dinner tonight- some form of a take out. A simple one, I hope, like pizza.
      Well, Gory has to go for an echo cardiogram and a ultrasound of his liver. the “fatty liver” number was up again. So, I asked him if he told his doctor he uses half a stick of butter on his bagel every morning- he did not. he says his bagel is too dry, without the pound of butter. God help this man! I hope nothing awful will come up. he has been getting very winded, especially when he comes up the stairs.
      Everyone else here is status quo, accept for Heather. She has testing dome yesterday, as she is exhausted, and her hair is falling out. She got the results, and she is extremely anemic. her doctor said within a month the hair will stop falling out, and if not, she has to see a dermatologist. Still better than it being her thyroid!
      Speaking of thyroid, Nancy’s son had the surgery on Monday. They kept him for a night, because he had a seizure in the recovery room. They tested, and all was fine, so they determined it was from the anesthesia. He is now home, and doing ok.
      My shoulder pain has come back with a vengeance. I guess the shots for a shoulder do nto last more than a month. I do have an appointment for PT on the 30th- no sooner one was available. We will see what happens. I cannto dust the furniture, due to the shoulder, and you can write your name inthe bedroom. Heather was coming to help, but, I am not sure she will feel like doing that today!
      I hope al of you do not have any more ice. I have been seeing the ice storm all over your way, and it is scary. How are you all???? I sat a prayer for you to be safe every night.
      Barbara- You must be lonely now that they are gone. I pray they have a safe trip. Will they be gone for a long time, or is it permanent? I cannot tell you how bad I feel or all of you. It us hard to have family move away.
      Have you been baking a lot? Boy, those sticky buns take a long time, but they were a huge hit. If I were to make them for brunch, I would have to get up at 5am. I made blueberry muffins the other day for dinner, and we had them with scrambled eggs….LOL I did not get any complaints.
      DD- I hope you are all safe and sound over there. It looks awful on your side of the country.
      I love your pretty pictures. they give us hope the world will e beautiful again soon. How have your neighbors been? Have you all been socializing during these awful storms? How is your pretty kitty doing? I turn 67 in a few days. When is your birthday? I have asked for a Carvel cake, and Bobby to make mac and cheese. I have had such a hankering for mac and cheese,it is not funny. I told him to make some extra, because everyone takes some left overs home, and I want to have some leftovers too….LOL
      Colleen- I hope by now you had the last test they were going to do,and they finally know what is wrong.
      Did you two figure out how to use your phones yet? I don’t have a smart phone, and I do not want one. I know sooner or later, I will have to give in, as mine will be obsolete.
      Gail- I bet the girls had a ball with their American Girl Dolls. I miss those pretty little packages for the accessorizes. they package everything so nicely. do they have the bed room sets yet? They are so well made, they last for their entire childhoods.
      How is our cutie Piper doing? I still canto get into Facebook, so I am missing a lot!
      Sue- how are you doing? I am not bale to go into Facebook. If I get a notice, I can click on that one thing, and then I cannot scroll any further. So God knows what I have missed on there! i was able to express my sympathy for that poor Quacker staff person who died. How sad.
      I hope you are ok, and your weather is not awful. We are in the 40’s again. the last snow storm was rain for us.
      Hope all you girls are well, baking some goodie to keep your house warm, free of any irritating pains, and snug as a bug in a rug!!
      Adele

    • The Quacker Factory
      Keymaster
      Post count: 326

      Hello Everyone!
      This is James form the Quacker Factory. Happy new year, and yes, to new adventures! I have heard through the grapevine that some of you have been experiencing some weird stuff with the site lately. Starting next week, and lasting the next 2-3 weeks we will be doing some updates and improvements to the site to hopefully improve the functionality of the site and your overall experience! We hope you will enjoy them!

      And, if you ever find any issues with the site please email us directly at social@quackerfactory.com. We don’t monitor your personal threads on here so we may miss the chatter. Thanks

      ps: sorry to post directly on your thread but I wanted everyone to see this!

      James

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello to All. We are rainy here today; but sort of warm. We heard from Neal today. He finally got a good nights rest last night, and he was driving to the airport where he will be working so he will know the route for first day of work there on Friday. We could hear the excitement in his voice describing how beautiful it is there. He is seeing things that we have never seen before. The airport where he will work has lots of very rich people who fly into Napa Valley in their own private planes. I was looking on google at some of the prices for hotels/motels/spas there and it was nothing for them to charge over $600 a night; and that was supposed to be a good deal. LOL Jerry and I had to laugh when he called Jerry last night to ask him if his commode in his bathroom sometimes would gurgle did Jerry think he might be having an earthquake? Jerry assured him that it was due to the very strong wind that was blowing since he was having a storm when he called. Bless his heart, no telling how long he stood and watched that water before he broke down and called home. Jerry told him that he would experience that a lot while traveling out west in the high winds. We miss him so badly. But we are trying to do our best to stay positive for him; because I know he is so lonely out there all by himself.
      DD, I am also ready for some spring. This has been the strangest winter I can remember. I am with Colleen, we need us our cabana man and the feel of warmth and the smell of the sea in the air. It seems that according to the weather channel, your area (you are in Oregon right?) that you all have been just freezing there. My husband has said that is unusual for your area. He traveled to Portland a lot. He said it is absolutely beautiful there.
      Gail, I am glad you are better. How is Greg? Is his back doing any better? I bet he is a little concerned when he plays golf that he might twist or turn the wrong way and throw his back out. Does he do as much singing as he was? He has such a wonderful talent. Did any of your children recieve his vocal talents I guess you think I am full of questions tonight LOL Of course, we know that little Piper is destined to be on stage just any day now.
      Colleen, you have made me so hungry for some peanut butter cookies! I haven’t had them in quite a while. You are so right, Adele, the buns are a lot of work. But they were so yummy. I have been baking quite a bit just to take my mind off things. But now, there isn’t hardly anyone to eat all of this so I am doing like Colleen in freezing them in small batches. Joey came up one night late to pick up an apple pie I had baked that day. It was only missing one piece that Jerry ate. Believe it or not; I didn’t want any because I didn’t have any ice cream to go on mine LOL
      How are your Mom’s doing? Jerrys Mom is good. She was complaining of lower belly pain one day, and they called Jerry and asked him if he would okay them to do an X-ray of her lower belly just to be on the safe side. He said sure, and the on call service came and did the test and the nurse called us back later in the day and said it was good. Jerry missed going to see her for a couple of days due to his needing to be here to talk with Neal to help keep him awake and to help him look for certain roads etc. so she was lonesome for him. He got out there yesterday, and she was doing fine. She asked him to bring some candy for the staff; so I think she is really adjusting well.
      I think it is so cute that you all and your Moms or daughters both wear Quacker. I did order the red tee with cut out hearts on it for Valentines and because I simply like red. I also got the lilac two piece dragonfly top with the tank underneath. I don’t have anything I can think of in that color. I just love my new DJ’s with the metal circles at the bottom. I got them in black, and I really would love them in white too. But have to pace myself.
      Take care everyone, and thank you all for your kind thoughts and for understanding of missing my boys. Where did the time go? Barbara

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Breaking News: We are officially out of the deeeeeeeep freeeeeeeeeeeze!!! We actually got above freezing. We actually made it up to 51 degrees!!!
      We were in such a deep freeze we didn’t get above freezing for the better part of a week. It’s balmy today. Break out the tank tops. LOL
      The snow is pretty much gone, except for the piles of it where they cleared out parking lots. The Gorge tho is still freezing. They haven’t got the warmer temps out there yet. They were afraid of a lot of flooding but so far it isn’t as bad as they expected. We did have a landslide but no one was hurt as far as I know. I think we’re out of the worst of the bad weather now. They’re forecasting 40s for all of next week with rain showers. That’s more like it!! What we just experienced was the coldest we’ve been in 40 yrs. It was warmer up at the ski resorts on Mt. Hood, than down here. Yes, I’m in Oregon. And yes it wasn’t our normal winter weather. The snow was beautiful, for a while. But after 3 o4 days of bitter cold temps that’s enough. The kids were having a ball in it tho. Everybody’s ready to get back to a more normal life now that the snow is gone.

      Adele, I’m glad you’re feeling better. I think mine is breaking up finally! Before I forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I turned 67 on the 10th. (It was the day/night of my birthday the snow came in & dumped so much of it.) I hope you have better luck. What’s a Carvel cake?

      Barbara, the whole West coast is expensive to live in. If I;m not mistaken, that’s close to silicon valley. It’s one of the most expensive places in the country, I believe. It’s probably up there with NYC.
      Well, tomorrow we have a new Pres. Protesters plan to shut down the city here. I think they’re afraid their drug dealers will be deported or put away. Just my opinion. The media shouldn’t give them so much air time.
      The way I see it if God Himself was in office they wouldn’t be happy. Get a job & get a life people ( I don’t mean you guys)!!
      I better get off here before I lose this & I have to start over.
      Have a great weekend if I don’t get back on here.
      dd

      Attachments:
    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Breaking News: We are officially out of the deeeeeeeep freeeeeeeeeeeze!!! We actually got above freezing. We actually made it up to 51 degrees!!!
      We were in such a deep freeze we didn’t get above freezing for the better part of a week. It’s balmy today. Break out the tank tops. LOL
      The snow is pretty much gone, except for the piles of it where they cleared out parking lots. The Gorge tho is still freezing. They haven’t got the warmer temps out there yet. They were afraid of a lot of flooding but so far it isn’t as bad as they expected. We did have a landslide but no one was hurt as far as I know. I think we’re out of the worst of the bad weather now. They’re forecasting 40s for all of next week with rain showers. That’s more like it!! What we just experienced was the coldest we’ve been in 40 yrs. It was warmer up at the ski resorts on Mt. Hood, than down here. Yes, I’m in Oregon. And yes it wasn’t our normal winter weather. The snow was beautiful, for a while. But after 3 o4 days of bitter cold temps that’s enough. The kids were having a ball in it tho. Everybody’s ready to get back to a more normal life now that the snow is gone.

      Adele, I’m glad you’re feeling better. I think mine is breaking up finally! Before I forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I turned 67 on the 10th. (It was the day/night of my birthday the snow came in & dumped so much of it.) I hope you have better luck. What’s a Carvel cake?

      Barbara, the whole West coast is expensive to live in. If I;m not mistaken, that’s close to silicon valley. It’s one of the most expensive places in the country, I believe. It’s probably up there with NYC.
      Well, tomorrow we have a new Pres. Protesters plan to shut down the city here. I think they’re afraid their drug dealers will be deported or put away. Just my opinion. The media shouldn’t give them so much air time.
      The way I see it if God Himself was in office they wouldn’t be happy. Get a job & get a life people ( I don’t mean you guys)!!
      I better get off here before I lose this & I have to start over.
      Have a great weekend if I don’t get back on here.
      dd

