And Now It’s Tuesday

[Colliemom]

Morning. Cloudy, 33°. Supposed to have some rain later, but not going to amount to much. Probably a rain/snow mix.

BJ, you can go onto https://www.bestbuy.com/?ref=212&loc=1& ... lsrc=aw.ds and order online. There’s a little circle with a face that pops up when you are snooping, that is an online chat and if you want help, go onto it because I have had extremely good luck with them. Their agents are very knowledgeable and very helpful and I have ordered my iPad and my keyboard and everything from there. They set up the order and everything for you and then they send you an invoice via your email that you just need to fill in your information and then you go back on with them and they will double check everything before the order goes out. They ship extremely fast. Their warehouse is in Kentucky and I have had stuff within 24 hours. Shipping is free. If you give them some idea what you are looking for they will give you some recommendations and the different models available.Don’t have to do anything right away and you can take your time and look at the different models before you decide, and then another day go back on and initiate the sale. I find it way better than dealing with Amazon. Shirl, you might want to check that out too. They will price match too. So if you find something on Amazon that you want, check with them first. You might just happened to go on a day when they have a deal of the day too.

I can understand the feelings about the holidays. I think a lot of it, is because we are getting older and we have lost a lot of our family members that we grew up with and spent the holidays with. Even if you have children and grandchildren it’s still different because they do things differently than we did when we grew up which is understandable. And spending time with friends if you don’t have a family, just isn’t the same either. Christmas was different when most of us were younger. You don’t even hear some of the old Christmas songs anymore and rarely ever see a Christmas show on TV. The holidays have gotten too commercial, that is the biggest issue right there. Christmas pops out before Halloween it seems anymore and by the time it gets here we’re sick of it.

Going to head for Tower in just a bit here if I need to go to the credit union since they were closed yesterday I am running to Lowe’s. I have been debating whether I want to repaint my guest bedroom but right now I am not in the mood so I don’t know if that will get that or not. It’s no big deal if it doesn’t. But I am planning to give this house a really thorough cleaning.

So I guess I had better get a move on here at this almost 11 o’clock and I’m not dressed yet. I’m looking for a new printer so I’ve been checking all the websites and reviews and blah blah blah. Gets a little overwhelming. The newer Apple devices that are out now, need printers that have AirPrint capability. My old one does not and they cannot be converted. I think I might have one in mind as I am kind of a fan of Canon printers. HP is another possibility. I think it’s gotten to a point where reading reviews is not really all that great, because you have some people who have issues than others who don’t have the same printer. But if I find too many negative that’s definitely out. Not looking for the most expensive one but don’t want an elcheapo either.

[Shirlv]

Morning Sue and All, it’s 56° and very cloudy, rain on the way tonight. Sue, I have a Best Buy near by and usually buy from them. My last iPhone wanted my fingerprint but the new one wanted my face. Ancestry has my DNA and apple has fingerprint and face. I can’t get away with anything. Lol Bj, where is the closest Best Buy. Use Sue’s suggestion to order device to pick up at store. Make a fun day with husband or friends to pick up device and have lunch. That way Best Buy can transfer data for you. I have errands to run so will race the rain. Soup from the freezer for dinner. Be safe

[Cudedog]

I can understand the feelings about the holidays. I think a lot of it, is because we are getting older and we have lost a lot of our family members that we grew up with and spent the holidays with. Even if you have children and grandchildren it’s still different because they do things differently than we did when we grew up which is understandable. And spending time with friends if you don’t have a family, just isn’t the same either. Christmas was different when most of us were younger. You don’t even hear some of the old Christmas songs anymore and rarely ever see a Christmas show on TV. The holidays have gotten too commercial, that is the biggest issue right there. Christmas pops out before Halloween it seems anymore and by the time it gets here we’re sick of it.

Good morning, Sue.

I definitely concur with your thoughts on the Holidays. One year I started seeing Christmas stuff in the stores right after the 4th of July!!

You nailed all of my observations exactly. I have only seen my children "in person" about twice a year since the start of the pandemic. Although we do have weekly "video chats" (in which my daughter's husband and my son's bride-to-be are also extremely kind to participate in). I am very thankful for these chats - and for the magic of the internet that allows them to happen.

I’m looking for a new printer so I’ve been checking all the websites and reviews and blah blah blah. Gets a little overwhelming. The newer Apple devices that are out now, need printers that have AirPrint capability. My old one does not and they cannot be converted. I think I might have one in mind as I am kind of a fan of Canon printers. HP is another possibility.

