Saturday - 6 Days to Christmas

[Colliemom]

Good Morning. 30 degrees and a light mix of rain/snow coming down. Might get an inch today, if that. This has been a strange winter so far, to go with this crazy year. Snow has been very non existent. Other than getting 7 inches in the storm last weekend, we haven’t had much if any. And the Upper Peninsula has none. Winter sports folks aren’t happy, but the ski resorts are opening as they have been making snow. Just more for the businesses to worry about. No snow, no business, no business, no money coming in. The restaurants are the ones really suffering as they have been shut down for indoor dining since mid November, and yesterday that order was extended to mid January. In a tourist driven economy like we have here in northern Michigan and the U.P., that is not good. Those employed in the hospitality industry are facing a bleak Christmas and future. Here where I am, people are doing as much as they can to support the restaurants that are doing take outs. I’m also noticing more tipping going on, even to those running food out to vehicles for curbside pickup.

As for me, I’m just puttering with this and that. Bought a new small snowblower to do my decks and walks and can do the drive too if we just get a little piddly snow and don’t want to haul out the big blower. Baked some chocolate Spritz (butter) cookies. Screwed up the first batch the other day cause I didn’t realize I was using my 1/2 cup measuring cup and not my 1 cup one . Didn’t discover it till after I baked them, but noticed the dough was pretty soft. Into the trash they went . Tried again yesterday, got it right this time.

I too still have a landline phone. Like you Velda, it’s on a modem. Part of my package for cable, internet and phone. I don’t use my cell phone much. My landline has captioning, which is nice as it prints out the conversation and answering machine messages.

Pat, so sorry to hear about Roxy. Velda, glad your eyes are doing so well. I found out the other day, that surgery to fix my dislocated IOL won’t be till February at earliest. They didn’t do any surgeries in November and this month, so are rescheduling those folks first. No problem. I too have been thinking about Tina. Beth, I’m sure you will be fine. It is scary I know. Right now, this coubtry is in such a big mess, nobody knows what’s next.

This isn’t getting my house cleaning going, not that I’m in a hurry to get started . Want to give the kitchen a good cleaning as used some sprinkles on my cookies and like craft glitter, thry go everywhere except where you want them I’m sure there are some lurking around here and there after I cleaned up from yesterday’s baking Have a nice dsy all.

[Shirlv]

Morning All, I turned on the coffee and noticed the pot of steel cut oats I forgot to put in the fridge last night. Oh well needed to empty trash today. Have PT homework and a walk on my list for today. Will make fudge if I can remember. Be safe

[Acadianmom]

Still drinking coffee. It's already up to 60 and windy. The wind is blowing hard enough for me to hear it. There is rain in Texas headed this way but I don't think it's suppose to get here until tonight.

My son came yesterday and brought me a couple of ham hock the size of small hams. I am use to the ones Walmart sells that are about the size of my fist. If I cook one with a pot of beans there will be more meat than beans.

I haven't made any cookies yet. My step daughter sent me a big tin of cookies and I am still eating cookies left over from the campout.

I feel sorry for the restaurants and workers but I'm not doing much to support them. I think about picking up something to go sometimes but just don't want to go to more places. There are 4 places I go in town, the grocery store, the feed store, the post office and Walmart. I get gas but that is outside. I sure miss T J Maxx. lol Not that I ever need anything there but liked to just wander around looking. If I bought something I probably didn't need it.

Better get dressed and go feed the outside cats. Rascal has wormed his way into being a semi-house cat. He is outside all day but likes to sleep in the house when it's cold.

Martha

[Irmi]

Hi ladies! I so enjoy reading about what all of you are doing. Tina is in my thoughts daily and hope she continues to improve. Beth, is there any word on the store reopening? Judy, what is the status of the campground you're staying in? I hope you can stay there. Velda, I'm so glad your eyes are improving. After everything you've been through, it's about time. Shirl, I always enjoy your posts since you're from the same county in MD that we're from. Anita, I hope you'll enjoy your new home in Washington. Sheila, I wonder why anyone would park right next to you with the large area there? Maybe they're new at this and need some guidance. Barbie, I always enjoy seeing or reading what you're up to and can't wait to see the sign you're making. Anne, your recipe for hot chocolate sounds tasty! Very, very tasty! Martha, the rain Texas is having will hit us tomorrow as well. Peggy, it's so good hearing from you!