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I hope that they figure out something that they can do to help Greg. That is terrible when you feel like you foot is asleep all the time. It is hard enough when it happens for just a few minutes. I hope that I have this right. I am not good at remembering things the right way sometimes. I am getting older everyday. That sounds like just as good an excuse as any.
      I like that polka dot set but ended up not buying one. I still have to watch the show they had on today and see what they had. I am wanting to find out what this new contest is they are having. I will enter it even though I know that I will never win. lol It is fun just thinking of what quacker clothes that I would get if I ever won any of the contests.
      So far no one has heard of this new doctor. This is funny. I call and no one knows who he is or the nurse that called me. So I have no idea what I am supposed to do. I do not know if they will ever call back or not. I have been waiting to see if they would. It would be nice but I am not sure. I think that he is a mystery doctor and we have to find him like where is Waldo.
      Ron is a riot with the new phone. He is ready to throw it across the room but I tell him he would have to buy a new one and that makes him think about throwing it. He can never find anything and it is driving him crazy. I just hope he gets use to it soon so he will calm down a bit. Then he wants me to see what he figures out on the phone. I have already done it but he has to show me. The poor man is driving me crazy.
      How is Brent doing? Do you think that he will get to come home any time soon to visit? I hope that he does and gets to spend some time with you and Greg and Jenny. The grands will be glad to see him I am sure.
      Hope that your internet is fixed and you can talk more often again. Your weather is like ours. It has been raining and foggy. One day it is warm and the next it is cold again. This is fun weather.
      Well that is all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Glad to hear that you are feeling better. You sure had that flu for a long time. That is great that Gary and Tillie did not get that either. I will be praying for Gary that his tests come back okay. That will be rough on him for awhile if they find that he has a problem. I am sure that the two of you will come thru it okay though. Sorry to hear about your shoulders. I hope that they can give you another shot soon so the pain will not be as severe.
      I did not know that being anemic would make your hair fall out. That explains a lot. My hair was thinning but has stopped for awhile. Hope that means that my iron is up again. Will put her on the prayer list also.
      Can you believe that we just got done putting our Christmas things away. I have had them all down just not packed away. We finally got that all done today. I still can see things around that I missed. Will just stick them in the closet. I am really behind the times.
      Ron is still not use to the phones. It will take him awhile. I had an iphone before I got this one. Mine was old and out of date so got a new one and really like it better. On my old one I always had to enter my pass word to get on it. If I got a phone call I had to slide the arrow over and then had to pus answer. So by the time I did all of that people would hang up.
      We still cannot find this Dr. Taylor. I think that he is a mystery man. I will have to just wait and see if they call back. You just have to laugh if not it would drive a person buggy.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I am glad to hear that Neal make it okay and found his way to work. I am sure that he will call often and talk. These phones will let you see each other when you talk and you will be able to see Colin. It is nice that Colin will be here for six weeks before he has to go to California. Hopefully Sara will bring him over all the time and let you spend a lot of time with him. You and Jerry now have a reason to go to California and visit. It is pretty there my sister use to live in San Jose California.
      I think that we have all caught the baking bug from Adele. She is right though it does help to relax you for awhile. Freezing things is the best way to go. That way you can bake all you want and just put it in the freezer and then Joey can come up and take some home. How is Joey doing now and Lisa? Hope that things are going well.
      My mom is doing okay. I am glad that Jerry’s mom is doing well also. That is nice that they checked on her belly pain as quickly as they did. You and Jerry found a really nice place for his mom. It must make you both feel better knowing that she is staying at a good place. How sweet that she wants Jerry to bring candy for the staff there. They will really like that.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      Very well said. That is terrible that they are going to try and close down the city because they do not like who got voted in. Why can’t they just give the man a chance he may do better then they think. You are right though if they are not working they do not want him to do a good job. All they want is their drugs.
      It is good to hear that you are over you cough also. You and Adele had that for a long time. I hope that it does not spread all over the country. So far we have not had that bad flu here. Well not any one that I know of around here. This weather is so crazy this year.
      We had a lot of rain today but it finally stopped around 9pm. There was lightning so could not get on the computer sooner. We have to be careful when there is lightning. It has hit our telephone a few times and we have had to get a new one.
      Well that is about all from here. It is kind of boring here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Happy Birthday Adele!

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    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Girls James had a message further up on this thread so read it if you did not before. He just e mailed me and said he made some changes with spacing & color so he wants me to check with you all and let him know if you like it. I find it much easier to read.

      Happy Birthday Adele!

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Happy Birthday to Adele and Dianne! Hope you both had wonderful days. Hope everyone is feeling good today. Poor Jerry hurt one of his ribs. He was pulling on something harder than he should have and it hurt one of his ribs that he broke several years ago. He says he is fine, but I know it hurts him. I was just laughing thinking of Ron getting used to his new phone. He is so much like Jerry. Jerry has one of those flip phones and has had it for years. It had gotten to where he could hardly hear on it; so we went to Verizon after I finally convinced him that it was the phone and not something I had done to it. The little young girl at Verizon had not ever seen a phone like he has. ha ha She said she would have to go get her manager to help her. The manager tried to talk him into getting a newer version phone and he actually expected her to just trade his phone for an I Phone like phone. She told him that they didn’t do that, and when he found out how much it was going to cost I thought he was going to pass out. LOL The manager actually said that she had only seen a phone like he has at a training session where they were showing how they started out making their phones. ha ha Jerry and Ron would make such a scene if they went in a store together with all their complaints. They surely do help us when we need them though. So I guess along with their quirks they do good too.
      Sarah and Colin are moving back with her parents until they leave for California. Hopefully they will all be together within a few weeks. They are coming over tomorrow to visit and to go with us to a talent show where one of our neighbors grandaughter is going to sing. They are so proud of her, and I hope she does good. Her Mom is a good friend of Sarah. So we will have a good time. We will probably go to dinner tomorrow night. I am just not in the mood to cook, just bake ha ha.
      Didn’t realize it was getting late, but Jerry is ready for bed. Take care everyone. Will talk again soon. Barbara

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      Adele, I did notice that the American girl stuff was packaged nicely. I love when a place does that-it’s such a nice touch. That’s why I love getting things from Brighton-the packaging is so special. Unfortunately it’s usually only the more expensive places that pay that attention to detail on the packaging. I hope Gary and Heather will do better. I had to laugh when you said how he puts half a stick of butter on his bagel. That’s how I am with corn on the cob. I do like my butter-never cared for margarine. I must get it from my Dad he was the same way.
      Barbara, I hope that Jerry’s rib is better. I can imagine the sticker shock he got at the phone store. We are lucky that our phones and internet are paid for through Greg’s work but unfortunately that won’t last forever. So did he end up replacing the phone anyway?
      I hope you have fun at the talent show tonight.
      I have never been to Napa but it has definitely been on my radar for a place I’d like to visit. Greg and I would like to do a winery trip some day.
      I know the doctor’s would prefer that Greg not play golf and twist his back like that but I don’t think it’s anything he would give up unless he absolutely had to. It’s something he loves to do plus I think it’s good as it keeps him active and he has fun with the golfing buddies also.
      He still sings all the time. Unfortunately they had to cancel the last few concerts as one of the members of the folk group has been undergoing cancer treatments-however, I think he will be good to travel in March again. Plus they are adding another member from Wyoming. He and Tim work on recordings of the old church music just about every week during the winter while Tim is in Chicago. Neither of the kids are big singers.
      Speaking of him singing. When he was 18 the Paulist Choir and Father O’Malley was invited to Washington to meet President Johnson. Well-we’ve always had some still shots from the trip but we just discovered last week that there were movies from the trip on Youtube. They were films that the Navy took and they are in the LBJ library and someone has posted them on Youtube. Greg said he never even knew they were being filmed. It was so weird to go to Youtube and watch that.
      DD, I’m glad your weather has broken and is getting better. Ours has been so dreary and drizzly and foggy for two weeks now. I’ve forgotten what the sun looks like. lol
      Colleen, well it’s back to the pain doctor for Greg for the results of the tests. I hope that they can do something.
      Did you enter the contest. It’s for a thousand dollars. How nice would that be!
      I like your where’s Waldo doctor. It could be like a book-like the old Nancy Drew mysteries- Colleen and the Case of the Disappearing Doctor. Or like 007-Doctor Taylor Missouri Man of Mystery. It does make you scratch your head when no one seems to know who or where he is-he is like doctors without borders-but more like doctor of the secret office. Maybe you need to know the secret word to get an appointment. It’s just downright weird.
      Brent plans on coming for a visit at the end of May-so that will be a nice time of year. He hopes to get in some fishing while he is here.
      Last night we went to Jenny’s as usual. Piper was playing Just Dance on the Wii U and she wanted grandpa to play with her. Jenny and I were in hysterics watching Greg seriously doing these dance moves with Piper. it was hysterical. I wish I had made some video. Jenny and I were watching and cracking up and Greg would be so excited whenever he earned another star but Piper wouldn’t want him to have more than her. Those kids love their goofy grandpa! lol
      Hope springs eternal. I’m hoping for some sunshine this weekend!
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      Jerry and Ron are a lot alike. Ron had a flip phone also but he wants to put more minutes on it for some reason. He has a new phone but does not like to use it that much. We could send them to the Verizon store and we could go to lunch and probably do some shopping. By the time they get done in there it would be time to go home for dinner. lol Ron goes in there and he will be in there for at least two hours. So be prepared if Jerry gets a new phone. He will get to be good friends with the guys that work there. Jerry and Ron are alike at over thinking things. They have to realize that these old phones are not worth anything. Was Jerry in the service when he was younger. Even if it was just for the two years. If he has been they give you a 15% discount on the phone bill. Now that was something that Ron understood.
      I hope that you enjoyed yourselves at the talent show. It sounds like a lot of fun. How did your neighbors grand do? I hope that you got to go to a nice restaurant for dinner. Anymore that is my favorite part of going out anywhere. Stopping and eating are picking something up and bringing home.
      Hope that Jerry’s rib is better. Does he have something to take for the pain? Men are never careful when they do things and they get hurt. Ron would be the same way. He could be in a lot of pain but would never admit it to me. Especially if he did something that he should not have done.
      It is nice that you got to spend some time with Colin and Sara. She seems to be better about bringing him over for you to see him.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I did enter the contest but I say every time that I am not going to enter again. That never works because before you know it my name is on the list. It is hard to resist. Hope one of us win it this time around. I guess this is going to be the only contest this year. They have not mentioned anything else coming up.
      That would be hard to give up golf for Greg. It would be a shame if they told him that he needs to. As we get older we give up so much anyway. I guess we will just have to do the things that really mean a lot to us and not worry about if it will cause pain.
      Maybe they could make up a game Where is the doctor? You would have to try and find him and if you do you win the big prize you get an appointment with him. I like your book ideas also. They may be better then playing the game. I have to try and track him down again tomorrow. I guess he will not call here again.
      That will be nice for you and Greg when Brent comes home. Will his girlfriend come with him? That will be nice if Greg and Brent can go fishing together and go out on the boat. They would both enjoy that.
      That is funny that Greg was getting excited if he got a star dancing. Piper is so cute. I hope that grandpa did not get more stars then her he would be in trouble. Sounds like they had fun dancing though. He was doing good keeping up with Piper she has so much energy.
      That is nice that they found another guy to sing with them. THey are such good singers it would be a shame if they had to stop singing as a group. Hope that guy with cancer gets better soon.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello Everyone!!
      Thank God James is listening, and will fix some of the issues on here. I am praying we get the notifications by email back. Thank you James!!
      Thank you, my best Quacker buddies for all the birthday wishes. I am hoping my birthday brings luck to our Pats- go Pats!!
      Are you all ok? We have been bearing awful things about about tornado’s, and flooding. Every time I see something in your areas, I hoe you are all ok.
      Today, we are having a mac and cheese birthday, with a Carvel cake. For those of you that do not know this, a Carvel cake is an ice cream cake. I had no idea some of you do not have one in your area of this great country.
      On the issue of the new President. this is my take on it. I am hoping and praying he will stop acting like a movie star, and realize he is the President, and anyone in office, no matter how low their position, gets constant criticism. It goes with the job, and he has to get a thicker skin. He is the President of all the people, including anyone in the media, and anyone who says they do not like what he does. Being the President is not a popularity contest, same as being a parent. When my kids would say the usual….”I hate you” when they got grounded or disciplined, I always said back… “Guess what buddy, I do not care, parenthood is not a popularity contest”. That is my soap box for the day….LOL
      Gail:
      So sorry about Greg’s back. I hope he an find a way to golf, that does not stress out his back. How is the one singer who is dealing with cancer? IS he close to being in remission?
      That is fabulous that Greg is in a You tube video for singing in the Inauguration of President Johnson. How cool is that!!
      So glad Brent is coming for a visit in May. Will the girlfriend join him? I bet you are counting the days.
      I wish you had a video of Greg dancing with The Piper. She will have such wonderful memories of her grandparents. You two are fabulous grandparents. That is a real gift to a child.
      So, is the Brighton company a doll company, or do they do things for boys too?
      Barbara:
      Gary is the same with a phone. Neither of us have a smart phone, and I keep telling him we need to get used to the touch screen thing, or it will eventually be forced upon us. He has real big(wide) fingers, and you have to see what happens to the remote around here. It will be a nightmare with a small little phone, for sure. Not looking forward to that!
      I hope the visit with Sarah and Colin go well, and that you have a great time with all of them at the Talent show. Post a picture, so we can see!
      Sue:
      Thank you for the birthday wishes, and the notice to look way up to see James’ post.
      How have you been? Have you been working for your old company once in a while, or home? Isn’t it great not having to go out, when it is storming out there? Are you rooting for the Pats today?
      DD:
      So glad your weather is more back to normal. Have you been out more, or had coffee with your friends in the building?
      Happy Birthday to you too! Guess what! Your birthday is the same day as our Rissy’s. You are sharing the day with a lovely young woman, so I am sure you are more than a lovely young (LOL) woman!!!
      Colleen:
      Ron and the phone is just like Gary with any new technology. It gets ugly over here, until he has it down pat. He is still screwing up the Xfinity 1 remote, and we have had it a while.
      Have you found the doctor Taylor yet? That is very strange.
      Isn’t it weird that low iron makes your hair fall out? Poor Heather also has a double ear infection. She is feeling better, and that is good. Her whole face was swollen when I saw her before she got an antibiotic.
      Don’t feel bad- I still have not found a place for the left over paper products I ah for Christmas- they are on the dining room table.Also, I have not found my every day napkin holder that I loved- it is a rooster Fitz and Floyd one. I actually sprung to buy another one on Ebay, as it is no longer available, and I am scared I will never find my napkin holder again. It is the biggest joke around here- nobody can find it, and I checked all the places I would have put it.
      I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday, and remember……..GO PATS!!!.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Sue!
      I did notice the font was larger- thank God!! We are all getting older, and ti si so hard to read when it is smaller.
      I am voting for the e mail notices to come back- I hope he puts them back in.
      Thank you for the birthday wishes, here and on Facebook!!!
      Also, thank you for letting us know James is on the case. he is such a nice guy. I wish we could add that Minnion Emogee witht he duck that I put on your Facebook post….LOL
      Adele
      GO PATS!!!!

