March-Spring is Coming! Hooray!!!2017-03-01T09:27:29-05:00

Home Forums General Quacker Chatter March-Spring is Coming! Hooray!!!

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      February flew by and the weather was not too bad. Here’s to a beautiful March!

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Wow! 30 pounds in a month was a lot for Amanda to loose. I do remember that at first I had no appetite and Greg was always trying to get me to eat but I didn’t care-I just wanted to sleep-however-I never lost much weight. They need to keep an eye on that spleen too-that is a big problem that goes along with mono.
      What will JJ be doing? I hope you get to go watch the performance. That is always so much fun.
      Jenny, Kendall and Piper have influenza-or had it-so we probably all have the same thing.
      Last night we had thunderstorms. The tornadoes were to the south of us. Right now it’s snowing. Go figure.
      I’m wondering if Colleen didn’t have storms too.
      So of course the furniture delivery cannot occur without drama. They bring in the couch and it fits perfectly in the spot. they bring in the table and put it together and it looks good-then they start bringing in the kitchen chairs… First of all I had already had a call from the store that two chairs would be missing as they were damaged in transit. So they bring in the other chairs and I look at them and say that’s not the chairs that we ordered. There was a choice of two different back styles and they ordered the wrong one. So the delivery guy calls the office and they say that’s what’s on the order and I say yes but that’s not what we ordered. Obviously the saleslady wrote it wrong which is no great surprise to us as she is a nice lady but a real space cadet. So they did leave the chairs until, they get the new ones in so we at least have a place to sit as we couldn’t use our old kitchen chairs since the new table is a pub table. We could have used the chairs but our chins would be on the table-maybe easier to eat that way. lol Not as much of a distance from plate to mouth lol-but it would look funny. Also the couch was supposed to come with a leather protection kit and that’s missing too. So the furniture will dribble in now as the chair and ottoman are on back order until the end of March. Ah! The best laid plans of mice and men…
      Hope you have a fun lunch today. No one wants to be around me as my cough sounds so bad. People out in public give me the stink eye. lol It’s a good excuse to stay home and stay inside.
      Hope our storms aren’t coming your way.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gailster!
      Your furniture deliveries are just like mine. I hope they get it all fixed, and you have all your things before Easter.
      Do you believe today is the beginning of Lent? Wow, is all I can say.
      I do not know what JJ will be doing yet. But, I am quite excited.
      I am worried about Amanda, as she does not look good at all.
      I hope everyone at Jenny’s will soon be healthy, and ready to go. Do you think you should get something for your cough? This has been going on for a while now.
      The tornadoes and thunderstorms are all over our news. I hope everyone is ok. We are just getting thunderstorms later this evening. I hope.
      The sky was overcast, and it was foggy in Gloucester today, when Nancy and I went to lunch with our good buddy Sue.
      So, I am leaving Friendly’s, and this lady beeps her horn, and yells-” hey- love the outfit, you look great”. I had on my new polka dot salmon colored set, and the salmon colored zipper crops. Isn’t that funny? I did not recognize the lady, but, it could have been one of my old foster parents. Or, it was a Quacker….LOL
      I am worried about Colleen and Barbara. I hope they are ok. I know DD is ok, she is way away from any of the bad weather.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      We did get the storms here but not as bad as they did in Perryville. The wind was really strong and it blew the furniture all over the deck. We were lucky that we did not get any of the tornadoes. It is going to be like that again on Monday. They may be wrong about that though. They are predicting it too soon. Our neighbors land line has gone off. They are not sure if it was the storm or if it was bullet holes that they found in the box out on the road. Some idiot was playing around and shot the phone box. They are crazy around here.
      We do have our Easter Lillie’s. They are pretty but they will die out way before Easter and that is when we like to have them bloom Our weather has been too warm. I still think that we are due for some snow or something. I cannot believe that you are getting more snow. It must not have warmed up as much there as it did here. It was in the 70’s yesterday and it is in the 50’s today.It is supposed to be in the 40’s tomorrow. I hope that Barbara posts on here today. Not sure if she got all the storms or not. It is just good to hear from everyone and make sure they are okay,
      Sometimes the guys that deliver the furniture will want the couch if you are giving it away. I guess these guys did not want a couch. Sounds like you are having a rough time with the delivery of the right furniture. Hope they bring the right chairs soon that go with your table. That would be hard to eat if the table is taller then the chairs. You could just scope the food right into your mouth. The grands would like that.lol
      How are Jenny and her family doing now? Hope that they do not have the flu still. Isn’t it getting kind of late in the season for all this sickness? I thought that about this time of the year everything is cleared out of the air. It is going around here also. So far none of our family has caught anything but colds hope it stays like that.
      Hope that you get rid of that cough. That is miserable when you cannot quit coughing.
      Have a good evening.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      We watched the Chew but it was not all that interesting. Micheal and some guest chef came and made banana forster. It looked good but did not take down the recipe. It had a lot of sugar in it. Then they made a black eyed pea thing with johnny cakes. Did not care for that either. They gave away a Oreos basket to the audience and that was about it. They will show it again this summer.
      That will be fun to watch JJ in a play. He will be so excited and it will be nice that you will be there. Both of my granddaughters have caught the acting bug. They are going to be in the play this spring. So it will be fun to watch them. It was a lot more fun to watch them when they were younger. They took things more seriously. Every on of the kids have a good time when they are younger.
      That is nice that you and Nancy got to go out to lunch. At least you did not run into any storms. It is nice that you did not get any bad storms where you are. This weather is crazy.
      That was a lot of weight that Amanda lost. She needs to take a couple more days off work. When does she go back to the doctor? He should be watching her closely and making sure that this does not get worse. We will be praying for her.
      Saturday we have to go to Danyielles so we can take Owen out for his birthday. We just give him money because he is getting older and he is hard to buy for. It will be nice to take him out for dinner. I know that we will end up at Mac Donalds or Steak and Shake. You know how kids are. As long as I can get something light that will be fine.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a nice evening.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Just a quick note to let ya know I’m okay. We’re coming off the wettest Feb. on record, over 10 inches of rain!! It’s cloudy but no rain today.
      March in like a lamb, out like a lion. LOL. It happened that way a few yrs ago. No snow, just stormy at the end of March.

      Sending some funnies so you can get a good laugh. Sounds like you could use a good laugh.

      Take care & stay safe.
      dd

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      Funny pictures. Good to know that you’re okay. They said on the Today show this morning that the Pacific Northwest is due for a wetter spring than usual. Just what you need, huh?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I just saw on the news this morning that the plants in your area are about three weeks ahead of schedule so everything is out of whack. The cherry trees in DC are going to bloom way early this year. Greg heard yesterday that this is the first time Chicago has not registered any snow in January or February. We had some snow yesterday but it will probably all melt away by the weekend.
      I almost got one of the delivery guys to take the couch but he said he thought it wouldn’t fit through the door of his apartment. Jenny called last night and she thought she had someone who would take it and then they changed their mind-so she is going to post it on this Facebook garage sale thing that she belongs to. So we’ll see what happens.
      Kendall still has a fever and the doctor said if she still has it Friday she wants to see her again. It’s been high too-like 103. So we’ll see how she’s doing tomorrow. She’s been off school all week. So far Lachlan is still good so I hope he escapes all this.
      Poor Jenny was feeling kind of down last night because her MIL is a huge flu shot advocate and when she found out Jenny’s kids had the flu she was kind of blaming her for not getting them the shots instead of being concerned about how the kids were feeling. I felt so bad for her as I think she was practically in tears on the phone-I think she’s probably tired from having the sick kids and being worried about Kendall and she just didn’t need her MIL’s attitude.
      I hope today will look brighter for her.
      Isn’t it hard to believe that Owen and Kendall are nine? Oh my gosh. Next year they will be into double digits. I hope that he picks a good place for dinner.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      It seems like something is always wrong with a delivery. This time I blame it on the salesperson as she is kind of a space cadet. However, the woman called yesterday to reschedule the delivery of the correct chairs and I mentioned that we were supposed to get a leather protector solution for the couch. She tells me they don’t send that on the truck in case it spills and then would get on other furniture and make it sticky. I go what is it in a baggie or something??!! She says you have to come to the store and pick it up and I tell her if that’ is the policy she should tell the people in charge that they should change their policy and give the stuff to the people when they order the furniture and that it’s very inconvenient for me to drive two hours total to pick the stuff up. Of course she puts me on hold and comes back and tells me they’ll send it out with the chairs-they’ll just have to keep it in the cab so it doesn’t spill on anything. I’m wondering what is wrong with the bottle that it comes in if this is such a big concern. What a load of bull!!! it’s always something.
      I am concerned about Amanda too. Having had mono recently myself it’s just not something you get over in a week. She needs rest rest and more rest.
      I think this flu just comes with a bad cough that lingers. I don’t have a fever anymore so that indicates to me that there is no infection. When I had pneumonia the fever kept coming back but that’s because there was an infection there-so I think this is just really a big nuisance but not something to worry about unless I get a fever again. It’s just hard to sleep at night when I have to wake up and cough. So I need naps. lol
      I love it when someone comments on the Quacker and hopefully it brings a smile to their face also. They are such cheerful clothes. You just can’t feel grumpy if you are wearing Quacker.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Good to know I did no miss anything on The Chew. I hope to see it today.
      I am making chocolate chip cookies, as they are TRYING again to get Aizen to get a haircut. I nanobot tell you how many times they tried. I honestly think the little bugger thinks it will hurt him when they cut it. You know, kids think is strange ways. The cookies are another bribe for the haircut….LOL
      I bet you will have a great time on Saturday with the kids. You have not seen them in a while, due to all the illnesses goign around, and your weather.
      I have no idea when Amanda goes back for a check -up. I hope they scheduled one!
      I found out the play is Cinderella. This week is the first meeting. I am more excited than any of them. Here is the funny- when I was in my senior year in high school our senior play was Cinderella, and I was the Fairy Godmother. Isn’t that a hoot? We did a 60’s spoof of the fairy tale, and called it “Cindy Rella”- a kind of punk spoof. The Fairy Godmother arrived on motorcycle, and I wore my prom gown, with a leather jacket over it….LOL LOL LOL
      We really escaped the storms. All we have is a huge wind out there today.
      Hope you are having a good day!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!
      i am so happy to hear you do not have a fever. i hope your cough gets better, so you can sleep. It is a very long night, when you cannot sleep.
      I owuld be livid with that wacky saleslady. Call the manager, and ask for a discount. After all, you have to go back out to the store, when they could have given it to you the day you were there.
      Read my post to Colleen about the play. I am so excited. JJ is such a quiet, shy kid, I think this will be fabulous for him. I hope he gets a part in the play. You know he has never seen Cinderella? Steph will have him watch the movie when he gets home today, so he is prepped for tomorrow. I guess they must consider it a girl movie….LOL
      I hope you feel better soon, and that your weather is good. It is extremely windy here today.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG- poor Jenny. that was just mean to say to her. She needs a hug!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG DD!!

      You did give us a lot of laughs. Thank you.
      I always say that laughter is the best medicine, and everyone needs at least one good chuckle every day.
      Adele

      PS….stay dry out there!!!

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      I agree Adele-I sent her a nice e card this morning. I hope that it cheers her up.
      Here’s a picture of what I am going to make at her make it and take it party next weekend.
      Gail

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    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      We had very stormy weather overnight. The power was out a while. It is still very windy today. It makes for a bad hair day.

      Anyone that wants to know my Knee replacement surgery is scheduled for May. He said and showed me it is definitely bone on bone and surgery is the only way to fix it. That is also why my leg goes out to the side because everything has worn away on the outside of my knee, I need to go in April for pre admission testing, MRI and other paperwork.

      This has been a rough week for me. I told you the lady downstairs died. No there have been 2 more deaths. A lady I worked with for many years and a good friend who was only 62 died of brain cancer. So that is 3 hopefully no more.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue
      I am so sorry about all the lovely people leaving your life this week. That is just awful. I hope there are no more. These things always make us realize how very precious life is. I will say a prayer for your friends, and for you. Such a terrible shame.
      I hope your knee replacement goes well. You will see that the pain from the recovery, is way less than what you are having now. It is remarkable what we learn to tolerate. Do you have anyone who can come and stay with you for a couple of weeks, when you come home, to help?
      I am glad your light came back on, and that you are alright. We escaped all of it, and now have high winds. We were really lucky.
      This weather has been absolutely crazy!
      Hope your night goes well.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      That is adorable. I cannot see what messages are in the little circles. What do they say?
      Poor Jenny. Give her a hug for all of us! A big Quacker hug!
      Adele

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Adele just click on the picture and it will make it bigger to read.

      No I have no one to stay with me but I will be fine. I can call people if I need something and I will have therapists coming to work with me.

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I’m sorry about Jenny. Tell her the flu shots DON’T prevent all flu. There are so many different ones the shot can’t prevent all of em. It isn’t her fault.
      I got mine in Nov. & a few days later I caught something.
      Gail, you should get some cough syrup with a suppressant so you can sleep at night, or get a prescription from your Dr that will squash that cough. It took me quite awhile to get over mine.

      Sue, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost so many friends lately. It’s hard when you lose one, but to lose three so soon it’s harder to wrap your head around it.
      my condolences to you & a big quacker hug!!!

      Adele, how is Amanda? Losing that much weight seems strange to me. was she trying to lose it? Her Dr. should be concerned about it if she wasn’t. I wish I could lose that much, but I want to lose it in such a way I have control of it.

      I see there are a couple QF shows tomorrow(?). Check your listings.
      We were dry Wed.& most of today, but the rain has returned. Of course it has to return for payday.

      Oh did I tell you that our University of Oregon’s mascot is the duck? Yeah, the sports teams, football, basketball, are the Oregon Ducks. So quack quack
      Well, that’s all for tonight.
      I hope you’re all safe. I saw on the news about all those storms. Take care.
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      I love the pictures with all the funny sayings. I feel like the woman that was comparing herself to a car. I am falling apart everyday and the older I get the worse it gets. They need a repair shop like they have for cars for people. lol
      It was good to hear from you. We are glad to hear that you are okay. Now we need to hear from Barbara. You sure have been getting more then your share of rain. We have had some but not a lot. We had the storms the other night but after that no more rain. They are saying that we are going to have a lot of rain next week. The rain does not bother me as long as we do not have any storms.
      I am going to have to check my listing. I did not realize that we had any QF shows coming up. It seems like they have been having more quacker shows then they use to. It is really nice though. They have such cute things. It is tempting though to spend more money.
      That is interesting that your teams mascot is the duck. Maybe when you are ready to buy one of the duck shirts you can wear it to one of the games. That would be really cute. It would be nice if they had that shirt on easy pay.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen
      p.s. thanks for all the cheerful pictures they really make me smile and you also gave me a good laugh.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I am sorry to hear that Jenny and the kids are still sick. That is scary that Kendall still has a fever. Hopefully she will be okay by tomorrow or at least the fever will be down. I agree with DD the flu shot does not always work. There are so many things going around at the schools that there is no telling how she got this virus. So Jenny should not listen to her mil. Owen has that flu and so did Aliza they did not run a fever like Kendall is doing but they still had the flu. It just happens. It cannot be helped. Will be praying for them all. This is a hard for Jenny and Adam having her sick like that and not being able to do much.
      That is unusual for Chicago and that area of the state not to have a lot of snow this time of the year. We use to have a lot when we lived in Rockford. It is just the winter this year has been so strange. I had not heard that the Cherry blossoms were already blooming in Washington DC. Those trees are so pretty. It has been too warm around here. Ron is going to start planting onions tomorrow. That seems awfully soon for that but it is warm enough and the ground is warm enough.
      I know what you mean about Owen and Kendall. They are growing so fast. Where does the time go. Aliza is already 1 and it will not be long and she will not be a baby anymore. It is kind of sad when you realize that you are not going to have any more little ones around again for awhile. They are so much fun. They are fun when they are older but it is different. Kylie is acts like an adult now she is in her senior year in High School. It won”t be long and she will be off to college.
      Hope that it works out for you on the yard sale site. That was a shame that the guy did not think that he could get the couch thru his door. That would have made it so easy and you would not have to worry about it. Hopefully it will be gone soon an out of your way.
      I thought the birthday dinner for Owen was for Saturday but it is tomorrow night instead. It is a good thing that I reread the text message that Danyielle sent. To much going on this week-end. Mandy wants to have a bbq at her house on Saturday. So guess we will go there for that also. This is working out really good. No cooking all week-end.
      It will be nice when you finally get rid of that cough. That has to be miserable. Maybe after everyone is feeling better you and Jenny can go out to lunch. Just the two of you so Jenny can get away for awhile. It is always nice to get away with your mom after being in the house for awhile.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Thank heaven for Grandma and the chocolate chip cookies Hope that they were a successful with making him feel better about going to get a haircut. That sure would make me want to go. You always bake such good things.
      That is so funny that you were in the same play as JJ is going to be in. It will be interesting to hear what part he will play. The one you were in sounded really cute. I can just see a teenager in a prom dress with a leather jacket. That is just up their alley. Hope that JJ has as much fun doing this play as you had when you were in yours.
      I hope that Amanda calls the doctor back and schedule another one if he didn’t. Did they run any tests to make sure that the spleen did not have to be removed? She is probably feeling really bad still. Hope that they get this all taken care of soon.She is still in my prayers.
      I mixed up the day for Owens dinner. It is tomorrow night not Saturday. It is a good thing that I reread her text message. We would have went up there on the wrong evening. It will be interesting to see where he picks to go.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Sue,
      Glad to hear that you are okay also. These storms have really been bad ones. They hit is so many different places they were really spread out.
      I am sorry to hear about your friend. She was not that old to be gone so soon. Brain cancer is tough to go thru. Hope that her family is doing okay. It is hard to lose a family member and it is really hard to lose a friend.
      Keep us informed about you knee replacement. We will all be praying for you and that you have a speedy recovery. That has to be so painful with the bones rubbing together. Since you live by yourself won’t they send visiting nurses to see you while you are recuperating? They should so you will not be alone all day. It will be good to have the therapist coming but the visiting nurse will do more for you then the therapist as for as helping you with personal care.
      Just take care.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Sue,
      I am sorry for your loss of so many friends in such a short period of time. As we age that seems to happen more and more often and it reminds us of the preciousness of this life.
      Best of luck on that knee replacement. Pretty soon you will be able to kick up your heels.
      I’m glad that you got your power back. I always worry about losing it when those big storms or winds blow through.
      What have you been doing in your retirement to keep yourself occupied. Have you picked up any new hobbies or just catching up on things you never had time to do before?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      Love the cute Easter baskets.
      I do need a medicine with a cough suppressant all we have here right now is the one that decongests. I need the one that has both.
      I told Jenny that the kids could have gotten the flu even with the shots too-she shouldn’t feel bad. I just wish Kendall would get rid of that fever. That has me worried.
      I will check for the Quacker shows. They should record automatically but you never know.
      Didn’t the movie The Mighty Ducks come out of Oregon too? I love that the University are Ducks. I always forget that. You’d fit right in there. Quack Quack!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Good thing that you checked the text otherwise you would have shown up on the wrong day. We did that for a wedding once-went a day early. lol
      It sounds like a good weekend. I always consider a weekend the best when we go out to eat Friday and Saturday-and if I can also stick in Sunday that is a true bonus.
      The cherry blossoms in DC aren’t blooming yet but they said they were on track to be about three weeks early.
      I can’t believe that Ron is planting onions already. I wonder if we will have a really hot summer? It doesn’t really matter-we’ll take what we get.
      Well the people who originally were going to take the couch came and got it. They are people that Jenny and Brent went to school with and they have six kids so I imagine they appreciated getting a free couch in good shape. She was sweet-she sent over some boxes of girl scout cookies when she found out that we wouldn’t take any money for the couch from them. So her husband and another guy came over and got the couch last night so Greg didn’t have to lift a finger. That was good.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      The little circles have the name and date for people’s anniversary and birthdays. I do like those make it and take it parties-you can make some cute stuff.
      They are going to send the leather cleaner on the truck when they send out the right kitchen chairs. We knew Serena was kind of a space cadet so weren’t surprised when the order was mixed up. She’s part of the family that owns the store so they are not going to reprimand her so complaining wouldn’t do a lot of good. lol
      I imagine in a family of all boys perhaps Cinderella wouldn’t get seen. When I watch Cindrella and Snow White now I can’t help thinking how wimpy they are compared to the more modern Disney heroines. That’s why I love Ariel-she was the first of the new breed of Disney princesses. By the way-I would really like to see that new live action Beauty and the Beast-it looks amazing.
      for some reason I can picture you as a fairy Godmother-they must have type cast you.
      By the way-didn’t you go to an all girl’s school-so where does the prom come in?
      Did you have a brother school situation?

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue
      I am glad you have supports in line to be there for you. Colleen told me about these Bear Creek soups a long time ago, and they are good for a quick meal. They are available at Walmart, and other supermarkets are starting to carry them too. I love the Hot and Sour one. Colleen loves the Potato one.
      I hope your weather is better. We are supposed to get some nasty snow squalls later. It got cold again, up here.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      I love that duck picture….LOL LOL
      Amanda is doing ok. She comes home form work very tired, and testy, according to her mother. Heather (her Mom) has been making some fat loaded, Italian dinners, to keep her form losing more weight.
      She has applied for a different job, s going into Boston all the time has been hard. The owner of the restaurant made her a manager, and since then, her responsibilities have gone through the roof, with not too much money added for her troubles. Before becoming the manager, she was working at a Tea store, but, she could not get enough hours from them, to totally leave the restaurant. The Tea store is looking for a manager, and that pay is higher, which would allow her to leave the restaurant completely. It is in the next town over, so that would be great for less wear and tear on her car, and her.
      Please say a little prayer she will get the job. She only has a high school degree, so I am not sure who the competition is, and what their qualifications are.
      Hope you day is goign well.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG, Colleeen!
      that is so funny. Thank God you read the text again. We all do that, as we are getting older.
      I hope everyone at your place is well, and the kids are all over their colds too.
      Read my post to DD for the Amanda news.
      They loved the cookies. They all took some home, so Bobby was shocked at what was left….LOL He got his share too. Marissa called this morning and said Enzo was so excited about the cookies when he came home from work, he was like a little kid.
      The try outs for the play are tonight. I found out it is for 3rd to 8th graders, so I do not think he will get a good part….LOL I told him even if he is a tree, I will be over the moon excited for him. We all will be.
      Say a prayer for JJ and Amanda, so they will be able to reach their goals, please.
      I hope she goes back to the doctor too, but you know these younguns- they have a mind of thier own. But, she did get scared this time, so hopefully she will do some follow up.
      Hope your party goes well!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      Our high school was tiny, but was co-ed. Funny you said that, as Steph said the same thing about me being the Fairy Godmother. LOL Even though our school was so small, we had a ball. They did a lot with us. We went on a ski trip, and naturally, a retreat. Beautiful places, and we had lots of fun. Supervised by Mother Superior, of course. Girls and boys is separate lodges for the ski trip.
      I am an only child…..can you tell? LOL
      I heard from Barbara on email. She siad to tell everyone she is good, but stressed. This weekend they are having a going away cookout for Colin and his Mom. She is devastated, of course, but, keeping a stiff upper “Southern Belle” lip.
      Those make it and take it parties sound great. It is such fun to do those crafts. What a nice thing you get to do with Jenny and her friends. How is she?
      The try outs are tonight- say a prayer he gets a part- it is for 3rd to 8th graders. JJ is in the 4th grade.
      Hope your day is going well- we are getting snow squalls later.
      Adele
      PS….I cannot find any Quacker shows today???

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Gail and Colleen
      I cannot believe Ron is already planting onions!
      What a nice lady to bring you Girl Scout cookies for your couch!
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      According to my schedule, QF is on 3 pm this afternoon. That would be 6pm ET. I hope you get this in time to tune in.
      dd

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      thank you, DD!!
      I think I did not scroll down enough to see it. Just told my Mom, so she is all ready too.
      Heep your day is good. So far, our sun is still shining.
      Have a good one- Tom is on tonight, I hope….LOL
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Well, it looks like we’re gonna have to build an ark. We’re getting lots of rain this weekend. And maybe snow in the foothills around town. It’s MARCH &
      they’re still talking snow in the lower elevations.!!!! Is it ever going to end??!! Calgon, take me away (to a white sandy beach)!!!

      Gail, tell Jenny there are a lot of different strains of the flu & the shot doesn’t cover all of them, don’t ask me why. It seems it should but it doesn’t. If they don’t start getting better pretty soon, they better see their Dr. Esp if the fever doesn’t start to break & they start feeling better. Seems there’s been a lot of sickness in the country this yr. My cough lingered on & on & on, it seemed like I’d never get over it.
      Did you catch the QF show? I hope so. It’s spring fashion weekend on the Q.

      I hope all of you have a great weekend. I’m gonna start on building an ark. lol
      dd

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    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD
      You are getting blasted with rain. We even heard it on our weather report over here. Stay dry!!
      It is freezing over here, and we got snow squalls last night. There was coating of snow all over. But it will not last long, as it was just a coating.
      We are not going anywhere this weekend. Who wants to goo out when it is cold and windy? The trees are blowing like crazy today.
      I am goign to do needlepoint, and clean the bathrooms today. That is it for my excitement….LOL
      Stay warm and dry over there!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I am so glad that you found someone to take the couch. It is nice that the family with all the kids got it. I am sure they can use it. How nice that they sent you some girl scout cookies. Those are hard to find down here. We use to buy them all the time but now no one sells them around here. They are selling them in front of groceries stores or inside the malls now. I guess they quit selling them door to door. I guess that is a good idea it would be hard to let your daughter go to peoples houses that they do not know. I just hope that they sold enough for the girls to do the things that they want to do. When our kids sold them they used the money they made to go to this girl scout camp. They had a really good time.
      We had a nice time at the birthday dinner. We bought Owen a remote control car and he had a ball with it. Aliza had a good time chasing it. It was funny she ran all over the house trying to catch the car. Aliza is going to be an attention getter. She loves attention. She is the only baby in both families so she is getting everything she wants. She is just so darn cute though and does all the cute baby things. Owen surprised me he lets her do want she wants. He is a really good brother. He wanted to play his tablet and she did not want him to so she kept trying to get between him and the tablet. One time she sat on his lap trying to get her head between his arms so she could get to the tablet. Owen was just laughing. He finally had to get on the couch so she could not crawl up there and get him. It was funny.
      I was the only one that ended up going to the bbq today. Ron is sick again and Danyielle had to stay home with the kids because Owen was having the birthday party and Melissa lives too far away. It was nice though. It was Mandy and Brooklin and me. Kylie had to work. It was nice to get to spend time with Mandy and be able to talk. We do not get to do that very often.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Ron is sick again. He has a fever and has that cold again. He did go out in the garden and till it up and planted the onions. Then he came back in and felt so bad. I was glad that he came in and got some rest. He is taking medicine again and gargling with salt water. I hope that this does not last much longer. It is hard to get him to take care of himself. Will have to wash the sheets again and get all the germs off the bed. I usually wash the sheets and spray Lysol to kill the germs.
      I will pray that Amanda gets the job. That will be nice if it is the next town over. It is hard to drive a long way especially when you are so tired from being sick. Since she is a manager at the restaurant it may make it easier to get the job at the tea shop. They are already familiar with her work habits and they know that she is a good worker. I will also pray that JJ gets a part in the play. There is no telling what part they will give him. It is just exciting that they are letting the 4th graders try out for the play.
      I can imagine that Amanda is really tired when she gets home. Maybe she will go back to the doctor since she has been so sick and she is so tired now when she gets home from work. Will be praying for her. That is so sad. The Italian food sounds really good that should help her gain weight. She needs to and the doctor needs to see her again.
      I wrote in Gail’s post about the party Friday and the bbq today. So if you want to read that. It is hard to write that over again. lol
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      It has been a long time since I have heard that saying about Calgon take may away. I cannot believe that you are going to get more snow. You have had so much rain. You and Adele with all the snow and Sue. All of you have getting more then your share of the snow. You have been getting a lot of rain also. We are supposed to have a lot of rain next week They say that all the time though. We will see.
      I agree with you on the flu. It is really going around. Ron is sick again with a cough and fever and runny nose. I do not think that he will ever get over it. This is really hanging on.
      That little boy with the calf is so cute. Ron liked that picture. He also looks at the pictures that you post and likes them. They sure a cheerful.
      That is all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey girsl

      Quick question- has anyone ever bought the pot stickers, and how do you cook them??

      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Colleen
      I did read the post to Gail. How cute is little Aliza!! So glad you had a good time, and you are right. It is nice to spend some private time with one of our kids, and their kids. That story about Aliza and Owen is priceless.
      I am so sorry Ron is still sick. Did he ever get an antibiotic? I know he hates to go to the doctor. You could try my trick- I call for Gary on the weekend, when they are more apt to just give Gary one….LOL Maybe they give Gary one, because of all his medical needs, not sure. It is just easier,as he hates to go to, because he has so may already. Just a thought to try to help you.
      I have not heard if Amanda has an interview scheduled yet. She is working today.
      I have to tell you. So, when Steph heard of our wondrous Sunday dinner today, she laughed, and then got off the phone to go tell her mother. We are having egg salad sandwiches, and I am making a date nut bread for dessert….LOL Quick and easy. Fine with me!
      I hope you are warmer than we are. yesterday was the coldest day of the year. It is in the low 30’s today. A heat wave.
      Hope Ron is feeling better.
      Adele

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Adele I never bought the pot stickers but in the description it says pre cooked just heat in steamer, saute pan or microwave. I have heard people call in and say they just put them in a skillet and heat.