My last two printers were a Canon and an HP. The Canon worked for a year or so, the big, heavy, expensive HP only worked for about three months (LOL - just long enough until it was out of warranty). This past summer I bought a Brother color laser printer that is working well so far. I think the price was about $250, I print to it over-the-air with my in-home wi-fi connection. I don't need my computer connected to the printer with a cable.

I don't know if it would work or not with your Apple equipment, but it might be worth looking into. I bought it at my local Staples store for a lot less money than it would have cost me to have it sent to me with "free shipping" (via Amazon, Best Buy, etc.). Let me know if you would like the model number.

I think it’s gotten to a point where reading reviews is not really all that great, because you have some people who have issues than others who don’t have the same printer. But if I find too many negative that’s definitely out. Not looking for the most expensive one but don’t want an elcheapo either.

I agree with you on this also. I think that what is also happening now is that many manufacturers have personnel that submit a whole slew of positive reviews, which makes the item-in-question being reviewed look really good, when in practice it may not be.

Anyway, Sue, thank you for your morning posts. They help me to wake up in the morning, and I do look forward to them.

Hope your weather calms down for you a bit.

Best wishes to you,

Anne

[Bethers]

I got up and went to the rec hall to help take down the holiday decorations. It went faster than I expected even though less people came to help than I expected, too. I was asking where there was a step stool (only know if a big ladder there) when one vet tall man said, no need and walked over, reached up, and was able to easily remove the decorations up high. Lol. Something I could never do.

Last night I started working on going through my cabinets. I did most of my folding clothes and am still disappointed in myself with how much I kept. But I do have 3 bags now in the trunk of my car. So that's a start. I'm more upset that I had food in the fridge beyond it's date so throwing some things away. That I really hate doing. But my own fault. It's mainly overbuying for the pot lucks. So hopefully lesson learned there.

As to holidays, mine became much simpler as an adult. I'm ok with that. But I still love Christmas movies and music. I did quit watching Christmas movies pretty much after I saw the 3 wise men & a baby movie. It's now one of my favorites. I'll look forward to watching it again.

[BarbaraRose]

It was only 45* when I got up this morning, but I put on a t-shirt, sweatshirt and my puffy jacket to go play golf. By the time we were done, I was down to my t-shirt. Luckily, there was sunshine and no wind so that helped. Won't get out of the 50's for the next few days but I can deal with that with the sun out. Altho we are supposed to get rain again later this week.

I played pretty good except for one hole. It is one of the more difficult holes but I actually usually do well on it. Not today! I stopped counting at 10 strokes! But I don't let that bother me since I am out there to have fun, enjoy the weather and scenery, and chat with my fellow players. Next week we have a luncheon at the clubhouse afterward and play some putting games for prizes.

I just added the second batch of chili to my crockpot for todays meals. Yum!

I called my doctors office this morning because I have been waiting to get my meds refilled since early last week! The pharmacy had sent 2 faxes to my doctor last week to get approval but never heard back from them. I finally had to ask the pharmacist for a few pills to get me thru the weekend since I ran out on Friday. This morning the receptionist told me that there were no doctors in the office all last week to approve the renewal. Seriously? What if I was on something that was really a major drug? As it is, my ani-depressants are pretty important to not miss a dose, or I take an emotional nosedive. So I told her I really need to get this prescription renewed today!

Looks like another big snowstorm for the midwest now. I read that they could get up to 3 inches of snow per HOUR! I think the Southwest is still the best place to be right now.

I better check my list of things to do and get busy. I have a haircut to do at 3:30 today. Also need to go to the bank to deposit all my cash tips from the last 2 weeks to cover my HOA which is deducted on Thursday. Payday is Friday . Still waiting on my new tip card so I can get my credit card tips transferred to my checking account.

Enjoy your day!

[JudyJB]

My ex-husband was an only child of a widowed mother. His father died in WWII right after he was born, and his mother lived with her parents for the first 5 years of his life until his grandfather died and his grandmother remarried. My MIL worked in a bank so her mother did all the baby care. (A big clue to her skills with a child was that she did not know how to put a diaper on a baby!! She was clueless when it came to babysitting with kids.) Anyway, the rest of his life until we were married, he lived with his mother who did not remarry.