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Adele I am sorry but would probably be run out of Pennsylvania if I did not root for the Steelers. I am really an Eagles fan but they are not in it.
      I have not worked anymore days but he did call me with a question on Friday. I did tell him I would work once in a while if needed but not in bad weather. We have been warmer so rain instead of snow right now. It is to get cold again by next weekend. I just would like to see the sun.

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      I am glad too that the font is larger now. I was really having trouble reading and writing our posts. Jerry and I got up with the full intention of getting out today and having a adventure, but as he was showering, I sat here thinking all I really wanted to do today was spend a quiet day here at home. I am usually happy to be out and about, but today is gray and gloomy and just seems like a day to sit back, relax (which may include a nap) and call and check on all of the boys and their families. We had such a good time yesterday at the talent show. We watched the Daddy of the child in the show grow up with our boys, and it is just sort of surreal to see his little family and Sarah and Colin and think of how I still remember him running so carefree out here through the fields and how our little Colin and his girls are a whole new generation coming along. I sat next to his Mom, and of course she was very excited to see her grandchild perform. She placed second, and also got a trophy for most popular. Our vets son was also in the show. He did a performance with the Rubic’s Cube, and he was so fast that he was able to do 2 of them within 4 minutes, even with his helper moving all the cubes around two minutes into his performance. It was pretty amazing. I remember when I first saw that thing that I tried so hard to match up the cubes that I got so frustrated after about two weeks, that I took the thing apart. LOL Do you all remember that thing?
      Jerry and I had a wonderful time with the baby. He just laughed at us and tried to talk to us. I just love how he looks us right in the eye when he hears us say something and listens so intently. Everything you all told me before he was born was so true. Did I tell you all that she has moved back in with her parents while she is waiting for her California license to come? I wish she would go ahead and be with Neal, but I know they will do what they feel is best for them all. I know Neal is so lonesome for them.
      Gail, that is so neat that Greg is on you tube. That was such an honor for him to perform during the inaguration. You all have really had some special times in his vocal career. It must give you chills sometimes to hear him sing.
      Colleen, I have sort of hesitated to bring up Joey and Lisa since Jerry and I are just sitting back and watching from the sidelines so to speak. So far; they seem to be getting along so well now. THey had a wonderful Christmas. They were up here together and had Christmas dinner with us. She seemed happy and they both sat close together, and I saw Joey kiss her at least twice during the day. We don’t ask any direct questions, just things like how are they doing. Joey told us that sometimes he feels that their history together and how good she is to him right now really confuses his feelings. He said he wants to believe with his heart that they are past the bad times of the past, but he has experienced so much mixed emotions with her that is is scared. I told him son, only your heart, not your head, will lead you in the right direction, and just to pray for guidance in making his choices. Truthfully, I really think they are going to stay together. Lisa has told Sarah that she will stay with Joey even if they never marry, but Jerry and I both feel, but don’t say, that a couple really should commit through marriage their love and faithfullness for each other. So you can see why we just keep watching from afar. He is such a good man, and she really hurt him, as I am sure he has her as well. Do you all ever get to the point in your life where you feel that you, as a parent or grandparent or sibling, should have experienced enough of life to be able to just advise your loved one without having doubts that you might be wrong? But for me; I sort of doubt myself in giving advice now than ever before. I always used to think that older people were wise. I don’t feel too wise. ha ha
      So girls, I am just going to sit back, relax, and Jerry has said he will go pick us up something for dinner, and that sounds fine to me. By the way: I ordered his Mom a pair of Clarks that you just slip on because they have a stretchy piece on top of them; and she just loves them. She was so proud of them. Made me happy to see her in such a happy mood. She also wanted some of my chocolate pie; so Jerry and I took her a whole pie. I made 3 of them so everyone could have a piece. I made one diabetic so everyone could have a piece, and they all really seemed to enjoy it. We are going to have a Valentines Day party for the residents and staff. I went to the party store before Christmas and stocked up on the supplies and decorations. I think it will be lots of fun.
      Gail, Jerry and I are reading Still Missing about a young woman realtor who was kidnapped and is being held captive in a cabin. It is a real page turner, and I am surprised that Jerry is liking it since it really isn’t his style of read. So far; I am really enjoying it. I do love our little night time tradition of reading together. I tried to talk him into audio books, but he likes to hear me read to him.
      Sue, what are you doing with your free time now? Any travel plans on the horizon? You certainly deserve a rest. Isn’t it nice just to snuggle in now instead of facing the cold or rain? I am happy for you.
      Better go for now, I am sure you all think I write books instead of notes to you. Take care and hope you have a great week. Barbara

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I hope everyone is fine today. It’s a heatwave out here. We’re actually in the 40s!! Hooooray!! The only snow left is piles of it in the parking lots.
      OK, I know some, if not all of you are professional bakers. I would like your best recipe for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I tried once awhile back & they didn’t turn out so good. Try, try again. I googled it & there were a lot of recipes listed. I just thought I’d ask what yours is. Thanks.
      Not much going on here. Yes I have been able to get out to the store since the weather’s better. The sciatica keeps me down more than the weather. w
      My neighbor’s been sick, & I still have a cough so I stay away from them. Kay & I did go to the store a couple of times tho. It was good to get out in the fresh air for awhile.
      I guess that’s all for now.
      take care.
      dd

      Attachments:
    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      If no one gives you their recipe I will post mine tomorrow. I am not a professional but it is my favorite. Was the one my mom used.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Still have not found Dr. Taylor. I think that he is the mystery man of medicine. We will find him eventually but it is going to take awhile. Well at least I think that it will. We have not had much luck yet. We have to laugh at things like this or they would drive us crazy.
      It is funny that all of the husbands have such a hard time with the new technology. Ron sure does. I wonder if they have phones with bigger numbers so it would not be so hard for Gary. I did not think about someone that has big hands. That would be hard to work with.
      That has to be miserable to have a double ear ache. Hope that she got the antibiotic and it has started to work for her. We have all had ear aches so we know how much pain she is in. That would be bad if it is a double. It makes my head hurt just thinking about that.
      Isn’t aggravating to put something someplace and not be able to find it back. They say it is always the last place that you look. That is never a help to anyone. Who is the Saint that is supposed to help you find lost items. Is it St. Francis? Will have to ask my mom she will know.
      It is nice that James did post on here that they are taking care of the problem. It will be nice when we start getting our notices again so we know when someone has been on here.
      You and Aliza would get along really well. She likes mac and cheese also. They had some for her for her birthday also. She really loves it. Her birthday was on the 18th of this month they had her party Saturday. She looked so cute she has one of the net skirts with crowns all over it. She was walking all over the place and thinking that she looked really cool. We got her a tricycle and she liked pushing it but was not happy when they put her on it. They will have to do that when no one is around. There was just too many people around for her to enjoy any of her toys.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I think that you are doing so well with Joey and Lisa. It is hard not to say what you think and what they should do. They do not want our advice always wen the get to a certain age. I agree with you about being married. I feel that way about my daughter that is living with her boyfriend. They have a baby together and they need to be married. I know that she had a rough marriage and he was such a sleaze but I think that this guy is a keeper. He loves his daughter that they have together so they might as well commit. They already have with the baby being there.Now I will get off my soap box.
      How cool that the little girl in the show got a trophy. That was nice that she came in second. That is fun to watch friends of our kids with their own children. Sometimes it makes you wonder where all the time went. It is nice that you go to go and enjoy the evening.
      It is gloomy here also. We were supposed to get some rain today but so far no rain at all. It might come during the night. How nice that Jerry went out to get dinner. It is always a plus when we do not have to cook. That does make the night relaxing and peaceful. That is so cool that you and Jerry read at night and he wants you to read and not do the audio books.
      That is nice that Jerry’s mom like the clarks. I can imagine how much the people at the home loved the pies. How sweet of you to think of the diabetics. They probably really appreciate it. The Valentine party sounds like it will be fun. You and Jerry come up with some really good ideas. That is so nice that your mil likes it there. Sounds like they are really nice people.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      I read the poem that you posted in the picture. That is really pretty. I did make it larger so I can read it. That is true about Mother’s. They are always in our hearts and in our minds. Adele and I are still lucky to have our mom’s.
      I am not a professional baker. Wish I was, Adele is the one that is so good at baking. When I make chocolate chip oatmeal cookies I just use the oatmeal cookie recipe off the oatmeal box and just add the chips to that. Sue probably has a better one then what I just told you. Hope that you find one that is easy to do.
      I can imagine that all of you are happy that the weather has broken and you have the warmer weather. It is nice to get out and go into the fresh air. It is hard to do when it is really cold. Sorry to hear that your sciatica is acting up.It is not fun to hurt like that. Hope that it eases up soon.
      Hope that you and your neighbor start to feel better soon so you can all get together.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I hope that Ron is adjusting to the new phone. Did they have a big family birthday party for Aliza? Jenny always lets the kids pick the theme of their party-like Minnie Mouse or Batman or whatever-but Aliza is still too young to tell you what she wants. Pretty soon she’ll be talking up a storm though.
      I hope that Brent and Greg get to go fishing when he comes up. He is bringing Wendy and her younger son-I can never remember his age but I think it’s 10 or 11-somewhere around there. Right now they are talking about flying up-we’ll see what they finally decide to do.
      When Greg was dancing with Piper even if he had more points than her he would just tell her that they were tied so she wouldn’t get all bent out of shape. lol
      I am getting more and more curious about the mysterious Doctor Taylor. After all this he better have a cure for you. Is Cape Girardeau or Saint Louis closer to you?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      DD,
      I hope the sciatica stops acting up. I know from seeing my husband that it can be so miserable. Going to the chiropractor helps him with that.
      I am not a big fan of oatmeal cookies so I seldom make them but I’m sure everyone else will have a recipe.
      I did love that essay about Mothers. It was really beautiful.
      Gail

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
      3/4 cup shortening 1 cup sifted flour
      1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt
      1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon soda
      1 egg 3 cups oatmeal
      1/4 cup water 1 bag chocolate chips It says for double batch but I usually use the whole bag anyway I like choc chips
      1 teaspoon vanilla

      Cream shortening and sugars in mixing bowl. Add egg water and vanilla beat thoroughly. Sift together flour, salt & soda. Alternate flour and oatmeal and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes.

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      I hope you can figure this out. It did not post the way I typed it. I made a second column over from the first but they run it together.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      Yesterday I had a pot roast cooking in the oven and after awhile you could smell it throughout the house. And I was thinking how cozy it was on a chilly, damp, dreary day to just have that comfort food roasting in the oven.
      I remember the rubics cube-I was never able to solve it. My brain just doesn’t work that way.
      I just wish the best for Joey and Lisa no matter what they decide to do. I think Adele, Colleen, you and I all have a child living with a significant other. So that is kind of the new world order. It doesn’t really bother me one way or the other. I think if there were a child involved I would like for them to be married if possible but ultimately that’s their decision. I think Brent will probably remarry after some time. I would bet that Joey and Lisa will eventually get married. I think they have both been hurt and maybe it’s wise to take things slowly right now-but if they stay together I bet they would get married-maybe especially if they want kids. It’s none of my business-it’s just kind of a gut feeling. I think we all have the wisdom that comes with age-the problem is do our kids want to hear about it? lol I must admit Jenny will ask my opinion on things to do with the kids if she has a question. I have noticed the older our kids get the smarter we get. lol
      You guys are so sweet to throw that Valentine’s party for the residents and staff where Jerry’s Mom lives. I’m sure they will all love it. It’s nice to feel special-no matter what our age.
      It sounds like the book that you and Jerry are reading is a thriller of some sort. Greg, Jenny and I like those types of books so if we get one all three of us end up reading it and Jenny will pass it on to her SIL too. So one books goes a long way. I think that’s such a nice tradition that you and Jerry have. I have never used an audio book-have you. I see several people on the QVC book club site use them all the time. I’m afraid that if I tried to use an audio book that my mind would start wandering but I can see it for a car commute or something like that.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Congratulations to your Patriots. We watched both games yesterday. We had to watch the Green Bay game to root against them-as Bear’s fans. Not very nice but that’s how things work around here with the rivalry. The Patriots have quite a dynasty going with so many recent championships and Super Bowl appearances. We Bears fans have no idea what that feels like.
      We don’t really know how Bill is doing with his treatments as he is very private about it. However, he is planning on coming to Chicago in March so that means he has been cleared to travel so that’s a positive sign.
      When Brent comes in Wendy and her younger son are coming with. I hope the weather is nice for the visit. It’s usually pretty nice by the end of May but you just never know.
      Brighton is not a doll store. It’s a store that sells jewelry and leather goods. I wonder if they have them out east. They are a small kind of specialty store.
      Somehow I didn’t explain things right I guess. The Paulist Choir did not sing at Johnson’s inauguration. He asked Father O’Malley to bring them to him in the White House so he could meet with them. The video is of him talking to them and meeting with them in the White House. I guess he wanted them to sing in the room they were in but O’Malley said they couldn’t as they didn’t have the full group with them at the time. We do have a photo of them in the Oval office with President Johnson but we never even knew this other film existed and were surprised to see it.
      I don’t think we have Carvel ice cream cakes by us. I always get the ones from Dairy Queen.
      You and Piper both requested mac and cheese for your birthdays. lol
      Gail

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      We are getting a lot of rain and wind today. The weatherman said a nasty day. He said it has been dark and dreary (no sunshine) 17 out of 22 days and this is another one. So that is why I need to see some sun.
      I am like Gail No Carvel jus Dairy Queen ice cream cakes. Have not had one in years.
      I got a recipe for Snickerdoodle muffins from the Facebook recipe group. I have not tried it yet but it sound so good. If anyone wants it I will post it.