      You are warmer then we are we never got out of the 20’s yesterday and it went down to 14 along with the wind it was freezing. It is to be in the 30’s today but so far we are only at 28 but sun is out. Did you hear about the 30 car accident in PA on Friday? We were having snow squalls all day. When one went through it was a whiteout and put down a quick coating. So I don’t know if the accident was because they could not see or if they slid on the slick snow. If people would just learn to slow down in bad weather it would help.

      I made the meatloaf with the stuffing only I put barbeque sauce on top instead of ketchup and added some roasted garlic. But I like egg salad sandwiches. I also made a pan of brownies yesterday.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue
      I cannot believe how cold it has been. They said yesterday was the coldest day all year long. You had to hear the wind howl last night. Our living room is actually an addition to the house ( bought it that way- we did not do it), and because it was a deck, it is completely open underneath, so you hear the wind in there. You do not hear it as much in the rest of the house. It has to be really bad, to hear it in the main house, which I did a couple of times yesterday. One gust was so huge, that I hear a whistle in the attic. Wow, is all I can say about that!
      My friend Nancy got stuck in a snow squall when she picked her son up from work Friday night. She was scared to death. It only lasted a couple of minutes, but, she said she could not see anything, and was afraid to pull over, in fear someone would crash into the back of her car.
      I got a set of the pork and veggie ones. I hope I like them! Did you ever get any for yourself? We love the Chinese Peking Ravioli, and they look like the same type of thing.
      Hope you keep getting warmer than yesterday.
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hey Ladies,
      There’s a QF show on at 7 pm ET..I hope you get this in time
      dd

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hey again ladies,

      Adele, I would imagine the pot stickers come with cooking/heating instructions. It just depends on if you want em crispy or not. I’ve never had pot stickers but they look good. I’d love to get some but if I didn’t like em, I’d be out a lot of $$!!
      It seems like winter doe not want to let go!!! By this time of yr, we’re seeing warmer temps, but it’s cold enough to snow here!! In fact in some areas of town did see snow over night. And my weather apps are saying we’ll get snow down to the valley floor!!! Not enough to snarl traffic like Jan., but still snow in March??!!! It’s normal for the mts, ski resorts to get snow but not down here!! Even the weather people can’t believe how cold it is for this time of yr.
      Uh oh, I’m in trouble, I just ordered a pair of lipstick red pedal pushers. I asked Angel if they were going to have pants in lipstick red & she didn’t know for sure if or when they were going to have em. So, I’ll be happy with the pedal pushers for now.

      Colleen, I’m sorry to hear Ron is sick again. It seems like we can’t shake these things this winter. I’ve been sick a couple times too. and sometimes I feel like it’s hitting me again. So far so good…knock on wood.

      Adele can you put a skirt around the house to block out the wind? Or close it up some way? That’d drive me nuts!!
      Well, that’s all I have for today. Have a great week.
      And let’s hope the weather warms up soon!!!! I’m tired of this cold weather.
      dd

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    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      I missed the show from last night. I was watching 60 Minutes, and forgot to record it.
      It is still cold here, but, thank God, the wind has stopped.
      I love those sunny pictures, especially the bird one. Wouldn’t you love to see those birds at your window? how pretty!
      I am doing a crock pot chicken thing again- this time with the correct vinegar- the balsamic one. I want to see if I like it better with the right vinegar. I did like it, but the taste seemed a little off. Plus, I added a tiny bit (abut a 1/2 from the tube) of the Harissa sauce I use in all my crock pot, stew, and soups. It just puts the taste up a notch. This one is made with honey and balsamic vinegar.
      I hope we like the pot stickers too. They go so fast, they have to be good, or they would not be so popular, so i took a chance….help!!
      I hope your day is going well, and your weather is getting better.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everybody,
      Sue, I did hear about that snow squall and the car pile up. It seems like the same thing happened out by you not too long before that also. There must be an area on the highway where the snow blows badly.
      DD, I love those purple butterflies. I would love to see those in real life. When we went to Branson there was a Butterfly Palace where you could go in and walk amongst all the different butterflies. Of course I had to go to that. Loved it!
      Colleen, I was glad to get rid of the couch too. Greg took the old kitchen table out to the barn to use for a work table out there. Adam came over to help him move it out there. The new chair and ottoman aren’t in yet but when it comes in Jenny will take the old one-so we are doing good.
      Usually we buy girl scout cookies from Kendall but she is not selling them this year as she has switched from girl scouts over to 4-H. I was a cub scout leader for many years and the cub scouts never sold anything good like that. lol
      I hope that Ron is feeling better. This flu really does hang on. Today I feel like my ear is plugged up.
      Owen is a good brother. It sounds like you had fun with him and Aliza. Where did he choose to eat?
      That was nice that you got to visit with Mandy and Brooklin. They live fairly close-don’t they?
      Adele, it seems like we had the pot stickers a long time ago when the kids were still home. I think I either sauteed them or heated them in hot water but I can’t be sure. I think they were pretty good-we may have served them with sweet and sour sauce I’m thinking.
      I would have had to pass on dinner at your house last night as i never did like egg salad. Don’t know why as I like eggs and egg sandwiches-just not egg salad. Weird!
      With my luck those pretty birds of DD’s would all be knocking themselves against our family room window. lol We have given up trying to get rid of stupid Mr. cardinal as nothing that we tried came even close to working. So we just put up with his banging on the windows. I’m surprised his beak isn’t all cracked off and that he still has any brains left. Talk about bird brained!!!
      I hope Amanda is doing better.
      Jenny took Kendall to the doctor Friday and she has a sinus infection so hopefully the antibiotic has kicked in by now and she is doing better. Little Piper is running a fever with her flu now. We went over Friday since we were all sick already i figured we couldn’t catch anything else and they wanted us to bring them McDonalds. Lachlan is the only one who never got sick so he must have a strong immune system.
      I have a hair appointment this afternoon which is unusual. I normally have my appointments in the mornings.
      Tomorrow they are supposed to deliver the correct kitchen chairs. I hope they remember the leather conditioner.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      Glad to hear you are doing ok. I hope You are at least feeling a little better.
      Poor Jenny. With the whole house sick, accept for Lachan, she must be exhausted. I bet she was thrilled with the McDonalds you brought. I know you felt better, after seeing them, as it is hard when you hear all your babies are sick, and you do not see them.
      I certainly felt better when I got to see Amanda, even though she did not look well. I talked to her avian last night, and she said she was feeling much better. She is at work today, and will do a full week. I hope she does not get too tired. She has not heard about an interview yet. Her resume was in on Thursday, I think.
      I think they will love the pot stickers, as they do love the Peking Ravioli we get form the Chinese restaurants. Good to know you liked them.
      Tillie has been having stomach issues, and has not been up for dinner since Thursday. I hope she comes up tonight, as I get concerned she will not be able to do the stairs, sooner or later. I would hate to bring the food down to her, and she eats alone, when everyone is up here all the time. That would be very lonely for her. That is my big fear, that it will happen sooner or later. She has food downstairs that she makes- small containers of my soups to heat up that we put in the freezer for her, and she makes oatmeal, and eggs for herself.
      Hope you and Greg are feeling better. Hey….any more news on his back issues?
      Just heard we are having freezing rain tomorrow.
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh girls I’m in soooooooooo much trouble!!! I got my summer wardrobe this morning. With 5 easy pays I couldn’t resist!! I got QF & Denim & co tops & bottoms. I’m so naughty!!
      I see on our news updates we did get snow overnight in some areas of town. I didn’t see it tho.

      I wish I had those beautiful birds outside my window. All we have out here are crows. I see others in other parts of town, robins sometimes. Like I told ya we don’t have Cardinals or those beautiful blue birds. I wish we did!!

      Have a good day & stay safe
      dd

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    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      I am so glad you have your summer wardrobe all ready to go. Now, we only need the weather to cooperate. Which ones did you get?
      You know, I am so short that the crops fit me as regular pants…LOL
      We are getting freezing rain tomorrow- yuck!
      Have a good night!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I have had the pot stickers before. I have had the ones that they sell on the q but I have had them. They are pretty good. I did like Gail and heated them in a skillet. They are good if you brown them up a little. At least that is how we like them. We got ours for Schwans that is a home delivery truck that comes to your house and you can order what you want. It is mostly frozen food.
      Ron will not go to the doctor. He just made this junk that he said is curing him. It is hot water with some of a left over hamburger and some different herbs in it and he heats it in the microwave. I think it is all in his head because he is still coughing like crazy all the time. So do not know how long he is going to let this go on.
      I do not care for egg salad or any type of egg. The date nut bread sounds really good though. That is my main problem with weight is bread. I love to eat a lot of bread and that is not good for anybody who gains weight easily. Which I do and am having a hard time keeping the weight off right now. I do not want to gain a lot of weight again. If it happens it happens though. That is funny that Steph called her mom to let her know what you were fixing. Did they think that it sounded good or were they surprised that you did not make more then that.
      I did not order anything from the quacker shows yesterday but I did order a top today because it was 5 easy pays. I got that bicycle top in the red and I ordered a couple of bras from that new company that is selling clothes They are supposed to be really comfortable. They do not have any hooks or anything you just slip it on.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      I think that we are getting your weather here. It is warm and we are not getting any snow. Usually we are really cold here and the flowers are not any where near ready to pop up. It is just too warm and I still cannot help but think that we are going to get a real snow storm some time this month. Just have to wait and see.
      Ron will not go to the doctor for anything. He will just wait until he is so sick he will have to go. Do not know when that will be but hope it is soon. We have a St. Patrick’s day dinner coming up and all the kids will be here. So he cannot be sick that day.
      Sometimes you just have to go ahead and buy some stuff for yourself. The easy pay was hard to pass up. I bought a quacker top and bought some bras. I needed the bras just really liked the top. lol It was on clearance so it was not too high. You got a really cute pair of jeannes.
      We have a lot of birds around here. We use to have a crazy cardinal like Gail has but ours eventually flew away. Either that or he killed himself and that is why we never saw him again.
      Well at least you did not get any snow. That was a blessing.
      Thats about all from here have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      That was nice that you took McDonalds to the kids and Jenny. I bet she really appreciated it. That is sad that Piper has it now. Maybe Lacklan will not get it at all. That poor little kid. How is Kendall doing now? Hope that she is feeling a lot better now.
      Everybody said that the girl scout cookies were really high this year. They did not buy as many as they use to. We use to buy a lot when the kids were home and they would eat them. Ron and I do not eat that may anymore.Cannot have the thin mints here they are too tempting.
      We went to McDonalds for dinner. Aliza really eats good there. She had chicken nuggets and fries. Owen is eating off the adult menu now which surprised me. He ate two cheeseburgers. When did he grow up and eating like that. It was unbelievable.
      Amanda and the kids live about 30 minutes from us. So we see them more then the other kids. Kylie is busy doing a lot of things at school since it is her senior year. We will probably see less and less of her when she starts college. She will be working and going to school.
      That will be relaxing getting your hair done. I had mine cut last week. It was getting so bushy looking had to have it cut. We finally have found a style that I like. So will keep getting it cut like that now.
      Not much else going on here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I’m not sure how the kids are doing this week. Haven’t talked to Jenny for a couple of days . I will have to call her or text her later.
      Well the thin mints are safe from me. I know they are everyone’s favorites but I am not a big mint person.
      I can’t believe that Owen eats two cheeseburgers already. Jenny’s kids still eat Happy meals. I can remember when my Mom got older that’s what she would order as the child’s portion was just perfect for her. Everyone loved to tease her about it.
      I’ll bet its hard for you to believe that Kylie will be a college student next year. I hope that she gets into a school that she wants to attend.
      I normally go get my hair done in the morning so it was odd going in the afternoon yesterday. There was another very nice lady in there too so we had a good time laughing and chatting.
      Ron’s medicine that he cooked up sounds like it could be worse than the cold itself-you’ll never know if it was just time or the “medicine” that healed him. If he has the same thing that we had the cough really does linger on for a long time. Anyway, I hope that he is better soon. And I hope that you don’t catch it.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I hope that you had lots of fun getting your summer wardrobe. A girl just needs to treat herself to something new now and again. The five easy pays do help to spread things out. I hope that you love everything that you got.
      By the way-I’d be more than happy to give our cardinal directions to your house. lol Be careful what you wish for-as he loves to smash himself against the window as he thinks his reflection is another male cardinal trying to horn in on his territory. Talk about a birdbrain!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that every day Amanda feels a bit better. That mono wiped me out for months but she is younger and will bounce back quicker.
      How is Tillie feeling today? It is sad to think that someday she may not be able to do the stairs-she does well to still be able to do them at 90. Is it a full staircase or a half staircase? Maybe you could put in one of those stair chairs in the future. It would be sad if she couldn’t come up and join you on the days when she wants to though. I’ll tell you I wish this house was all one level but of course when we built it we had kids and lots of their friends here and then we had my MIL so we used the space. Now it’s just a chore going up and down all the stairs but i know Greg will never leave the land and the pond and the putting green until we really have to. Oh well-many people have much worse problems-that’s for sure.
      Greg has had some relief from the shots and is supposed to go back to the neurologist after getting some blood work done. However, I told him he should wait to do the blood work until he feels better from the flu as I know that will mess up some of the results so he finally felt good enough today to get them done. So we’ll see what that says.
      I got my kitchen chairs delivered today but of course they forgot to include the leather conditioner again. So I will have to call the furniture place and complain but I’m just not in the mood right now. I will deal with them later.
      Lots of heavy winds today but at least we missed the storms that were predicted. I can’t believe it’s already time to spring the clocks forward again. Love that extra daylight! I must say this winter went faster than the cold snowy ones.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      What is the name of that new bra company? I want to take a look at those.
      I feel so bad for you and Ron. You must be worried sick over his cough. What is it with men, that they just do not want to go to the doctor?
      The pot stickers have not arrived of yet. I am dying to try them.
      A lot of people do not like egg salad. But, Mr. Picky Pants over here, does. Go figure. Today I am doing new recipe for a pork roast in the crock pot. It is pretty simple, and should not be rejected by you-know-who. You put in potatoes, carrots, and a big onion, then the roast. You do a rub on the roast that includes thyme, rosemary, mustard, and salt and pepper, then pour over some beef broth. Pretty simple, so I hope ti works. We all love the pulled pork in the crock pot, but, of course, Gary rejected it ,due to the BBQ flavor. If he doe snot like this one, and everyone else is nto thrilled with this one, I am going back to the pulled pork one- it was delicious.
      Oh yes, everyone was hysterical at the combo of egg salad, and date nut bread. It came about out of necessity. LOL Bobby did not gnat to cook, and I was too busy cleaning the bathrooms, and watching in the Kitchen with Dave. Gary loves egg salad, and it is soft for Tillie, so i figured I was good with that. Then, for some reason, I was really having a desire for the date nut bread, so I did it. They are all still laughing about mt fabulous Sunday dinner.
      I hope you did not have any of that awful weather they were slaking about on the news this am. I hope Gail is ok too.
      Hey….are you getting stuff for the kids’ Easter baskets yet? I am almost done.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      You do not sound like your usual cheery self. I think the cold/flu is making you sad. It really stinks to be sick for so long. I hope you are feeling a tiny bit better today. At least that would be a start.
      I hope Greg’s tests reveal something, so he can have some relief fro the pain. Actually, I am hoping nothing comes up, as the blood tests are looking for diseases. If it is arthritic based, at least the shots, or a arthritis med can help. It owuld be awful if it were a disease. I am praying for the best results possible.
      I am happy to say Tillie came up for dinner last night, and she liked it. I was getting real worried. So, tonight I am making a new pork roast in the crock pot. She said she will come up for that tonight too. She worries me.
      Our house is a raised ranch, so the stairs go up a half flight, and then there is a landing, and then one more half flight. I have a bench on the landing, so anyone who needs o to, can rest for a moment, or two. Gary has to rest a lot. We looked into those stair lifts, and were told, because of the 2 sets of stairs, and the landing, we would have to get 2 of them- one for each set of stairs. It would make it difficult to get around 2 of those seats coming up the stairs, so we gave up. Maybe they will improve them, and it would eventually work out.
      You are so right. We all got our houses when we were a lot younger, and the stairs made no difference at all. Things get so problematic as we age. Stinks.
      Amanda is doing better, and she thinks it is all gone, accept she is a little more tired than usual. She did a double yesterday, and is going to work shortly and will close the restaurant tonight. She is waiting to hear when she will be interviewed- she already heard she is getting an interview. We are all hoping for the best.
      Heather was here last night, and had some of the chicken dinner, and brought the rest home for Amanda, and Dave. So far, everyone likes the chicken one….LOL
      Oh…here is a funny for you. so, I did not realize it, bit I had the new duck shirt on a chair, in it’s bad- it came yesterday. So, Tillie comes up. and is eyeing the shirt, saying she did not see that one. I had to tell her I got one for her for Easter, so she would stop whining. LOL
      I am so glad you did not get those terrible storms.
      Hope you are having a sparkly day!!
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      We have another soggy day out here!! March may have come in like a lamb last week, but the lion showed up this week with a vengeance!! At least the snow didn’t stick around. It was gone by yesterday afternoon, except in the mts. the skiers, snowboarders are very happy!! the rest of us are DONE with the rain. I hope all of you are safe. Been hearing about awful storms out there. Stay safe.

      This time next week the UPS guy will be delivering all my new clothes. Can’t wait to get em. Don’t ya get tired of wearing the same ole stuff all the time?

      I should be washing my dishes or putting up the rest of my spring/Easter décor but I just can’t muster up the energy to do it.
      Well, I’m gonna lay down for a short nap. Maybe that will energize me.
      dd

      Attachments:
    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      OMG- I love the cute little duckies! I can’t wait until it gets warm enough to wear my duck shirt.
      Well, it is cold and raw here, with rain. Tomorrow will be about 60, with more rain. Then, it gets colder, and they are talking about possible snow for the weekend, but, not much. It may not reach up this far, and only be in the south of Mass.
      Of course you are waiting for your new things. It is so exciting when QVC delivers our goodies. I call my UPS man the “present man”.

      I have good news to report to all of you- the pork roast in the crock pot was a huge success. Now, all I need is a chicken crock pot huge hit. Tomorrow, I am doing a new beef one- Beef Stroganof- that one is served over noodles. I do not anticipate a problem as beef is always good,no matter what. the crock pot meals are s easy for me- all in one pot, and no up and down to stir all the time. Hence my new crock pot experiments.

      Hope you are good, and warm!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I am glad that Greg is doing a little better since he has had the shots. Those really seem to help. How are you feeling? Have you gotten rid of the cold yet? That cough is really had to get rid of. Ron went outside today and was laying on the wet ground to work on his truck. So I am sure that he will be sick again. The man will not listen.
      You were lucky to miss the storms your way. We got them here. The wind was really strong and it blew over our decorative well in the yard. At least it did not break. It did get a little scary but it was probably we could here the stuff being blown around out there. We did not have any real damage anywhere near us. Just things like what happened to us here. These storms are really starting early this year. Hope that this is not a sign of what we can except in the summer.
      Owen has turned into a big eater. He did not eat like that until here recently. It was a surprise. Sometimes a regular hamburger is enough. Did your mom order the happy meal or just the kids hamburger? It is nice to order the happy meal cause you can give the toy to your grand kids.
      It is unbelievable that Kylie is graduating this year. They are doing something weird this year. The kids graduate but they are not putting their diplomas in the leather binding thing. They have to go back to school for two weeks before they can get their diploma. Kylie is really upset. That was part of being a senior you got to graduate and get out of school early. I have not idea what they are going to do for that time period. They have already graduated. Kylie does not want to go to graduation because of it. She thinks that there is no point to going. I can understand why she is upset I would be too.
      That was nice that there was another lady in the shop the same time you were and you could laugh and talk. It makes the time go faster when there are more then on person in the shop at a time.
      I have already told him that he can eat all that stuff he wants but there is not way he is going to get me to eat that stuff. lol
      Well that is all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      The name of the company that I got the bras from is Anybody. I think that they make a lot of clothes also. I hope that I like the bras. There were two in a package so that is nice and they were 29. and some change. That was not a bad price for them.
      Read my post to Gail. I wrote all about the storm that we had here last night. There were no tornadoes here. Just the regular bad thunder storms
      Your roast sounds really good. We had chicken pot pies tonight with steamed cauliflower. It was pretty good and that was all we had. Did not make the pot pies they came out of a box. That takes care of my cook of the year award,lol You will have to let us know if Gary liked the roast or not. It should be interesting to see if he ate it or not. It just sounded really good. I may try that one with the roast we have in the freezer.
      Did Dave have a lot of nice things on the show yesterday? I do not watch that very often. I usually have to check it out on the web site. I have to pick my battles when it comes to what shows I watch or tape. Ron does not like it when I watch all the shows. He is getting better about me ordering things from qvc now. He use to complain.
      I do not have one thing for the Easter baskets yet. I am going to have to start getting busy. I am going to get Aliza some of those little books that they cannot rip up. She really likes books. We have a dollar tree here now so will pick up some things from there. We hide Easter eggs in the yard so will have to get some of them also. I get the ones that are filled now.It makes it a lot easier.
      Hope that Tillie is feeling better. I wonder if you put a ramp up on the stairs that it would make it easier. She could walk up the ramp instead of the stairs. When I take my mom to church that is how she walks up to the church instead of going on the steps. Tillie and my mom are so close to the same age. Mom is a little bit older.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      It does get tiresome wearing the same things all the time. It is nice that you got to buy some new things to wear this summer. I have bought tops but no capris or pedal pushers. That five easy pays are really nice. Gives people a better way to buy things that they have wanted from Quacker.
      Those pictures of the ducks reminds me of when our kids were little they always wanted a duck or baby chick for Easter. We never did get them on so we were never popular with the kids at Easter time. It is hard to keep them in the back yard.lol The pictures that you posted are so cute again. They always make me smile and make my night a little brighter. Hope that you can keep posting them.
      You have been getting your share of the crazy weather. First you had snow and then rain. It does not seem like spring is ever going to come your way. Hopefully that will change soon. You have to be tired of the rain and the snow.
      Nap time is really important around here also.
      Well that is about all from here have a great night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Good Lord, those storms you had were scary. I am so glad you did not have a tornado. These storms are getting more violent every year. Global warming, for sure.
      We cannot do a ramp, because the stairs are inside the house. I wish we could!
      Well, the pork roast was a huge success, with chevron, including Gary. The name of it is “slow cooker pork and potatoes with rosemary”. So, I have finally found a pork roast for the crock pot that works for everyone. Today I am doing the “slow cooker Hungarian Goulash”, but they add a green pepper, and we all hate them, so I eliminated that ingredient. This one gets served over egg noodles, and we are having steamed cauliflower, just like you did yesterday. Both of these recipes are form the Betty Crocker site, and they email me every day with a new recipe. Doing the crock pot thing is so easy on my bones. i am still searching for a chicken one that is fabulous, and have not found one quite yet. The one I made this week was good, but, not fabulous. The search continues…..LOL,
      There was nothing new on Dave’s show, and how bad is that? I think I have every cool kitchen gadget they have sold. No new Temptations for me , she can seither. Like I would even have nay more room! You know, I use that pretty covered, footed pumpkin bowl with all my crock pot dishes. It keeps the food hot, and looks so nice on the table.
      I am just waiting for all the socks to arrive for their Easter baskets, and then I am done. I do have to go to the local chocolate store to get the bunnies,a and eggs, etc, for my chocolate centerpiece. I got Steph and Heather a set of the spurtles and small set of lock n lock’s for their baskets.
      the only thing I have not done, is decorate. I wanted to dust first, and I hope to dust half the house one day, and half the next day, so I can decorate by the weekend.
      Tillie has come up the past 2 nights for dinner, and she says she will come up again tonight. I kind of read her the riot act, saying if she stops doing the stairs, she will lose the ability to do them, and she needs to do them, at least 4 times a week. So, she has been coming up. I do get it, if she is too tired, or does not feel like a big meal. But, I do not want her to sit alone for dinner, as I think that can get very depressing. It is also amazing that at almost age she can still do the stairs. I pray she is able to do so, for the rest of her life.
      Hope your weather is good- ours is today. It is in the low ‘s, and will soon get very cold again, with snow for Friday, I think.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      My Mom actually used to get the happy meal-that’s why we all thought it was kind of funny. But she said it was just the right size for her. What a cutie she was!
      I’m with Kylie-why make them go back to school if they are done with finals and have already graduated. I just don’t get the thinking behind that.
      I am an Easter basket slacker too. I have not even thought about that stuff yet.
      I bought those Anybody pants that they had on for a TSV a couple months ago. They were the ones with the elastic at the bottom. They are now my favorite pants for around the house-they are so loose and comfy.
      My cough is finally starting to go away. Jenny said Kendall and Piper are back at school so everyone is feeling better and fevers are gone.
      Poor Greg-he gave 10 vials of blood yesterday and today they called back and said that they need more. Must be a bunch of hungry vampires somewhere. lol Plus he has this huge bottle that he has to pee in all day today and take back tomorrow. That’s to test for mercury and arsenic and something else. All these tests were ordered by the neurologist. It’s quite a thorough work up.
      I hope nothing shows up in all these tests-but at least we know that they are covering all their bases trying to figure out this numbness.
      I hope that Ron is feeling better.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      DD,
      What a cute bunch of ducks!
      I’m of the firm opinion that napping should be a college course and an Olympic sport. lol I could get straight A’s in that! And a gold medal.
      Boy is it windy here today! It’s like being blown to Oz. I looked on the deck and i see that the cover over the barbecue grill was blown off and i don’t see it anywhere-so I guess one of the neighbors will now be the proud owner of a new grill cover.
      Plus we have a lot of tree branches down-especially those weeping willows-they can’t withstand a strong wind.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I’m glad that Tillie has made it up for dinner. I think that’s hysterical about the duck shirt. You have to hide the stuff from her just like you do from a little kid.
      So I’m glad the crock pot dinner turned out well. I will be on the lookout for a chicken one and let you know if I find one.
      I had to give up watching the kitchen shows due to lack of space. I love kitchen gadgets and would always want to try some new ones. That’s my favorite section of Bed Bath and Beyond where they have all the kitchen stuff. What’s funny is i don’t even like to cook anymore like I used to but I still like the gadgets. it’s like a guy that’s not handy wanting a bunch of tools. lol
      That’s interesting that no one likes green peppers. We like them here both cooked and raw.
      Read my post to Colleen to learn about Greg’s testing adventures. Poor guy. I will have to get him some geritol to build his blood back up. lol
      Gail