The result of this was that every holiday, she whined constantly that if we did not come to visit her 120 miles away, she was "alone at Chhristmas, "alone at Easter," etc. Even after we had kids, we often had to drag them down to visit her at various holidays. I made a vow that when my kids had kids, I would never complain myself into spending Christmas Day with them. That is why when I am in Florida, I spend Christmas alone and fly to Ohio where my youngest son and grandkids live on the day after Christmas. When I visit my kids in California, I do spend Christmas Day with them, but it is usually with the other side of the large family. Really, it is very quiet and pleasant for me to spend Christmas alone. I have spent it at Myakka State Park in Florida for six of the last 10 Christmases since I started full-timing. Usually fixed myself a special meal and enjoyed reading or the TV, or even riding my bike at Myakka.

California is rainy and cold, and my son and his family and I are co-camping near Santa Cruz in a campground in the redwoods. Today is the only non-raining day, so they all went for a three-mile hike. After lunch, they are going to take me for a much shorter walk on a boardwalk since I cannot do three miles these days. I made chicken spaghetti last night and have it ready for reheating for dinner in the refrigerator. Heading back to Napa on Friday.

[OregonLuvr]

Good afternoon, it was a chilly morning here again, and cloudy and foggy. There is rain coming tonight tho so they say. Managed to get my little storage shed somewhat organized as I have some stuff from the house to take out there. I got hungry so had to come in for that and just never went back out ha ha

I see we all have a different view of Christmas. I agree as we get older it sure doesnt mean what it used to, especially to me. I really could care less about Christmas other than I do like the lights and music BUT when it starts early October I am sick of it by December. As a nurse I volunteered to work so the younger nurses could be home with their families and it worked out well for me too. Holiday pay and they would trade days with me if I needed, as I usually was able to trade with them so it was a win win. I dont mind being alone one iota. It is peaceful, quiet, no drama....yup No major cooking to do, I can just eat what I want when I want. People are very nice tho to always ask me to come to dinner but I always refuse Christmas....I think that is family time and I would rather be home LOL I did go to dinner for Thanksgiving at my neighbors and it was very nice, but I drew the line at Christmas.

Beth I have a couple of bags of stuff to take also and a box of Christmas ornaments to get rid of since I didnt put them out this year and probably wont again. A few sentimental items in there but when I havent seen them for 2 years I guess I havent missed them. This Christmas tub was in a storage unit when we had the fire so it didnt burn. Along with lots of RV stuff that I gave to the folks that bought my RV. I accumulated some clothes after the fire from friends giving me stuff and then I bought stuff too and now it is too big but I am only getting rid of the stuff that was too big for me last year ha ha I will put away the bigger "fat" clothes in case I get out of control and gain too much weight again down the road.

Well time for my Mocha and read my book for a while.

[Irmi]

Good afternoon/almost evening ladies!

We topped off at 81 degrees with lots of sunshine today. We had friends over that were originally from MD, which is where we met them, and now they live 1-1/2 hours south of us. So we take turns visiting each other and it was their turn to visit us and we prepare the meal. It's always lots of fun.

Christmas was lots of fun when we were kids and my biggest thrill, even now, is going to the Christmas Eve service. After all of us were married and on our own, we had a brunch at our parents house every Christmas morning. I did the majority of the cooking but as you know, the kitchen is my favorite room of the house. Unfortunately, after I lost my parents, and several others in our family, now I only have two sisters left. Steve & I haven't exchanged gifts since before we retired, but we still put up a small tree, have candles in the windows and put out a few other Christmas decorations. Since I am the church organist, I spend lots of time practicing for the Christmas Eve service. Steve is always planning the next meal to cook on his Big Green Egg. So although we don't do lots of celebrating, and there aren't any children in the picture, we rely on all of you, our church friends, our friends here in the resort and others to get us through another Christmas.

[Acadianmom]

I think that what bothers me the most on holidays is the missing family. I didn't like having to load up the boys and the presents to spend Christmas with my parents but I would do it for my mother. Now I am perfectly happy to spend a holiday by myself.

I was hoping 2023 was going to be better but I spent all day yesterday with my son in the emergency room. It was his foot and ankle again. All he needed was a prescription for an antibiotic but if we had gone to an urgent care they would have wanted him to go to the hospital to get his leg scanned for a blood clot. They announced about 2:00 that it was going to be from an 8 to 24 hour wait. I think the 24 hours would have been for a room. There were a lot of accidents and people with heart attacks. I was ready to leave but my son took his blanket and pillow and laid on the floor and went to sleep. He finally saw a doctor at 6:00 and we got out of there about 7:30. We are getting a little too familiar with the emergency room. We show up with blanket/throws, a pillow, jackets and snacks.