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Thank you for the recipe for the cookies, Sue. I was able to figure it out. Making columns on this is impossible. Thanks again.
      I figured since all of you raised a family & still have family get togethers, you were pretty close to professional cooks, bakers. I hope I
      didn’t offend anyone. It wasn’t meant to.
      I can’t believe just last week we were in the 20s for high temps. Today we were 50 degrees. I actually had a window open for a while to
      air it out in here. Is it SPRING yet??!! lol
      I never heard of Carvel cakes before. We have Dairy Queen, too. We used to have Baskins & Robbins, but I’m not sure they’re around
      anymore.

      Adele, you said I share a birthday with your Rissy. who is that? a grand child? Happy belated b/day. Oh, congrats on the Pat’s win.

      Ok ladies, I saw something that got me all fired up. I saw where somebody was taking pot shots at Barron Trump on social media. I have
      only one thing to say LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE!!! Go after the adults, but leave the small children alone!!! I thought they were off limits
      to begin with. After Princess Diana & all that fiasco I thought the press, etc., learned from that.

      Let’s give the Pres. a chance. Like I said earlier, if God Himself was in the White House, there’d be people who would be unhappy!! Let’s
      pray for God’s guidance, & protection, & HIS Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen. This country needs to get back to God.
      Well, I’ll get off before I lose all of this.
      dd

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Ron has not used his phone for a few days. So I guess he has given up on it for awhile. He cannot fine the instruction page anymore and he is constantly asking me if I can find it on my phone. I have not been looking for it so cannot help him there. He worries too much about things that he cannot find even if he has no interest in using it. This is going to be a long battle.
      There were a lot there. Kevin’s mom and dad are divorced so it was interesting. His moms family stayed in the living room, his dads family stayed out on the deck and we sat at the kitchen table. Both sides of the family are nice but you could feel tension in the air with both families there. Poor Aliza was so excited about her presents until she saw how many were there for her to open then she got bored. She has enough clothes to open a baby clothing store. lol It seems like that is what everyone bought her. We got her the tricycle and she was happy with that. It was not wrapped so she did not have to open it.
      Grandpa knows how to keep Piper happy. That is just so cute. It is fun for the grand kids when you and Greg come and do so much with them. Our grand sons found out that we have a lazer tag place by us and they are wanting to come down here and go there. I had to laugh at them they wanted to go that day but told them they could not leave Aliza’s party.
      That is nice that they are bringing one of the kids with them. Wendy sounds like she is a nice person. I am glad that she is coming with Brent. It will give everyone time to meet her and get to know her. He will have a lot of fun with you grand kids.
      St. Louis is closer. It is an hour and 1/2 drive to St. Louis and a 2 hour drive to Cape. It is a nice drive to Cape because we go the back roads and not the highway. There is not as much traffic that way.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      What beautiful pictures. I love all the tulips.What a beautiful cottage with all the flowers around it. I always liked those bridges that go over a creek like that. It is just so pretty. That would be a nice place to live..
      I do not think that you offended anyone about us being professional bakers or cooks. That was a compliment. I do not bake as much as I use to because we do not like having all that sweets around the house. I freeze a lot but you can only do that with so many.How did your cookies come out bet they were really good.
      Could not have said it better then that about Barron Trump. They should leave the kids alone and if they want to pick on someone pick on the adults. It is just a sad world now.
      Your are right this country needs to get back to God and stay there. All we can do is pray.
      Well that is all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen
      p.s. How are you feeling? Hope that the cough is going away.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Sue it would be nice if you would post the recipe on here. I have never heard of snicker doodle muffins. That sounds really good.
      Colleen

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Snickerdoodle Donut Muffins

      Ingredients

      ¾ Cup Sugar
      ½ Cup Butter (melted)
      ½ teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
      ¾ Cup Milk (skim, 1%, 2%, whole)
      1½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
      Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
      ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
      ⅛ teaspoon Cream of Tartar (optional)
      1½ teaspoons Baking Powder
      Directions

      For dipping your donut muffins, prepare the following:

      In a small bowl,

      •Melt 1/2 cup butter

      In a small bowl mix,

      •1/2 cup Sugar
      •1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

      Directions

      Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F.

      Spray mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray – be sure to spray the top of the pan too.

      In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar and vanilla – mix until smooth. Next pour milk over mixture, set aside, do not mix. In a medium size bowl, mix the remaining dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cream of tartar and nutmeg). Pour your dry ingredients over the butter/sugar/vanilla/milk mixture -and mix until just blended. Using a spoon or a scooper (I use a medium size Pampered Chef scooper), fill each muffin 3/4 full. Place in oven on middle rack and bake 18-20 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven. Take each donut muffin, and while they are still warm (but not too hot), dip them completely in melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on wax paper to cool.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Sue,
      The muffins sound yummy!
      I’m with you-where has the sun gone? I think it’s on vacation.
      Gail

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Gail, I thought they did too. Haven’t had a chance to try them yet. Looks like he got the notifications back because I got one when you posted. Sue

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      No one minded that you said we were seasoned bakers. I don’t bake as much anymore now that it is just me and Greg. Plus I love home baked good so much I would just have a hard time not eating it all very quickly. I swear in my old age I have a sweet tooth that I never had when I was younger. I wonder if our taste buds change as we age and the sweet ones end up being stronger than the others.
      I agree with you. No one should say bad things about politician’s little kids. Barron is only ten years old. Saying something bad about him his just downright mean and people who do that kind of stuff are ignorant. Have some compassion for crying out loud! Okay-I’m done. Doing something like that is like picking on a defenseless puppy.
      We are still in a state of no sun and I’ve looked at the seven day forecast and I don’t see any little glimmers coming up soon either.
      I am starting to pray for sunshine.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Interesting. I wonder if I will start getting them again since I lost them way before the rest of you guys. I hope so.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Ron needs to relax and go with the flow. I never expect to learn everything about new electronics all at once. I just learn the basics and figure the rest out when I need to-as i would never remember if I learned everything at once anyway. It’s sad. I used to have such a good memory. Now what was I talking about? lol
      I bet Aliza loved the tricycle. I always try to give the kids toys as I know the other grandparents usually give clothes.
      That must have been a little awkward with the divorced parents in the house.
      I remember our kids went through a phase of playing laser tag too. I don’t even know if there is a place around anymore that has that.
      You are about the same distance from Saint Louis as we are from the north side of Chicago. When we used to go to Greg’s Mom’s on the south side that was closer to two hours. I won’t drive in the city anymore-I hate the traffic. Luckily Greg grew up in the city so it doesn’t bother him. Heck I grew up in a place where there were still gravel roads around and everything was a back road. lol
      How far are you from Springfield Missouri then? That’s right by Branson.
      I know that you are not into jewelry but I have been enjoying the Q shows today. I’m glad that they brought back the California gold rush show. Gosh-do you remember when they used to dress up for them? those were the really old days.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG Girls… we have the email notifications back! I am so excited!!
      adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hello girls!
      Our Pats did win….LOL So,,,who is everyone going to root for? Anyone with us?
      We got Sue’s storm , and it lasted for 2 days, and is still going on- tonight it will change to ice. So, I did not go to meet my old work friends tonight- too scared.
      Also, I ad a very tough night. the pain was so bad form the weather, that at one point I woke up with excruciating pain in the shoulder, and my heart was beating out of my chest. So, I did the “breathing thing” to slow down my heart, and fell asleep again. So, today I just did needlepoint A quiet day here, with lots of noise from the wind!
      Sue:
      Those recipes look great. Do you make them a lot? I love cinnamon- one of my favorite’s, ever.
      I hope the sun is out down there, so we get it tomorrow….LOL
      That is nice they still call you to ask questions at your old business. You were very valuable to them, and that feels nice.
      DD:
      I totally agree on not saying things about the children. I heard that this morning, but, I have no idea what the person said that made all the commotion. I must have missed that part of it. Either way, not good. Leave the kids alone.
      So sorry your neighbors have been sick. Everyone seems to be getting this, and it is not pretty.
      I used to make a recipe for chocolate chip/oatmeal cookies, and got it from Martha Stuart’s magazine, but I cannot find it. I think you could google it, but Sue’s looks very good!
      Rissy is Marissa, my youngest granddaughter. You share her birthday.
      So sorry about your sciatica. The ice helps me- I put it on my back, as that is where my sciatica comes form. Maybe that will help you.
      Colleen:
      That is so weird about the doctor. It is a mystery.
      I cannot remember the name of the Saint either-maybe St Christopher?? Francis??
      Heather is ok now that the antibiotic has worked into her system. Thank you for asking. She was really not feeling well at all.
      That is so funny about Aliza and her gifts. Maybe all the January babies like mac and cheese….LOL
      Gail:
      So, you will have a 10 year old boy in the house soon. JJ loves to look at the stars, and anything science related he is thrilled with. Video games, and board games are also big with 10 year olds.
      I bet you are counting the days until Brent is home for the visit. It has been so long since he has been home. What a nice treat for both of you.
      That is still super cool about the You Tube video,a nd that they played for the President. What an honor, and now they are a part of history.
      Barbara:
      It seems no matter what we do, or what advice we give, some days we just cannot do anything right. I have a friend who has all boys, and I cannot tell you how hard it is for her with her DIL. It is so stressful for her.
      That is one scary book for nighttime bed reading….LOL Are you both having nightmares??
      That is a fabulous Valentine’s party planned for Jerry’s Mom’s nursing home. I bet whatever you bring, they will all be thrilled, and Jerry’s Mom will be so proud of you. Go Barbara!!
      Well, my hands are getting more sore, so that is all for today. I hope I did nto miss any info here.
      Love you guys!
      Adele
      PS….my pretty brown outside tree is on its side out there, and we lost the cover for the BBQ, with all the high winds up here. By the way, it stopped shutting off, so I had to shut it off for good, until GAry can get out there with a timer.

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello everyone. So glad to hear that Brent will be coming home soon, and bringing his lady friend too. I know you all have really missed him. Hope you have a great visit. You know what Colleen? I was just wondering if the mysterious “DR. Taylor” could actually be a physicians assistant instead of a doctor? Mabey that is why there is no information about him on medicine. Or mabey he is a nurse practictioner. Some of them have their doctorate. Just thinking.
      DD. I don’t do oatmeal cookies since my gang won’t eat them, but thought I would pass along a recipe they really like. It is called “Home Run Bars” and you make it in a 13X9 pan. (I use the throw away pans like Colleen does ha ha). anyway, I digress. Here is the recipe:
      4 Cups of quick cooking oats, uncooked
      1 Cup brown sugar, packed
      1/4 Cup corn syrup
      1 Cup peanut butter, divided
      1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      3/4 Cup softened butter
      2/3 Cup chocolate chips
      1/3 Cup butterscotch chips
      Combine oats, brown sugar, corn syrup, 1/3 cup peanut butter, vanilla and butter: spread in a greased 13X9 baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. Stir chocolate chips; butterscotch chips and remaining peanut butter together; spread over hot bars. Makes 2 dozen,.
      This tastes really good, so if you make them I hope you enjoy. I think everyones grands would like them and they are easy to make.
      Gail, I used to listen to audio books to and from my work. It helped me not to be so nervous when driving in heavy traffic. I really enjoyed it, but only did it while driving alone. No, we don’t have bad dreams from our current book we are reading Adele. We may try a Fannie Flagg next though.
      Got to go for now. It’s a popcorn night. Now to pick a movie lol Barbara

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Hoooooooooray, we got the email notices back!! Yipppeeee. I got tired of having to take the loooong way to get here. Thank you James.
      I’ve had the Q on off & on tonight with Rick & Antonella . they are a hoot on their own. Did you know they share the same b/day, Jan. 12th?
      Put those 2 together & it’s hilarious.
      Thanks for all the recipes. I’ll be sure to copy em down & give em a try. When I worked at Hewlett Packard back in the 80s, they had a cafeteria
      & they sold these large oatmeal/ chocolate chip cookies. I’ve never been able to find em anywhere else.