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello dear friends. Jerry and I are sitting here and I have prayed most of the night that Sarah and Colin would safely arrive in Sacramento today to meet Neal. Poor baby is teething and has just gotten over a pretty bad ear infection; and we (the worriers that we are) were afraid that the change in altitude would make his little ears hurt. He and Sarah came over on Sunday afternoon and we made a big spagetti dinner with garlic bread, salad, and a big banana pudding (one of her favorites). Joey and LIsa came up too, and we just played and cuddled and laughed and then cried (me). I am proud that I held things together because it is so right for them to be together, and they need each other so much as a family. Their plane left at 6am; and she asked us if we wanted to come to her parents house yesterday evening to see them once more and I know this sounds silly; but I just couldn’t put myself through all the pain of saying goodbye again. I know you all must think I am just too sentimental; and I know that they are grown, and I’m sure that there is some underlying pchycological reason I have such a hard time letting go; but right now it’s just so hard, but sad and very happy all at the same time and for the same reasons. Crazy me.
      Gail, I feel so badly for your husband having to go through all these tests. As one of the biggest babies about lab draws; I so feel for him because I know his arms must just hurt after all these sticks. I will continue to keep all of you all and your hubbies in my prayers. Colleen, there is absolutely NO advise I could say about your Ron and not going to the doctor. Jerry went out the other day in short sleeves, no tee shirt or anything, and it was so cold and windy. He was like ice when he came in; and I was going all through the house looking for him. I think he waits on me to get busy with something, and out he goes with some hair brained scheme in his head. Joey really fussed at him about wearing a jacket and just being patient and waiting for him. That is so hard for Jerry to do.
      I love that Tillie found her Easter shirt. It was just meant for her to be ducky before the holiday. I got that shirt too. Love it. I passed on the D&C duo special yesterday. It looks really pretty; but it gets SO hot here in the summer that if I do need sleeves; say because the AC is too cold inside; that an open weave just won’t warm me up enough. By the way, Adele, we are egg salad fans here. Also, love chicken salad. We enjoy both on crackers or crusty bread. We have even done chicken salad inside a tomato that we cut into a fanned out quartered tomato and scoop the salad inside. Yummy.
      Will try to catch up on more later. So good to be back with you all. Hugs, Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That is great that you made a roast that Gary likes. That roast sounded pretty good. May have to try to make that one some time. Did you put the recipe on here? It seems like you told what all you put in it when you told us about it yesterday. Will have to look and see. Hope that you find a good chicken recipe that Gary will like. We have been having a lot of steamed veggies here lately. They are good for you and the veggies are fresh. I am thinking of making a butter nut squash soup this week-end. I got the recipe from Pillsbury I think it was. I get recipes from them all the time. I think that it is on the same lines of the sweet potato soup that Daphne made on the Chew.
      That pumpkin dish sounds really pretty. That would look really nice on the table. I do not put things in special dishes when it is just me and Ron. We just get the food out of the pans. I am not very good at cooking and making things special when it is just us. You always have more then just you and Gary though. Now we do use the good dishes if it is a special occasion like anniversary’s and things like that.
      That is my problem if I bought anything else for my kitchen we would have to add on to have a place to put it. There is just so much room and then you have to stop buying. It would be nice to have more lock and lock bowls though. My mind is wandering sorry.
      You are a lot further then I am on the Easter things. I have to get everything. We just get the kids little toys for Easter and that is about it. That is a good idea to give the older girls the spurtles and bowls. I have no idea what I will give the two older grands. Will have to think about that one. They are not old enough to give them kitchen things but they are too old for the toys and candy. Easter is a hard time for them. They do not hunt Easter eggs anymore either. Will have to give this some thought.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Wow that is a lot of blood that they have taken for Greg. I cannot imagine why they need more. The poor man is going to be anemic after they are done taking all of his blood. You may have to make him some liver and onions to build his iron up again and then find something to build up his blood. That doctor is really checking for everything. Hopefully they will figure all of this out.
      Your mom was smart to order that meal if that is all she wanted. That would be funny to buy a Happy Meal for your mom. It is funny how our moms do things as they get older.
      I have never bought anything from the Anybody line. I hope that I like these bras. I may have to buy a pair of the pants for my mom. She like to have the pants with the elastic around the bottom. She says that it keeps the cold air from blowing up her pant leg. That would be nice for her to have for around the house. Have you tried the cuddle duds? Those are really nice also. They are really soft and comfortable. They are nice and warm.
      I am glad to hear that the kids are back at school. That must have been a relief for all of you. They were really sick. Once that flu starts going around in the school it is hard to keep the kids from getting it. I know that Owen catches everything that goes around. Glad that your cough is finally going away also. That stuff is hard to get rid of like you said.
      Hopefully we will both get our Easter stuff before it get too close to Easter. I am thinking about maybe getting the kids gift cards from Wal Mart. They do not have to be for much. I don’t know what to do. The kids ages are so different. They range from 17 to 1 so it gets harder every year.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen
      p.s Will say a prayer that they find out what is going on with Greg. They should be able to find it with all the tests they are doing.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      It is good to hear from you. It is hard to say good bye to our children at any age. It is really hard with the baby leaving also. That is understandable that you do not want to go thru telling them good bye again. You are a loving mom and it is sad to have a child and their family move away. So just hang in there it will get better. When my oldest got married her and her now x moved to Texas and I cried like a baby when I was telling her good bye. It is just hard so you did better then I would have and we did not have any grand kids leaving with their mom.
      Your dinner sounded really good. That was nice that Lisa and Joey could come also. The dinner that you made probably made Sarah realize that you think a lot of her to make the meal that she likes. Hope that they called you and let you know how Colin did on the flight. It is just nice to know that they made it home safe.
      You are going to have to tie a bell around Jerry’s neck.lol He and Ron are so much alike. That is like Ron laying on the cold wet ground checking out his truck. He was still coughing and he goes out and does that. I may have to put a bell on him also. Men they just drive a person crazy.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen!
      You know, the idea of socks for all of them is so useful. they lose them and ruin them, and over here they look forward to new ones. I get them from Kohl’s, and they have great sales, plus I had a 30% off coupon. You may want to consider socks- no sizes needed….LOL
      I used to do the same thing as you- just serve it from the pot. But, then I thought, who is more important than us every day? It looks so pretty, and makes me feel special when I serve in those beautiful pieces.
      I was shocked when he really liked the last one- Hungarian Goulash in the slow cooker- recipe is on the Betty Crocker site. All my recent crock pot ones are from there, and you can print them out directly from the site. I think it is easier than putting them on here, and then you have to write it down.
      I am just doing needlepoint today, as Amanda sad she will stop by, So, hopefully she will, or I would have done some dusting….LOL
      hope your day is good!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Dearest Barbara……
      Here is my opinion on Itty Bitty Colin.
      When I first saw Stephanie, my heart was so filled with love, I did not know it was possible to love a baby so much. She was my first grandchild. I was there when she was born, and took pictures of her from the moment she breathed air. It was then that I realized a grandchild is different than your own child. You do not have to care for them, and raise them, all you have to do is love them, unconditionally. You also know, as you are older and wiser, what is truly important. It is time with them, no matter what else is sitting waiting to be done.
      That being said, when I went to work the next day, I could not wait to get back to the hospital to see my new Itty Bitty. My heart would ache to snuggle her all day long. I was lucky, because they lived with us, so I saw her every day. I cannot imagine how I would have felt if she were in another art of town, let alone in the other side of the US.
      Of course you are devastated. Of course you could not do a second goodbye. We all get it, because we are grandparents too.
      You are in my prayers, as well as Colin, and his parents. I hope he gets an assignment closer to home next year.
      Love you, Missy Barbara!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!
      Did they give you any results from the prior blood work on Greg? I hope they have not shown anything concerning. The neurologist is very thorough, and that is always good. Maybe these showed nothing, so he is looking further, just to be sure?? this must be so nerve wracking for both of you. Greg is in my prayers every night, and I hope what they find will be treatable, and not anything to worry you. I wish I had something better to say, to make you smile.
      It is very hard to cook for just 2 people. If you did one of the crock pot recipes, you would have enough for 2 meals, plus a little left over. here is an idea- if you do one,you could freeze the left overs, and then take them out for a quick meal later.
      You have no idea how thrilled I was that Gary liked the last two. I would love a chicken one too, but, so far, no go. I am beginning to think only a chicken soup would be good in the crock pot. Chicken dries out so fast. The chicken thigh ones did not dry out, but the flavor was just not right to go…”wow, I am dying for you to make that one again.”
      the pot stickers have yet to arrive. if they get here today, that would be great, as I am not doing anything tonight for dinner. there are 2 bowls of left overs, and if anyone wants them they can heat them up. Gary goes to the vocational school tonight. as he sells supplies to the night school adult classes, so he will not be home for dinner. So, to try a pot sticker, would be great for me and Tillie tonight.
      Here is a funny for you. you know how fussy Bobby is for dinners. So, if he does not like what is presented, he gets something before he comes home. So, because of the 3 in a row crock pot new dinners, he ha snot been at his favorite dinner place. So he say this last night….”The girls at Liberty Bell will be wondering what happened to me this week.” He said this, as I was trying to get him to come straight home Friday night (it will be snowing up here), and get us all a nice fish dinner from them, for our weekly Friday night take-out. I do not want to send Gary out in the snow….LOL.
      Everyone here hates the green peppers, because they make you burp all the time. The red, yellow and orange ones do not. Go figure. So, every time it calls for peppers, I usually do the red ones.
      I am so glad your cough is getting better. It has been a long winter for you. How did your hair come out?? I need a trim, but I want to get it just before Easter. My hair has finally grown out enough to get a trim, without having no hair left….LOL
      It is very windy up here today. Snow tomorrow.
      Hope you are warm and snugly over there!
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Socks are probably a good idea. The kids do not have socks all the time so they may like them. Do they still make those mismatched socks. They use to sell them on qvc but have not seen them for a long time.
      You are right. It would be nice to put the meal in a serving dishes and have a nice meal. Make it more festive. We have been eating off of paper plates here lately. I do not know why we just seem to get them out. My glass plates do not fit in my dishwasher very well. They are too tall. If we ever get a new one it is going to be bigger then this one is. It was fine until we bought the new dishes.
      I do not know why I never look on the Betty Crocker site. I will have to book mark it so I remember to look on there. I do get recipes from Pillsbury and they have some good ones also. Some are for the slow cooker and some you just stick in the oven. They do a lot of things with crescent rolls. We have tried a few of their recipes.
      That is bad when the waitresses know you by name. Bobby eats out too much.lol You always fix really good meals. I am glad that you have found two that Gary likes. You are on a roll. Hope that you find a chicken recipe soon. Look on Pillsbury they have a lot of chicken recipes on there you might find one there that you will like.
      You will have to let us know what you think of the pot stickers. May try the ones they sell on the q if you like them. I wonder if they have quit selling the bomb cakes. We got on for Easter and everyone really liked it. I wanted to get another one for this Easter. It had pink frosting and coconut all over it and it was delicious. Everybody liked it. Then will not have to worry about making a dessert that day. Except the sugar free one for mom and myself.
      I hope that Amanda stopped by tonight. I know that you have been worried about her and seeing her will make you feel better. Is she feeling better? How all the work that she has been doing has not made her feel bad again.
      We are supposed to get some snow this week-end. It will start Friday night and all day Saturday. It will not amount to much is what they are saying. I was afraid that we would go thru a cold snap it was just to warm for this time of the year.
      Well that is all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I have tried the Cuddle Duds. I got some of their fleece TSV loungewear and I wore them a lot this winter as I was in the house a lot. They are very warm and cuddly-thus the name I guess.
      Jenny will tell me what toy to get to put in the kids Easter basket and then I will get that and some candy so it’s pretty easy for me. Plus we put money in the plastic Easter eggs that we hide for them. I stopped using that Easter grass when our kids were little as it gets all over everywhere.
      Got an e-mail from Brent last night-they will be here May 25th and go home June 1st. It will be him and Wendy and her younger son. I hope the weather will be nice by then.
      Mr. Cardinal is at the window this morning. Those windy days kept him away but now he’s back at it. lol It’s cold here again.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Barbara,
      I think a lot of us got that duck shirt. We will be a tribe.
      I don’t blame you for not wanting to say good bye twice-it would be just too painful.
      I think Adele expressed the feelings excellently.
      I think we raise our children expecting that they may someday fly away from the nest, but it’s different with grandchildren. We want them to be around to receive our love as that is all we need to give them. We do not need to raise them and teach them manners and morals-all we have to do is love them. There is nothing wrong with you for not wanting to let go. We all feel that way when our kids move away. Unfortunately, it’s something we just have to try and get used to sometimes. I hope that in the future Neal will get a closer assignment. That would be wonderful. Please just know that we all understand.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      Greg didn’t get any test results yet. He is not signed up to get them by e-mail like I am. I like doing that because i usually see them and know if anything is high or low before the doctor even calls.
      I like the last test where he had to pee in this huge orange bottle all day long. It needed to be refrigerated so I was glad that it is winter because he could keep it out in the garage. I think at work he kept it in his car. No one wants that bottle in their refrigerator! Gross! lol
      I hope Bobby brings home that fish dinner-that sounds good to me. Order an extra one-I’ll be right over.
      It’s too bad that no one likes the green peppers as they are the cheapest-the red, yellow and orange ones are always more expensive. Do the green ones bother everyone even when they are cooked? The raw ones bother me sometimes but not the cooked.
      Are you getting snow again today. We are sunny but very cold again.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen!
      You will love the Betty Crocker site. Plus, they will send you a recipe every day- they also have “simple recipes”- a category we all love….LOL
      The pot stickers arrived yesterday, and I want to try them over the weekend, so I will let you all know what I think.
      I have to say that paper plates make clean up a lot easier. I have just been feeling like treating us special lately. With Tillie being 90, I know she will not be here forever and I want her to enjoy the pretty things while she is here. That sounds kind of morbid, doesn’t it?
      They love the socks because they lose them, and can’t find the matching one all the time. I have not seen the miss-matched ones in a while.
      It is pretty bad they know him, plus, he said one of them likes him- he is getting the “vibes”. Still, he refuses to get involved with anyone, as he feels women are too much drama and trouble. he has been divorced for years, and he continues to be adamant about not getting into any relationships. that worries me, because I do no want him to end up all alone. Say a prayer for him….LOL
      Amanda and Heather stopped by this morning with the Kane’s Donuts. Gary refuses to get them anymore- they are very famous in Massachusetts. When we first moved here, they were 7.95 a dozen- that was in 1989. They now cost 24.00. Can you imagine? They are delicious, and they do not leave that heavy feeling in your belly, like other huge donuts do. Gary did eat one….LOL
      It is snowing here- flurries. We re getting a big storm on Tuesday-yuck! I amy have to call Nancy to go out on Monday, before we get blasted.
      Hope your snow stopped!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Gailster, and all my Quacker buddies…………..

      Go on Ebay and get the edible grass. They eat it, and there is no mess….LOL LOL LOL

      I have been using ot for the past few years.

      Adele

      Also forgot to say- Amanda looked Bette today. She is still pale, but not as pale as before, and the bags under her eyes are a lot less too.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      So glad Brent is coming for a visit- bet you are counting the days.
      They wanted Gary to do that test, and I said no way. I absolutely cannot deal with urine in the fridge. We have no garage. I would have thrown the fridge out, as I would have gagged every time I went in there- no matter how I sealed up that container. I told him they will have to find another way. I am gagging, just thinking about it.
      It is all of us with the green peppers, accept Gary. Even when they are cooked. Go figure! I love it when they have the set of 3 peppers on sale here at Stop and Shop. I even use the red peppers for American Chop Suey.
      That is awful that Greg does not have the results yet. He must be aggregated with all the waiting. Do they make him wait until his next doctor appointment?
      I hope it stops snowing, so I can get the fish, no matter what! Gary will go, but, I do not want him out in the snow. They do not have a drive through window. Speaking of that, we are getting a huge storm Tuesday into Wednesday. So, I think I will call Nancy to go out on Monday.
      I hope your weather is better, so you and Greg can go out.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      My kids will not tell me what to get the kids for their basket. They always say it does not matter. So I am on my own. The only thing that they say that they do not need is more stuffed animals. I would like to find Aliza a doll dressed in a bunny outfit. They had cabbage patch kids dressed like that once but do not know if they will still have them this year or not. I cannot remember where I saw it. I can get her a doll and some books about the rabbit. The other kids throw me for a loss. I usually do not give them candy just what is in the eggs. We have a big bowl on the table with a lot of candy in that. That is another thing they tell me the kids get enough candy from the bunny so they do not need a lot of that either. So it is easier to do it that way.
      How exciting that Brent will be home in May. How nice that he will be there for a week. That will be so nice to see him and to spend time with him and his girlfriend. Where are the other kids staying? She has three or four doesn’t she? It is nice that the youngest is coming to visit. It is always nice to have the kids come home.
      Maybe you will have to get one of those big fans like they have on the movie sets to chase that dumb cardinal away. I cannot believe that he has not knocked his brains out by now. He must really think he looks good in your windows. lol
      Did you see the butterfly tops that they had on quacker the other day? They had the one with just one on it and then they had another with the vest and a t shirt. That one was really cute. I think of you whenever they have tops with butterflies.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I am always open to new recipes. It gets tiresome fixing the same old meals day after day. I want to throw something else into the mix. I want to make this butter nut squash soup that I have the recipe for. Ron does not like the idea so may wait until Melissa and the her family are here and fix it for us. The guys can have sandwiches.
      We eat off regular plates when my mom comes. She is not going to stay as long this time around. I think that she is coming down on Saturday and going home on Easter evening. So that will be fine. She wants to be closer to her doctor. We will have to figure out a way to get her home on Easter. She will either have to go with the kids are wait until they are all gone so we can take her home. She is worried about not being around much longer. So she wants to be at home so she can get to her doctor. She has been talking about that more and more every time that I see her. It really makes me want to tell her to stop talking like that. Just enjoy herself and not to worry about what may or may not be coming soon, Does Tillie ever talk like that?
      That is a shame that Bobby does not find some one to be with in his senior years. Maybe he will it is just going to take time. Lots and lots of time.lol I know what you mean about the kids being alone. They need someone in their lives. We were glad when Danyielle found someone. I will say a prayer for him.
      Wow that is a lot for donuts. They sound really good though. It was nice that Heather and Amanda brought some by your house. They are nice to have once in awhile for a special treat. Glad that Amanda is looking better. It will probably take awhile for her to get the color back in her face. She was really sick.
      So far we do not have any snow falling. They are probably wrong again. We did get the cold weather again. I guess it is just not meant to be. We really do need the snow. You are getting more so if you could find away to just send it to us we would appreciate it.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Colleen!
      Oh yes, Tillie talks about that all the time. This week, when she said it, I tried to turn the conversation aorund to “look at all you have seen in your lifetime”. We chatted about the phones, and how we had party lines, which the kids find weird. Talked about when we first got a TV, and the screen was the size of today’s smart phones, planes, technology, etc. Even so, she still had the worried look on her face. She is afraid to die, and has said that many times. I pray she just goes one night, in her sleep, so she will not have to be afraid. I know my Dad will take care of the rest, on the other side.
      It is tough for us to hear them say that. We have had them all our loves, and it is goign to be weird with them not around. I keep laughing, and telling Tillie, who says you will be first? However, if I go before her, she will lose it. I pray God will be kind to both of us, that she goes in her sleep, and I bury her, not, her me.
      Good God. this is a deep, dark post….LOL
      I hope your Mom changes her mind, and stays with you longer. Maybe you can convince her to do that, and say you know you two are on borrowed time, and wouldn’t it be nice if she spent more time at your place???
      I had a recipe for butternut squash soup, but, ti was very rich- made with heavy cream. I felt my veins clogging, as i ate it….LOL It was good.
      Thank you for the prayers for Bobby. I really hate that he is alone, but, he does not.
      We had a dusting, and then more lat night, which is now frozen on the driveway, even though Bobby shoveled once. The snow (we had snow squalls too) later froze. Our street is all frozen too. Yuck.
      I am making cinnamon muffins later, as it is freezing here.
      Hope you are doing better, weather wise!!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey girls….I got the new color in the zipper crops.
      Adele

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Well we had snow yesterday. I was to take Cuddles for her shots but I cancelled until the weather gets better. The roads were not to bad but I was afraid I would twist my knee trying to walk and hurt it more. Today is sunny but 19 degrees and extremely windy. Just blows the cold right through you. I had to go for groceries as I was out of a lot of things so now I am stocked again. We are to get a noreaster on Mon night until Tue night. They are saying a foot or more of snow. I hate snow and would not care if I never saw another flake. So it seems like Adele and I are getting all this nasty stuff.

      Adele I don’t think I ever told you but my Mom was even worse to cook for than Gary. She only ate a few vegetables potatoes, corn, carrots No greens. No salads of any kind not even potato salad because it had mayo and onions. No seasoning except salt and pepper. Talk about bland. No fruit but bananas. Would drink pulp free orange juice but would not eat an orange. If you cooked meat with something else you had to do hers separate with nothing but salt and pepper. I don’t know what she did growing up as Grandma was not one to cook 2 meals.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Sue!
      You are getting the storm, just before we do. Ours is to start Tuesday morning, into Wednesday. They are still saying what the 2 models are showing, one over 8 inches, and one over 22 inches. Dam.
      Your Mom is similar to Gary. How funny is that! He will only eat corn on the co, or in a can, peas in a can only, and green beans he will eat fresh if I cook them until they are soggy. He eats iceberg lettuce only, VERY COLD, and with no dressing. An occasional red pepper could find itself into his mouth, if he has not spotted it on the plate, as well as an onion. Onions, carrots, and celery preferred in a soup or sauce, and if they have not taken on the taste of said soup or sauce, they will be discarded. He will eat raw celery. Those are the veggie rules….LOL
      I would have cried if I had to cook separate meals, as I no longer have the energy.
      I am so glad you got all your groceries, as it is going to be bad, for sure. Only good thing is, at this time of year, it will melt faster.
      It is freezing up here too. The wind did die down today.
      I hope your electricity stays on- you will have to check in with us, so we all know you are ok. Do you ever lose yours? Ours went out once in the summer, and once in the winter up here. But, all our wires are underground in this area. It has to be a huge outage, for us to lose it.
      Please stay safe Monday and Tuesday!!
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Thank you all so much for being the wonderful friends you are. I simply cannot imagine not having you all in my life. Doesn’t that sound strange since we are all so far apart, and may not ever have the opportunity to see each other except in our hearts and our minds, and through our words. It makes me feel so comforted to know you all understand how I am feeling about our sweet baby being so far away, and how our hearts are just breaking. I want to touch him, smell his sweet smell, hear his sweet voice. Got to stop or the tears will flow like rain again, and trust me, they do enough every day but the sadness mixed with the joy of them being together is the one thing helping Jerry and me through this. Neal called us last night on his way home from work. He said the baby has cried quite a bit especially at night, and he sounded pretty tired so I just let him “vent” then reminded him that his little tooth is hurting him trying to break through, and he doesn’t understand pain on any kind. I also reminded him of how he is just now adjusting to the difference in the time and how it will work itself out; plus how all of them are tired from excitement of seeing each other again, and how they will All have to adjust to just being together again; that each of them have their own routines they have had to live by for all these months. I just kept saying, it will be allright son, you are doing a great job, don’t worry about little things now, just let things work themselves out. He seemed so much better after that. I just think he needed to know it is okay to be tired and be happy all at the same time. I think it just hit him square in the face that holy c—-, I have a wife and son and lots of studying and work to do before I can get us away, and it all sits on my shoulders! He takes things so seriously; just like his Dad. He just needs to relax and enjoy the moment. I told him that we had sent off a walker for Colin, and he seemed so happy.
      You talk about picky eaters. We have one. Not being ugly, but it is Sarah. She only eats chicken fingers, twice baked potatoes, all breakfast foods, strawberry cake, and bananas. I am not exagerating. Oh, yes, macaroni and cheese. She won’t touch any vegetables but she will drink lots of milk and water. Now Lisa is a different story. She loves (or pretends too lol) everything. And Jerry, Joey, and Neal are easy to cook for. They all love vegetables. When we got pizza, we had to get a separate one for Sarah with just sauce and cheese. It is hard when you have a picky eater.
      I am so sorry that your Mom’s are afraid. They love you all so much they just don’t won’t to go and I understand that. On that subject of Mom’s, we got a call this morning that Jerrys Mom had been throwing up all night and they were going to have the ambulance take her to the hospital for the anti-nausea medicine and an IV to replace her fluids that she has lost. They had tried to give her the nausea medicine by mouth, but she could not hold it down. Jerry and I just got home a little while ago. They are keeping her overnight, but she was beginning to feel better. That is such a terrible feeling. I explained to Jerry that since all the labs they had drawn on her came back good that this is just some kind of bug or virus she has picked up, and with this medicine and the fluids from the IV that she should be lots better by tomorrow. Poor things, she just got out of the hospital two weeks ago. But they were taking good care of her. She said to us not too long ago that she thinks it is “her time” and it scared Jerry so badly. I told him to treasure every time they can be together, and try not to worry. I am a great one to preach that. LOL
      We are supposed to get snow tonight. The weather here is crazy. And then it supposed to be about 45 tomorrow. We don’t know how to dress here and it sounds like you all are stilll having crazy weather too. Be careful walking if its slick. Colleen, are you getting the snow tonight too? Gail, I cannot believe your crazy bird is BACK. I am beginning to believe he loves you. I love we all got the same Quacker shirt. We are styling, aren’t we?
      Take care everyone. It’s potato soup night here tonight. I thought of inviting you Colleen, and Ron of course, but I felt like you have enough already on hand for you guys for “special” occasions. LOL Goodnight girls Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I have tried that with my mom but she just goes back and talks about it again. She has been on this kick for awhile. She asks us when we come over what of her things that we want. It is like mom do not worry about that. She has made out a list of what everybody gets. I do not know why she worries about it s so much we will not argue about what she give us. We will be too sad to worry about that. I just do not want anything to happen to her.
      This recipe that we have for the soup says to use coconut milk. I do not know how rich that is but the coconut is supposed to be good for you. We will find out if we feel our arteries getting hard. Melissa and I are going to try the soup. Ron said that he would not like it and Stephen will not eat it because he does not like squash So we will see. I may have to invite my other daughter and have her come over with my vegetarian grand daughter. Brook will probably like it. She eats anything that does not have meat in it. I did not know that vegetarians did not eat fish.That really did surprise me. I thought that it was vegans that would not eat the fish either. If she becomes vegan she is on her own. I am not going to try and fix that food at all.
      We had a little bit of snow and it all melted before noon. I do not know if we will get anymore tonight or not. I was really disappointed when we did not have any. They said that we do not stand much of a chance of getting anymore this year. I thought anymore we did not get any this time around. Wish that you and Sue could send some of that snow down our way. We would love to have it.
      I will keep trying to get my mom to stay longer. She won’t though she has made up her mind. She will not live with any of us either. She is just too independent. My sister lives by herself and mom could go there but she said that are too different for her to stay there. Well that is it I am not going to talk about this again. I knew that you would understand because you are going thru the same thing.
      Have a good night,
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      Just go ahead and cry it all out now. You have had a separation from your grand son and that is worth crying about. I would be crying also if it was my grandchildren. I miss the ones that live at Ft. Leonard wood and they are not that far away. We know that one day they will get transferred to another state and there is not much we can do about it. I cry thinking about that.
      Hopefully they have figured what is wrong and they will have her back to normal soon. That is terrible to be that sick. Guess that we all have mom’s to worry about. You and Jerry take such good care of his mom. It is hard not to. So you,Adele and I are all going thru the same thing right now. It is hard to figure out what to say to make them feel better and not worry about it so much. I better stop talking about it,it will make me cry.
      You may get the same amount of snow that we got. There was not enough to even notice. This will probably be our last chance at getting some snow. Spring is coming pretty quickly. St. Patrick’s day is Friday and we are having our celebration on Saturday. It is hard for everyone to get together when it fall on a week day.
      Well that is about all from here have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      It is hard to listen to, as you do not want to think of them as gone. On the other hand, I can understand why at age 90 you would be thinking of dying. I wish I had a magic solution for their living in the moment, and not worrying about it so much. They could out live us, for God’s sake! My Uncle (Tillie’s brother) lived to 102. In 12 years, I would be 79, and I really do not think I will be around that long….LOL
      The coconut milk may make that recipe a lot less rich. You will have to let us know how it goes.
      Bobby had a hankering for chicken cutlets, so I am goign to have him fry up some of the pot stickers, so we can taste them fried. I was thinking of steaming them, and then putting them in my chicken soup. I have to see if they like them first.
      We are getting blasted with snow- blizzard on Tuesday. Up to 18 inches of snow. God help us!
      Hope your Sunday is going well.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Missy Barbara!
      We are all very lucky to have each other. What is so amusing, is that we all have similar family situations we are dealing with, all across this country. It just goes to show, we humans are so much alike, and we Quackers have a special sense of caring, and comfort, that is priceless. We sparkle through life, no matter what is going on around us. That is a special gift.
      I feel so bad for Colin and his parents. He is all out of sorts for so many things- his teeth, schedule, surroundings, and even sens of time is different. It will take him a while to make this new home his. i hope his parents are not taking it personal, as it is not their fault. Even the familiar smells are not there for him.
      That is awful about Jerry’s Mom. They catch so much frame each other in a nursing home, just like a youngun being in day care. I will add a prayer for her to get well, and back to her comfy room.
      Tillie seems to be in a better frame of mind the last 2 days, so that is good. Bobby is cooking today, so that is always good. She has been coming up for dinner, and the kids visited on Friday, which was also good. The more she sees everyone, the better it is, I think. She is really blessed so many people are coming and going over here. I have to remind her of that every once in a while….LOL
      You are in my prayers every night. Not having Colin to snuggle is an awful loss to get through. Can they do the skype thing with you, so you can see him? That would make me feel good, as you can interact, like they are right in the same room. I hope that can be worked out. It would make you smile, and we would all be happy to knwo you smiled.
      We are getting blasted, wit up to 18 inches, and hurricane force winds. All plays itself out on Tuesday…….help!
      Hope your day is sunny!
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Well, we’re warming up. We actually hit 60 on Friday!! It’s partly sunny today after a day of rain Sat. It’s warmer rain now, lol. I can say I’m pretty sure we won’t have anymore snow down here for the foreseeable future!! Yeahhhhhhh!! There will be snow up on the mts till late spring, probably. The skiers will love that.
      I haven’t read all your posts yet, but I wanted to let ya know I’m still alive (barely)..
      I had my cardiac tests on Friday & I’m still recovering. I had to be at the lab by 7:30. My friend Diane, came & picked me up & bless her heart stayed there in the waiting room for me. They didn’t get done till afternoon!!! I had the cardiac nuclear stress test, echo cardiogram, & cardiac imaging scan. When they hooked me up to the EKG it wouldn’t work. I told the girl I must be a corpse since ya can’t get a heartbeat from a corpse. She tried everything she could think of to get it to work. She called a co worker & they finally figured out something was disconnected on the back of the machine!! When they injected me I thought my chest was going to explode!! They warned me of what to expect. What took so long was the waiting between each test & the injections. That & the EKG not working. I won’t know the results till I see my cardiologist next month. Unless there’s something really wrong. In that case they’ll call me to come in.
      I hope everyone remembered to spring ahead last night. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

      Stay safe everyone!! I’m hearing there’s a nasty storm headed your way. Hopefully it’ll pass thru quickly, & it’s the last one.
      I should be getting my new clothes this week. The UPS guy & I will be on first name basis by the end of the week, lol

      Well, that’s all for now. I’ll read your posts & catch up..
      stay safe!!!
      dd

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    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      I thought your laptop might have been having issues. So glad you are ok.
      That certainly was a stressful, stress test! I am glad you got through them, and hope nothing awful comes back. I feel the same way you do, if you do not hear right away, you are good. Bad news comes quickly, from those medical tests.
      It is wonderful your weather has improved. Ours is taking a turn for the worst. We will have form 12 to 18 inches of snow, and winds high enough to be a blizzard. So we will have our, hopefully last, blizzard for the year. Say a prayer for all of us, over here on the East coast!
      Hope your presents come quick from the Q.
      Love the pics!
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I got such a chuckle from the picture of the cat sitting inside the birdcage with the bird perched on top. If you don’t click on it you miss that part and that’s what makes it extra funny. I really wish they would improve the way that we can post pictures-this way has a tendency to cut them off.
      We used to be able to put a picture right in our post rather than having to add it at the end. you could also cut and paste and post videos. We lost all that stuff when they changed the site.
      I hope the results from your stress test are good. I am a little confused though. Didn’t you have to walk on a treadmill to get your heart rate up before they inject the dye. That’s what I did when I had it a few years back. But maybe this a different type of test. There are probably more than one type of stress test. I was lucky though as the doctor came out right afterwards and gave me the results-I didn’t have to wait at all.
      We have had some snow today but nothing like what they are going to get out east-we had about four inches and I think it’s about done by now. I knew when there were a bunch of robins out in the yard last week that we would be getting one more ground covering snow. That always seems to happen. I always tell the robins that they come back a little bit too soon.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Sue,
      I hope that you won’t get a lot of snow to shovel.
      I was wondering since your Mom was such a fussy eater did she make the same plain stuff for the whole family when you were growing up-or did she cook separately for herself? It seems like every family has one person who doesn’t like hardly any vegetables. It always makes planning and cooking difficult.
      Gail

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Gail,
      Just got your post. You’re right about the treadmill. Normally that is the method, but yrs ago I tried it but it was too hard for me so they just went with the injection test instead. I hope that clears up your confusion.
      I wasn’t on here when you were able to do all those things. Is too bad they shut it down for that. I’m glad you got a good laugh out of the picture. I hope the other ladies know to click on the pics to enlarge em.
      I’m hearing all kinds of awful things about the storm. I called our storm a lion but this makes our storm look like a kitten!! WOW!!! I hope it moves thru quickly & doesn’t linger for days on end. We’re now up into the 50s with rain most of the week. We did hit 60 Friday & Sunday with mostly sunny skies.
      I guess that’s all for now. Have a great week.

      dd
      PS did you know it’s National Take a nap day??!! lol

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Dear Barbara,
      I hope that each day will get a little bit easier for you. You did a good job reassuring Neal that everything will fall into place and be all right.
      I hope that Jerry’s Mom is doing better.
      It is amazing that we have communicated with each other for all these years but yet have never met. If I ever won the lottery I would arrange a meeting for all of us at some great resort. Wouldn’t that be fun.
      Boy Sarah really is a picky eater! Just chicken fingers? No hamburger, steak or pork chops or anything? Wow! And no veggies-I really wonder how someone can stay healthy and eat like that-especially when you are pregnant-I guess it’s a good thing that there are prenatal vitamins. It really makes you wonder how someone develops a taste for certain things. I always thought Brent was a bad eater but he will eat a few vegetables but not salad-and a big no no is onions for him. Well-at least I don’t have to worry about cooking for him anymore his girlfriend can figure out what to serve.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I did see the butterfly tees and I ordered two different ones. Not one with a vest though-it’s too hot in the summer to wear a vest-plus I don’t think i saw that one anyway.
      Brent’s girlfriend only has two children and the older one lives with his Dad. I guess he has some behavior problems so she is just bringing the younger one who lives with them.
      Maybe you were thinking of Kim-she had three daughters-the oldest one is out of high school and in college already. gosh-that’s hard to believe. I’ll bet they miss their Mom.
      I found a couple of dolls in bunny outfits. The first is from Amazon and is called Little Mommy Dress up Cutie Bunny doll and the second is from Personal Creations. I will let you know if I find any others.