Sugar had her annual vet appointment this morning. The vet found a cyst under her tail and when he tried to get a sample he ended up with a lot of pus. I hope it's not anything because he doesn't want to sedate her because of her heart condition. I took Buddy, the neighbor's cat that has moved here, in because he has had gunk in his eyes and his third eye lid showing for 3 or 4 days. I had to leave him because they were busy so will probably to go get him later.

I don't think I have seen the sun yet this new year. We were suppose to get a lot of rain yesterday and today but it missed us. It is up to 79 and feels funny running around without a coat this time of year. I liked the cabbage I cooked with sausage for New Years so I am cooking the other half of the head with sausage again.

My camera in the back yard caught a coyote running through the back yard last night. I don't like to see that. The motion lights spooked him so I hope he doesn't come back. All the cats are accounted for this morning.

Karen, I am fine with giving away clothes that are too big but will keep clothes I'm going to lose enough weight to wear forever. I lost 5 pounds when I was sick with the cold and am fighting to keep it off.

Martha

[BirdbyBird]

The baby girl is now two weeks old had has finally started to open her eyes. She isn't quite up on four feet yet but she does now weigh in at two pounds so it might take her an extra day or two or three to lift that weight. Ears usually open up after the eyes but she was "talking" more this morning so maybe some environmental sounds are making their way. Honestly, it sounded like Wanda Cat had been coaching her because the sounds came out more like deep purrrrs.

Martha, sometimes dogs can get infected anal glands which would show up in the area under the tail.

I have some early nice memories of Christmas but those would have been before I was 7 or so. I had a wonderful December one year in college when everything seemed filled with the true meaning and joy of Christmas but then I came home for the holiday and was reminded that a warm family traditions didn't exist anymore. I decorated for the kids when they were young but have never gone overboard and I stopped as soon as the last one graduated and left. The decorations cost money that I would rather spend in other ways and I have brought up several times that things that need dusting are not my favorite things. Dog grooming I will do but I would rather be a minimalist. If something like a picture, a bowl of seashells and bits of small driftwood or a piece of burl tree root bring me joy, they can stay. It is freeing. If Christmas is real then the important spirit of it exists all year long and not in the stores. Our family have not exchanged gifts in maybe twenty years. If I see something I think someone would really like I send it to them but it could be in June. I do send notes and something to the three young grandsons. My step-mother drained the "holiday" spirit out of me long ago over too many un-sincere holiday gatherings and dinners when my brother's family and mine would wade through trying to avoid tripping landmines of history, ghosts and emotions. I always suspected that my brother, who was a police officer, would volunteer for some of those holiday shifts just to avoid the gatherings. My wonderful sister-in-law would show up with their two kids and be family. I was most thankful that both my children, as adults, have been able to experience more healthy traditional family gatherings either with their significant other' families or they have created it themselves.....

But apparently I did teach some traditions to them when they were children. My daughter does credit (or blame me) for taking her creeking in the woods as a child...as she and her husband spent the Christmas holidays in an island off of Spain. Apparently they spent part of their time hiking in the forest and canyons and rappelling down steep ravines and jumping into creeks. I may not have been the best for formal holiday festivities but I did introduce them to a love of creeking. Then it dawned on me, my daughter also knows how to go off on holidays for adventures without worrying that her mother will guilt her for how she chooses to spend her Christmas. She did send video and pictures back. Those I did remember to ask for.

[Shirlv]

There is no wrong way to celebrate a holiday.

[dpf]

Happy New Year three days late! I remembered to say Rabbits before Happy New Year. Big news here in another blizzard. We have between 19-20 inches on snow since noon yesterday and of course there is wind. The state is recommending no travel on all the major highways and interstates are closed. My sister ended up in the hospital again and has been here since December 20th. I think she has finally decided that she needs to move off the family farm and is looking at a house here in Avon. Between the weather and the holidays, she hasn’t been able to get together with the realtor.

Christmas Eve was good. The grands were excited about their gifts. Christmas day we just hung out at home and some friends came over in the evening.

I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes….it was a quiet day…snowed again.

I’m not going to comments on anyone’s happenings because I’m rather brain dead right now!

I am attaching pictures on the trees in our front yard, the snow on our patio and the snow on our neighbors patio table that is protected from the wind so the snow hasn't blown off. Why do I live here?

[Shirlv]

Pat, the snow has to be overwhelming. Be safe

[Bethers]

Wow, Pat! Beautiful, but I'm sure you want to say enough already.

[Cudedog]

Wow, Pat!

Loved your photos, thanks! That is a really serious amount of snow!

Take care!

Anne