      Adele, I know what you mean about the pain in the cold weather. My sciatica, & arthritis was acting up during our recent snow & ice storms. Do you take anything for it? Aleve or Ibuprofen?
      Well, it’s about time for my show.
      Take care.
      dd

      Attachments:
    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      I already take Celebrex 2 times a day, which reduces the swelling in the joints, but is not a pain killer. Because it is an NSAID, you are not supposed to mix it with any aspirin based product. But, yes, I do take either Alleve or Advil when it gets real bad. I really should not, but there is only so much a person can take.
      Love your pretty spring pictures!
      I, like you, am so thrilled James brought back the email alerts.
      Did you see “this is us” last night? I hope she does not make a big mistake with that guy. Her fiance is so sweet.
      Also forgot to ask you if you saw Tom Selleck on one of the late night shows last week? He was really funny.
      The sun is shining- Sue’s sun has finally arrived- yahoo!!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Barbara!
      How has your weather been down there? I hope you are not in the area that has been getting the tornado’s. You know how those scare the be Jesus out of me, like I always say.
      I copied 2 more recipes from King Arthur, that I have yet to make- a Lemon Bliss cake, and a Lemon Streusel Coffeecake. I love lemon, and it always tastes so spring like. How are the party plans coming for Valentine’s? I am dying to hear what goodies you will be making.
      How has Jerry’s Mom been doing?
      I know it is difficult watching Joey and Lisa. We watched Bobby break up with his fiance, for her cheating on him her gown was purchased, her parents had the deposit down on the venue, as we had on the rehearsal dinner. Well, we turned the rehearsal dinner into Tillie’s 80th birthday party. A year later, they got back together, and got married. It lasted for 2 years. Bobby is now so down on women, it is ridiculous. He says he has no intention of ever getting involved with any other woman, period. It is sad to watch, as all he has is his friends, (who are all married), his TV, and Jeep.
      Believe me, they were both at fault. They were just not a good mix. He is a real home body, and expected his wife to be a wife. She had no intention of renouncing her Princess crown. So, he cooked, and cleaned, and she did nothing. She was not the type who picked up after herself, and it made him crazy. His obsession about his Jeep made her crazy. The constant fighting about the house, and chores finally did it. As the mother of the groom, we were out about 8,000.00. I cannot tell yo what it cost her parents, but, the wedding was in a very nice hotel in Boston, complete with a full band, and no expense was spared. Way over the 8 we lost.
      the whole thing was very difficult to watch. I have to add, that we all feel he is still in love with her.
      Keep the faith. Who knows, they may work it out, and get married.
      Love you, Barbara!

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      I left James know we are now getting notifications and told him Thank you. He said they did not know because on there end it looked like e-mails were being sent so we found a issue for them. He said we are their eyes and ears and if we notice any other issues to let him know.

      We finally had some sun today so hope Gail did also. But one of the news people ask the weatherman if it would be sticking around and he said no. It is to be cloudy with rain showers again tomorrow. The days however are getting longer. My neighbor had time when he got home from work to wash his car.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Sue!
      Thank you so much for letting him know we appreciate all he did.
      Glad your weather is better, as we got it today. We are supposed to get more rain again tomorrow evening, I think.
      Did you hear the lovely Mary Tyler died today? We seem to be losing so many good people lately. Very sad.
      Wow- the day was light enough, and warm enough for your neighbor to wash their car this evening. That is encouraging.
      Hope your day went well.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Well the phone drama continues. We received that first bill since we bought the phones. Now the guy at the store told him that it would be higher this month because they have all the extra charges for getting the new phones. Well I guess Ron thought that it would be two or three dollars well we all know better then that. He was going to have the whole thing shut off. We were going to get rid of our phones and he went on for a long time. I did not say anything for awhile until I told him that I was keeping mine and he could do what he wanted. So he decided to calm down and just pay the bill this month and then see what it is next month. He is going to drive me crazy.
      It does make for an interesting day when you have the divorced parents in the house together. At least they are not like her x husbands family was. If you talked to one side of the family the other side would to talk to you. These people did not care who you talked to they were nice to us but we just stayed in the kitchen because it was neutral territory.lol
      My family always lived in St.Louis but now it has changed so much you cannot pay me enough to drive around up there. I can get to Danyielle’s house and that is about it. If her and I go anywhere she has to drive.
      It is an all day drive to Branson from here. It may take us longer because we do stop a lot. It is a nice drive though. They have a couple of places to stop that have good stores to shop at. The Precious Moments place is up in that direction also. We have never been there but that is where it is. One of my sisters use to collect Precious Moments and she use to go there.
      Did you find any jewelry that you could not live without? My mom likes to watch the jewelry shows but she does not buy anything. She says she has too much now and she is down sizing. I do not know what jewelry has to do with down sizing. She is just getting so funny.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen
      p.s. How is Gregs back doing? Has he gone back to the pain doctor yet?

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      This is great the notices are back. Thank you James.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Is there anything that the doctor can give you for the pain in your shoulders? Have you gone to therapy yet? I hope when you go there they will do something to help you with your shoulders and not hurt your back. That sure makes things hard.
      Ron is not going to watch the super bowl. He is still upset that we do not have a football team. I do not think that he will ever get over it. They want to get a soccer team but they want a new stadium and that would be too expensive. What they want will be. So I do not think that we will get one. Who are you and Gary going to root for.
      That could be it if you are born in January you like mac and cheese. It seems like it is that way because of all the request for it. It would be nice if I had more of the St. Claire sides but we ate them for Christmas and my next ones do not come until March. I saw the other day that you can order just the broccoli and rice now. I hope I get it ordered before they sell out. I do not think that they had them on auto delivery
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night and I will say a prayer for you tonight.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I will have to find him first. No one seems to know who he is. So obviously he is not a gastro guy. His office has never called back so will ask my doctor who he is when I go see her. It is just a mystery. You really had some good ideas of who he could be though.
      Those Home Run Bars sound really good. I will have to try them the next time all the kids will be here. Ron would like them they have peanut butter in them. Did you see Sue’s recipe for those muffins? I think they are Snicker doodle. The cookies are really good so the muffins would be good also. Throw away pans are the best way to go. No muss no fuss.lol
      You will like Fanny Flagg books they are really good. I have read three of her books and they will make you laugh. She is a good writer. I always did like her. She use to be on the match game all the time.
      Well that is about all from here. Either my keyboard is acting up or the computer is. I am not sure what is going on.So will close for now. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      What pretty pictures that you posted. Love the flowers. It would be nice to be sitting on the beach watching the water. It would be so much warmer there then it is here.
      I hope that your sciatica is a lot better now. We had some sun yesterday and today. It was nice to see it shinning. It seems like it has been a long time since we have seen it.
      Have you been watching Blue Bloods. It has been pretty good lately. I have to dvr it because there is always something else on that we are watching when it comes on. I think the older he gets the better looking he gets. Tom Sellek that is.
      Well that is about all from here. Hope your oatmeal chocolate chip cookies taste as good as the ones where you worked.
      Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I did not know that Antonella and Rick had the same birthday. Gosh yesterday would have been my Mom’s 100th birthday if she was still alive. Unfortunately she has been gone for 23 years now-my Dad even longer at 35 years. Where does the time go?
      I love seeing Antonella on Jewelry shows as she is such a jewelry lover. It was nice getting the Gold Rush show back again.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      I’m glad everyone got the notifications back. I was hoping that I would too but no such luck. Since i lost mine about six months before everyone else I guess mine is a totally different problem. Plus now I have lost all my contacts in my e-mails on my yahoo. Have no idea what is going on now. And I never carried them over into my phone so unless they miraculously come back I have lost them all for good. Computers! Sometimes they can be so aggravating!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Barbara,
      I like Fannie Flagg books. I have read a couple and have a couple on my nook still to be read. However, I’m not sure if Greg would care for them. Has Jerry read any before. I think you guys read A Man Called Ove-wasn’t that good? It started out kind of slow and I couldn’t figure what all the fuss was about but then it just got better and better. Greg read that one too and said Ove reminded him of himself.
      You know I was thinking-didn’t Joey and Lisa date for a really long time before her accident? If they have been together for so long they must have really strong ties.
      How is Neal liking the new job? I hope he does really well and feels like he has found his calling. That’s an important job that he does.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Adele,
      That is some story about Bobby and the wedding. When they actually did get married did they just elope then?
      It must be difficult to have friends at his age as most people are married by then. I hope he at least has some old buddies that he can go to games with and such. I know that was really hard for Brent after Kim died too as just about everyone he knew was coupled off. He didn’t really have a lot of people to pal around with. I know his married friends didn’t mind but I know he felt uncomfortable about it-so he didn’t really seek out a lot of his old friends that he grew up with.
      When I went to get my hair done yesterday my stylist ended up giving me a thermal spray, a mousse and a hairspray that she had gotten at a show. It was a brand that she said she would never use but she knew I used that brand so she just gave me the full bottles of the stuff. How nice was that! I go to get a haircut and my roots done and I get a gift. I love going there as it’s more than getting my hair done-it’s kind of a social event. There’s always a lot of laughter and chatter. Yesterday my neighbor from across the street was in there the same time as me-so that was fun.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Poor Ron-he did not realize that the charges would be so high at first because of the cost of the phones. This is getting to be quite a drama. Hopefully he will calm down and start being able to use the phone more and fall in love with it. I like that you said that you were keeping yours in any case. The smart phones are nice to have.
      When we went to Branson a few years ago we drove it in a day. I think it’s about 8 or 9 hours for us so you must stop a lot.
      I remember when Precious Moments were so popular. Now it seems like no one collects any kind of figurines or anything like that anymore.
      I did see a ring on the shows that I ordered but it is on back order so we’ll see if i get it or not.
      Greg hasn’t gone back to the pain doctor yet as he is waiting for a call that they have the test results from the nuerologist. But they are slow over there so i think he should call them. Plus now he has to go to the family doctor for his yearly checkup so that they will continue to fill his prescriptions. So now he needs to make that appointment too. I think I will have to gently remind (nag) him. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen!
      I read your post to Gail. Ron is hysterical. I can only imagine what Gary would have done with the phone bill. We have Verizon. With them, they spread the payments over months, so I hope you will not get the same bill the next few months. We still have not changed to smart phones. We know we have to, or eventually, these will not be usable due to the tech up-dates.
      I do not like the pain killers they give you. They do not take all the pain away, and then they make me feel sick too. So, then I end up with 2 problems. All pain meds do not work out well with me, as I get nauseous and woozy.
      All the mac and cheese was gone as of Tuesday. Tonight we are back to chicken, potato, and green beans. Ending with Girl Scout cookies….LOL
      I am laying low today- doing needlepoint, which I love. I do have to clean the beans. Yuck. I am lazy today, as I swiffered the floors yesterday.
      Tomorrow, Gary has to be at the hospital at 7am, for the ultrasound of his liver. So, no Jimmy Fallon or Stephen Colbert tonight!
      How has your belly been feeling? Any news on the doctor- was the doctor a physician’s assistant, like Gail thought?
      How has Aliza been doing, now that she is walking? She must be so cute.
      Hope all is well out there, and not too cold. It is above average temps here again.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      My Dad would be 100 too. he has been gone since 12/23/88. Long time, and still miss him like it was yesterday. I bet it is the same for you.
      Put a candle in a piece of cake, or a cookie today, and celebrate her life. Happy Birthday, Mom!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Gailster…….did your com pouter go nuts after a Windows 10 up-date? Every time we have one, mine does, and then I have to call the Geek Squad to fix it- Best Buy.
      Do you have a est Buy out there, and did you get your computer from them? I have kept up my contract for repair, and it is the best thing ever. they come into your com pouter, and fix it- very weird, but great at the same time.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey GAil
      My old hairdresser was not a social event. She was the only one in the shop, and there was never anyone else there with me. We did have nice chats,though. I have not seen one person I know yet at the new one. Yours sounds like it is a lot of fun.
      Oh no- the wedding was as bog as the first one would have been. It was a Christmas themed one, with all the bridesmaids in red, and she got a new gown too. It was beautiful. Full and, and a DJ, and it went on way into the night, at a beautiful hotel in Boston. Most people spent the night at the hotel and had breakfast together the next am. We could not,as Gary was in a wheelchair back then, and it would have been impossible in their bathrooms. All the girls were in the wedding, and they looked beautiful, as well as Jhonny, who was an usher. The wedding party was huge. I have gorgeous pictures that are hidden away, as Bobby freaks if he sees them.
      bobby is so comfortable on his own, and very proud of it, that he goes to his friends’ houses for parties, and does not thank a thing about being alone. His friends’ wives try to fix him up, to no avail.
      It is getting very gloomy here, and about to pour. Hope your weather is better!
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Joey and Lisa just left after they had dinner with me and Jerry. We had a nice evening. I had cooked a pork roast and vegetables; rolls and made a yellow cake with chocolate icing and ice cream to scoop on. The kids took the dessert home with them; but left enough for Jerry to eat later. He is surely having some trouble with that rib hurting him. Lisa talked to her doctor she works for and he recommended of course to see the doctor (good luck with that with Jerry) and to take a NSAID for the pain. Jerry is SO stubborn. I have put an binder around his rib cage and it has helped him, but if he isn;t better by tomorrow I am just going to put my foot down and take him to see the doctor. I really believe he has cracked one of the ribs that he broke years ago; but it is not something to just guess about. I am watching him carefully because he will try to hide things like pain from me.
      Yes, Gail, Joey and Lisa were together for about 7 years before they went seperate ways; so they have a real history together. They were as married as you could get without the papers. Life is so strange now. I remember when I was young that if a girl got pregnant that her parents would ship her off in shame to “visit her sick aunt” and then after months she would be back and no one would say anything but everyone knew. Now that seems so mild in comparison. I was just thinking about how we wore petti coats beneath our skirts and saddle oxford shoes and of course, bobby socks. ha ha I remember one Easter Sunday when I had my first pair of high heels (they were just about an inch high, but I felt so grown up) and I was so sick that Sunday that I couldn’t attend service; so MaMa just let me wear them in bed that day. Funny how those kinds of things stick in our memories, isn’t it?
      It is very cold here again today. THis has been the craziest winter here. No, Adele, we were blessed and missed where the terrible tornadoes went to. They scare me so badly too. We do usually had some bad storms and one of the worst ones we had was on a Christmas eve when Joey was 3 weeks old. It was so hot that day that we had to open the windows while I was preparing Christmas dinner. It stormed so badly that night that Jerry and I stayed awake all night. It was terrible.
      They really did have some beautiful jewelry on the gold show. I guess I am like your Mom Colleen, I am downsizing. ha ha I was certainly tempted on several things, but I held back. I want to try to visit Buddy and Neal. Jerry and I are thinking of going by train. Have any of you all done that? I just wonder how it would be. If you have, please share the good and bad with me. I had rather know it both so we could be prepared if we go that way.
      Adele, sorry buy I forgot you asked me how to make grits. I do make them, but mine are more of a casserole. Here is the recipe if you would lke to try it.