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    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that you and Nancy got to go to lunch today before the big storm blows in.
      Greg got back yesterday afternoon from his big Choirboys lock down weekend. He said they had some good rehearsals and the addition of the fourth voice is really a good thing. Of course now this makes performances even more complicated with two people from the Chicagoland area-one from New York and one from the wilds of Idaho. I asked Greg when Bill was leaving to go back to NY wondering if he would even get back with the big storm. He usually flies but this time he drove. Greg said that he is leaving on Tuesday so he will probably be behind the storm and if he gets close he will have to stop until things get clearer.
      We got about four inches today but it was a very gentle snow-no winds and it’s more on the fields and very little on the roads.
      Poor Greg-the hospital called this morning and said that they have to draw those three more vials of blood again as something happened to them. The phlebotomist felt so bad that she offered to come out to the house to do the draw but it’s not a big problem as the hospital is right in town and he will just stop by there on his way to work tomorrow. They should give him an extra big lollipop and a Snoopy bandage for going through all of this. lol
      Gail

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      They say we are getting 16 to 20 inches of snow. All the different weathermen are saying just about exactly the same thing. I think Adele is getting as much or more. I think it will be to much for me to shovel as when it is so deep you need to throw it so high. Guess I will need to depend on friends and neighbors to shovel for me. I know Luke said he would come and shovel but the roads are bad I am not sure he can get here and if he does no place to park. I wish they would give it to Colleen as she wants it and I do not. I might be stuck in here until it melts but we are to be cold for a while yet. Then the wind will blow things shut once they are plowed.

      My mom did make us some things she would not eat. But any meat was so bland with only salt and pepper. I guess I took after dad because he ate most anything. About the only thing I don’t eat is fish and seafood and wild game.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Colleen and Adele,
      I know it’s uncomfortable but I guess if I were in my 90’s leaving this earth would be something that would be on my mind a lot too. Maybe it’s better just to let them vent a little and say what’s on their mind and then you just tell them that it makes you sad to think about the time when they will be leaving you. Sometimes it’s better for everyone to get it out in the open rather than sweeping these thoughts under the carpet. None of us like to think or talk about these things but if it makes your Moms feel better to do so sometimes you just have to listen. We are all afraid to die-mostly because we don’t want to leave our loved ones. It’s a difficult situation but maybe talking about it is helping them. I know you guys know how lucky you are to still have your Moms-every day is precious.
      Okay-I don’t want to make you sad-just wanted to talk about their point of view-I’m sure you all know this anyway.
      Hugs to your Moms! And tell Tillie I want a picture of her in her duck shirt but she has to wait until Mother’s Day.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail and Colleen!
      We are so lucky to still have them around. It is hard to hear them talk about death, as all we want is them alive. I will hug Tillie for all of you.
      She just went downstairs. We had the pot stickers to try them out. They were good, I have to say. I think I steamed them too muc- it said 15 minutes, but the outsides were falling apart. Just did not want to clean up the mess from frying….LOL

      Gail, those dolls are adorable!
      I cannot believe they messed up Greg’s blood tests. Dam. Is he mad? Gary would be a lunatic. They always have a hard time getting blood out of him. I really hope this ends for Greg, and he finally has a definitive answer.
      Sooooooo, you had our snow, and then propelled it along to reach us?? Did you throw it, like Brady throws the football?? Thanks, Gail! LOL LOL

      DD- you are so lucky to love on the other side of the country right now. It looks like Colleen and Gail got some of this mess. Sue and I will get lasted. I think I am getting it more than Sue. Not sure. Everything for tomorrow is already closed up here. Let the games begin!
      It will be a wet snow, which makes more damage, as they say it could rain after the snow. The weight of that breaks trees, roofs, and pools.

      Hey Sue!! We are both getting blasted. Your totals are the same as mine. they are also saying if it gets a little warmer near the coast, it could go to sleet/rain, and that will be a lot worst. I just hope I do not lose the birch tree, spring a leak, or the pool creates a nightmare if it goes.
      I am planning on making soup early, so if the lights do go out, we have something already done. I also need to do chocolate chip cookies for the snowblower, or he will get ugly….LOL
      That was nice that your mom cooked you separate meals. I find the older they get, the blander the food becomes. I wonder if it is all due to not being able to tolerate spices. I know Tillie sometimes has issues with spicy things.
      Stay safe, Sue!!

      Hope everyone comes through this blizzard with no damage.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Forgot to say….I will try to take pics through the windows, as I am NOT going out there.
      I did miss my lunch with Nancy, as we were both preparing for the mess. She was at work, and then had to get a few things on her way home.
      We will get out next week, after the big melt….

      Greg is so lucky to have his Choirboys to sing with. What a great thing they do to perform for everyone. I keep watching to see if they go on AGT!

      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      DD
      I hope I did not forget to say I hope your tests come out ok????? Did you get the results yet?
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      DD,
      Thanks for the clarification on the test. Now that I think of it my MIL had it that way.
      We got some snow but nothing like they are expecting out east.
      I think every day should be national nap day! lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Sue,
      Hang in there and stay safe and warm.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that you stay safe and warm and don’t lose power.
      What kind of soup are you making? I think it’s funny that you can pay Bobby in cookies-I picture him shoving them in is mouth like Cookie Monster.
      We had some snow here all day yesterday but it fell very gently and we maybe had 5 inches accumulated so it really wasn’t that bad.
      I’m sorry that you had to miss your lunch with Nancy. I didn’t realize that she still worked. What does she do?
      I hope that Colleen can find a doll like she wants for Aliza for Easter.
      Greg’s not really mad about having to go back for another blood draw. We just hope that they can get it right this time. I need to get in there myself some time soon for a blood draw-I am due.
      Greg is lucky that he has his singing group-especially when they can do benefit concerts. They feel like they are making a contribution then.
      He was just telling me that his old friend from the National Guard had a part on a recent Chicago Justice episode. I don’t watch it so we didn’t see him-not that we would probably recognize someone that we haven’t seen in forty years. lol
      I am ready for spring and flowers and short sleeves and sandals!
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail, Adele, DD,
      Our computer was not working last night. I do not know what was going on with it. It would work for a few minutes and then it would go black.It was okay this morning. Hopefully it will stay this way for a long time.
      Gail, those pictures that you posted are really cute. I will have one of the girls look on the internet and see if they can find them on Amazon. Will have to hurry and order them so it will be here by Easter. I hope that they will not mess these tests up again that they run on Greg. That is a lot of blood they are taking out of him. I did have the number of kids mixed up. It will be so nice to have him home for awhile.
      Adele, I cannot believe that you and Sue are going to get that much snow. That is a lot for this time of the year. Hope that you are prepared for all the snow. We are lucky to have our moms. It is just hard to hear them talk like that. Of course you will be around that long and longer. Don’t you start talking like that too.
      DD, You are finally getting some nice weather. We were nice here but it is really cold here again. You really post the cutest pictures. They are cheerful and they are always so bright. It will not be long and we will be able to see all the birds outside and the flowers will be in bloom.
      Sue, You could send the snow our way we would be glad to have it. Just be careful if you have to go out.
      We finally got some snow here. But that was about all it was. We had about 1/2 inch that stuck on the ground but it melted by the afternoon. Today it has been snowing on and off all day but it is not sticking. At least we got to see if for awhile. It is so pretty when the snow falls on the pines in the yard. Maybe next year we will get our snow.
      Everyone stay safe in this weather. Hope that no one loses their electric.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Colleen
      I hope your computer stays up and running. I will send the snow your way…LOL
      I made chicken soup, and chocolate chip cookies.

      Hello Gail, DD, Sue, and Barbara….attaching pics from hours ago up here- it is worst now….LOL

      Stay warm….the kids have no electricity. they said they are all fine, and do not want to come over here.

      Adele

      Attachments:
    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!
      Going to make this quick, as the lights are flickering….LOL
      We watch that show! I love it. We watch all the Chicago shows. Tillie even watches them. How cool to have a friend of Greg’s on. Will he be on more than the one show?
      Hope you hear soon on the blood work for Greg!
      I hope you are all shoveled out. Waiting for Bobby to get back in….the Cookie Monster is about to land……

      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I hope that your computer is behaving. You must be getting ready for your Saint Patrick’s Day party. Will it be Saturday? I see the Q is having Irish products during the day on Friday. I like watching the Irish shows even if I don’t buy anything. I have a couple of those Irish sweaters that I use for jackets in the spring and fall and I have beautiful a Belleek lamp that I use in a spare bedroom-it has a butterfly on it. One year they had this pottery cuckoo bird whistle thing that I bought and I keep on the windowsill in my kitchen because it reminds me of my dad since my nephews called him Cuckoo instead of grandpa. lol What can I say-we have a weird family. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I hope that you have power and that Steph got her’s back. So how much snow did you end up getting?
      The snow that we got is already starting to melt.
      I think the guy that was on Chicago Justice was just doing an extra’s part so I doubt that he will be on again. My Ex BIL used to do a lot of extra work years ago so he was in several movies.
      My brother’s ex girlfriend used to cast extras for a lot of the movies made in New Mexico-that’s how my brother got to play Tommy Lee Jone’s stunt double for horseback riding in a movie-since my brother is a cowboy. lol
      Well I hope that you are through with your storm now. I would imagine that Boston would have a big St. Patrick’s Day parade so they better get that snow cleared. I think Chicago had their parade last weekend-they actually have two-one downtown and also the south side Irish parade. I imagine lots of Guinness gets drunk over those days.
      We used to go to a huge Saint Patricks party but the people stopped having it after all their kids grew up and moved out. I’m just as glad because there were a lot of people in a pretty small house-plus The Choirboys used to sing for the party too so it was always a late night by the time we got the equipment packed up and drove home.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      Everyone is ok. The kids got the electricity back before night. Everyone is back at work, and school is in session today.
      We got about a foot, from what we can see. The totals lessened, due to warmer air, and then everything froze again last night. I was surprised the kids had school, with all the ice. JJ and his friend Kai ended up not going to school, because they could not get the ice off the cars , and it was only a half day, so both mothers decided to let them stay home. Neither wanted them to take the bus this morning, which I agreed with. I think it was too risk, for 2 1/2 hours of school. Every community around us had no school, or a 2 hour delay. I have no idea what this Town’s Superintendent has to see before he deems it too dangerous for the buses to roll.
      That’s too bad. I was going to look for him in the next show….LOL
      We are having the family here on Sunday for the traditional boiled dinner. Marissa and Enzo are at BJ’s right now, getting the corned beef right now. Boston has a parade, on the 17th. so far, I have not heard of it being cancelled. Biston itslef, got less snow, as they got a lot of the freezing rain, and rain.
      Hope your day is sparkly!! It is getting clowdy again here.
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      It is windy and cold here today; but nothing compared to what you all have been going through. I have prayed the weather would not be as bad as they were forcasting for you all; and then I look at your pictures Adele, and feel a big chill run through me. I am just like you; I would have kept the children home that day. I simply cannot imagine what a school superintendent must be considering to make a decision where those little childrens safety is concerned. I went to the state of Tenn. of several occasions during my “Trauma” days speaking tp the people who make the laws about how we as adults are required by law to wear seat belts, and yet the school bus has not one seat belt on it, and how through research and years of data collection we have proven that seat belts DO save lives. Don’t get me started on this; but at least; we were able to have helmets required for motorcycle riders.
      DD I am sorry you had such a hard time with your cardiac stress test. I had one done several years ago; and thank God it turned out that my problem was due to extremely low blood levels; so that was what was causing my heart to beat crazy; and I am now on a lifetime of B12 shots monthly and others; but was so relieved to know it wasn’t any worse. I was so exhausted because they kept pushing me to “keep going” and when I just couldn’t go any further, I just fell down and could barely breathe. I really thought I was suffocating. It is scary sometimes. I have also heard of some people in our family who have had the same test done, and said it wasn’t anything. to it. So I guess it’s just different for us all. I am so sympathetic with patients though. I never liked to see them in pain or having a hard time of it.
      Sarah called us to thank us for sending the baby a walker. He was sitting in it playing and “talking” while she was talking to me. I asked her to please put the phone up to the baby so I could talk to him, and she said we were on speaker; so I started really talking to him, and he went silent, and I talked to him about 5 minutes, silence, and I said Sarah, is he okay? and she said , he is looking all around for you, he just can’t see you, but he is turning his head all around and looking everywhere for you. I just melted. Jerry was beyond jealous when he got home. Joey is going to show us how to skype so we can see them and they can us.
      Speaking of Joey, he and Lisa are driving to Dallas this weekend for a wedding of a couple they knew who moved to Dallas for the young man to attend a police academy. It’s like weddings everywhere; and that is like pouring salt into Lisa’s open wound. But I will just leave this where it is. My heart aches for them.
      So we are doggie sitting this weekend with Ruby. She came up with them last night while we had dinner, and she tried to play with Auto Kitty, and he sat there so sweetly, and then calmly whacked Ruby on the nose and it was not an easy punch. I felt sorry for her. Here she is a much larger than him, even though he is like me; full figured LOL, and she just jumps back when he smacks her poor nose, and steers clear of him the rest of the evening.
      Sue, how is your puppy doing? Good I hope. DD, do you have any fur babies? It seems I remember seeing you say that you have a kitty. We dress our little four legged friends up for the holidays (if they can fit into their outfit.) By the way, I enjoy the shows from Ireland. I know you do too, Colleen. I have a sweater from years ago, and it still looks nice. It is almost too heavy, but I know that means it was made well.
      Take care everyone, and be safe. Jerry is telling me he is hungry and let’s eat. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      Your weather is like ours. It is cold here but no snow or ice. Would have like to have some snow but no such luck this year. We would take some of Adele and Sues snow but they just won’t send it my way.lol
      I agree with the seat belts on the bus. My youngest was in a bus accident when she was in high school. She was sitting in the back of the bus with a couple of her friends and this guy fell asleep at the wheel. He banged right into the back of the bus. They fell onto the floor and she had glass all in her hair and on her. They got as much as they could get off of her but we had to take the kids to the emergency room. It was scary to get that call. We have been with the group of people that said that the seat belts should be on the bus.
      That is just too cute about Colin. It is funny how they are at that age they do not think about you being on that little thing their mom or dad have in their hand. He probably looked around until Sarah told him that you were not there. He will remember you from you just talking to him on the phone. That will be nice when you learn how to skype. Melissa use to do that when Stephen was in Korea and it was interesting to be able to see him and some of the things around him.
      Auto kitty sure let him know when he had enough. That would have made a cute picture. I guess that is the only way that animals have to protect themselves.
      Well that is about all from here have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      You do have a lot of snow again. I would gladly take some of the snow if you could just send it my way. We could probably take some of Sues also. I guess we just are not meant to have snow this year. It has been really cold here though. I guess we got spoiled with all the warm weather and then it got cold on us again.
      It is good to hear that the kids electric came back on again. That is terrible when it is cold and there is not electric. The fan will not work on the furnace and it can get pretty cold. Glad that yours did not go off.
      Well the roads are bad and you made chocolate cookies. We cannot any of us get to your house for cookies. That is funny that you can pay Bobby with cookies. Wish that it was that simple here. lol
      I do not blame the moms that did not send their kids to school today. I would not have sent mine either. You never know what can happen when they are riding on the bus. We agree with everyone that is fighting to get seat belts on the buses. That is so dangerous.
      We are having our corn beef and cabbage on Saturday. We all get together for that. I will make that and our coddle potatoes. I bought all of that and forgot to get the rolls. Ron will have to pick some up tomorrow when he is out. We had to buy 4 things of corn beef. They eat a lot of it and we do not have hardly any left overs. It is a fun day though.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night and stay safe.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      It has been doing okay for a couple of days. Hope it will continue. We are looking for a new one but Ron does not think this one will go out. HE always thinks things like that.
      We are having our St. Patricks day celebration on Saturday. We went and bought all the food today and Ron will pick up the odds and ends that I forgot tomorrow We bought 4 packages of corn beef and hope it will be enough. Melissa and Stephen are staying for a week. They are going to go to St. Louis for a few days and spend some time together. They have not had a chance to do that since he got back so we will keep the kids so they can go. They want to go to a casino and just stay at the hotel there for one night. Danyielle and Kevin are going also. So they will have a nice time. Not sure what else they are doing maybe go to the Art museum. Melissa use to like to go there when she was younger.
      I probably will not buy anything from the Irish shows either. I have a sweater and some jewelry that I bought. Wanted to have some jewelry to leave the kids when I die. So got some of that it is so pretty.
      I found the number for the butterfly shirt and the vest if you wanted to see it. I know that you may not want it but it is cute. The number is A261711. They had all the colors and sizes left when I looked.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen
      p.s. I was surprised that they had all the colors and sizes left. Usually the butterfly stuff goes fast.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD.
      Just thought I would drop you a line and see how you are feeling. Have you gotten the results of your test back yet? I have never had a stress test before and it sounds pretty rough. I hope that you have gotten some rest and are feeling better.
      Are you doing anything special for St. Patricks day? We will have our big dinner on Saturday and all the kids will come. We usually have a pretty good time. I use to be able to find those pieces of chocolate wrapped in gold paper but cannot find it anywhere. We use to hide it and they had to find the pot of gold that the Leprechaun left here. They use to have fun doing that. They were pretty good about sharing the candy also.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I guess we are the only ones who don’t make corned beef and cabbage-neither of us are that wild about it. We eat it if it is being served-like at that party we used to go to. I will have to remember to wear green tomorrow so i don’t get pinched. lol I know Angel always says that.
      That’s nice that Melissa and Stephen will be going on a little get away. They will have fun with Danyielle and Kevin.
      Thank you for the item number for the shirt. When I went to look it up it was the number for the duck shirt instead. Last night on Chick’s night in there was a butterfly shirt-I hope i own it because it was pretty-I just didn’t quite remember that one and my short sleeve stuff is packed away so i can’t check.
      You will have a houseful this weekend. It will be fun!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      I think they are finally close to passing a law in Illinois to put seat belts on the school buses. Here all these kids are in car seats and booster seats and buckled in since the day that they were born and yet they put them on school buses with no belts. It just never made sense to me.
      That is so cute that Colin was looking all around for you when he heard your voice. It will be good when you can Skype with him and see his little face.
      I hope Joey and Lisa have a good time in Dallas. Lisa shouldn’t worry-her day will come to get married too.
      I hope Ruby’s nose didn’t get scratched. I guess AutoKitty forgot that they used to hang out together.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I’m with Steph-I would have kept JJ home too since it was just a half day anyway. I’m glad that they got their electric back quickly.
      Our snow has melted a bit already. Hopefully yours will too.
      No corned beef and cabbage here-what exactly is a boiled dinner? I always see that written but never really looked into it. Are you making Irish soda bread?
      What is this King Arthur giveaway all about? I saw something about it on the Q board.
      Now I’m looking at the new kitchen table and I’m thinking that we need a new chandelier above the table. lol these things just seem to snowball.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      I have no idea what the King Arthur giveaway is????
      A boiled dinner, is corned beef and cabbage. You add turnip, carrots, onion, and potatoes to the pan- cooks for 4 hours total.
      I have never made Irish soda bread, although I have seen the recipes.
      Our snow is melting a bit but is is pretty cold up here. It is sunny, which is great….LOL
      By the way, we do not have seat belts in the buses, either. I think that is disgusting.
      Hope the weather gets warmer, for all of us!
      Adele
      PS….the new chandelier is only the beginning- next comes your windows.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey DD!!
      I am with Colleen….how are you?????
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Our dinner is Sunday. What are coddle potatoes? We will have the potatoes in the boiled dinner, so it is really easy to prepare.
      It is sunny here, but cold.
      Bobby has all but finished the cookies….LOL He really funny.
      What do you do for desert Saturday? I am not sure what I will make, or maybe have Bobby get something. Who knows????
      It is disgusting that the kids do not have seat belts on the buses.
      So, tonight, I am making American chop Suey. Gary loves that. LOL
      Hope your day is good!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara!
      I am so glad you got to hear little Colin’s voice. How cute he was looking for you. I hope they teach you how to skype soon, as it will be great for you and Jerry.
      I totally agree- seat belts are needed for our special little Pumpkins on those huge dam buses!!!
      So…….you do not plan on moving to New England, any time soon??? LOL LOL
      Hey- my red gazing all made it through the blizzard with no problem. Yahoo!
      I hope we had our last bout with snow. I am all set up here.

      Hey Sue- I do not think I remembered you had a puppy. What kid of puppy is it?
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Sorry about giving you the wrong number. Here is the right one A287072. I write all these numbers down and forget to put what shirt it is next to it. THey did have a cute butterfly shirt on Chics Night in the other night. I they always have a lot of cute shirts on though. They have too many. I have to quit ordering for awhile. The last one that I bought was the bicycle shirt and it is so cute. I got the Anybody bras the other day and they are really comfortable. They are everything that they say they are. They were well worth the money. I am thinking about getting more of them.
      My mom does not like corn beef. She does like the cabbage but not the meat. It is funny because she fixed it for all those years and we none of us knew until after dad died. She did it just for him. I guess when we were all at home we did not pay attention to what mom ate. We did not notice until dad had died that mom was eating chicken. My brother and sil hosted the dinner one year. Shocked all of us.
      It is always fun when all the kids are here. Can’t decide what to do with my Easter decorations. Aliza will be the right size to get into things so will have to wait and see how she behaves. She is a little character. Mandy watched her today and she said that she is into shaking her head no all the time and doing what she is not supposed to. That will be fun.
      How are Jenny and the kids? I hope that Greg has had some word from the doctor about all that blood work. Hopefully they will not need any more.
      well that is all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      The coddle potatoes are an Irish recipe. You make them with sliced potatoes, sausage, bacon and onions you bake it all in the oven. They kids really like it and if I boil them they get upset with me. I guess that I have them spoiled. lol I am making cream puffs for their desserts for after. I am going to make the regular ones with the vanilla pudding and some with cheese cake filling. This will be the first time that I have made the cheese cake ones so will see how everyone likes them that way. I boil the cabbage and the cabbage together and some carrots but do not have carrots will have to send Ron to get some. I also have a mustard sauce that I make for the corn beef. Some people like it and some don’t but have to make it every year also.
      It is cold here but supposed to be in the 60’s by Saturday. The ground will be wet maybe too wet for the kids to play outside. We will have to see. This weather changes constantly. Hope that it either stays warm are stays cool for awhile. Tired of it going up and down.
      Your chop suey sounds really good. We just had soup tonight for dinner. We are having simple dinners so when we have that big one on Saturday we will be ready for it. Well that is what I tell Ron.
      Bobby should have to go and get the dessert for you dinner. He ate all the cookies. lol That sounds good to me. Hope you have a fun day with all the kids there for you boiled dinner.
      Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hope everyone has a fun day!

      Attachments:
    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      You have to click on the pictures to see the animation. this website is not picture friendly.

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Colleen,
      Next year try Oriental Trading Company for your chocolate coins. They have them wrapped in green and gold foil.
      Gail
      I also wonder if you could find them at a Party Store.

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I did not find any cute Irish saying for this year. I will have to do one next year. Hope that you are having a fun day today also. I have looked at the party stores around here but they do not have that much St. Patricks day decorations at all. I was really disappointed. I need some new things to put out. I will have to have the kids make me some shamrocks and put them on my table. I will look on the Oriental Trading Company site and see if they have them next year.
      Have a good week end.
      Colleen
      p.s. Love the pictures that you posted on here.

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I wrote a post the other night only to have it disappear into cyberspace, grrrrrrrrr!! It was another soggy day here. It was a beautiful day with this bright shiny orb in the sky. Unfortunately it was only for one day.
      We’ve had a yrs worth of rain in 5 months. we had the wettest Feb. on record & now it looks like March isn’t too far behind!!! This has been the coldest, wettest, snowiest winter in 4 decades. The last time was in the late 70s. The only good thing is we’re warming up, Finally!!!! Now we need to dry out!!

      I’ve gotten all my clothes this week. I wasn’t sure about the numerical sizing but I did good by guessing. Love all the capris, tops, etc. Now all I need is for the weather to co operate!!! lol

      That was cute about the baby looking all around for grandma. I hope you’ll get to see him on skype. It shouldn’t be that hard to do. I’ve never done it myself. I have a kitty, Jewell.. if you go to my QF social page she’s my profile picture.
      I’m fine. I’m alive. I got a call from the Drs office earlier this week & have a date for Tues. afternoon to go over the results. The hardest part of the testing was all the time wasted waiting, & the equipment malfunctions.