Our casita has had the plumbing installed and electric wires run. I'm guessing the next order of business will be the insulating of the building and then putting the sheet rock up. It's been quite chilly here the past couple mornings but we should hit 70 today and only down into the high 40's, low 50's tonight. Tomorrow is church and it's hard to believe we'll be celebrating Christmas this week. I need to practice for tomorrow's service and Christmas Eve as well. Stay well everyone.

[Shirlv]

Irmi, county update...we are getting a Target in the old Kmart store. I am so excited.

[JudyJB]

Still here in Napa EXPO RV Park so it looks like they are not closing it. Only about 30% occupied, anyway, and they are checking in a couple of RVs each day. Last two were full-timers like me, so they were glad to have their reservations honored.

My son stopped by with some tools and power-sanded and then spray painted my front cab "running boards" or steps, not sure what you call them. He also sanded and painted my side steps, so everything looks really nice! It gets depressing to see rust every time I get into or out of my vehicle! He also helped me put some distilled water into my battery--really needed it. Am embarrassed sometimes at how I neglect my motorhome. And we also checked oil level in generator, so lots of little, but important, things done.

Going to stay home again today and go to their house tomorrow for dinner and to do laundry. Got some work to do today, so will relax and get it done while I am watching TV.

Any news from Tina?? It is a worry that she has not posted, so I hope she is not back in hospital.

[Irmi]

Judy, I agree on seeing nothing about Tina. I hope no news is good news. So glad you can stay!

Shirl, that is wonderful news about the new Target! I was wondering what might happen to the empty space. Kent Island/QAC needs something like that.

[monik7]

Looks like Tina visited this morning, but didn’t post.
Sandi

[BarbaraRose]

Nothing much going on here. Went out today to pick up the spray paint cans I ordered at HD. Then on to WM to pick up some food and a bike tire pump. Hopefully my tires are still good but just low on air.

My back feels good today. Backside is better but still sore when I lean against something.

Will attempt to do some laundry tomorrow. Will keep the baskets light.

Have a good night.

[snowball]

I feel like I was busy but not sure what I accomplished... did get a shower ate at the eatery had a turkey cream cheese cranberry sandwich it is so good but would be amazing if they made their sauce instead of the canned stuff...
got gas for the genny and diesel for the truck two different places of course. got my dishes done mom's gifts wrapped up just need a box to put them into...didn't get the village out though will it happen remains to be seen...
has anyone been able to see the planets??? I look but don't don't what to look for... it would be so fun to see
the neighbor he was ready to leave when I got up and took Shadow out... guess he was just passing through... as honestly I turned off the genny at 10:00
there have been counting his 3 utility trailers turned into campers/ RV couldn't do it need windows although one of them has windows from what I could see... still I think I would be claustrophobic
glad Tina was lurking that is good... one day hopefully soon we will see her happy face... she is going to accuse me of lying to her I said she would feel so much better and she will once she heals...
It will be fun Irmi when you see progress what they are doing now is not so much that you can see... have you chosen paint colors?
glad your butt is doing better Barbi hope it gives you the relief you want
Velda... I wore contacts from time I was 20 till I was I think 50 but not sure of that last age may have been older... so hard contacts to gas permeable couldn't do soft because of that Astigmatism so I do worry about having the cataracts removed... I don't notice yellow more dark when in dark places like the bathroom never used to turn on the light when Larry was alive now I need to... try not to drive at night so not sure what the rings are doing ... did decided to wait till I was back with family to have it done .... am so glad that yours have been fixed... and you have good vision now
by now I've forgotten what all else was said... everyone take care
sheila

[BarbaraRose]

Sheila, I looked at the sky tonight and did see the two planets side by side. I think they will be together on Monday night and will be much brighter. I was looking to the west at about 6:00pm.

Just watched the original Grinch animated movie. I have seen the newer versions but don't care for them. I always loved the Grinch because of the great message of Christmas being more than just decorations and gifts.

I just found out tonight that a cousin of mine passed away almost 6 years ago and no one else in the extended family (other than probably her sisters) knew about it. They are my mom's brother's kids. They all have had a lot of mental and physical health issues over the years and then pretty much disappeared from sight. I don't even know if the other two sisters are still alive. Both of them were in poor health years ago. It is sad that both sides of my family have all spread apart and gone their different ways and just a few of us still keep in touch, mostly on FB.

Good night!