      Grits Au Gratin
      3 cups water, 3/4 cups quick cooking grits, 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 Tablespoon Butter melted, 1/4 tsp. paprika

      Bring water to a boil, stir in grits and salt. Heat for 2-5 minutes, remove from heat. Alternate layers of grits and cheese in a 1 and 1/2 quart casserole dish: pour milk over the top. In a seperate bowl, toss bread crumbs and butter together: sprinkle over casserole, Sprinkle with paprika and bake at 325 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
      I do like plain grits with just butter and S&P with my eggs and sausage or ham. But this casserole has the cheese in it; so Jerry likes it and we have made it for dinner too. HOpe you lke like it.
      Better go for now. Jerry has decided to go to bed a little early; so I better check on him. THis is sort of unusual for him, and I am keeping a close eye.
      Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Well the phone drama goes on. Today he decided to take his phone back to the store. He had until the 30th of this month to do that. Big mistake on their part. So they tried talking to him but it did not work. He wanted me to return my phone but told him to forget I like my phone. So we go in there and he decides that he wants a tablet now instead of the phone. It is cheaper but there is no way that he can use it as a phone. That is one problem. The next he does not want it to be connected to the internet but he wants to be able to ask it to look up things for him. So they tried to tell him all of that and he did not understand any of it. So he is going back tomorrow and it will be interesting to see what he comes home with. I am not going with him again. I cannot take anymore of this. The poor man will never figure all of this stuff out. I just have to laugh at him and when one of the sales people asked me a question about what the trouble was that he was having I had to tell her that he could not figure out how to use it. He even tried to tell them that he could use mine if he had to and I told him there is no way he is going to use mine. The drama continues. Say a prayer that he does not come home with a tablet. I do not think that I can go thru this again.lol
      Your chicken sounds good. We are having ham for a few days. They had hams on sale for .99 at the store so Ron bought three of them. Two in the freezer and one we ate. He also bought one to take to my daughters. So they will be having ham if they want it or not.lol
      Glad that you are laying low today. You need to take care of those shoulders. It is hard to find things to do that you do not have to lift your arms very high. You found something interesting to do.
      I will be saying a prayer that everything turns out okay tomorrow for Gary. That must be scary for him. Did they do the test on the heart yet? Hope that one was okay also. I do not like having to be someplace at 7AM. They should not allow them to do tests at that hour. What I really hate is when they tell you to come in that early and they are running late. Especially if you have not been able to eat or drink anything for 12 hours.
      Nobody knows who this Taylor person is. So will just have to wait until next Tuesday and find out. Hopefully my doctor will know who he is. She may know where to look to see who he is. The mystery continues. lol
      Aliza is all over the place now. She tries to climb the stairs at her house and they had to put a gate up. It was hard for her when all the kids went upstairs and she could not go up there with them. She got really upset. She will be old enough to climb the stairs soon enough.
      It is really cold here. We had snow flurries this evening but they did not amount to much. We need to have one more really good snow this year. They were saying on the weather that we are 8 inches behind on snow fall. We have been getting enough rain though.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      We do stop a lot when we travel. We have to do that because of my back. We stop and walk around for a little while and then get in the car and go again. We have found a lot of interesting shops to stop at doing that. It is surprising all the little shops that they have on the side roads going to Branson. They probably get a lot of tourist stopping there.
      I wrote in the post to Adele about the new drama about the phone now. Ron will never give up. He cannot figure out how to use the thing. You can read about it in Adele’s post if you want to.
      Good luck with getting Greg to go to two doctors close together. Ron would have to be tricked into doing that. What is with men and doctors. They want us to go but they want to stay away from their doctors. Hope they call him soon so they can figure out something to do for him. He must be getting tired of being in pain.
      I hope that your ring comes in soon. That is a toss up if the ring will be back in stock or not. Usually they will but there is no guarantee. Did you see where they are selling just the rice and broccoli casserole by St. Claire. I have to order some before they go out of stock. That would be nice if they would put them on auto delivery. We really like that and do not need all the other sides to go with it.
      Well that is about all from here..
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      Your recipe for the grits sounds really good. So you cook them a similar way when you just want grits for breakfast. I would like them instead of oatmeal sometimes. I may have to try some next time we go to a restaurant for breakfast and they offer them.
      Sounds like you had a really nice dinner with Joey and Lisa. I am sorry to hear about Jerry. He needs to go to the doctor and make sure that he has not done more damage then he thought he had. Men can be so stubborn. There are not many husbands that will go to the doctor when they should. They want us to though.
      I remember those days of bobby socks and oxfords and the petticoats under our skirts. We had to wear dresses if we went anywhere and to school. I do not think that we could ever wear any type of slacks to school the whole time that I was in school. The heels were so cool to wear. Now I cannot wear them for fear that I will fall flat on my face or the other end. Times have sure changed.
      It is cold here also. We had some snow flurries here but they did not amount to much. It would be nice to have some snow. Just to see how our puppy will act in it.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Gail check out the Spring 2017 items. There is a butterfly shirt with your name on it.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Sue,
      Thanks for the heads up.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara!
      Thank you for the recipe. I loved the gritts at that restaurant, and have no idea if cheese was included in them, so I will try this one. they were served with breakfast. Do you make the ones with salt and butter, the way it is described on the box, or do you do something special?
      That was a lovely dinner you prepared. All your kids must love your cooking, and baking.
      That was an adorable story about your first heels. Those memories are so terribly precious.
      I hope you can get Jerry to the doctor. I also hope it is not real bad news. Men are so awful abut doing the things they need to do, about their health. We all struggle with getting them to do the right thing. they all need a smack….LOL
      I am so glad those storms missed you.
      Hope you have a good weekend, and that Jerry feels better soon.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue!
      Gail loves her butterflies. What is your favorite motif on our Quacker clothes? Mine is the pumpkin. I also collect glass pumpkins, and have them all around the house.
      I saw a short sleeve shirt I love, that has not come out yet- a kind of Nautical, or Americana theme, if I remember correctly.
      So, will you be cheering for our Pats too, or do you have to go with the other team?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Colleen and Barbara
      I so remember the skirts, and the bobby socks with saddle shoes. It was not lady like to wear pants. My Mom even put me in frilly dresses to go out and play. Tillie wore high heels every time she left the house, and now she has beautiful varicose veins to prove it.
      The times were so simple, and easy, but the rules for women’s dress were uncomfortable. remember the girdles everyone wore, even if you weighed 100 lbs?
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey DD !!

      Where are you????? What have you been up to? Tonight is Blue Bloods!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Colleen!
      Do you believe Mary Tyler Moore is gone? Another end to an era.
      OMG….Ron is going to be banned form the phone store. I can see the employees running in the back when they see him coming. let me tell you, Gary would have EXACTLY the same reaction. Everyone says he needs to get a Smart phone, and I am so against it, as he will never be able to figure it out.
      Did I ever tell you about Gary and the cable company, when they switched to digital? Well, he was calling at least once a day, and sometimes more. He could not get the remote down pat, and ended up making the TV all back, several times. So, one day when he called, the woman was pretty snarky, and said,”you are on our frequent caller list”. I nearly peed myself. He was begging to have his old system back, and they kept saying he could not have it. So, I know what you are going through with Ron. Gary is the same, and when we have to make the switch to a smart phone, we will make the evening news over here.
      Gary had the heart test, and that came out ok. We have not yet heard about the liver ultrasound he had this morning at that ungodly hour. We should hear on Monday, or Tuesday, as his doctor is at Mass. General on Monday’s, and not in the office.
      Poor little Aliza. She wants to go upstairs with all the big kids. That will be a while, for sure. Aizen goes down the stairs on his little bum, as he is small, like JJ was. i have to tell you, Aizen cries for JJ when he is at school, and when eh gets home, he will not let him alone. he has to sit on him, and every time people tell him to give JJ some space,he says he has to kiss him. It is so funny, but JJ doe snot find it amusing every day.
      So, are you making any quiche with all the ham? I love quiche.
      Hope you are having a good day, and Ron has been talked into keeping his phone.
      Adele

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Mike Conners (Mannix) has passed away also. We are losing a lot of good actors and actresses.

      BTW Blue Bloods is a rerun tonight.

      I don’t know what my favorite motif is. I have a collection of everything. I do like butterflies, flowers and doggies and hearts. See just about everything.

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I’m here, Adele. I just haven’t had much to talk about. I just got a notice that John Hurt has died. He died yesterday of cancer. That makes 3 in 3 days! Wow! MTM, Mike Conners,(Mannix) now John Hurt. Makes ya wonder who’ll be next. All those stars we watched for yrs are now leaving us.
      Oh Colleen & Adele, I couldn’t help but get a laugh out of your stories about your hubbies & the phone & cable companies.
      I too remember the saddle shoes, skirts, growing up. I’d still be wearing em if my mother had her way. (She’s been gone since 1986). lol

      Say it ain’t so. they’re saying we could get another storm later this coming week. Low level snow but not down to the valley floor. Of course it has to be
      on payday!! It’s been dry this week so I have no complaints for now.
      QF is on next Friday with Antonella & Angel.
      Anybody having Super bowl parties? I think Kay is considering having some kind of get together. We’re having Sunday dinner this Sunday. She got some pork chops & will cook em up with mushroom soup.