      I doubt you ladies are into college basketball, but our Oregon Ducks (quack, quack), won their game today. Maybe the hubbies are watching the March Madness on tv this weekend.
      Well, I guess that’s all for now.
      The temps shown are from earlier in the week. Nicest in months!!! Also a pic of Jewell
      dd

      Attachments:
    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      I hope your dinner today comes out great, and that everyone is so full they cannot make it through the door….LOL
      Our is tomorrow, and we are getting more snow tomorrow. Dam. Up to 4 inches, and it is supposed to be done in the morning. I hope so.
      I have not figured out what to do for dessert, so I may have bobby just get one, and give myself a break today. I was too busy hemming all Marissa’s jeans yesterday. (I do not feel like doing anything today) She got a great deal at this pricey store, and got about 10 pairs for 8.00 each. She was very excited.
      Those potatoes sound great. After your dinner, could you write down how to put them together? I would so appreciate it, or tell me what site I can get the recipe.
      It is sunny here, and in the 40’s, for now. We just cannot get the snow to stop up here. I wonder if Sue got some too.
      Hope you are having a great day with your family!
      The American Chop Suey was such a hit, that the bowl I sent over was eaten by Jhonny. he ate the whole thing, and the boys did not get any….LOL I still have some in the fridge, so they can taste it tomorrow.
      Have a great one!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hope you all had a good St Patty’s Day too!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey girls!
      I love the Oriental Trading company, and get a lot of my napkins and paper plates on all holidays from them. They have great craft kits for the kids too.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      I am so glad you are ok. You will have to let us know what the doctor says on Tuesday. We will all be saying a prayer that the news is good.
      You are getting rain, and we are getting the snow. We had such a mild winter, and then we are getting blasted in March. Go figure!
      I love the pic of your pretty kitty. She is so beautiful. I can hear her purr from here…..LOL
      So glad you got all your nice things. Don’t you love their colors? What I love about them, is their tops and bottoms always match, even if you buy them years apart. They also last through many, many washing’s.
      I hope it stopped raining over there. Our snow is supposed to start tomorrow early morning, and get either a dusting, or up to 4 inches. I hope this gets over soon.
      Did you make anything special for dinner yesterday?
      Hoe you are having a good weekend!
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hope everyone has enjoyed their St. Patricks Day celebrations. Would you believe that Jerry and I just ate tacos? I think I must have waited too long to buy a brisket; they were all gone, and we were so tired that day we went to get everything. Jerrys Mom had to go back to the hospital for her oxygen level being too low; but the emergency room only kept her for two hours, gave her oxygen, and sent her right back. Jerry has been wrestling with the insurance company for her for several months now. He changed her supplemental insurance over in December, and we sent all the paperwork THEY instructed us to send them showing her giving them permission to talk with Jerry about her policy, and it is as if they never saw anything, even though they say they have the letter in their system, that it is NOT the exact form they have to have; so we have been going through h…. trying to get all of this straightened out. Thank goodness we have proof of their cashing her payments each month since she has been in the hospital twice since Jan and now this recent visit this week. He is really paying a lot more now for her supplemental, and here we were thinking all was well, until he goes to call them and they won’t talk with him. So we have redone everything, and are trying to get this all straightened out. She has COPD, so we know her oxygen level will be lower than most; but we are trying to have just a permanent O2 tank left by her bedside for when she might need one. Girls, this has been quite a wild ride.
      Joey stopped by on his way out to Dallas and set up my I pad to skype. Neal called us and we got to see the baby and Neal and Sarah and talk to the baby. It just absolutely made our day. He would reach over for Neals phone (he was sitting in Neals lap) and smile and talk to us and try to kiss the phone. It just melted our hearts. He is trying to cut his first tooth, and Neal called us on the way home from his job today, and asked if it would hurt him to rub his gums with his finger, and I told him no, that it would actually feel good to him. If this comes out big on your page I don’t know what I did to make it this way. But I am like DD, I just hope I don’t lose this. LOL
      You know I got to thinking about it, Adele, and I think it is Debra who had the puppy dog. I can barely keep things straight these days. Your kitty is cute DD. They can be so much company.
      I love cream puffs Colleen, but I am just too lazy to fix them; so I buy some fresh ones at a bakery in town. Do you use the frozen pastry sheets to make them? I bet they are deliscious. Sure hope your day with the family was fun. Does the baby say “no” to everything? So far; Colin is saying “da da” all the time. He loves to talk.
      So sorry you all are still getting all that snow, Adele and Sue. It turned really cold here and now today it is about 75. It has been such a strange winter all across the country. I always feel like Dorothy this time of year because we start getting such bad storms and I know you do too Colleen. They call our section tornado alley. Isn’t that comforting?
      Better go for now or I will lose all this. Hope everyone is feeling well and all the doctor tests will come out good for everybody. Mabey that would be a good Irish saying for this year “May all your test results from the doctor be bright and sunny, with not a cloud in sight!” Goodnight to all. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      I cannot believe that you had to go thru so much when you were having those tests. I am with Adele I hope that you let us know what the doctor says and we are all praying for you to get good results.
      You really have been getting a lot of rain. You are lucky that it is not all snow. I cannot believe that Adele is getting more snow. They have had more then their share. Sue has been getting hit with a lot of snow also. We are supposed to get a lot of rain this week. For two days it is supposed to be storms. We will see our weather men have not been getting it right all year.
      That is always fun when you get to try on all the new clothes. Did you just get Denim and Co. or did you get Quacker also. I like Denim and CO. their clothes last as long as the Quacker clothes. I still have all kinds of their clothes in my closet.
      That picture of Jewel is so pretty. She has the prettiest eyes. I bet that Jewel is a lot of company to you and is nice to have around all the time. We always have dogs around here. It is hard when we do not have any around.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Our dinner was good today and it was nice to have all the kids and grands here also. I was in trouble because I forgot to get all the stuff for the mustard sauce for the corn beef. They all ate it without the sauce so it was fine. They just sat around and complained. So it did not bother me it gave them something to think about.
      The cream puffs turned out pretty good. They ate almost all of them. They liked the cheese cake ones just as well or better then the plain vanilla. So will make more for Easter. They can be made with sugar free ingredients and they all eat it and do not complain. I will post the recipe for the coddle potatoes. I may put it in a separate post though. If I do that on here it may not go thru. You know how we lose posts on here.lol
      You deserve a break tomorrow. Bobby should go out and get a dessert for you so you do not have to do all that extra cooking. I hope that you have as much fun as we had today. It was nice out today so we could sit outside for awhile. Later in the evening though it started getting chilly. So we all came back in the house. Aliza was her cute self again today. She just talks to herself and then she will just start laughing. She had all of us laughing just watching her. She is good about entertaining herself. She did not tell us no that much today so she was pretty good. I made cream puffs that were small enough that she could hold them in her hands. It was really cute. She liked them. She also ate a lot of the dinner. She is such a cutie.
      That is funny about the chop suey. Johnny must really like it. Did the boys say something to him? My grands would have been complaining all night if their dads did that to them. lol My grands are older though well some of them are. Did JJ get a part in the play? Did not see where you posted it anywhere so thought I would ask.
      The pricey stores usually have the better sales. Marissa really did get a good deal on the pants. That was nice that you hemmed them for her. They would be lost if you did not do all that stuff. You cook,bake and hem pants. You are such a good grandma they are lucky to have you.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      That is so cool that you learned how to skype. How cute that he kept trying to kiss you. That was nice that they let him sit there and talk to you. It was good that he did it for so long. I can just imagine how good that made you feel. Skype is a good thing. It is nice that Joey showed you how to do that before he left for Dallas. Hope that they have a good trip.
      Insurance is such a pain. This new plan that they had was not worth the paper they wrote it on or the thousands of paper that they wrote it on. lol I just wish that they would come up with a new plan that will be better for everyone. It is hard to get caught up in all the paper work and red tape. They need people in the office that has some common sense.
      I make my own pastry. I have a really good easy recipe for them. What makes it nice is with the Kitchen Aid it just mixed up the dough really easy. It had gotten to where I did not like making them because it would get harder every time that I tried to mix the dough. So now I just put in the mixer and let it do the work. We do not have very many left. I made about twenty of them and I think that there is only three left. Everybody ate at least two except the little ones. I did make some that were small enough that Aliza could hold one in her hands. She liked that. They really are easy to make. Have you ever made them from scratch?
      We are supposed to get storms next week so it will be a mess with the kids here. I do not know if they are afraid of storms are not. They have never been here when we have had one. The thunder and lightening are so loud and it looks like the lightening is touching the ground. There just is not much around us.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night. I am s glad that you got to see itty bitty even if it was just thru skype.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Here is the recipe for the potato coddle.
      1pd pork sausage links
      1/2 pd. thick bacon
      4 large potatoes or 2 pounds
      2 large onions
      1/4 cup chopped parsley
      salt and pepper to taste
      2 cups water.

      In a skillet cook the bacon pieces until they turn golden brown. Then drain on paper towels. Brown sausages in bacon fat. Drain on paper towels and slice into 1/4 inch pieces. Peel and slice potatoes about 1/4 inch thick, in a casserole dish alternate layers of bacon, sausage onion and potato. season the potatoes with the salt and pepper as you do each layer. Sprinkle each layer with the parsley.Pour off all the grease from the skillet except 2 tbls. full. Add the water and bring to a boil then pour over the potato casserole. Cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Remove the cover and let cook far an additional 15 minutes until the top is browned and potatoes become tender.
      Hope that you enjoy these as much as our family does.

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      HAPPY SPRING!!! Hopefully the snow will take a hike back to where it belongs!!! I’m sure the rain won’t leave here for some time yet. Ugh!! It was a lovely day here today, but the liquid sunshine returns Monday, of course!!
      Did you catch the QF show tonight? I have the convertible capris they showed. I have the watermelon. They haven’t shown them in quite awhile.
      I worked on my Easter décor this weekend. I plastered my windows with my window clings. I’m still not done. Have a few more things to put out. I go nuts at Christmas & Easter.
      Nothing on TV tonight. Borrrrring!!
      That’s all for now.
      Have a great week
      dd

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    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      I ordered the tank tops, as I love those for summer.
      I hope your rain stops, as well as my snow. We were lucky, as we only got a dusting yesterday.
      I did not get to see the show, because the kids were here late, and I missed it.
      the sun is shining over here- yahoo!!! Love the Peanuts and bunny pics.
      Hope your day is going well, and your sun is shining!!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Thank you Colleen!
      This sounds quite yummy.
      I guess I am an ok grandma….LOL We always judge ourselves so harshly.
      Well, the attendance all day yesterday was different. A lot happened that affected it. Enzo’s grandmother died, and they just stopped by before dinner was cooked, as they all went to the funeral home to make the arrangements. Steph ended up babysitting for JJ’s friend, who she calls a wild man, and did not want to bring him over here, so their dinner was sent home with Heather and Dave. JJ’s friend’s Mom got called into work unexpectedly. Amanda was here for a while too. Heather and Dave stayed the longest, this time.
      so, I would say, we had a different kind of dinner….LOL But, they all ate, one way or another. Bobby and Heather both got dessert, so that was good too.
      JJ will be a mouse. I just found out last Friday, and forgot to add that to my posts. He is very excited. I have to remember to find out the date of the play.
      I am glad you all had a good day. The cream/cheese puffs sound fabulous. Is that the first time you made those? I still have to figure out the Easter desserts. Some are standard- like the Ricotta pie, Cream Cheese mini’s, and Anise cookies. I saw a cake that looked cool- it had the edible grass on top of the cake, with jelly beans, making a nest. That looked pretty, and I could do that, so it may make the cut.
      I hope you and Ron are having a good day, with sunshine. Our sun is out, and that is good.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Barbara!
      I am thrilled you got to skype Colin. Wasn’t that a ball? As I recently added that to my laptop, Steph skype’s me once in a while, and did so today. So, Aizen was eating a piece of chocolate, and I got myself a piece, and we tried to feed it to each other. Too bad there is no you tube video of that one….LOL
      That is awful about Jerry’s Mom, and her insurance. I hope Jerry was bale to get it all straightened out. This must be so upsetting to him, and so stressful for all of you. I hope she is doing better today.
      That is a wonderful Irish blessing for all of us, for the next year. I also hope all our tests come out good, and we have no further problems. Wouldn’t that be fabulous?

      I wonder how Gail and Sue are doing????

      Hope your day is sunny and bright, with no tornado warnings. Dam. That would spook the stuffing out of me.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hello Everyone,
      Well Adele, it sounds like you had a revolving door type of Saint Patrick’s celebration. You had that and also provided carry out for people.
      So I must ask-what exactly is American chop suey? My MIL used to reference that too-is it without all the Chinese vegetables. None of the restaurants around here serve it like that-but I think the Chinese restaurants in Chicago might.
      I hope JJ enjoys his part as the mouse. That will be such a cute production.
      Gabby has the part of the mother in an upcoming production of Peter Pan at the high school. I know Jenny mentioned something about going to see that.
      I’m hoping to serve the same menu this year for Easter as last. We went out for brunch and then later in the day the kids came over for deli sandwiches and chips and dessert. I did absolutely no cooking and I loved it!
      DD glad that all your clothes fit. I have those convertible pants in black-they are nice. I don’t think I have even dragged the Easter decorations out the last couple of years. I have gotten so lazy.
      Barbara, I’m so happy that you got to Skype with Colin. That’s cute that he wanted to kiss the phone.
      You know some times I think those big insurance companies have a situation where the right hand doesn’t know what the left is doing. My MIL had oxygen tanks here. I mostly put it on her at night before she went to bed.
      Colleen, Greg really loves cream puffs-I really should make some for him sometime. I think my recipe calls for them to be stuffed with whipped cream which sounds good to me. I guess you could stuff them with all kinds of things.
      Isn’t it wonderful to have the Kitchen Aide to mix that stiff dough?
      What is in the mustard sauce that you put on the corned beef? That sounds like it could be a good side for ham too-although we usually serve ham with horseradish-the mustard sauce sounds good too.
      Now I’m getting hungry talking about all this food.
      Greg has rehearsal tonight so I will just have to make something for myself. Yesterday was a nice day so we did steaks and garlic bread on the grill and I just made us a salad to go with it. I had the leftovers for lunch today as I can no longer eat all of a big steak at one time. I guess as we get older we don’t need all that meat. If only I would lose the taste for cake and cookies. lol
      Well, it’s the first episode of DWTS tonight. there should be some good dancers this time. I see Derrick will not be back. I imagine he will be going on to bigger and better things. I hope my boy from the Cubs doesn’t embarrass me-I will be rooting for him. I don’t know if they ever had a former baseball player on before-it’s usually football stars. Of course you can’t get active baseball players now as they are in spring training.
      Happy first day of spring everyone! Today it’s almost 60 but I looked at the two week forecast and we seem to have a lot of rain coming up.
      Greg has started the tomatoes,peppers and cucumbers and they are sitting in pots in the bay window. I hope we have a good garden this year. I love summer when we just grill out and serve garden veggies. It makes dinner planning so easy.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hey Everyone,
      What did you think about DWTS last night? I think it’s going to be a good season. I’m so glad that Simon Biles is paired with Sasha as he seems to be such a nice guy and he went quite far with the little woman last season-can’t remember her name-something Jolie-so maybe he might win this season. I hope Artym is nicer to Nancy Kerrigan than he was to the Brady bunch woman-I thought he was kind of mean to her. And why can’t I remember anyone’s name! Was it Maureen? Where is my brain. I think Chris Kattan will go quickly-which is a shame as I think Witney is so darned cute-I like to watch her. The bull rider and the bachelor look like they could have some potential. It was surprising to see the picture of the football player as a chubby asthmatic kid and baby look at him now!
      Mr. T’s face actually looks different to me-I’m not sure I would have even recognized him. What Charo does was funny maybe 40 years ago but now she just looks like a crazy old lady and I was embarrassed for her-talk about faces not looking the same-I must say her nose looks awful-however her body is in great shape for a woman in her 70’s-I wouldn’t mind if I could look like that-minus the fake boobs. How I wish that I could have that sparkly Cubs shirt that David Ross wore. They should sell those! I’m glad that he at least did mediocre and not terrible-he’s another one that seems like such a nice guy. Okay, so that’s my truthful albeit a little bit catty assessment of the first night of DWTS. I still wish that they would stick with a three judge only panel consisting of Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno and give Julie Anne the boot. I must say I watch sometimes just to hear Bruno. lol They just do not need four judges-it’s too cumbersome. I thought that I had heard that Erin Andrews was engaged-I forgot to try and catch sight of her left hand last night-and I also thought I had read that she had some type of cancer-did anyone else read these things or am I just imagining it? I shall have to consult good old Mr. Google.
      Gail the Critic