      That’s all for tonight.
      Have a great weekend.
      dd

      Attachments:
    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Ladies, I just found out Barbara Hale, Della Street on Perry Mason died yesterday! How many more???
      dd

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Happy Saturday to All. Hope Ron is not at Verizon today, so that Colleen won’t have to listen to how outrageous those sales people are. That is how Jerry interpretes it when they don’t just automaticly agree with his point of view. ha ha Most of the time I just walk away as if I don’t even know who he is; because once he digs his heels in there is no turning back. Joey has offered to give me his I phone because he is planning to get a newer model, and Jerry told him that “your Mother’s phone works just fine, and we don’t need all that new fangled stuff” unquote. I just looked at Joey and said that is so sweet of you son, and I would love to have it. So we will see how this works out.
      Hope your hubbies are doing better and old Arthur (as Paw Paw would call his arthritis) is not hurting you ladies too badly. I know the cold really effects my joints and it does Jerrys back too. His rib is better. Lisa brought him some medicine from her clinic for inflammation, and it really has helped hiIm. I just get so tired of talking about our aches and pains sometimes. I would like to start this out by reporting if the waves had whitecaps or the breeze off the ocean was warm or had a bit of cool to the breeze. We need a trip girls. And I don’t mean to the doctors office. LOL
      Adele, I just follow the directions on the box when I make grits the regular way. I usually do the one with cheese if I am doing breakfast for dinner thing. Grits are very filling; and like barley, they seem to “grow” after you eat them and you really get full. I love them; especially with ham and biscuits and eggs. I love a good quiche; but Jerry does not. I think he would if he would just try one; but he says it is too “fancy” for him. He told me that the only thing with a pie crust should have pie filling in it. ha ha Did I tell you all how I had lit a candle that was apple pie scented with spices and when Jerry came home he just thought I was baking a pie I guess; because after dinner he said he wanted his piece of pie. I said “what pie?” and he thought I was just teasing him when I told him that was a candle I was burning that he must have been smelling. He actually got mad at me and said it wasn’t fair to make someone think they were going to have apple pie and not have baked one and about that time in the door comes Joey and the first thing he excitedly said was “oh, boy MaMa, you are making apple pie!” so here I had to go again with explanation. It taught me not to light any food smelling candles around my guys unless I had baked the real thing as well. ha ha Talk about spoiled; but I loved spoiling my guys.
      DD, I am so glad that bad weather is leaving your area. I know our son told us that it was pouring down in Napa and also in San Francisco. Hope you all enjoy your dinner and the game. Thanks Sue for getting our email notifications back. And this larger type suits me so well. Isn’t it nice just to cuddle up with your little puppy dog on the bad weather days now? That is surely a great feeling.
      Well, I have probably bored you all to tears by now. Seems I get on here and just rattle on and on. By the way; the baby is getting better from his bronchitis. He had to take breathing treatments and Sarah took him with her when she went to exercise. I hoped she would ask me to keep him but she didn’t. It hurts me; but I love when I am with him. Mabey this is the good Lords way of helping me and Jerry be able to bear his leaving us when they go to California. Well, I will close for now and hope you all are doing well. Take care. Barbara

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hey Adele,
      Here’s a little something to brighten up your week. Looks good for 72. WOW

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      It is hard to believe that we lost Mary Tyler Moore. She was such a good actress. There have been so many that have died lately. I guess they are all getting up in age. Some of them were on tv when we were young and still living at home. That has been a long time ago.lol
      Well the I phone is gone. And he did not get the tablet. I bought a cheap tablet at Wal Mart to play games on and he is trying to take over mine. I told him to back off. If he wants one to go buy his own. Well back to the phone store. He took everything back and they were supposed to charge him a restock fee but they charged him for something else and he just had to pay a dollar. So that made him happy. Now he wants to help me with my Iphone and I will not let him. If he wanted to mess with one he should have kept his own. I will not load games on my tablet or anything here because I do not want him to have my password. He would mess the whole thing up.
      Gary sounds so much like Ron. I can imagine it drove you crazy with him messing the tv up all the time. I could not do the job at the cable company or the phone store. That would be one of the worse jobs in the world to have. Especially with our two husbands around. I imagine that there are more like them though.
      What good news that Gary’s heart is okay. Hope that the liver test will be the same. It is hard to wait for them to read the tests and then call us and let us know the results. If they were the patients for once they would understand what it is like to have to wait.
      Poor Aizen and JJ. Aizen misses JJ so much and poor JJ does not want him hanging all over him all the time. It will be so nice when Aizen goes to school and makes some friends. Then it will not be as bad. I know that Owen feels the same way about his little sister. She gets in his way and he does not like it. It will be worse when he goes outside to play and she is at the age where she can go too. I can see it all now.
      Have not made a quiche yet but may have to. This ham is really good. Glad that we bought a few of them.
      Well that is all from here have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Dd,
      It is sad that so many people have dies lately. I guess they were all our age and older. It is really sad. None of the younger actors and actresses are as good as the older ones were.
      We do not have super bowl parties here. We never have. I think that two of my daughters do but we do not go to them. They are for the younger set and not for us old foggys. We probably will not even watch the game this time around. Ron is not watching football this year. We do not have a team here anymore so he has given up on foot ball. Now baseball is a different story. He watches every Cardinal game. It is really odd that they have super bowl parties but not world series parties. I wonder why. They could have the party on the last game or party for all of the games.
      Your Sunday dinner sounds really good. Pork chops cooked in cream of mushroom soup is really good. It keeps the meat nice and moist and if you have potatoes and need a gravy it is good for that also.
      Tom is so good looking. He will be good looking at 90. I love to watch his shows. They had the Jesse Stone movies on again today but they are all the old ones. Wish they would come up with some new ones. I love him on Blue Bloods. He is such a good actor. I wonder if he has any kids? I bet if he does they are good looking also.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen
      p.s. Love the pictures of Tom and the pictures of the flowers.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      Well I think that Jerry, Gary and Ron are all the same. Ron no longer has the iphone or the tablet. He is a mess. I just hope that he does not mess up my phone and just sticks with his old trac phone.
      Our aches and pains are about all we have to talk about here lately. Our new best friends are our doctors. We see more of them then we see our families.lol So just go ahead and talk about all the aches and pains you want. It probably helps ot make you feel better especially since we all have the same things going on with us.
      That is funny about the candle and the apple pie. Ron would be the same way. He would be ready to eat the pie and would be upset if there wasn’t one. It is funny that Joey thought that there was one also. You could have had fun with that. You could have told them you dropped it on the floor and had to throw it away or you had a neighbor come over and that you ate all of it. You are a lot nicer then I am. I would have really aggravated them about the pie.
      That was really nice of Lisa to get the medicine for Jerry. Glad that it worked for him. That is hard when the men are in pain. They really cannot handle it.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey fellow Quackers!
      Well, I made a boo boo. I have not been getting any emails, and then I checked today, and somehow the box on notices was not checked. Hopefully, I will get them again.
      Sooooo…..anyone going to root for Tom Brady, and the Patriots? We will be having a small thing here- not sure if all the kids will come. I will be making chili. Of course, some goodie will have to be made, and since it is for the boys, it will probably be chocolate chip cookies.
      We had most of the kids here yesterday. Amanda was working, and Marissa and Enzo did a brief visit, but, did not stay for dinner. I did roasted chicken and potato’s. I had to do a separate pan to roast more potato’s, onions and carrots, all with garlic of course! One thing about roasted chicken with garlic, is the house smells so good.
      Aizen was so funny yesterday. he took my 3 bears off one of the dining room chairs, and sat there, looking so cute. Dave tired to get a pic of him,and every time he did, he would get up before he could hit the button. No matter how Dave tired, he kept getting up, and laughing when Dave could not get the shot.
      We also need prayers for Jhonny’s friend, Jazz. He is very sick, and ti all started with Lyme Disease. He is wheelchair bound, and cannot see. Jhonny thinks he will not be around for much longer, and it is so terribly sad. Jazz is one of the nicest young men you ever met. He has not been here for dinner in along time, as he is no longer able to do the stairs.
      Sue:
      I was so disappointed Blue Bloods was a repeat. What is up with that??
      I cannot believe all the actors who have just died. It seems like a massive exodus to Heaven.
      DD:
      Glad you posted, even if you feel you do not have a lot to add. Just your pictures, are enough! We just want to know you are ok.
      Love your flowers, and love the pic of Tom Selleck even more….LOL
      I hope you did not get too much snow, so you can get out to do your errands. We have no snow at all, and theta is just so weird.
      Barbara:
      That is hysterical about Jerry and the candle. Soooo, did you make a pie over the weekend?
      I didn’t know the baby was sick. It is so awful when they do not feel good, and cannot tell you what hurts.
      You are not ranting at all. We love to hear what is going on in your life. I am terribly sorry Sarah has not used you to babysit, so you have more time with Colin before she leaves. I honestly think she has no idea how you feel, and does not even realize it would be so nice to give you more time with the baby, prior to his leaving. Some of this younger generation have no idea how to be courteous, and kind. They all rely on social media for everything. As her to facetime you withe the baby, and I bet she would be thrilled.
      Colleen:
      Ron and the phone is absolutely hysterical, more because I go through the same thing here. some times Gory gets the remote so confused, the TV freezes, and I have to yell….”Put the remote down and do not touch another button”. then, I have to try to fix it. Some times it is so bad, I have to call Bobby.
      Gary has no idea what to do with a tablet, or smart phone. He doe snot know how to swipe. You can swipe between camera screens with the security system, and he cannot even do that. We call Gary,”electronically challenged.”
      I am glad yo are enjoying all the ham dinners. I bet quiche will be next!
      Gail:
      I do not see any recent posts from the Gailster. I think she said something about her having issues with her internet again.
      Hope you are all having a good day! The Patriots are soon to board the buses for Texas, and everyone is at Gillette Stadium to say goodbye. All the Boston channels are covering it, and I am not able to see good old Steve Harvey, or the View.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      Gosh I remember those big poofy slips to make your skirt stand out. I remember wanting a poodle skirt so badly-I don’t think I ever had one. Boo Hoo-I was a deprived child. lol
      I hope that Jerry’s rib will feel better soon. Being is pain is no fun.
      I’m glad that Gary’s heart test was good-I hope it will be the same for the liver test.
      We don’t have a super bowl party here either. We will watch the game but don’t have strong feelings toward either team. (sorry Adele) (please don’t hate us) lol
      I am watching the Today Show and just found out the Andy Grammar’s father is Red Grammar who has written many children’s songs-I love his work. I love to learn something new!
      I think that Greg is the odd man out on all the electronic stuff. He loves any gadget. He used a computer way before I ever did. I was just not that interested until 6 or7 years ago.
      His new electronic assist bike is supposed to arrive tomorrow. He has rehearsal so I hope I can get it into the garage on my own-otherwise it will have to sit out all day.
      When Barbara mentioned that Jerry wouldn’t eat quiche that reminded me of that book from years ago-Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche-I’m not even sure what it was about-it was just funny. Greg does eat quiche. Barbara just tell him it’s bacon and eggs in a toast crust. lol Actually quiche is good! I love it!
      Adele, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to eat anything in your house but the desserts. Garlic literally makes me sick to my stomach. My Dad was the same way.
      Saturday we went over to the casino for a couple of hours and then stopped at this one place to eat that Greg loves because they have these garlic potato wedges. I have to stay away from him after he eats those because I swear the garlic comes out of his pores. No vampires were going to be biting him that night. lol He loves those darn things too.
      I swear when we were eating the waitress was going to pull out a chair and sit down and join us. She was very friendly-too friendly-there’s kind of a fine line between being a good waitress and being an overly friendly waitress. One time we actually did have a waitress pull out a chair and sit down with us-it was very weird. Shortly after that that restaurant closed down. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!
      There you are!
      That is awful about the garlic, as it has so many health benefits. I put garlic on chicken with bone and skin, pork roast, pork chops. Not on any beef roasts. So, you could most certainly come…LOL I had to make the extra veggies for Steph, the vegetarian, and had to use oil on those vegges, instead of the butter I used for the chicken and potato in the other pan.
      Boy, could Ron and Gary use Greg as a friend.
      I had this real funky thing happen this morning. All of a sudden i got this sharp, stabbing pain in my lower right side, and then felt really tired. I put my head down on the label. Gary was worried, as he said I did no look right. The pain went away pretty fast, and left a very tired, woozy feeling- then that disappeared too. Now, I just feel a little not like myself, but ok. Very strange. If the pain moved, or my heart felt funny, or I could not breathe, I would have dialed 911, but, none of that happened. So, I will be quiet today, and do needlepoint.
      Hope your day is going well!
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Adele,
      You need to get to your ER or Dr. right away. That doesn’t sound good at all. If they don’t find anything that’s better than not knowing. I don’t mean to be an alarmist, but something isn’t right. Pleeeease don’t wait. The symptoms for heart attacks for women are different than in men.
      dd