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail the Critic!
      I enjoyed DWTS too. The first couple- cannot remember her name, was really good. I loved that white dress. I felt bad for Charo too, as she was a little out of control for an older woman. They even took the camera off her, and you heard the host say he does not get paid enough to do this job. Her face looked awful. I turned to Gary and said….a little too much Botox? Why do women do that to themselves? Her natural face would have looked so much better.
      Mr T tried his best, and I hope he gets through so we can see more of him. Actually, all of them did good. I felt bad for the comedian they gave “4’s” to. That was just plain mean, and I have never seen them give a 4 to anyone that I can recall.
      I think we all need the “just plain entertainment” of DWTS. Just old fashioned, good fun.
      I am not a big fan of Julie Ann either. I did hear Erin had cancer she dealt with at the end of last season. I think it was in her throat, maybe???
      Any news on Greg’s tests yet?
      Hope your day is goign well!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG Gailster!
      I am so jealous…..BBQ ing with a nice salad, and getting veggies planted???? Not fair!
      We could not get on the deck if we wanted to- still covered in snow. I could die for a piece of BBQ steak right now. I am still doing the crock pot thing. Winter is still in New England.
      Hope your day is goign well, and everyone there is healthy.
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello girls. I have to pitch in my two cents worth of opinion on DWTS too. I agree with the previous “reviews”, and I have to add that if you took the body of Charo without the face, then I would like to look like that at her age, but she must at least be 70ish, and I just really think we look better when we let ourselves age and not try to be “young” again. Those days for me are long gone, and I know that I won’t get them again, but I try to put on makeup (when going out with Jerry) and do my hairstyle (coloring the grays) but then I never depended on my looks for my income. But come to think of it; I sort of think this is an incorrect statement. I do remember looking back that I think there were times when the most attractive girl would be chosen even if she wasn’t the most qualified, and I am sure that still applies. What do you all think? We are vain; even the ladies at assisted living get jealous of one another. I just think a lady who looks and acts her age is prettier. Is any of this making any sense? LOL
      Neal has been visiting with Sarah’s Mom and Dad who have driven her car to her these last few days. They all went to San Francisco yesterday, did lots of sightseeing, and ate lunch on Fisherman’s Wharf. He said they had a wonderful time. He sent us a picture of him and Colin looking out on the Golden Gate Bridge, and the baby had a tight grip on Neal, and Neal had a tight grip on the baby, and they were both just smiling. I know Sarah will miss her parents when they leave. They are to fly home tomorrow I think.
      Colleen, I tried your recipe for the potatoes, and everyone loved it. They balked at first since it is somethings new for them, but once they tried they were hooked. So thank you.
      Well you girls know I caved when it came to ordering something else in outdoor lighting on the Q. It is a big mosiac globe that looks like tiny pieces of mirrors and sits on a metal stand. I got it in the dragonflies. I am going to sit it on the patio so it will catch the sun and sparkle. I hope my Scrappy Man will restrain himself, and not lift a leg on it as he passes by. I just thought about that. so I may have to sit it up on the patio table. LOL I also got some more wind chimes and will put these hanging from the front porch. It is blue with etchings of silver so it looks like diamonds when the sun shines on it.
      Expecting storms tonight. Thankfully Joey and Lisa got home late last night. They said they had a great time at the wedding. It was in Dallas.
      I’m sorry but I am actually getting sleepy so I need to get up and start moving around. Don’t know where this came from. Take care everyone, and hope all of you are doing well. Praying for good test results for everyone. Hugs, Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      You are a lot further along then I am. I have not got one Easter thing up yet. Might do it tomorrow when the kids go to the Magic House. The little ones will enjoy that place.
      I really like all the pictures that you posted. they are so cheerful and cute. You probably have a lot of Easter decorations up and your apartment looks amazing. It looked really good at Christmas. Do you have Easter dishes also?
      We were in the 80’s yesterday and today it is raining and cold. Hopefully tomorrow it will be nice again. This weather is crazy.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I am so sorry to hear about Enzos grandmother. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. Is that Marissa’s boyfriend? I get that all confused.I will be praying for her also. That is hard to lose someone at this time of the year.
      It is nice that they all checked in with you to let you know what was going on. Sorry that they could not all make it over for dinner. So now you run a take restaurant. You do a lot of things for you family. They should be really grateful that you do all of that for them. It is good that you did not have to take it to them. It must have been nice to have Heather stay longer and you and her could talk for awhile. That really makes it nice.
      That will be so cute. I bet that JJ is really excited. It will be cute to see him in his costume and playing the part. Does he have any lines or is he just on the stage? I hope he has a good time doing that.
      The cream puffs that I made were cheese cake instead of cream cheese. I do not know why I keep saying cream cheese. I guess that I will make some more tomorrow for the kids again. They really liked them and using the mixer makes it so much easier. It really makes baking easier and quicker.
      I wonder what is going on with the dessert that they had on qvc. The sweet endings ones. They have a cake that I ordered with the pink icing and coconut that was so good. The kids want it again this year but they have not had it on the air yet. I may call them tomorrow and see if they are going to be selling that product anymore. If not hope they can tell me where I can get a hold of them to get another one of those cakes.
      We were supposed to all go to the zoo today but Ethan was sick so we did not go. They took Kaylee to the park and I stayed home with Ethan. He really needed to stay home. I felt so bad for him. Hopefully he will feel better Thursday that is when we are going to try and go again. It is terrible when the kids get sick when they are off school.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Here is the recipe for the mustard sauce.1tbls corn starch, 1/2 tsp of sugar,1tsp.dry mustard,1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup water,1 tbls butter, 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 1 tsp horse radish and 2 egg yokes beaten.Put corn starch, sugar, dry mustard, salt and pepper in a pan. Add the water. Stir on low heat til moisture thickens. Remove from burner and add butter, vinegar, and horse radish. Take a little bit of mixture and beat with egg yokes. Put back in pan and stir until thicken.
      When we make the cream puffs we use whip cream mixed with the pudding. It just gives it a good taste. We also add almond to it to give it a different taste. I do it the easy way though because it is so much easier. The kitchen aid really saved me a lot of work. I thanked Ron two or three time after I got them made. It was so much easier then to have to keep stirring them over and over every time you put an egg in the dough.
      Your meal sounded really good. We have not grilled yet this year. I did make that squash soup and it was really good. Ron and Stephen would not eat it but Melissa and I did. There is not any left after today. We had it for dinner last night and then for lunch again today. It was really good the guys do not know what they missed. They went to the store and got pizzas for themselves and the kids. That was fine more soup for us.
      Our weather was in the 80’s yesterday and today it was cold again. It rained this afternoon and early evening. We were going to go to the zoo today but Ethan was sick so could not go. We will try and go again on Thursday. Hopefully he will feel better and the weather will be better.
      DWTS is going to be good again this year. There were three of them that I do not hold much hope for. Charo, Mr T, and Chris Kattan. It is a shame that they paired him with Whitney. She is such a good dancer. I do not think that she paid a bit of attention to one thing that she told him. I think that you got it right on all three of them. The Cubs player did a really good job I thought. He will go far in the competition. You will not have to be embarrassed for him. I have a feeling that Len Goodman will not be here much longer. He quit the show in England and is doing a game show. So I figure that it will not be long and he will not want to do the show here in the states. If he does leave for good I wonder if Bruno will stay on. I think that all the flying is getting to them both. I think that Julie Anne is the only one that will sit next to Bruno. He gets so wild with his hands. I do not think that Carrie Ann could stand to sit next to him and him getting so wild. Derrick is getting really popular at singing and dancing. I bet he will be on Broadway a lot. He always was really good.
      Well that is about all from here. If I disappear for a day or two it is just because of the kids nothing is wrong. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      I am glad that everyone liked the coddle potatoes. They all like it here also. We have it every year and it would be missed if we did not. It does take our families a little while to get use to something new.
      The multi color globe that you ordered sounds really cute. I did not see it and need to see if they have it on the site. Maybe Scrappy will pass it by and not lift his leg. Oh wind chimes are so pretty. We have some that are made from bamboo and they really have a good sound to them. I like them better then the ones with the metal or whatever it is they are made from. My mind is going really fast tonight.
      That is funny that all of us dislike the same people on dwts this year. I have to admit that Charo was driving me crazy last night. It was nice when she was off the stage and done for the night. She may be the first to go.The way she is acting was kind of cute when she was younger but now it looks really stupid. If she would have acted more normal it would have been different. Oh well I guess when you have the type of money she has you can act the way you want to.
      Glad to hear that Joey and Lisa got home okay last night. It is a worry if they have to drive thru a storm. Well they are home now and you do not have to worry about them. That was nice that they had a good time.
      I bet that made a cute picture of Neal and Colin looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. They are getting a lot of site seeing done and that is nice. It will be hard on Sarah when her mom and dad leave. She will adjust though and will be busy with Colin.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night. Stay safe and hopefully the storms will go around you.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      I agree-I’m sure there have been many times when looks trumped talent. I would imagine if two women had equal education and experience if a man were deciding the prettier woman would be chosen. Fortunately when choosing mates different traits appeal to different people so there ends up being someone for everyone. I was always attracted to someone who could make me laugh.
      So far I have been doing good and have managed to leave the yard art at QVC. I was tempted by something a few weeks ago but managed to resist. If only I had the same restraint in regards to clothing and jewelry.
      I do love the wind chimes we have them both in the front and in the back.
      What have you and Jerry been reading lately? Does he ever take a turn reading to you?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I hope that Ethan feels better soon so that you guys can go to the zoo. Are they on spring break this week? I wonder when our kids are on break-I will have to ask Jenny. I know Kendall will look forward to that as her other grandmother takes the girls on a shopping spree over spring break.
      Thank you for the mustard sauce recipe. It sounds good. Do you serve it hot or cold?
      I’m so happy you are enjoying the mixer. I know when I first got mine I almost felt guilty because it made mixing so easy. Now I couldn’t do without it as I couldn’t mix some of those stiff batters by hand anymore. So it is almost a necessity to do any baking.
      I think it was funny that Witney had no idea who Chris Kattan was. He was probably on SNL before she was born. lol
      Have fun with the grands this week. What is the Magic House?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      We have actually grilled before with snow on the deck. I remember one time Greg shoveled the snow from around the grill. The grill is right outside our back kitchen door-so you can step out throw the things on the grill and come right back indoors. Greg is like the mailman(not ours of course) when it comes to grilling-neither sleet nor rain nor hail or snow-or however that saying goes.
      Speaking of the mailman the other day Greg had two packages marked fragile and when he delivered them the sound actually made me jump when he dropped them on the porch. I just cannot stand the guy-and he gets lazier and lazier as time goes on. If we didn’t know him personally I would complain to the Post Office but I don’t want to start a feud as we know the family and Jenny is friends with his son and daughter in law etc. He is such a total jerk though-I hope the kids take after the Mom who is actually very sweet-I always liked her-couldn’t figure out what she saw in him though.
      I looked it up-Erin Andrews had cervical cancer and they said she had treatment and is now cancer free-so that’s a good thing-she had a tough year with a health scare and the stalker trial. I think she is now engaged to her hockey player boyfriend.
      We don’t have veggies planted outside yet. Just in little pots sitting in the bay window. Can’t plant until after the first week in May as there will still be danger of a frost.
      We haven’t had a word from the doctor yet about tests-Greg will have to make another appointment. However we got the bill for the lab work and some of those tests are quite costly-thank goodness for insurance. Plus the cost of the “operating room” for the shot is ten times the cost of the actual medicine and the doctor’s fee. It just seems crazy to me.
      Now I have forgotten-was it Amanda or Marissa who wants to apply for the new job? How is that going? And one of them is going to school-how is that working out? They are all so busy it’s hard to keep track of who’s doing what.
      The sun is shining. I saw on the news that you were getting high winds today. We had that a couple of weeks ago and it was wild.
      I hope that you will see spring soon.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      We are having huge winds out there. I heard a huge nose, and cannot find out what flew out there- hope it was not important.
      Gary would never go out there in the winter, snow or not. I have to wait until it is warm out there.
      Quacker has a butterfly shirt on right now, with a new color. Did you get it? Tillie goto the blue one, and the yellow capris.
      too ad you do not have a mailman like we do, or one like Jhonny. The people on Jhonny’s route love him. Steph’s mailman always rings her bell, as she is the stay at home Mom for the building, and she gets everyone’s packages. Aizen loves him, and he always gets a hug from the mailman. I think that is so cute. Too bad your has a tude, as the mailman brings a lot of presents.
      Marissa is the one in school. She is doing well. Amanda is the one going for the interview, and no news on the results on that one yet. They are all at a wake today, as Enzo’s Nonna died. They told me not to go, as they were all going. We sent flowers to the wake, and a basket to the house, with food in it.
      I hope Greg gets good news. If they have not called him yet, I would think that means there is nothing too serious.I hope I am right.
      Hope your day is going well!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      We all get confused with all the names of everyone….LOL Enzo is Marissa’s boyfriend. He and his family are sweethearts. Marissa just called, to say the basket arrived that we sent to the house. She said she will send me a pic of it. They are all snacking on it, before they leave for the wake.
      Our little Aizen got sick too. He was vomiting, and then got an awful cough. I hope it goes away soon, as I hate to see him sick.
      I think that DWTS will be great this season too. I love that Len is back. He is so funny, and he is really right on with his criticism. He tries to get them to be the best they can be.
      JJ does have some lines. Not too many, just enough to not have him a wreck. I think this is great for him, as he is so quiet and shy.
      Hope you are having a sunny day. We are, but we are having winds that could send you airborne….LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Barbara!
      I agree totally. Faces look so much prettier when they have laugh lines, and signs of a good life. That weird looking puffed up Botox thing looks awful. They look like they are having an allergic reaction, for God’s sake. Why don’t pretty women realize they will always be pretty, even when they age? I wish we would all feel comfortable in our own skins. I feel sorry for them.
      On the other hand, I also agree that the attractive people will get the job, over someone not as attractive. We are a fickle society.
      What a nice picture to have of Colin with his Dad on the Golden Gate bridge. I hope you get that one framed. It is nice for you to see them together, and happy. It must make you feel better about their move. I hope it does. Have them been skype’ing you? Isn’t that a wonderful thing? It makes you feel you are right there with them.
      Hope your day is goign well, and no storm impacted you last night.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Poor Ethan is still feeling bad. He has been running a fever and we have been doing everything we can to bring it down. We bought some Popsicle for him and they are helping some. Tonight he temperature was 99 so that is not too bad. It was running 104. I think that he might have had when your grands had. He has been coughing and just not feeling good at all. Today he was laughing and playing around so that was good. Yes the kids are on spring break. Owen is on his break also. I am not sure if Brooklin and Kylie get a spring break. They usually do not.
      We always eat the sauce warm. It is a lot better that way. When I fix dinner I always fix that last. It probably would be good with ham or any type of meat. We just have had it with corn beef. If you try it with ham you will have to let me know if it is good that way.
      That is really nice that she takes the kids on a shopping spree. will Piper get to go also? I bet that will be funny when she gets back and has her fashion show for you. She is such a little character. I cannot believe that she is in pre school already. Time sure does go by fast.
      The magic house it is hard to explain. They have all these cute things for the kids to try. It is for kids 1 to about 12. They can thru this one thing and their hair will stand straight up to teach them about static electricity. It is just all kinds of things like that. They have a slide that they can go down and it has all types of curves on it. It is just a lot of fun for the kids. It is a hard place to explain. It has been awhile since we have been there.
      Your mail man must have gone to the same school as ours did. The school for the worse mail man of the year. Our mailman gets mad if he has to deliver anything to the house. He has put our packages in Ron’s truck and not let us know. We have just been lucky and found it. They have even done that with food we have had delivered from qvc. That can be really aggravating.
      Hope that you get some word on Greg’s test soon. It seems like they are taking forever. They sure do take their time giving the results.
      Well that is all for tonight. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      We have so many kids and husbands and boyfriends it is hard to keep them all straight. Not us the kids do. lol Had Enzos grandma been sick for awhile? That is always sad when you lose a loved one. That was so nice that you sent a food basket. They really appreciated it. I know that is a thing around this area. If someone dies in the family they send food so you do not have to cook the whole time that you are grieving. It is a good custom.
      Poor Aizen. I hope that he gets well soon. That is so hard when they get sick when they are that little. You do not know what to do for them they cannot take the medicine that the older kids can take. Ethan has that cough and running a fever. I hope that he gets over it soon. It is kind of like what Ron had for such a long time. It would be nice if he could get over it before they have to go home. They will lose their vacation and not get to do anything.
      It will be cute to hear JJ say his lines. He will probably do fine because all the other kids will have some type of line. Then he will be able to say his also. When is the play? That is so exciting.
      It is horrible when we have the high winds. We have not had any for awhile. We had some last week and they were strange. They did not do a lot of damage though. The winds can be as scary as the storms.
      Well that is about all from here. Please stay out of the wind. We do not want to hear about you blowing away. lol Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen!
      Aizen is feeling better, but the cough is nasty. I hope it goes away on it’s own, and he does not need to go to the doctor.
      Your kids are having vacation this week? Ours had theirs in February. The next one here is in April.
      You are going to laugh. I keep forgetting to ask when the play is.
      You and Gail seem to have real nasty mailmen. What is up with that? Even ours here at this house is good, and he brings a lot of packages too. I feel bad for him when the weather is nasty.
      Steph and Heather came by today, to help me clean out my upstairs hall closet, where a lot of things are stored- coffee pods, cleaning things, swiffer stuff, paper plates and dishes, etc. Jhonny is off today, and he kept Aizen with him. It would have been hard to do that with him here, but, I still missed his cute little self.
      It is still sunny over here- yahoo!
      Hope your day is going well.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      That is good that Aizen is feeling better. Maybe the cough will go away soon. Ethan is still sick. He is running a fever again. That poor kid he just cannot seem to get rid of what ever it is he has.
      Three of the grands are on spring break. The others I am not sure when they will go on spring break or if they will. I hope that they will get some time off. I do not care for the school that they are going to.
      Well that is not too bad to keep forgetting to ask when the play is. They tell me and I keep forgetting the date. They will have to call me the night before and remind me. I guess old age is getting to us. We just have so much on our minds that we need to write things down. It is really sad.
      Wish we had your mailman. It can be beautiful out and our mailman still does not like to deliver things. I prefer the UPS guy. He is really nice and always brings things to the door. Unless we get this one who does not like to bother. I figure that he use to be a mailman and transferred to UPS. We do not get him that often.
      How nice that Steph and Heather came over to help clean. Some days I wish that my girls would do that but they are all too busy I guess. That is nice that Johnny is off work and can watch Aizen. It is hard to work with a little one around. They want more attention then you can give them when you are cleaning like that.
      We have sun again today. Did the high winds stop? I hope so. Well that is about all from here. Have a good day.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      Poor Ethan-it sucks to be sick and especially when you are supposed to be on vacation. It’s a good thing that he likes to read-at least he can keep busy with that. This flu is really a bad one and that cough really lingers. I hope he feels better soon. The popsicles taste good when you have a fever. I ate a lot of them after my one doctor told me not to take any more tylenol for the fever when I had mono.
      I’m surprised Brooklyn and Kylie don’t get a spring break too.
      Do you ever get confused having a Kylie and a Kaylee? I always get those jumbled up and also Kaylyn and Caitlin.
      I’m not sure if Piper gets to go on the shopping spree this year or not-I know she didn’t get to go last year but now she is four so maybe. I would love to see what she would pick out for herself. Kendall always does a good job-she definitely has her own style and puts things together in her own way.
      I think I get what the magic house is now. Hands on activity for kids that also have some educational aspects to them. I actually like those kinds of places myself as they are pretty interesting.
      I can’t believe your mailman just left a package in the pickup. That really sounds like something our guy would do. At least if I order any food from the Q it comes UPS so I know it will make it to the front porch.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      So sorry to hear about Enzo’s grandma. I’m sure they appreciated the food that you sent to the house. That always comes in handy. Do you have any special company that you like to send things from? I’m always interested in hearing about companies that send good gift baskets.
      I hope little Aizen is feeling better. It seems like none of our little ones escaped this last flu.
      I think I have that butterfly shirt you mentioned in several colors. My new obsession is butterfly purses to add to the butterfly shirts. It’s kind of amusing too as I have very little butterfly decor in my house-you would think I would have more.
      I think these rural mailmen are the worst-Colleen, Barbara and I all have stories about packages shoved in boxes so tight that you can’t get them out-etc. I think the funniest was when Barbara saw some kids tossing a snake into the back of their mailman’s vehicle. They just don’t like to have to get out of their cars-I’ve seen ours drive back by our garage and lean out and drop the package back by the garage doors. The guy does a bad job and on top of that is personally a jerk.
      How nice that Heather and Steph could come by and help clean the closet. It’s good to have minions. My only minion is Greg.
      Had an appointment for a teeth cleaning today and I must have hit the lottery because I also had x-rays and that probing. I told then had I known I was in for all that i would have rather been abducted by aliens as they they do the same things and at least it would have been an adventure-although I guess the aliens probe but I guess they don’t clean your teeth. Got another lecture again about having to wear that damn night guard more often-I just hate that thing for some reason-why oh why do I have to be a tooth grinder?
      Every time I resolve to do better. I just can’t get into a routine with it. I think because my sleeping habits are so messed up.
      Oh well-I guess I could have much worse problems.
      Greg has started to take Fridays off again so I guess things are progressing for him. Especially now that it is approaching spring as he likes to get out and about in the nicer weather.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      We are at a point where we think that they need to take Ethan to the doctor. Fever for four days is not a good thing. I guess we are old and worry too much but it just bothers me that they do not take him. They took Kaylee to see Beauty and the Beast at the movies this evenings and then tonight they went to spend the night at our other daughters house. So poor Ethan had to stay here with us. Ron did take him to Pilot Knob to see where they fought a battle during the civil war. They went thru the museum and then Ethan’s fever spiked and Ron brought him back home and we gave him more medicine. We really did not think that they should leave him tonight but they wanted to go and do something. Oh well I guess I should just quit talking about it. It just worries me.
      I call Kaylee and Kylie by the wrong name all the time. But I also do that with the other kids also. I am terrible with names anymore. They all just give me that disgusted look and tell me their right name. So at least no one feels like I am playing favorites by remembering their name and not others.
      Piper would have so much fun if she got to go. Her and Kendall could help each other out. You have said that Kendall likes to show you what she has bought. Those kids are just so cute.
      The magic house is a good place to take the kids. It is really nice because they have a lot of things for different ages. There are not many places like that anymore. All of the kids really enjoy that place.
      Our regular UPS guy is really good but we have a substitute that is not. But at least we do not get him that often. Our mailman must be related to yours. They both seem to do the same things.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      That is nice that Greg is taking Friday’s off. You can now start your weekend on Thursday night. Speaking of that…did you see Scandal? OMG!! That is all I will say, if you did not see it yet.
      Little Aizen is better, but still has a little cough. Tonight is JJ’s theater practice. I really have to remember to ask when the play is….LOL
      I am very lucky to have Minnions. Your Minnion is Greg- that is funny. Gary would lose his patience with me and any closet.
      Are all the kids at Jenny’s healthy again? I hope so.
      Thank you for the kind thoughts for Enzo’s Nonna. His Dad took it real hard.
      Do you believe it is cloudy here again, and we have seen snow showers. Got a warning on snow squalls on line. Good God.
      We are going to see my BIL and SIL tomorrow- we will meet her at the nursing home for a visit. After that, we are meeting our friends for an early dinner. I hope the weather gets better. It does not look like Easter is coming around here, and nobody is even thinking about going to a nursery.
      I hope Blue Bloods is on tonight, as they were not last week, or they were a repeat- cannot remember….LOL
      Hope you do something nice this weekend.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      It is cold here again, with snow showers, and squalls. No wind, though.
      Did you see Scandal last night? Holy crap! I do not wnat to say anything, until you and Gail say you saw it. DD, Sue and Barbara too. I do not wnat to spoil it for anyone. I do have to say, I did see it coming, just before it happened.
      That is really weird that the kids have vacation, and some do not. Was it snow days?
      That is awful that Ethan is still sick. I hope he gets better. How is little Aliza- did she get it too?
      Read my post to Gail for the “weekend update”….LOL
      Hope you and Ron do something fun, especially since your weather is much nicer than ours.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      I cannot believe that you are getting more snow. We are getting a lot of rain. It is not as bad though. So far it has been just rain and not storms. I hope that it stays that way. Hopefully the snow will not stick this time and it will go away soon . I am sending some of warmer weather your way. Hope that it makes it there.
      We did not watch Scandal. We watched all the shows that the kids like to watch. It has been a boring week. lol Have you seen the show Impractical Jokers? Well it is one of the worse shows that I have ever seen. It is four guys that play jokes on each other and they made a show of it. The one they watched today really bothered me. They were telling these kids how babies are made. If it would have been my kids standing there I would have went over and slapped that man right in the face. They all thought it was funny. I thought it was disgusting. These were little kids that they were telling this too. That whole show is like that and I do not know how they get away with it.
      We really did not have any snow days to speak of this year. We never had enough snow to close anything down for more then a day. I just do not like that school that the older grands go to. They are such a poorly run school. I wanted my daughter to move into the West County district. They have the best school in the area. They have a lot more kids that go to college and that would have been great. Oh well you can not tell your kids to do anything that they do not want to do.
      They took Ethan to the emergency room today. They said that it was too late for them to do much. They said that he has the flu and just to keep giving him Tylenol. So that is what they are going to do. He said that the fever can last for 10 days but if it lasted longer then that to take him to his doctor because that would be too long. I had just given Ethan a tyenol right before they left for the ER so he did not have fever when they checked it.
      I hope that your visit with your sil and bil goes well for you tomorrow. Hope that it is not as hard on Gary as it has been in the past. It is hard to go thru that especially if it is a brother or sister.
      I forgot all about Blue Bloods tonight. I wonder if it was on and if it was any good. I do not like it when I miss a show like that. Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Sorry I’ve been so long in getting back to you. Where do I begin. It’s been a real stressful time this week & when I tell ya, please don’t freak out on me.
      I’m okay. OK? Last weekend we had 2 incidents here in the bldg. One was an OD, but we don’t know if he got to the hospital in time or not. Then early Sunday AM there was a shooting on the 5th floor. Probably a drug deal gone bad. We’ve never had a shooting here, ever!!! I didn’t hear a thing. I didn’t know anything about it until it started coming up on my phone. I get breaking news from local stations. They said someone was taken to the hospital with non life threatening gun shot wounds. I looked out & the bldg. was surrounded by yellow crime scene tape & I swear half of the Portland Police force had the bldg. surrounded!!!! I’d heard sirens, but I hear em all the time around here. I went to my neighbor next door & he told me the guy who was shot died in the stairwell from his wounds. I heard a couple of stories, but the news told a whole different story. They never reported the guy dying. And we haven’t heard anymore about it. The SWAT team showed up & they brought in a dog. I guess they were looking for the suspect, but he go away, form what I heard.
      BUT here comes the good news. Remember I talked about how we need guards here? WELL WE HAVE EM NOW!!!!!!!!!!! We kept telling management we needed 24 hr guards here, but they kept singing the same song, we don’t have the funds for em. We had a resident/ management mtg on Wed. & we got the same song & dance. So I asked pointedly, how much is my life worth to management? How much is my life worth to corporation that owns the bldg.? You should’ve seen the look on her face. You’d think I hit her with a 2×4. Her jaw dropped, eyes got big, & she was speechless. NO ONE had ever put it that was before. I can’t even remember what she said. Probably the same song, second verse, same as the first. But we do have guards on sight for the time being.
      Now for the tests. I’m gonna have to have an angiogram, which means I’ll probably have to have an angioplasty. He says the back of the heart appears that it isn’t getting enough blood supply. I’m more nervous about it this time around. If he says so I’ll have to go under the knife. Not open heart surgery but they go up thru the groin & put in a balloon thing in an artery.
      Adele I can’t believe your still getting snow!!!! We’re about to float away, we’ve had rain, rain & more rain. The Columbia River is starting to flood in the lower lying areas. I’m in no danger from that. We are beyond over this weather. Spring vacation started today for the Oregon kids, but they’re not gonna get much spring like weather. they had a week’s worth of snow days, & I thought they might cancel it altogether to make up the days but they figured something else out.
      I hope those kids get over what ever it is they have. At that age you need to be really careful with high fevers.
      I don’t watch Scandal so you won’t ruin it for me. I watch Designated Survivor, & This Is Us.
      Our Oregon Ducks, quack, quack, basketball team is in the Elite 8. I think they play Sat. night against Kansas(?).
      The Q sure hasn’t had much on for the past few days. Jewelry, makeup, I find borring!! I did catch QF on the other day. Lots of cute tops but no $$$$!!!
      I’ve got my wardrobe for the next 10 yrs!! LOL
      I took pics of my apt, decorated for Easter/spring. Oh yeah, I heard a rumor that spring began this week. I just have one question….WHERE?????!!!!! NOT here! I was watching the Weather channel & they were talking about how hot it is in parts of the country. I’m yelling at the TV, send it here!! Tell the country how cold & wet it is out here in the NW. We’re floating away!!
      I better end this novel before I lose it.
      Have a great weekend, girls. I’m OK
      dd

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    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I’m back. Our Ducks just beat the # 1 Kansas team!!! Can you hear us out there??? The whole state is going nuts!!!
      OK, I’ll get off sports.
      I can’t believe your postmen do things like that, leaving pkgs in the back of a pickup!!! We see during the holiday season videos of UPS drivers throwing pkgs over fences, throwing pkgs around in their trucks, but also thieves walking up & taking pkgs right off the porches. In broad daylight no less. UPS delivers right to my door here, esp if I have to sign for it. I noticed I was getting some of my pkgs from the Q in the mail. They packed my pkgs from QF & Denim & co into my small box. If it’s too big they leave it locked up till I can pick it up.
      I got an email saying my order had been shipped. come to find out one of the QF pedal pushers I wanted went on waitlist, & I didn’t think I’d ever see em. I usually don’t when they go on wait list. So I’ll have 2 pairs of red pedal pushers. that’s ok. Different styles.
      When they were showing the contestants on DWTS, I counted 5 that I know. I get bored when I don’t know many of the stars. I think it’ll come to the athletes at the end. I could see ice skating moves when Nancy did her dance. Same goes for Simone (?). I love Len. Esp when he gives a 10 from Len.
      I don’t think Charo, Mr. T; the guy from SNL (I don’t watch it), & the woman from the Housewives will last very long. I remember Charo from the Hollywood Squares decades ago!! Does that date me or what??!
      I wanted to ask if any of you have bought anything of Issac Mizrahi?? He had the cutest dress on today, but I don’t wear dresses anymore. He’s such a character.
      Well, I’ll get off here now & stop boring you guys.
      dd

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    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Isaac wasn’t wearing the dress, it was his TSV for Sat. Just wanted to make that clear. LOL

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      What a mess at your apartment building. It is nice that they finally decided to get a security guard. I hope that they find some really good person to do that and take care of all of you. How terrible that someone got shot in your building and you did not even know it. I am glad that it did not happen on the floor where you live. That really would have been scary. They should not have young people living in that building. They should have more people that are more settled and not on drugs. That was a good thing to say at the meeting. They need to start thinking about the people in that building and not just of money. You pay them to live there and they should be sure that you are safe in that building. You did a good job with that statement. I bet a lot of people were thinking the same thing.
      That angioplasty is not too bad. My dad had to have that and it really did help him. We will be praying for you and that you will be fine. I think that you will. Try not to worry about it too much. Just let me know the date and we will be praying for you on that day.
      We are getting a lot of rain here also. It rained all last night and most of the day. It is supposed to rain like that a couple more days this week. It was a hard rain and we got a lot. I have not heard anything about any flooding so that is good. We really need the rain though. We did not get the snow we needed this winter so have to make up for it with the rain.
      You always decorate so pretty. I love the pictures that you posted. I wish that my house looked have that good when I decorate. I have to put my Easter things out yet. If I do not hurry t will be too late to put it all out. I love the picture of the cross with the purple cross. It almost looked like it is a 3D picture. That is so pretty. The tulips are so pretty also. Would love to have a field of tulips here at the house but they do not last long and they are gone.
      These kids really do get sick and run high fevers. They said that my grandson could have this fever for 5 to 10 days. He did get rid of his fever but still feels a little sick. Having a fever for that long really takes it out of you.
      I am glad that you wrote to us. We were starting to get worried about you. Just take care of yourself and we all care and worry about you. I am just so glad that they got a guard for you in that building. Now you will not have to worry about it that much. Maybe that will keep those people from coming into your building and sleeping in your laundry room and knocking on your door in the middle of the night.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I’m so glad that you now have those guards. That is a lot of bad stuff that was happening in your building. It’s tough when you are in a multiple family building as you never know who else may be living there also. And there are some crazies in this world. I’m glad that you are all right.
      As Colleen said-let us know when you are having your procedure and we will all be sure to send lots of prayers your way. Have you had an angiogram before?
      Congrats on the Ducks making it to the final four. Greg stayed up late on Friday to watch Wisconsin but they ended up losing. Waa-Waa!
      I did see that dress that was Isaac’s TSV and it was cute-but not for me. I haven’t worn a dress in years. I even wore a mother of the bride pants outfit when Jenny got married. Being short and fat a dress is just not an attractive look on me. I look like a tree stump! lol
      Seeing those baby ducks reminded me of the old days. Does anyone remember when some stores used to give away baby chicks at Easter? I wonder what people ended up doing with them when they weren’t cute little chickens anymore. Speaking of that- a lot of times when you go into our post office at this time of year you can hear people’s shipments of chicks just peeping away in the background. It kind of makes me feel like we live in Mayberry. lol We used to keep chickens at our old house. Having the fresh eggs was nice. Lots of double yolks back in those days.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      The doctors told Jenny the same thing about the fever-that it could last up to ten days. He must have that same kind of flu that we all had. I feel bad that he spent his whole break being sick.
      Our grands are on spring break this upcoming week. Piper will not get to go on the shopping spree yet. It will just be Kendall, her grandma and Gabby and Enya-her cousin Maya usually goes but her family decided to take a last minute trip. I hope the weather is nicer when they are off-the last two days have been very rainy. I guess it’s early April showers.
      Friday was so nice Greg was outdoors working on the pond in shorts.
      Jenny’s family went to see Beauty and the Beast last weekend. She said Piper fell asleep during the movie. I want to see it too but will just wait until it comes out on video.
      We have a really nice UPS guy too. I wish that he could be our mailman.
      Greg cooked dinner last night. He made omelets and potatoes. It was good. We always tease that he would make a good short order cook if he needed a second job. lol
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I don’t watch Scandal either so you don’t have to worry about ruining it for any of us.
      I noticed Shark Tank has been a rerun the last few weeks. I wonder if they are done for the season? Plus the sitcoms have been reruns too but i imagine they will all be coming back with season finales. It seems like the more popular they are the shorter their seasons are-probably because they have to pay the stars too much money.
      I hope Gary wasn’t too sad after visiting his brother. I know it must just break his heart because the person that they were just isn’t inside their body anymore and i know that is an awful feeling to see that. I’m glad that you had plans with another couple to go out to dinner afterwards. Hopefully that cheered him up and took his mind off the visit. As long as he could find something on the menu that he would eat. lol
      I hope that your snow squalls have disappeared. Winter just doesn’t want to give up in your area. Watch now-it will go from 30 to 80 in a day.
      We have rain and fog here. It’s pretty gloomy. I guess we’re paying for the beautiful day on Friday.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!
      Well, his brother was a lot better. They took him off all his meds, and he was talking- not making much sense, but nice to hear him talk. When we walked in he said,”I know you, but I do not know who you are.” It was so nice to hear his voice. He was also able tofeed himslef. He eats pureed foods, of course, but he was able to get the sppon, and get it to his moth. So, all in all, I think it was a good visit. GAry was nto so happy with it, as he is getting rail thin, and looks like he is not eating at all. But, his face had color, and I think that was good too.
      We did do dinner after, so that was a pleasant ending. I was exhausted, as we were out from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. I still have not showered today….LOL
      Gary thinks the reruns are due to the March Madness thing. I hope he is right, as it is way too early for the reruns.
      We watched recorded shows when we got home last night, so we had stuff to watch. We use the DVR function a lot.
      Hope your Sunday is going well. Hope Greg’s back is ok.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Blue bloods was either not on, or was a repeat. All due to the March Madness, I think. We ended up watching shows we had recorded.
      That show about practical jokes sounds like it should not even be on the air. You should call your local TV company, and complain. Unless people call, they will keep those awful things on the air. That was horrible.
      Read my post to Gail about my BIL, and the visit. On our way to meet our friends for dinner it started to hail, and I was freaking. My BIL is about an hour away from us. As we got closer to our area, it turned to rain. Thank God, or I would have gone home instead of out for dinner.
      That is awful about Ethan. I will add a prayer for him tonight. That poor kid. I hope he starts to feel better soon. It is awful when one of our grands gets sick.
      We are all hoping the snow stops up here. In the middle of the week, it is supposed to be in the low 50’s. I will be thrilled, if it does.
      Hope your day is going well. I am watching in the kitchen with Dave- that microwave popcorn thing looks good.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      I promise I will not freak, but, Holy Crap, is there a lot to freak about in your 2 posts!
      First, I am so glad you did not have any incidents on your floor. Thank God. I am thrilled you finally got 2 guards for all of you. It is sad that this all has to happen, but, we are living in difficult times with all the violence. I never imagined we wold need a security system, or that 3 of my neighbors would have break-ins. It is very sad, for this whole country. Please take a look out your door, before you go out, just in case there is someone seemly outside. We elderly have to be more cautious, everywhere we go.
      I hope your procedure, or surgery goes well. I have known a few people who have had that, and they did not have any issues with it. So, if you have to go through the same thing, I will be praying for the same, good outcome for you too. I hope you do not worry too much, because they do wonders with those procedures now. We are lucky we are living in this time for medical treatments, as they are right on top of an issue, before it does damage to us. You will be in my prayers. I hope you will feel good enough the next day, so you can do a quick post and we will know you are home, and all safe and sound.
      Remember- you have all us Quackers rooting for you with the Sky Boss!!!
      Congratulations on your Ducks. You must all have been cheering like crazy over there. Do you have a ig parade for them, like we do?
      I love your decorations. Your place looks so springy, and all ready for Easter. Good work- you do such a nice job making your home cozy and pretty.
      It is cloudy today, but no rain. Later in the week, it will be sunny and in the 50’s- yahoo!
      Please read my posts to Gail and Colleen for the other up-dates.
      Hugs and prayers coming across this fine country of ours!!
      Adele

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      Another soggy day out here. UGH!!! I’m pretty sure the shows on CBS were either postponed or reruns due to the basketball games. They’re coming to an end shortly so the network will go back to regular programming. I remember when they’d be on from the beginning of March preempting all daytime shows, before the cable networks took over broadcasting a lot of the games.
      do any of you get WGN, out of Chicago? They have reruns of Blue Bloods on quite abit. Ya might want to check it out.

      I live on the 12th floor & it’s the best floor in the bldg. Sat, I was over at Kay’s when I was getting ready to leave. As I stood in the door saying goodbye, who should be walking down the hall but a police officer. He was doing a walk thru the bldg. We introduced ourselves & thanked him for his service. It was good to see the police making their presence known.
      Did any of you watch the Cooking with Q day today? I’d love to get one of those air fryers, but can’t afford it right now. Not till I get some of my easy pays paid off. LOL. Adele, did you get the pot stickers? How were they? I’ve wondered if they’re good. They look good on TV. But everything looks good to me. Esp the Junior’s mini cheesecakes!! I love them!!