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    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Adele,
      I talked to Kay, a registered nurse, & she said it could be your appendix. It’s on the lower right side. If it ruptures tho it could be dangerous. I’d look into it asap. You don’t want to take any chances esp at our age. Please don’t hesitate. OK?
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I agree with DD you should go to the doctor and be checked out. Or at least call his office and talk to his nurse and see what she thinks. Just take care of yourself.
      That was nice that everyone was over yesterday. Your dinner sounds really good. We all like garlic here. I saw on a cooking show where you cut a whole in a roast and stick a clove of garlic and cook it like that. It gives the roast a really good flavor. They say that you can do the same with pieces of onion. It just gives it a lot more flavor. The roasted veggies with the chicken sounded really good also. We have not had roasted chicken in a long time.
      That Aizen is a little character. It is a shame that they did not get a picture of him sitting in the chair. He really likes to tease people. lol. How old is he now? I cannot remember how old he would be now. He is so cute him and JJ. Grands are so much fun.
      That is so sad about Jazz. Will add him to my prayers. He is to young to have this happen to him. Lyme disease can really be a dangerous disease. Really have to be careful with tic bites. Hope that they can do something to help him.
      That is so funny with Gary and the remote. Ron and Gary and Jerry would all get along really well. They none of them want to get with the modern times. Tonight Ron wanted to help me with my phone. I told him that I am not ready to do anything with it. I will have to wait until I go to my daughters house and set my tablet and phone up there. I do not want him messing with my phone that is for sure.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Glad that you are posting again. Hope that it was not trouble with your internet again. Weren’t those slips that were puffy called can cans. I am not sure might have the name wrong. Those were fun to wear. My oldest sister had a poodle skirt but I never did. Guess they had gone out of style by the time I was old enough. Either that or that is what they told me.
      That is great that Greg is good with all the new technology. It really makes it nice. You do not have to worry about having to get you kids to figure out all these things for you. It is funny how fast the grands have picked up on all the technology. Even the young ones. Are your younger grands into computers? I know that Owen can set things up on a tablet and does it for me if I see him. He thinks that he is smart because he can do that and adult cannot.
      Garlic is really good. Have you ever chewed on a clove for breath? They really work.You may have to make him chew on a clove to get rid of the garlic breath. Do not know what to do with the pores. Hopefully the garlic will help with that also.
      That would be strange to have the waitress hanging around your table. It is funny that the one sat down with you and Greg. What would you say to a waitress that does that? You and Greg must make a good impression with people and they like to talk to you two.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      I agree with you about Adele. She needs to talk to someone and see what they think. It may have something to do with medicine that she is taking also.
      Thanks for all the pretty pictures that you posted. I really liked the ones with the lions. How true that is. All the pictures are so cheerful especially the ones of Tom. I think that we all like him on here.
      Well that is about all from here have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I think we called those slips-stick out slips and something else which I just can’t remember right now. Can cans does not ring a bell but most likely different parts of the country called them different things.
      The grands do use the computer. I think it’s amazing that even the younger ones that can’t read can get to the places that they want to go just by how things are placed. I actually have a very small sized laptop that i no longer use but it still works. I want Greg to clear my things off of there and I asked Jenny if it would be okay if I gave that to her kids. She said that would be great but I told her she will have to figure out how they will share it. I did love that little computer as it has such a pretty design on the outside but the screen is small. The kids will probably think that it is cute. lol
      I think years ago they did use clove to freshen breath but I think they are very strong. I remember oil of clove for a toothache. I’m not crazy about the taste though. I know my Mom used to put them on the ham for flavoring but i never do as I am not crazy about the flavor. I think maybe you use them for ham too-it seems like you may have mentioned it before. I just use a sauce of vinegar and brown sugar to pour over the ham. I think that may be a Polish thing.
      I must say the story of Ron and the smart phone is funny. So now what is he using for a phone after all that?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that you are doing better today. That sharp pain thing was kind of scary. Keep an eye on that.
      I know Greg always says that garlic is healthy too but I always say it’s not healthy to me if it makes me nauseous. lol I know he would like more garlic in the food but then i just couldn’t tolerate it. I am always hesitant in restaurants when they say something has garlic in it. Sometimes it’s okay and sometimes it is too much but you never really know until you order it.
      I forgot that Steph is vegetarian. We have a niece and a couple nephews who are too. When you are not used to cooking like that it can be a challenge.
      It’s good that Greg likes computers and such but he loves all electronic gizmos. Sometimes that gets expensive. Like the drone that he just had to have and now just sits around after about a half dozen uses. Plus his cars always have to have all the “stuff” in them. lol Speaking of that. The guy just delivered his new motor assist bike so I had to go out and push the box into the garage because it’s snowing out and I don’t want it to sit out all day. That box was heavy! So now he has the project of putting that together. He told me before he left this morning that I could put it together if I wanted. And I told him yeah with a sledge hammer. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey DD!
      Thank you for checking with your nurse friend. That is what I was thinking. If I even get a tiny little pinch in that area, I will go to the ER, I promise. It is snowing here today, so I would definitely not venture forth, unless I dialed 911….God forbid that would be necessary.
      Love the pictures!! Keep them coming.
      I felt so good that I baked a cake while it snowed.
      The best of the Superbowl commercials are on tonight. My favorite the adoption puppy and horse one, and the 911 one with the horse bowing in front of NY.
      Love you, DD!

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    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen!
      Oh yes, Ron, Gary, and Jerry would get into a lot of trouble with electronics together. He is so bad. I agree with you. If Ron plays with your phone and does something, you will not be able to get it out of whatever mode he gets it into, and you will end up having to go to the phone store.
      Aizen stopped by with Jhonny today for a minute. They were going to the supermarket, as Jhonny had his day off today, and they brought me an extra lemon, in case I did not have enough for the cake. I got such a kick out of seeing him today. he was all bundled up, with his hat on, as it is colder here. Started snowing soon after they left. Aizen just turned 3 the end of December.
      When will you be able to get to your daughter’s? Have you had a lot of snow over there? We are getting about 5 inches today.
      So, is Ron getting potato soup? I may try to make soup tomorrow, or baked chicken again, with the breast I did not cook on Sunday.
      I feel back to normal today, so I am good for now. If I get any even tiny pain in that area, I will go to the ER, as I do no want to have an emergency with an appendix. I promise. I may also run it by the nurse when she calls with Gary’s results. We forgot to call them today for the results….LOL GAyr was too sore when he came home- from the weather.
      Hope your day is going well!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      LOL LOL LOL
      I am picturing Gail chewing on garlic, and passing out, in her beautiful Butterfly shirt……yelling…..call Colleen!!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey girls…..
      I forgot to say, we called those slips petticoats.
      Hope everyone has a good night.

      Hey- how has Greg’s back been?

      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!
      That is so funny about the bike. We just saw those on a piece on Chronicle- a news magazine that comes on every day over here. They have a hidden motor that will kick in when you need it, when you go up a hill, etc.
      You are lucky with Greg, as he can help when you get stuck with something on your computer, or phone. Colleen and I are on our own….LOL
      It is a pain with a vegetarian, as all the main meals I do have meat in them. I always put the potato’s around the meat when I roast them as they taste so good with the juices of the meat.
      How much snow did you get? It is still snowing here- supposed to e about 5 inches.
      I will heed everyone’s warnings, and get right to the ER if it happens again, because appendix is scary, and I do not need a rupture.
      Hope you are having a good evening!
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Adele, how are you feeling? Any more sharp pains? Have you had any nausea? How far down the right side was the pain? Sorry for all the questions, but just concerned. Most times with an appendix problem; you will hurt all around your belly button and if someone “thumps” your belly, it really causes some pain. Do you have your gall bladder? That was a really sharp, bring me down, pain on the right and started out by actually hurting me badly under my shoulder blade. I know that sounds crazy, but that is a classic sign. But once the actual GB attack came it came quickly, and I felt faint and could not stand. I hope this is something simple. I know I am not a doctor, but just tossing out some things to consider. Each of us is a little different but surely do want you to take care of yourself. We all have to stick together and help one another out. Please be checked out by a doctor.
      Jerry is doing better. He put his back brace that he used to have to wear everyday after he first broke his back; and it has helped to support I guess you could say that rib. The main reason he quit wearing the back brace was pure vanity and getting overheated. He would complain and complain about how hot he was; which I know he was uncomfortable, but it really did help him. It is the big black brace that covers his back and comes all the was from his shoulders to his waist and then wraps around to the front plate which is attached on with these large velcro straps. I told him that since he has gotten some relief from wearing this again that he should definitely bring this up the next doctor visit we have and have him order him a new one that can be fitted for him. He actually didn’t fuss too much; so I really know this is helping him.
      Your cake looks deliscious! I just feel you are working too hard. I know it brings you a lot of joy to see everyone enjoying themselves with your baking. Sometimes I will just work all day on something, and then I am so tired once everyone arrives that all I can do is just sit back and watch everyone enjoy themselves. I am not even hungry, and that is saying a lot with my appetite. ha ha
      You all were asking about things we like to collect. Well, I must love to collect outdoor decorations. Those spinners got me as well as a lot of the Plow and Hearth. And if it’s solar and I can look out there and see it glowing at night it just makes me happy. Other than that I am not a big collector of “breakable” things; since my boys broke most of what I bought when they were growing up. ha ha Of course, no one would confess who did what.
      Warm here today. More like spring than winter. This has been such strange for us but I thought I heard that some of you all are getting some real winter weather. Stay warm if you are in the midst of that.
      Will close for tonight and hope that you all are doing better. Take care, and goodnight. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I cannot remember what they were called either. The slips were just straight they did not have the wire in them to hold that skirt out so it looked fuller. Maybe they called them hoops. I talked to my mom tonight and forgot to ask her. Will have to call her again tomorrow and see if she remembers.
      That is really nice that you are giving the grands your old laptop. They will love having it for sure. They will work it out with the sharing. I am sure that Jenny and Adam will make sure of that. They may get a time limit to be on it and then pass it on to the next one. Piper will have good time using that.
      I do put cloves on my ham. I use cloves and pineapple. I mix the juice from the can with the brown sugar and pour that over the ham. I may try putting some honey or maple sugar on it this year. Ron likes it like that. I am not sure that everyone else will. That is the first time that I have heard of using vinegar. Bet that it is really good. A lot of people use vinegar to cook meat with. They do that on the Chew a lot.
      Ron is using an old flip phone. He does not text or get on the computer on it so he is happy. He can be a pain once in awhile. If he is happy with that old phone I guess that is good. Just do not touch my phone.lol
      I went to the doctor today and she told me that they found tiny bubbles in my stomach. She wants me to go see this doctor Taylor. They are going to find him for me. When she told me about the tiny bubbles all I could think of is that song Tiny bubbles in the wine. I wonder what she would have said if I broke out in song. lol
      Well that is all from here, Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That cake looks delicious. Now we could all come over and have a piece. Guess it would be hard though it is snowing there. We have not had much snow here. We are supposed to get some snow on Sunday but will not amount to much.I would like to see just one good snow.
      That is cute when the little ones are all bundled up. It will not be long and he will be off to school. Our little one still has a long way to go but it will happen soon enough. I think that she will be the last baby in the family for awhile. That is kind of sad but it had to come sometime.
      My daughter Mandy wants me to go with her on Thursday and we will watch Aliza together. Wish that Danyielle did not have to work but she does. Maybe she will get done early and we can all go to lunch. I can set all my devices up at her house and Ron will not be with me. There is no way that he is going to get my password. I do not want to have to go to the phone store with a phone problem. Bet the first thing they would say is you let your husband try and do something on your phone. lol
      I should be giving him potato soup but do not have the mix here. Will have to go to the store and get some more. We have a vegetarian in our group also. Our granddaughter Brook. She is so hard to cook for because she is the only one that does not eat meat. Her mom told me that they sell veggie burgers at Aldis and so will pick some up tomorrow. It is hard to fix a meal and watch them just sit there with a few veggies on their plate. That is odd that we all have one in our families.
      I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. I had the same symptoms that Barbara had with her gall bladder. Pain under the shoulder blade. So just be careful and get to the doctor if it happens again. It is a good idea to ask the nurse when she calls tomorrow.
      This weather is really hurting everyone’s arthritis. Hope that spring comes soon. Well that is about all from here have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Starting new February discussion. See ya’ll there.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Ok…off I go!
      Adeel

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Barbara
      The pain was almost at the groin point- on the right. Lasted less than a minute. I got more tired/possibly faint feeling- woozy and completely exhausted, and could not keep my eyes open. That lasted for a few minutes, and then the rest of the day, did not feel so great, but no pain or feeling of doom, where you would dial 911. Next day I was better, and today, I have a lot of energy….LOL Probably because the sun is finally shining.
      Have not heard from the doctor yet, and I have to call today, if we do not.
      So….today I did an Lichen Muffin bread- ready to put into the oven now. Also making chicken soup, with matzo balls, as we are out of soup noodles. I am being good, and not doing any cleaning tasks today, as doing the cooking is enough.
      I really need a butler. I do not know why I cannot have one?????? Maybe the same reason the BMW SUV is not outside on Christmas day….LOL
      I hope you are ok. Hey- have you ever heard of the bubbles they say Coleen has?
      Well, the Chew is almost over so I have to cut up my veggies for the soup.
      Have a great day!
      Adele

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