      I see David’s Carolina Tarheels will be playing our Ducks in the final 4 next weekend. I’m not holding my breath, but ya never know.
      Well, that’s all for now.
      dd

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    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      I’m such an air head. Thank you for your concern, & thank you for the prayers. I haven’t decided when to have the procedure done. I’m apprehensive about it. I shouldn’t be but I am. Thank you for being there for me, even if you are across the country. It means a lot to me.

      dd

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Maybe they will take the girls shopping after they get back from their trip. Hope that they are having nice weather where ever they went. We are getting a lot of rain here also. We really need it though. Maybe we will get showers now and in April. Well it is better showers this time of year then snow I guess. Adele cannot get rid of the snow in her area.
      Beauty and the Beast sounds like it is a good movie. That is funny that Piper fell asleep during the movie. She must have thought it was boring. Kaylee really liked it. She likes anything that will have a princess in it. She thinks that she is a princess.
      I hope that your grands have a better spring break then mine did. Poor Ethan got well again just in time to go back to school. Now we are just praying that Kaylee will not get it and have to miss all that school. They said that she is not showing any symptoms of the flu right now so maybe she will be lucky and not get it.
      Wow the weather must have been nice if Greg could go out in shorts and clean the pond. Did he find any fish in there at all while he was cleaning it? That was just so sad that he lost all those fish.
      How nice that Greg made dinner last night. It sounds good. Ron put a pizza in the oven for us the other night. That is about as fancy as he gets.If he fixed a really good dinner I would be shocked.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      It is nice that Gary’s brother was talking. That really makes a difference. How nice that he had color in his face again and maybe he will put on some weight since he is eating again. They do make the pureed food a little more tasty then they use to. So maybe he will eat more. How nice that you got to go out to dinner afterwards. I can see why you were tired afterwards that was a long day.
      That stupid joke show is on two different channels. We are going to talk to the satellite people and tell them that we do not want those channels on our system. I do not know what they will do or if there is a package that we can cancel to get rid of it. It was kind of embarrassing to watch.
      Well at least today you had rain and not snow. The rain is a lot better. It seems like rain is falling all over the country right now. We still need the rain and am glad that we are getting some. Hope that it makes up for the snow that we did not get. I am still complaining about no snow. lol
      Is it the Farmers John popcorn? That is pretty good we get that a lot. The heavy buttered one even the packages are greasy when you open them. So I would go with the lightly bettered. If it is not enough you can always put more on.
      Thank you for the prayers for Ethan. The poor little guy will be fine by tomorrow and will have to go to school. Just does not seem fair somehow.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen+

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Everyone,
      Colleen, the girls will still get to go shopping since it’s their grandmother that takes them. Maya (Kendall’s cousin) will miss going since her family went away to Florida for spring break. So it will just be Kendall, Gabby and Enya going with their grandmother.
      I think Piper fell asleep because the theater had recliners and she is so active that when she holds still she falls asleep. lol
      We were out shopping yesterday and heard this family talking that they wanted to go see Beauty and the Beast yesterday afternoon and all the theaters around there were sold out. So I guess the movie is really doing well.
      There were absolutely no fish in the pond. They are all gone big ones, little ones and medium size ones. What a shock that was. Greg is determined that he is going to trap the mink now but i don’t think it will be back because it knows that all the fish are gone. it has moved on to our across the street neighbor’s pond.
      DD, Glad to see there has been some police presence in your building. It should make you feel safer. We do get WGN but I don’t watch Blue Bloods so I guess it’s a moot point. I wonder why you get it out in Portland? That’s interesting.
      I too am fascinated by those air fryers. I’m just not sure if I would use it enough to warrent the amount of space it would take up. Ten years ago I would have bought it in a heartbeat but now I am stingier about having the space to store things and only want things that i will use a lot. Those kitties and bunnies together are so cute. Love them!
      Adele, I’m glad that Gary’s brother was talking and looked a little better. I guess no one is going to thrive on pureed food. It’s just used to sustain you. Glad that you got to go out afterwards to kind of clear your brains.
      We went out yesterday to look at kitchen lights and then went over to Costco. We picked up one of their chicken pot pies and some of their stuffed peppers to put in the freezer. We also picked up a big pork loin and a beef tenderloin. Greg bought one of those sealers so we could cut the meat into steaks and roasts and freeze them. I thought that thing was going to go into the garbage as i could hear him having lots of trouble with it. Of course he never bothered to read the manual-that’s such a guy thing! finally after much cursing and moaning he bothered to read the instructions and then the thing actually worked right-what a miracle. So now we have some nice roasts and chops in the freezer. Costco really does have some good meat. It is nice to go there every few months and stock up on some things. Greg was looking for his stretchy jeans that he bought there previously but they didn’t have them anymore. I was laughing when he first bought those home and was so proud of them-as I told him woman have had spandex in their jeans for years and years-men are now just catching up with that. I’ll bet he’d love some men’s Dream Jeannes. Maybe I should suggest that to Patrick. It sounds like you are still having bad weather. Winter just doesn’t want to let you guys go. We are now in the lower 50’s and rain so spring is coming.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Gail
      We have a Costco up here, but do not belong. We go to BJ’s, which is their competitor. They also ave great meats. We do the same thing- get the tenderloin roast, and then cut it up for steals in the summer. It is much more reasonable to do it that way. i am dying for a steak on the grill. It is still raining up here.
      What kind of kitchen lights did you get? Next you will doing the windows over. What did you end up choosing for the counters? I forgot what you originally said. LOL
      That is awful about the fish. Greg must be ticked. Looks like he wants to go to war with the minks. Is this the first time that ever happened? I had a foster home up here who had huge goldfish in a pond, but he put them into big tanks in the winter. They would not make it outside up this way.
      I go back to my back doctor, who is also overseeing my shoulders for the moment. i hope he is pleased with the progress I have made on my own with the exercises. I am. the pain has lessened. It is still bothering me, but, i am now used to the new areas of difficulty. there are some days I have no pain in my arms, and then, with any rain or snow, it is there. It is my new level of normal.
      So, I just made a carrot cake- waiting for it to cool to do the frosting. this is my first one.
      Here is a funny for you. I got a truck/car pan for Steph to make little cakes in. I got a bunny one for me- the new one from Nordic Ware. She sees the bunny one, and says….why do I get the ugly boy stuff all the time, I love bunnies? needless to say, I ended up giving her mine. So, I ordered another one form Amazon- they had the best price. She made cakes with Amanda yesterday, and the boys were thrilled. I will attach a pic of them. So, she saved the best looking bunny cake. Aizen ate it this morning,while she was not looking. She tells me about it, and I hear the Aizen say….”That’s ok Mummy that I ate it”. I nearly died laughing.
      Hope your day is going well,a nd Greg got new fishies.
      Adele

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    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Read my post to Gail for the up to date news over here….LOL
      It was the squishy bowl that you put into the microwave with your own popcorn, and then pop it. The reviews were not great, so I ended up not getting one.
      How is Ethan doing today? I hope he is better.
      it is raining here again today. Hence the cake baking. I have to fix the frosting shortly.
      I hope your weather is better, and that it comes up here!
      Adele

      PS….I hope Sue is ok, as we have not heard from her in a bit.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      You are not an air head. Plus, we like your head just the way it is. With all that we all have going on, we can confuse any date for a procedure.
      Just let us know when you go, so we can say extra prayers!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey DD!
      I love the pics of the animals. how cute.
      I did get the pot stickers. I steamed them, and I did them too much, as they kind of broke apart. I liked the pork better then the veggie, as the veggie was a little salty. We may have them again tonight, as it is only me and Tillie for supper,……with a piece of the carrot cake, of course.
      That is nice that you thanked the police officer for his service, as they do not get a lot of that. I am so glad they are keeping you all safe.
      Hope your day is going well.
      Adele

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      It is stormy here this evening; so I may not be able to write too much. I am so sorry you had all that stuff going on in your building, DD, but glad you and your friends are okay. It is so sad to think that society is the way it is; but I know when my MIL was stabbed when a man broke into her home that it just leaves you with such a feeling of desolation and being afraid. The first time I went back into her home afterwards, and saw all those police fingerprint dustings and the blood stains on the carpet; I just felt like I was going to throw up. You just cannot believe that something as terrible as that could possible happen. I am so glad that you now have good police protection and are being guarded and safer. Just like Adele said, we must be vigilent, watchful, and remember that we are easy targets for those who might be waiting to do us harm. So very sad.
      So Greg is out for the minks, huh Gail? Mabey he needs to hang a sign that warns them “All minks found on this property are subject to punishment up to; and including made into mink coats” That should keep them away. LOL Jerry has his own war with the muskrats and the dreaded moles that burrow all those ditches in our land. It is always something to keep Jerry up in arms over nature and living out here in this wilderness. And you know how I feel about all the creepy crawly things.
      We went over to my MIL’s home a few days ago with Jerrys oldest brother and his wife to inventory things, and our BIL wanted to pick up the cedar chest he had made for them years ago. His wife wanted to take it to their home. I felt so funny being there and going through her things. It just gave me the eeriest feeling like I was really invading her privacy, and to be honest; I could hardly do it; so my SIL did most of the recording of inventory. Jerrys brother feels that someone will ultimately just break into her home again if it just sits there empty, and she really does need all the help she can get from what resources she has; since the 4 of us can only do so much, and her other two sons simply won’t do anything to help. I could just picture our own children facing a similar task one day, and if nothing else, this has made me vow that if I have the strength that one way or another, I am going to get rid of almost everything Jerry and I do not need, and live as basicly as we can. My poor MIL has tons of receipts from 40 years ago, and little notes and boxes with nothing in them, it is pitiful. Well, enough of that, I am making myself feel sad about all of this.
      Hope all the grands are feeling better. Poor babies. And keep us posted on whatever you have going on with your tests, DD, we all quack and stick together. I am SO happy that Gary’s brother was able to feed himself and his color was good. Little things help, don’t they? Your cakes were SO cute. I have to try to find some pans like that and make some cakes for Maw Maw and the staff. I think they would love them. I know you and Tillie enjoyed the carrot cake. Yum Yum Have any of you done and Italian Creme Cake? So good, but does take some time to make one.
      It is starting to thunder; so I better close. Take care everyone and have a good evening. Barbara

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      We are getting a lot of rain here also. It rained all day to day and is supposed to rain more this week. I think that we will have a clear day tomorrow. Then more rain on Wednesday. This weather is crazy but we do need the rain.
      That was nice that you and Kay introduced yourselves to the police man. How nice that must feel to have him around to guard the building and keep all of you safe. It is about time that they did that. They sure did take their time getting guards.
      QVC does have some good food on their shows. They are having food shows all week. We have tried a lot of their food and have liked it all. Well there was one thing that we did not care for that that was Germack. The ones with the chocolate in them. Even the grand kids would not eat it. So we ended throwing it all away so will never have that again. The air fryers look really nice. They are a little pricey though. That would be nice not to have to fry things and still have it taste really good.
      It is hard to make a decision about have a procedure done if you are nervous about letting them do it. I usually pray for guidance so I make the right decision. Just let us know when you decide to have the procedure done.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      I misread your post. I thought that you were talking about the grandparents going out of town. I need new glasses. The kids will have fun shopping. How old does Piper have to be before she can go along also?
      If we went to a theater that had recliners in there Ron and I would be out in a flash. It is not good to get that comfortable. I can understand how Piper went to sleep. That is a really popular movie. Their is not as many people around here so it is not that hard to get in to see the movie.
      Greg may have to put traps out for the mink if he gets fish again. They have people around here that traps the critters for you. Our neighbor has a pond and they had beaver problems and they had to get that guy had to come and trap it. I do not know what they do with them after they catch them. If they catch the minks they would probably kill them for the fur. I can remember a long time ago it was profitable to have mink farms.I do not know if they do that anymore.
      I like the pot pie that Costco makes and has in the meat department. It is so good. It is nice you just have to take it home and stick it in the oven and cook it. They are pretty big at least the ones that we get here. We have never bought the frozen ones. If we buy meat or anything out of the freezer we have to do it in the winter. In the summer it would not be any good by the time we got it home. Ron always forgets to put the cooler in the car.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Those cakes are so cute. I like the bunny one. I am glad that you were able to get another bunny cake pan for yourself. I like the car one also. You will be making some cute cakes for Easter. Aizen is so cute. That is funny that he ate the cake when Steph was not looking. It was nice that he thought it was okay that he ate it. It would be hard not to laugh when he said that.
      I forgot to ask Gail what type of lightening she got for the kitchen. I am glad that you asked her. My mind is off somewhere else tonight.
      I have never seen the bowl that you are talking about. It is nice that they have the reviews on there so you do not buy something that will not work out for you. Even if they have the return policy it is hard to get things back to them in the allotted time. I usually forget until the time is up.
      Ethan got better just in time to go back to school. That was not fair. He missed his whole spring break and will not get another one. They are off for four days over the Easter break. so at least he has that. Hope that he stays well during that break.
      It has been raining here also. I guess that I sent you the wrong type of weather. lol At least it is not snow. Have they been forecasting any more snow for you in your area? All we will be getting is rain.
      Well that is about all from here. Your carrot cake sounds really good. I really like carrot cake but then there are not too many cakes that I do not like.lol
      Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      That would be hard to go thru your mils house. At least you sil did not feel funny about doing it and got everything cataloged. It is not good to leave a house vacant for very long. It was nice that you went with Gary to do that though.
      Our weather is a lot alike. We had rain all day today and last night. I think we are supposed to get a break tomorrow and them more rain. We had the storms last night and just the rain today.
      I have never tried a Italian creme cake. It sounds really good though.Do you make them or do you go to the store and buy them? If you are like me you would go to the store and buy them. I am bad about taking the easy way out.
      How is Neal and his family doing in California? Hope that you have been skyping with them a lot. It is so nice to be able to see the kids no matter how we have to do it.
      Well that is about all from here. Stay safe from the storms.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      I think your BIL is right. Someone will break in again if the empty house just sits there for too long. It’s a good idea to empty it out and sell it to help with your MIL’s expenses. We had to do that when my MIL moved in with us. I know you feel funny going through her things but just think of it as helping her by doing something that she can no longer do.
      It does definitely give one pause about our own stuff though. I agree-I would like to simplify too-but it is difficult and a lot of work too.
      Yes, Greg is after the mink. I really hope that it realizes that the pond is empty and doesn’t come back.
      I’m wondering what will happen when all those frog and toad eggs get laid in the spring. I’m sure the fish probably eat the eggs or the tadpoles and now with no fish I wonder whether we will be overcome by frogs like a Biblical plague. My weird mind just thinks these things.
      Hope the storms passed you by.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      I’m not sure when Piper will get to go on the shopping trip. Maybe when she is kindergarten age?
      In the town where I grew up there was two mink farms at one time but they are long gone. Greg says that the guy that has the store that sells mink coats also has a mink farm but I’m not sure about that. I thought he just had the store. I will have to google it after I get off here.
      I was going to freeze the pot pie that we bought in the meat department for later but it looked so good that instead I kept it fresh and cooked it last night. It is very big so we will have lunches from the leftovers most of this week. Tonight I am going to try some of their stuffed peppers-it will be an easy cooking week. The pot pie was delicious-with so much chicken in there. Nothing like the frozen ones that you get.
      We brought a cooler with us to put the big roasts in. If we go in the summer we need it but in the winter the stuff stays pretty cold still in the trunk. It’s about an hour and 15 minute ride for us in a really really busy area.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I like both the car and the bunny cakes. They are cute.
      Now I will make you jealous and tell you that we had steak on the grill the last two Sundays. Come on over!
      We were just looking for a new chandelier for over the kitchen table. Didn’t find one at the store but did find one I liked at Mayfair.com. Have never ordered form them before so we’ll see. By windows do mean the actual windows or the window treatments-as I am going to change the valances. We are not getting countertops yet. First we have to agree on when to have the guys come in to do the floor. Haven’t decided on a good time yet as no time is really good. lol Because of the mess it makes and thus all the extra work.
      This is the first time that we have lost all the fish. Every once in a while the blue heron gets one but he never comes in the middle of the night like the mink does. Now he has moved on to our neighbor’s pond. Jenny said it happened to her boss one year too-so now he just puts cheap goldfish in the pond. We could never take the fish out during the winter as there are( or were) too many. If your pond is deep enough like ours is it doesn’t freeze all the way down to the bottom but you still need to keep an air hole on the surface to reoxygenate the water for the fish.
      I’m glad that your shoulders are feeling better. Hope that you get a good doctors report. It’s a good thing we didn’t know when we were young that we would have to live with aches and pains when we got older. It would be too scary.
      I love carrot cake with the cream cheese frosting. Yummy!
      That little Aizen is starting to take after Uncle Bobby Cookie Monster-so he comes by it honestly. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi GAil
      I am back from the doctor, and in time to get yet another dam chicken recipe in the crock pot….LOL This one has one onion, chopped garlic, some Italian spices, 1 /3 cup of balsamic vinegar, and a can of kitchen ready tomatoes. There is nothing in there that owuld lead it to be on the “do not like list”, so we shall see. If it is a success, I will write it down for all of you.
      Doctor was pleased I have some gains from doing the exercises myself. Starting PT in 2 weeks, and there better not be any roe ice or snow. I have to call him in 8 weeks ti note my progress, and the report from PT. Then, if he feels I am not getting good enough results, I will be referred to their shoulder doc.
      Aizen is definitely a cookie monster. Today and yesterday they were all doing some Easter craft. They did not tell me what it was. They did say they are trying to perfect something.
      So, what does the chandelier look like? I have purchased a lot of my lighting on line. Hence the error in the huge chandelier that had to get moved to the living room, and yet another one to be purchased for the kitchen. I learned the hard to way look at the measurements. But, I bet Greg is on top of that, as most guys are, and he sounds like he would.
      I meant the window treatments. That was the last thing I did her last year. Do you make yours, or do you uy them? I really like making mine, and then I do annoying pillows too. Tillie uses them for her back in the kitchen chairs, and Gary hates moving them, when he wants to sit on one of those chairs.
      That is too bad about you fish. My fish from Enzo’s graduation is still swimming. He will be 3 years old soon. When he dies, I have a set of the Temptations canisters to put in his place. I just cannot bring myself to murder him for the canisters….LOL
      It is pitch black out here right now, and looks like the heavens are about to open up. Glad I am already home.
      Hope your sun is shining!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      Read my post to Gail for all the info. I always write more on the first one of the day…LOL
      Those cool theme cake pans are really nice. Nordic Ware makes them. They have all kinds for all the holidays. I have 2 of their pumpkin/acorn/leave ones. One is little individual ones, and one is a loaf pan. they do bake very well, just as good a s Temptations.
      That is awful about Ethan. He was robed of his vacation, and it is a lousy way to spend a week off. I hope he does not get sick anymore this year.
      You are sending rain our way. No more snow, though, and I am happy about that.
      Hope you are having a good day.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey girls….what is this pit pie you are speaking of at Costco? Who makes it, and is it worth another year’s membership??
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      Please read the post to the girls for all the info of the day.
      I hope your storms were not too bad, and all is ok over there. It is very dark here, and it is only drizzling. It looks pretty ominous out there, and I am waiting for the rain. Who knows? Maybe we will be lucky today.
      It is awful to have to clean out your parents’ place, especially if they are still alive. I know how awful that must have made you feel. But, I agree with Jerry’s brother, it is just a matter of time before someone breaks in, and they go through all her belongings. Then add identity theft to the list.
      So, what is an Italian creme cake? I am wondering if it is a Ricotta Cake?? This will e a mystery for sure…LOL
      Every one loved the carrot cake, and we have some left for tonight. If tonight’s chicken crock pot recipe is a success, I will post the ingredients for all of you. this one smells real good. But, onion, garlic and tomato always smells good. Now, that is Italian….LOL
      Just heard our weather man say it will be pouring around 9pm. Yuck. At least we will all be home.
      Hope your sun is shining.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      Do they actually kill the minks before they get the skins or do they shear them like they do sheep? That is probably a stupid question. I just have always wondered about that. They are so small that it would take a lot of minks to make a coat.
      We would have eaten it right away also. Those pot pies are so good. Danyielle said that their chicken is really good also. We have never tried their fried chicken or baked whatever they do to it. We really like Costco and shop there a lot more then we use to. It is a nice place to shop and store up on things. We buy a lot of our cleaning supplies from there and paper towels. The paper towels are just as good as what you buy at the stores. We also get our Kleenex there. We buy it the last of the summer and it lasts us all winter. It is really nice. Let us know what you think of the stuffed peppers. If they are good we will try them also. If you like quiche they have some good ones there in the refrigerated section. They are usually in the section with the cheese.
      They advertise that Mayfair on tv a lot here. I hope that you are happy with what they send you. That is another thing that you can let us know about. May have to put that on a place to check out. I never thought that you could order things like that over the internet.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      We were talking about a pot pie. Like the ones that you can get frozen at the grocery store but this is fresh. They are really big and good. Would be nice to have around for unexpected company.
      Good luck with your chicken recipe that you found this time. Hopefully Gary will like this one and eat a lot of it. That would be terrible to do all the cooking that you do and have a picky eater. It would be hard to make the things that he likes all the time. Good luck with this one.
      That was good news about your shoulder. You are doing a good job. Hopefully with the exercises that you are doing and going to pt you will not have to have any thing else done to your shoulder. That would be great. Just keep at it.
      It will be interesting to see what the craft is that they are working on. Maybe they will bring it over Easter and you will get to see it. I guess that if it does not turn out good you will never get to see it. lol Sounds like they are having a lot of fun making it whatever it is.
      Did you watch DWTS last night? If that Charo is on there much longer I am not sure that I can watch it. She is a mess. She really drives me crazy. She is too old to act like that. She needs to stop and act her age. She could have fun without acting the way she is. I felt sorry for the guy that she is dancing with. He tried to hold her back last night but not with much success. I was glad that they sent that guy from Saturday night live home last night. It just looked so painful for him to dance. It probably was. It was brave for him to try and dance and they way he was talking I imagine that Whitney was afraid of hurting him if she did too much.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      They do kill the mink because they use the pelts to make the coats. That’s why the Peta people get all up at arms about furs. That’s also one of the reasons that a real mink coat is costly-it takes a lot of animals to make it. I researched the mink store in our area and they do farm the mink themselves that they use in their furs.
      We like the Costco cleaning supplies too and the paper goods. You are right the Kirkland brand paper towels and toilet paper are just as good as the name brand stuff. Their kitchen garbage bags are also good.
      We had the stuffed peppers last night and they were excellent. Even better than the homemade ones that I get from the local butcher shop. Plus they stuff them in the red, yellow and orange peppers which have a little sweeter taste than the green. I would get them again for sure.
      Thanks for telling me about the quiches. I wish I had looked for them when we were just there. I used to be able to get frozen ones from two different grocery stores but now one store went out of business and the other stopped carrying them so I have been looking for a new source. I used to make my own but having the ones in the freezer is so much more convenient at this stage in my life. I did find a place to order them online but haven’t tried them yet but now I will remember to look for them at Costco the next time that we go back.
      I wonder if the Mayfair that you see advertised is an actual furniture store too. Heck now a days you can get anything online. You literally never have to leave your house. Gosh you can even buy a coffin at Costco! How’s that for one stop shopping? lol
      I’m with you. I hope Charo goes soon even though she is probably better than Mr. T who should go next. Her whole schtick might have been cute for one minute 50 years ago when she was 25 but now she just looks like a pathetic old woman hungry for attention. It really makes me feel sad and embarrassed for her.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Adele,
      That was good news from the doctor. I hope you continue to do well so you can avoid that shoulder surgery. I will keep my fingers crossed.
      Maybe the craft is something that they are going to surprise you with at Easter. Kids do usually love making stuff and having it be a surprise is even better.
      I will post a picture of the chandelier that I am thinking about. Haven’t made a definite decision yet. I had already thought about the size issue and then Greg mentioned it to me also. I still have to compare the measurements with my existing fixture.
      Did you ever hear of a fandelier? They have a fan right in the light fixture rather than having a ceiling fan with a light fixture. That’s kind of a neat idea depending on how much air they circulate. I think they also have some ceiling lights like that. I will have to do further investigation on those. I wouldn’t mind replacing my kitchen ceiling fan with that.
      I buy my curtains. Many years ago I would sew a simple panel curtain but I don’t even have a sewing machine anymore and I don’t miss it as sewing was a practicality rather than a passion. I just picked up a couple of new valences for the small windows in the kitchen and the big french doors there have custom made pull down shades so they will stay as they are great and go with anything.
      I have kind of a love/hate relationship with throw pillows. They are cute and colorful but they can also be a pain as I don’t use them so am always just throwing them on the floor. However, at Jenny’s house their couch is very deep so I do need to use one there otherwise I would never be able to get up off of it. lol
      I just watched your boy Tom Selleck on the fourth hour of the Today show this morning. You would be jealous as he and Kathy Lee Gifford shared a big smooch in memory of one that they had shared years ago on her show with Regis. Guess what-he is a picky eater too! He said that he doesn’t eat many things and what’s on his plate is usually beige-potatoes are his favorite. I guess you just have a penchant for men who are picky eaters. lol Would you complain about the way he eats if it were Tom that you were talking about? lol So I guess he’s not the perfect man. lol
      Gail
      The first picture is the light I originally saw on the Home Dept website and the second is the one from Mayfair. I like that one better as I like soft lines better than angles. So I have ruled out the Home Depot one.

      Attachments:
    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Duh! I am a dummy-it’s Wayfair not Mayfair. I left my brains in my other suit. lol
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      I think all our brains are in the same basket. Hopefully, we will get them back on Easter.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail!
      I like the one from Wayfair too. The other one looks too modern for my taste, and I think the same way.
      I have never heard of this fandelier thing. That must be new. Also new is some funky “sift spoon” for babies. Not sure if I have the right name. Every time you turn around, they invent something, and give it it’s own name.
      I have a funny feeling I would tolerate the food issues from Tom Selleck a lot more, as I bet those come with his own chef….LOL
      So, last night THE HUSBAND had 2 helpings of the chicken. Do you believe it?? I finally have a hot on my hands. It is about time.

      Here is the recipe:

      Slow cooker balsamic chicken

      2 tbsp oil
      4 6 oz chicken breasts (I used thighs, as the breasts just dry out too much)
      1 tsp salt
      1 tsp pepper
      1 onion, sliced (it was too hard, so I suggest cutting it up more)
      4 cloves of minced garlic
      1 tsp each of: oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme
      1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
      1 can Kitchen Ready tomatoes

      put oil in bottom of crock pot
      add chicken
      add onion and garlic over chicken
      mix spices together, and distribute over chicken
      pour vinegar over chicken, then add the can of tomatoes.
      cook 2 1/2 to 3 hours, on low, depending on your crock pot.
      serve over pasta, if you like.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen!
      So, is that pot pie their own brand? The ones at the supermarket are really not enough for the 4 people we have here.
      I cannot stand Charro. I am so sorry they did not vote her off. She is out of control, and looks pathetic, and dangerous.
      Did you see the xray of the guy they voted off? here is the scary part. that is what my back doctor will do to me, if one more disc gives way above the repair he did twice. He did the first repair, and then the one above it gave way and he took out the old repair, and made it longer. So, if it happens again, he will have to do my whole back, and I do not want that done. It looked scary seeing it on a xray. My back has the same rods/screws/pins, but it goes up about 6 inches or so, from the bottom.
      i posted the recipe on Gail’s post. It was a huge success. I am so glad I finally got one we can all live with.
      So, the sun came out for about an hour, and now it is cloudy again. Dam.
      Steph may come over for a while later, as Jhonny is home, and he says he wants to relax today. He probably needs a nap. We can ahve tea when she comes. I recorded the View, just in case I miss it again. I missed it yesterday- did I miss anything good??
      Tonight is Designated Survivor- I love that show too.
      Hope your day is going well….I have started my baking list/schedule for Easter.
      Adele

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      We will have to try the stuffed peppers. Costco is just a really good place to shop. They have a lot of good things.The prices are not too bad either. One thing that I like about them that we did not like about Sam’s club is they seem to keep the same things in stock. We use to go to Sam’s club and they would not have the same things each time. You can also ask them to bring things back and they will but Sams would not do that. They said that they had no control over what they receive. So we gave up and went to Costco. we could not find the quiches at any stores around here so was glad when we found them at Costco.
      I had the wrong name it is Wayfair. My mind is gone it is just getting worse. They show all these people getting all this stuff and it is free shipping and handling. That is a big plus. I liked both of the chandeliers. Have you decided which one that you like the best? Either one would look good in your kitchen. It will be nice when you get your kitchen done and your living room. I have not seen the coffins in Costco. That is really creepy. I guess it stands to reason they sell everything else. It would be interesting to hear how they decided to sell those in the store.
      Yes I am ready for Charo to go home.She is just annoying. They should not treat her like she is a child she is an older woman and is not acceptable to act like that. I just feel sorry for her partner. He has his job cut out for him that is for sure.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Yes the pot pie is made there fresh. They are really good and feed a pretty big family. They always have good food there and a lot of other things. Just wish it was closer to where we live.
      It was scary to see his x-ray. He must be in pain all the time. He did say that it would not take much to hurt himself again. I bet that was really scary for Whitney. That was not fair for him to go on there when he knew that he could not do it. Charo is just pathetic. I do not know how they can keep her on the show. They need to vote her off next week. They never give that guy that is dancing with her a good partner. He was voted off the show early on that show also. Maybe in the fall they will give him a good partner. I am glad that the show is only on one day a week this time around. It was way too much when they had it on for two days.
      Thank you for posting the recipe. It sounds good. Congratulations on making something new that Gary will eat. Wow he even had two helpings that is a break thru. Did everyone else like it too? That has to be so hard for you to cook meals and he never likes them.
      Wow your back is really bad.You just really have to take it easy or you could really hurt yourself. I guess you know that without me telling you. Glad that it sounds like you will not have to have shoulder surgery.
      Wish I could help you out with what was on the View. I never do watch that. It is just not a show that I like to watch. If they decide that they do not like someone they really do mean things to get rid of them. There have been so many women that have left that show. Are any of the original people still on there? I cannot remember who was on the show at first.
      It is cloudy here today also. We are supposed to have some thunder storms tonight so am trying to get done on here before they hit. We are hoping that they go around us and we just get more rain. Guess we will have to take what we get.
      The only thing that I am baking for Easter is the cream puffs. Everybody likes them and I can make the sugar free for my mom and me. I guess that they are not going to have those cakes that I got last year. That is what all the kids are wanting.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      We are in a rainy pattern now also. Plus it’s kind of chilly again too.
      We used to have a membership to Sam’s years ago but we never really used it that much so we just let it lapse. I think besides the products Greg also likes that we use the Costco credit card and then get the money back on purchases at the end of the year.
      I am going to order the second choice of the chandeliers. I did notice that they did have free shipping on it so that will be a nice savings-plus there has been a big price slash on it also. Who doesn’t like a sale price?
      I feel bad for Charo’s partner also. He has been on there several times and has never gotten a good partner.
      I wonder if or when Maks will be back after his calf injury. They are not saying much about whether it is bad or not.
      I believe the original cast of The View was Barbara Walters, Star Jones, Debbie Matenopolous and Joy Behar.
      Joy is the only one still on there-although she did leave for a couple of years and then came back so even she hasn’t been on the whole time.
      Are you having a big group for Easter? I’m still not sure what we are doing. Last year we went to a local brunch and then the kids came over in the afternoon for sandwiches and Easter baskets. I haven’t seen that brunch advertised this year so maybe they are not having it. Too bad if they’re not as that was a no fuss no muss holiday for me.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      I had a feeling that you might make an exception for Tom. lol
      I’m glad that Gary liked the dinner. I would have to make it with breasts as Greg likes white meat and i like dark meat. At least we don’t fight over the pieces from a whole chicken. lol I think the juices from the crock pot would keep the breasts moist enough.
      It still kind of amazes me that a young mother like Steph doesn’t drive. It’s going to get harder and harder as the kids grow and get involved in more activities. Is she afraid to learn?
      Speaking of that Greg just mentioned that his friend Bill from NY has a grown son who has never had a license. I guess that is the case with many people in large cities as they always use public transportation. I remember them talking on The View that Barbara Walters never had a license.
      Now if you live out where we do you have to have one or you would never go anywhere. There are no buses or taxis and such. So out here the kids want their licenses as soon as they turn 16. And as a parent you are glad when they get them. I swear when they were growing up sometimes I drove into town to drop them off or pick them up 5 or 6 times a day. After a while you feel like a taxi service.
      We are rainy and chilly here today but i think I’m starting to detect little teeny tiny buds of green on some of the trees.
      Gail

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      The chandelier will look really nice in the kitchen. That would have been a hard choice to make. The one you picked looks more like the homey one. The other looked like a modern one. I am not saying this the way I mean it. I think that Adele said it the right way. They both are really pretty though.
      We have our card with Danyielle and so we let her have the money back that we get. She buys a lot more then we do anyway. We did it that way because Ron and I always go in there together and so do her and Kevin. It was better for both of us to do it that way. With her having a family and there is only the two of us she can use the discount.
      I have been wondering about Max also. It does not sound like he will be back right away. I wonder where he went to have his calf looked at. He flew somewhere but did not say where. I did not realize that he was engaged to Peta. They make a cute couple. Their baby is so cute also. I hope that things work out for them.
      Yes everyone will be here for Easter. Mom will be here also. She always comes here for Easter and celebrates Christmas with my brother and oldest sister. We just go and see her a few days after Christmas. My brother comes also. We are the only ones with little ones right now so she enjoys watching the kids look for the Easter eggs. Aliza will be a lot friendlier with her at our house then she is at my mom’s house. She knows her way around here.
      Ron got me a spice cabinet. It is really nice. It is an old one and we need to find a cabinet or table to set it on. I am looking for a cabinet so we can store some things in it. We have a couple of racks in the kitchen and they just collect dust. So you have to dust everything off all the time. Will be glad to get rid of them.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good day.
      Colleen
      p.s. hope that the place where you went for the brunch will be open on Easter. That sounded like such a nice place.

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      I guess Charo is threatening to quit DWTS. She is very upset that her scores are so low. She also thinks Mr T should have gone and not Cris. Guess she does not know it isn’t all about her. Macs won’t be dancing on Monday. He does not know when they will clear him to dance again. I read that in an interview with him.
      I won’t be writing on here much as I have no husband, kids or grandchildren so have nothing to add that you are interested in as those are the only things you discuss. While I like to know how everyone is and what the kids are doing it is not a topic I can comment on. Besides I will be busy getting ready for surgery and then recovering.

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue!
      I am sorry you feel that way.
      I know you like to bake, and we could share what we are baking every week.
      I also do needlepoint- do you do any crewel or needlepoint?
      I hope you continue to post every once in a while, so we know you are ok.
      Do you have a date for the surgery yet? I would e happy to share my knee surgery recovery with you, and we can compare notes.
      Hope your day is sunny. Ours is, but, it is going to snow again this weekend.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail
      So, today’s crock pot dinner is Beef Bourgignon. I am not telling Gary it has some wine in it….LOL
      Steph is scared to drive. I have no idea why. It could be because she is only 5 feet tall. I have tried several tactics to get her to get he license, an none have worked. I gave up. When I was a kid, I could not wait to get mine- nobody could. Sometimes I think Steph is a throw back to the 1950’s.
      We are getting snow again on Saturday, and we were to go out with Ron and Joyce. I do nto think that will happen, unless they screwed up the snow forecast.
      I have a good one for you. So, THE HUSBAND brings home this hideous file cabinet form a customer, and thinks he will paint it white, and use it in the office. As soon as I got sight of said cabinet, I called went on Macy’s site for home office furniture. needless to say, a new file cabinet, with a book case top, will be delivered tomorrow.
      So, THE HUSBAND asks why I spent the money on a new file cabinet, and I say….did you thin you were goign to get away with bringing in that hideous piece of metal? Now, you can get a 2.00 trash sticker to throw it out, as it is getting evicted from the back yard. Seriously??
      I admit, his file cabinet needed to be replaced. But, I did not think it was an emergency, until he made it one….LOL
      Bobby was hysterical when he saw the one in the yard, and said….did he really think you would let that in here? Gary needs constant supervision. He almost sneaked that one in here, as I was out the day he had Frankie bring it home. As soon as I saw it,the games began. So, he says to me….I already got the paint. I added….sell the paint to one of our customers, or return it. The rest of the family has found this very amusing.
      Hope the sun is out over there- ours is, but, we will be paying for that over the weekend.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      OMG….I meant the Chew, not the View….LOL I finally decided to record all the chews automatically, so I will never miss another one. I can delete the ones I am here to see.
      Everyone loved the chicken one, so this was the one chicken crock pot keeper. Tonight, I am doing the Beef Bourgignon- never did that one before. they always love the beef ones. this one has some bacon, and then you sear the beef in the bacon juices before adding to the crock pot, and it has a little red wine, and mushrooms. Potatoes and carrots are in there too. I hope they like this one….LOL
      I am making the traditional Pizza Ghiena, Ricotta pie, Anise cookies, individual Cream cheese pies, and Greek cookies. We are having ham, with mashed, and roasted vegies- corn for Gary. I am doing another chocolate centerpiece too. I liked doing that, as they picked at it for desert, and I do not put any chocolate in their baskets.
      I agree with you and Gail and Sue on DWTS. I think it will be great if Charro quits.
      I do watch the View a lot, and sometimes miss that one too. I get a kick out of Joy and Whoopie. I find them amusing. Some of the things they come out with are hysterical. I cnanot believe what they get away with saying on TV.
      Hope your day is sunny. We have one day of sun, and then we get whacked again.
      Adele

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      I did not say I would never post just not often. As I have nothing to say of interest. My surgery is May 10th. But I go next Tuesday April 4th for a lot of testing 3 different appts. so I will be over there all day as the last apt is at 2:30 and is to last 2 to 3 hours. I am sure I will be tired that night. Then I go to my Doctor April 13th. That does not make sense to me. But they said he must clear me for surgery and he is the one that sent me. I think they just want to collect another co pay. So with all the appts and I want to make some things ahead and put in the freezer for when I get home so I can just heat something up. If you have anything to tell me about knee replacement I will read it. I do like to cook and bake but do not bake much now. I have no one to help eat it and cannot take it to work as I no longer work although they would still eat it if I took it.

    • Barbara Smith
      Participant
      Post count: 418

      Hello Ladies! It is so windy here today and my chimes are really playing me some tunes. It sounds so pretty. You all know what a sucker I am for outdoor pretties. I had to really stop myself from ordering a hanging solar light to go out under one of our favorite trees out in the front. We had it dug up from a mans yard about 40 miles from here with this huge piece of equipment and transported out to our land about 20 years ago. It is another one of those Ginko trees that Jerry loves and I had bought it for him for our anniversary. They take about 100 years to obtain full height; and live thousands of years. They are mentioned in the Bible. Anyway; enough on our trees; I know you all must think we are whacko about things like this.
      I saw where you all were talking about driving or not. I have been driving since I was about 10. Daddy would take us kids down to a real deserted place on the Mississippi River and let us all take turns going around a big flat area (with him right beside us of course) and we just thought it was such a wonderful day. And Dad told us that when he was a young boy, that living out in the country, many children had to be the only driving person of the family to care for the family; if something kept the father away for extending periods; like logging, or moving away from the family to find work. It is so interesting how many things change with each new generation.
      Do any of you all do the family history research? One of our sons is very interested in looking back and learning all he can about our families history. I have to admit; I enjoy it too. You all are so fortunate to have your Mom’s to tell you stories of your family backgrounds. I know that there is so much I wish they had shared with me; but do remember hearing whispering about my Dad; who had a brother who was involved in some kind of gambling debts and ended up taking his own life. I never heard my Dad speak even his name; even after I was grown, and my Mom asked me not to ever ask Dad about him; but I regret not doing so.
      Sue, you have lots to add to our little group. Hope you reconsider and add some news from your “neck of the woods”. For one thing; I would love to hear how you are spending your new found free time since retirement. I could live vicariously through your new life. Good to hear from you anytime you want to join us. You must look over me for all the gushing I do over the new grandbaby. I can so remember how in my younger days I used to feel so bored when others would babble on about the next generation and wish they would please stop. We are all just at different points in each of our days, and I know that for me personally; my life is so hectic; it gives me a chance to find that “sun behind those clouds” moments.
      Adele, there is a perfect recipe for Italian Cream Cake by Trisha Yearwood on the Food Network site. It is just like mine, and I think there is even a video that goes with it. We really love it. Hope if you give it a try; that your family does too.
      Colleen, I so agree with you about how inappropriate a lot is on TV and the movies nowadays. It used to embarass me so much when something like naked things just popping up unexpectedly; and my boys would be sitting there all together. I am not pruddish, but I just think the way they talk and act would make me cringe. So I am with you on this too.
      Take care all and hope you have good evenings. From the windy South, Barbara

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Sue
      I went through the same thing. You get an EKG, then a huge amount of blood and urine, and an x ray. Your doctor has to review all, and do the “clear you thing”, no matter what. that is relatively new- past 7 years or so?? The last time I even got a nose swab, whihc they tested for the MURSA bacteria. For 2 of my surgeries, I was still working, and tested positive for that virus in my nose. That meant it was present, and it could attach itself to the metal they were putting into me. So, I had to wash with this really gross stuff for a week prior to the surgery, and naturally, the day of too. It killed any of that bacteria on your body, so it would not get you. The last surgery, I did not test positive for it, but I was not seeing hundreds of people every day anymore.

      It is a lot of crap to go through, prior to, but they are being proactive to make sure you will come through with no issues. It is annoying to have to see your primary, I totally agree!

      On to the surgery. I do not know what your level of pain tolerance is. But, I have found if you take the smallest amount of the pain meds they give you, you will do better. They tell you to take pain meds before the PT person comes. I can tell you, if you do, you will not be able to do what they want you to do- you will be too woozy. Then you will not get the movement back you need to get.

      I can also tell you the pain from the surgery is way less than the pain you have been dealing with right now. It is a different kind of pain. I know you can do this. You are a strong woman, and I know you will do the exercises, and be ahead of where they want you to be. It was easier for me to come up my stairs after the surgery, than it was prior to the surgery. I was literally dragging that leg behind me.

      Now to the food. They told me I needed more protein, and milk for my bones to heal. Also, a lot of fluid to get all that crap out of your body that they put in there. Oh….do not be surprised if you get a UTI. They keep the catheter in for 2 days, and that gives everyone a UTI. I felt sicker form the UTI when I came home, than the surgery.

      Make sure you have either a handicap toilet, or one of those commodes that go over your toilet to make it higher for you. also, make sure you have a shower seat, and a walker. The hospital will get the equipment you need for you. I suggest getting it there, before you have the surgery, as you live alone, and that would be harder on you to set it up.

      I think that is all I can think of for now, unless you have any questions. I would be happy to answer anything I have not already thought of.
      We will all be praying, and pulling for you!!
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Barbara
      Well, I was really lucky in college. I was down to my dad and one Aunt on his side left, and I was assigned a Family History as a final paper for a sociology class. (I went to school after I was divorced, so I was an adult) It was the best thing I ever did. I interviewed my dad and Auntie Mary on Easter Sunday, and it was before my Auntie got cancer, so I was so terribly lucky. Best thing ever, and you cannot believe the things I found out. I laughed and laughed.
      When my Italian grandparents came here, my Nonna worked as a seamstress, and my Nonnu was a barber. My Nonna made 7.00 a week, and save 3.00 to buy a house. They got their house, actually when she died, she owned 4 houses. I never knew my Nonnu, as he died before my parents got married.
      That was only one thing I learned….LOL
      hope your evening is going well!
      Adele
      PS…I will google that recipe tomorrow.

    • Anonymous
      Inactive
      Post count: 643

      Just read Maks needs surgery. It showed him in the bed in the hospital. So I don’t know but he may be out a while.

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Sue,
      It sounds like we have a few things in common. I don’t have a husband, boyfriend, kids or grandkids. At first I felt the same way, that I didn’t have anything to contribute to the conversations, & even said so at the beginning. I live out in the NW so about all I talk about is the weather out here. IT probably gets boring, but some days that’s all I have to talk about. So when I don’t have much to say, I just wait a few days till I do have something to say. That’s why you don’t always see a post from me on here. We’ll all be pulling for you when you have your surgery. I have a friend who’s had both hips replaced. Not at the same time tho. And I had open heart surgery in 1982 to patch up a hole in the heart. And I may have to have an angioplasty some time soon. My cardiologist will see me again the first week of May to see if I should have it. I’m 67 & having something done is scary. It’s no doubt simpler nowadays, but I’ll keep all of you posted. I just went thru a battery of tests a couple weeks ago, for the heart. I went in to the lab at 7:45 & didn’t get home till afternoon!!! They did an EKG, a nuclear stress test & echo cardiogram. I was exhausted when they got done. It took me a couple days to recover. And the vampires did take blood.

      Adele, “THE HUSBAND???? All I can say is WOW!!!! Did you forget his name?? LOL He must be in the dog house for sure. Too bad we don’t live closer, I’d take that metal file. I could put it to good use!

      We were promised back when they were doing the construction on the bldg that we’d get new appliances. They put new appliances in the 2 floors of the hotel apts we lived in while they worked on our apts. So we were supposed to get em too. Well I got mine today!! I got a normal sized fridge & stove. We had small appliances & most apts still have em. I had to rearrange my whole living room for the fridge. The old one fit under some kitchen cupboards but the new one is a lot taller so it wouldn’t fit there. It’s next to the kitchen counter now. I’m NOT complaining!! I love the new appliances!! I haven’t used the new stove yet. Of course there’s another one who is totally confused, (Jewell). Every time she comes out it seems like something has been moved to another spot. Now that they’re in, now I can finish up & get it back to some normalcy. If that’s possible.
      Speaking of Jewell, she has an apt for Monday to get her hair cut. I’m late doing it since it was cold the first of this month. But it’s warming up now. The rain has tapered off. We’re actually seeing sun breaks during the day. Then after she gets her hair cut, she gets to go to the vet. Pooor baby.
      Oh, I think you’ll get a chuckle out of this. Yesterday when I got up & came out here, I found one of my little stuffed bunnies was on the floor. I have a feeling someone was checking out things & knocked it off the shelf. lol I have no proof, but I doubt the bunny hopped off by itself.
      I’m sending more Easter pics. Do you see the Temp-tations in my display? I love putting em out on display during the holidays.
      If ya don’t hear from me before hand have a wonderful weekend.
      dd

      Attachments:
    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      You have a lot to contribute. You talk about things that you watch on tv things that you cook and having dinner with friends and things that happen in your apartment. We never find you boring. We all just talk about our daily lives. We all have a crush on Tom Selleck and think that he is a hunk.lol Please do not ever think that you are boring. We love hearing from you and listening to what ever you want to talk about. We all have been talking about our weather. It has been so crazy this year. The year is just starting and it could get more interesting.
      Jewel looks so cute after you get her hair cut. She is such a pretty cat. I think Jewel is a she I cannot remember. I bet that is confusing to her to have all this stuff changed around all the time. Maybe they will not do anything else to your apartment that will confuse her.
      Your temptation fits right in with your decor. The beads that you put around your table did you get them at a craft store or where did you find them? That really makes the table look nice. Thank you for all the pictures that you post they are so pretty and cheerful. Really do appreciate it.
      Well I hope that you bunnies behave themselves tonight and do not jump off the table again. lol Jewel was just looking for someone to play with.
      That is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Your beef sounds really good. I have never made that before that either. Let us know what you think of it and post the recipe if it is a keeper. I hope that Gary likes it. I always dvr the chew. If I didn’t I would never see it. I have a few shows that I tape all the time. Do you ever watch the Harry Connick show? He comes on in the morning. I like to watch him sometimes it depends on who his guests are. One thing about the dvr you can fast forward if you do not like the person that is on or if it gets boring.
      You have me beat with the desserts. I am just making that cream puffs and hope that I can get that cake from sweet endings. I am going to have to talk to someone from qvc and find out what is going on with them. I really love their cakes they are so good. My neighbor had some of it also. We sent some down to her and her husband.
      Well Gary has finally joined the junk collectors group. Ron and Jerry bring things like that home all the time. You will have to start building sheds in the back yard to store things.lol We have three sheds now. He does not bring a lot of things in the house now. I get aggravated with him and threaten to get rid of everything that he has in the house now. Sometimes it works but most of the time it doesn’t. I would like to have just one room that is all my stuff and not his garage sale finds or junk yard finds.
      All we are getting here is rain. So just hope that it is gone by Easter. Read that you are getting more snow. Now that I did not send your way. I just sent the rain the other day. lol Hope that they are wrong.
      well that is about all from here. Have a great night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Barbara,
      Whenever anyone talks about trees I think of that guy that use to date my youngest. He brought us a tree that they dug up out of his mom’s yard. It was a pear tree. Ron and I were both speechless. We have never had someone bring us a tree. He even planted it in the yard but we had to dig it up later and move it. I bet that the Ginko trees are really pretty. The things that you have in your yard must really be pretty. It is nice to have those things that sparkle and shine in the sun. Chimes are really pretty also.
      I was like the rest of you. I could not wait to get my license. My dad was different then your Barb he did not want us to drive his car. He would not even let my brother drive it.When he got his license he bought him a car and he was going to buy one for us girls but we had to share it and pay for the insurance. My second oldest sister did not want to share a car with us or have to pay the insurance so that took care of that. There was five of us so he could not buy each of us a car.
      It would be fun to look up our family history. We know a lot about my mom’s family but dad never talked about his.So would like to find out about them. Maybe one day we will do that. I know that my dad had an uncle that was a boot legger. Would really like to find out more about him. We will have a hard time finding about his family because all of the aunts and uncles are now gone and a lot of the cousins that were my dads age are gone also. So it would really be starting from scratch. Hope that your son had success doing this. Let us know how it is going along and if it is hard to do.
      Barbara you should not apologize for gushing over you new grandchild. They are our pride and joy and it is hard not to talk about them all the time. It is just the place that we are in our lives. We all made choices when we were younger and we all just decided to get married and have a family. It is the joy of my life and love to talk about them. We all talk about a lot of other things also. Food, tv shows, shopping on the q. Tom Selleck.lol
      Well that is about all of that. I guess I better get off of here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Sue,
      You have plenty to contribute-you just don’t realize it. Besides talking about family we also talk about cooking, TV shows, decorating and of course all our aches and pains and Drs. appointments. I’ll bet that you have something to contribute about all of those things. Just jump right in-you know we all like to chat about anything and everything. Also, I am curious-what would you like to talk about? If it’s something that we know something about or have an opinion about I’m sure we would all contribute.
      Please keep us up to date on your preop visits and your surgery. I know if we all lived closer we would be bringing over some dishes for you to help out after your surgery. It has to be tough not having anyone to stay with you for a few days after surgery. You are brave to take this on with no help. Just think how much better your knee will feel afterwards and keep your eye on that prize. Which knee will it be? And do you have intentions of having the other one done in the future? My brother had both hips done but at two different times and now he is out riding his horses again-so they can do wonders now with replacements. It sounds like Adele gave lots of good advice-she is sort of our bionic woman. lol
      Thanks for the update on Max. I had a feeling the injury might have been more serious than he was letting on. Do you know if he and Peta have set a date? I know you said Charo was threatening to quit. What do you think about how she acts and how she looks? Do you still watch Big Brother? I think it’s on in the summer-is that right?
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi DD,
      I agree-it is scary when we have to have a medical procedure-especially at this stage in our lives. We will all be pulling for you when you have your angiogram-keep us posted on what is happening and when.
      Wow! I’ll bet you are delighted with the new stove and fridge. Were you one of the first ones to get the new ones. I know how that is with the sizing. We have a certain size cutout for a fridge so we cannot get one bigger than what we have in there already. I think next time I get a new one I’d like a freezer in the bottom model rather than the side by side. it just doesn’t seem wide enough sometimes. As long as we could still have water and ice in the door somehow with that model. I’m not sure if you can. i should ask my daughter as she works at an appliance store.
      Hey Jewell thought that she was bunny hunting and she caught one. lol
      The temptations look pretty on the table. Is that blue one an egg shaped plate? That is so cute!
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Barbara,
      You are not whacko talking about your trees. Greg planted all the trees on our land and he loves each and every one of them-so I really do understand.
      Out here the farm kids always learned how to drive first and were driving around their property way before they were 16. Years ago they got time off of school to help with the crops during planting and harvest.
      I would love to know more of our family history but since anyone before my great grandparents are from Poland I’m sure all those records were probably lost during the wars. However just like all of us I wished I had learned more about my grandparents and great grandparents when there were still people around to ask. One of our nephews has a wife whose father has traced their family back since before the revolution. I think it’s easier to trace things the longer that your family has been in this country.
      I wonder from all of us that post here who has had family in this country the longest.
      At this time of the year there is a program on TLC called Who Do You Think You Are? They take a celebrity and look into their genealogy-it’s really interesting. It’s a short season only about 8 episodes. It’s on Sunday nights-this week they are doing Jessica Biel.I really enjoy watching this.
      I’m going to look up that Italian Cream Cake-it sounds good and I like The Pioneer Woman.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Sue- that is awful about Maks. I love him. Plus it make sit harder for his partner to learn from a new teacher too.
      Adele

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Colleen,
      You will have a houseful for Easter. I’m glad that your Mom and brother will come too. I’ll bet your Mom loves seeing the grands and the great grands. It’s good that Aliza will be more comfortable at your house-then your Mom can really see her up to her cute baby stuff.
      How nice that Ron found you a spice cabinet. Does it have the bottles inside of it. I hope that you can find a good place to put it.
      Don’t know what is up for this weekend. Something good I hope.
      Gail

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Hi Adele,
      So did Gary like the dinner? So-don’t tell me- he doesn’t like wine either? You have to sneak it into the dish-that might be tough as you can often smell the wine in the food. At least I can. But I’m easy. I love wine!
      I had to laugh when you said that Gary needs constant supervision. People might think that you are talking about a three year old. lol
      I see you are to get more snow. Lucky duck! Just kidding!
      If i were you I’d be ready to pack for Florida.
      Hope that you get that dinner out at least. Have a great weekend.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      i did notice the Temptations, and they look great. I leave a lot of mine out too. I now have the kitchen decorated in “early pumpkin/harvest”. LOL

      Oh yes, he was in the dog house. he has been let out, as he got the 2.00 sticker to throw it out.

      I do not think you would have wanted that file cabinet. It came for a customer, and we deal with body shops. Can you imagine the gross dust from being in a body shop for years? You would have broken out in hives! That fine dust from repairing cars gets into everything. Gary even comes home with white dust on his pants from just being in there. i do not know what he was thinking. Plus the crazy man knows how allergic I am to dust. Maybe he was trying to eliminate me……..LOL

      By the way, last night’s beef crock pot went over very well. Even Gary loved it, so this was a keeper recipe too.

      It has started to snow, and the file cabinet will be delivered in about an hour. I have never had any delivery in good weather.

      I am so glad you got nice new appliances. You deserve them. So sorry the fridge does not fit where it used to be, as that gives you less room to move around. Best of luck with them- happy cooking!
      Adele
      PS….we do not find your talking boring at all!

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi Colleen
      It was a big success. I think I am going to try to take a pic of the recipe, and post it that way. If it does not work, I will write it on here.
      I swear, if these boys lived close, they would all be best friends. think of the trouble they could get into together.
      I do not think we have that Harry Conick show here, as I have never seen it, or heard it talked about. I love Steve Harvey in the morning. We have him on out here at 10:00am. I get the biggest kick out of him. Have you seen his new night show- the one with the kids? It is hysterical. We watch it. So does Tillie.
      I has just started snowing. It was not supposed to start until this evening, and go until tomorrow afternoon. I cannot believe this weather out here. DD is getting all the rain, and we are getting all the snow. I think Sue has been getting blasted with snow too. I am dying to keep the windows open.
      Hope your sun is shining.
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      OMG ladies….

      I forgot to say, those trees sound beautiful Barbara. Take a pic and post it for us to see. I have never heard of those trees,a nd would love to see them.

      Coleen, take a pic of the new spice cabinet for us to see. I bet you are loving it.

      DD- get a pic of your new appliances. That is the only way we can see each other’s goodies, as we are so far away form each other….LOL
      Adele

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hey Gail….no, no, no….I hate Florida. the humidity, the alligators and the bugs. Yuck. I would rather have the snow…LOL
      No dinner out this weekend, as we are getting about 8 inches, and possible ice too.
      Gary loved the dinner. Go figure. Of course, he does not know there was a cup of red wine in there….LOL When Bobby got home, he was still talking about last night’s meal, so it was the biggest hit ever. I am quite proud of my chubby little self.
      I guess I have to make chocolate chip cookies tomorrow, for the snow boy.
      Hope you have a good weekend!
      Adele
      P…have to go and clean my little fishie before I settle into the recliner for the night.

    • Dianne Danielson
      Participant
      Post count: 1034

      Hi Ladies,
      I don’t know if you’ll see this or not since tomorrow is a new month. I’ll be sending along pics of my new fridge & stove. As you’ll see it’s in the spot where my desk was with all the Easter décor. I had to move it down to the opposite end of the living room, next to the windows.
      Not much going on today, just getting back to normal after the big move.
      I can’t believe you’re still getting snow this late in the yr, Adele. We still get it on the mt peaks, but it’s warming up down here, FINALLY!! The rain has let up for awhile. We’re supposed to be in the 60’s this coming week, maybe close to 70!! Yaaaaaahoooooooooo!!!! Can’t wait!!

      Colleen,
      I got those beads from Michaels. I believe I got em at Christmas time several yrs ago. I think they’re garlands for a tree. I picked up several they’re so beautiful. I keep em out yr round. I have several different varieties. I got ALOT of my décor from Michaels over the yrs. My artificial flowers, all kinds of stuff. And as for the Temp-tations, the blue egg shaped dishes are in the Floral Lace “summer” pattern. I use them for my summer décor with my tropical things, sea shells, etc. I’ll look up one of my pics from last summer.
      Well, I guess that’s all I have for tonight.
      dd

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    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Gail,
      My mom will be coming but not my brother. He usually goes to England at Easter time. I am not sure what he is going to do this year. He always has an open invitation to come here any time they do not have plans.
      The spice cabinet that he got for me is not that type. It is an old one that is really kind of big. You cannot put it on the counter of the island it is that big. It is kind of like a hutch. Where you have the top and the bottom are two pieces. We just have to find a bottom to set it on. This is not going to be an easy task. It will have to be as old as the cabinet or it will not look right. At least there is plenty of room for my spices. lol So when we get all the spices put in it then I can clean the cabinet out and put my coffee cups there and it will give me more space for other dishes. That is when you have too many dishes when you cannot get them in the cabinet that you have them in. It will be nice to have all of this straightened up. Hopefully by Easter. So then we will not have a lot of stuff in the way.
      We are not doing anything this week-end. It is supposed to rain so just doing things around the house. I still do not have my Easter decorations up. I am really slow this year.
      Have a good week-end and hope that you and Greg find something fun to do.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Adele,
      Wow you are on a roll with slow cooker meals. That is two in a row. That really sounded good. Where did you find the recipe? Was it from the Betty Crocker site? We could look for it on there if it is a lot to write. Did you get a survey from King Arthers? I think that I have the right name for it. Either that or I spelled it wrong. my computer is throwing up all kinds of red lines for just about every other word that I write. So I give up. They sent one about baking from a box or from scratch. I answered it and they sent me a coupon to buy some of their things that they have.
      I do not know if we get the Steve Harvey show here or not. I have never noticed it. I think that Harry comes on the same channel as Live with Kelly. Any way it is pretty good sometimes.
      I cannot believe that you are getting more snow either. The weather is crazy. She did not say if she was getting snow or not. She probably is if you are. It seems like that two of you get the snow at the same time. This is just another weird year for weather. Hope that it will not be a really hot summer. They said our April is going to be wetter then usual. We will see.
      Maybe soon you will be able to keep the windows open. Hopefully you will not get as much snow as they are predicting. You all really need a break.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good week-end. If you are making cookies Bobby is going to have a good week-end.lol
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi DD,
      The next time we go into the city we will have to stop at Micheals. You are a good decorator. Everything you do looks so nice. The pictures that you hang up makes me wish that summer was here. We need to cook out and go to the park. We have a park around here that has a path to walk and it is nice. Some of the girls that live around her go there and walk during the spring. It is nice in the spring and the fall. In the summer it is too hot.
      That picture of the slow cooker is a riot. That is about what it is like. It cooks all day if you want it to and makes the meals really good. I am not sure how a turtle would do cooking.
      I like your new stove and fridge. They are really nice. I can see what you mean about the fridge being too big to put back in the area it was before. Wonder if they just could not find them that small anymore or if it was a better buy to get all of the fridges bigger. Is the stove electric? It is really nice.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a good night.
      Colleen

    • Colleen
      Participant
      Post count: 3077

      Hi Sue,
      I do not think that many people like Charo. I think that the guy that was voted off the show people just felt bad for him. He had such a hard time trying to dance and Whitney had to be so careful with the routines that they did. At least he tried.
      We will all be praying for you when you have your surgery. Like everyone says you will feel so much better when you get the knee replacement. No more knee pain.
      Do you have a brother? I thought that at one time on the other board you talked about him. Maybe I have you confused with someone else. I hope that if you do have a brother that he is okay and not really sick or anything.
      Well that is about all from here. Have a great day.
      Colleen

    • Gail Norusis
      Participant
      Post count: 3596

      Starting new discussion page.
      Gail

    • adele shanbar
      Participant
      Post count: 5025

      Hi DD!
      That is a nice stove and fridge. You will love the window in the door, if your last one did not have a window. Now, you do not have to open it, to see how things are baking. Bets of luck with them!
      You have to see it here. We went from snow, to sleet last night, to rian early this am, and now, it looks like a blizzard out there.
      I hope your weather will work itself over this way….LOL
      Adele

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