Wednesday December 8

[Shirlv]

Morning All, gloomy morning and no snow flurries yet. Twisted and turned tree lights so tree is covered or at least what I can see. Will finally trim today. Will be a relieve to get the bins out of sight. Planning to spend Christmas Eve with family at ole house. Never did get to see renovations and youngest gd is anxious for my opinion which will be glowing. They have worked so hard. Have decided on another project, a Charcuterie Board as my contribution to Christmas Eve dinner. Had to look that word up, couldn’t pronounce it. Want fancy so YouTube here I come. Lots of notes on the side table but then Santa is coming. Be safe

[BirdbyBird]

Shirl, you are a good role model for "keep on moving". Thank you for that. Getting to look and feel more wintery around here. I am reaching for my wool or Alpaca sox every morning and am keeping dreams of warmer climates alive. I live by my layers. Lark keeps looking questioning at me but I am not even tempted to take her for a walk outside. If she is lucky we might hit up a visit to a store to practice in the warmth. Not as fun as a walk in the woods but better for her than me just sitting in my office.

If Jane and I head down to some of the Orlando shows with Cindy, we won't leave until Sunday evening or Monday morning. Cindy tried to talk me into visiting Disneyland. At first I thought she was kidding but apparently she wasn't. I have never been and, though I think I would enjoy exploring all the dazzle of the place, I just don't want to spend my limited travel funds on a brief stop at this time. Not working last year has made my dog showing and traveling money shrink. Of places on a bucket list, Disney is down the page a bit.

My daughter turns forty years old today. We usually don't exchange gifts but I sent her a heated throw to curl up under for naps on chilly winter afternoons in Charlotte after hiking with her dog/s. She enjoys naps on the weekend as much as I do and I will feel better, and warmer, knowing she and the dog/s are comfortable curled up together this winter. How she got to be 40 already is another discussion for another day.

[OregonLuvr]

Good morning, just enjoying my cup of coffee on this chilly damp morning. No rain but of course the light fog is present and usually gets thicker as the morning warms up.

Got news today that Roku and Google settled their differences so as soon as the Youtube tv is available again I will add that channel. Right now I have to go thru Youtube, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and enter it that way. Not a big deal but will be easier if I just have to click on TV app.

Need to go get my mail today as I havent picked it up for a few days. Just been puttering around the house. I want to make something different to eat today but not sure yet what I feel like. Might go to the store and get some stir fry veggies. That is always good. Need to sort out one of the drawers in my kitchen that I cant find anything in because it is kind of crammed full, so will sort that out and put away the things that I am not using or have duplicates. I have a spice cake mix in my pantry so might make that up today as I havent had that for a long time. I have some cream cheese frosting so that should be good. Will share with my neighbor and Jerry. I only want a couple pieces then I am done with it LOL

[Othersharon]

Good morning Shirl, Tina and all! It started out sunny but now it’s clouding up again but the snow turned north and missed us. I do have what looks like very heavy frost on my car so it’s probably a bit of snow. Otherwise everything’s clear. Can’t say I’m unhappy. I enjoyed Sue’s photos but have to say I’m not unhappy that it missed us. I know we’ll get some of it but the longer it holds off the happier I am! I’m still chasing leaves so not ready for snow too! Although I figure winter will come before I’m done with fall!! Wish I had the energy I used to have! Or maybe the mindset! Furnace guy is coming Friday afternoon so he’ll be able to clear out the flue pipe of debris from the old chimney falling apart over the years. Supposed to increase efficiency of the furnace among other benefits. I’m getting into clearing things out in the house again. A good wintertime project! Well, maybe not good but it needs to be done. Speaking of which I suppose I should get busy and get some things accomplished today! Chiropractor later today so I do have to go out later. So need to decide how many layers I need to brave the cold! It’s the season for much warmer layering! I’m with you about taking pup out for walk, Tina! Just wish I could take Rascal into a store but he doesn’t do well on the bare floors anymore. So that’s about it for my rambling thoughts today! Have a great day and be safe.

[Acadianmom]

We had a good time at the Meetup Meal, there were 9 of us. I almost didn't go because when I started out it was misting rain and starting to get foggy. I was worried that it would be very foggy on the way home but it wasn't. I had Eggplant Pirogue which is half an eggplant hollowed out, fried and filled with crawfish, shrimp, crab and cheese sauce. I brought half of it home. The restaurant we went to is a Cajun restaurant. It changed hands about a year ago and I think the prices have just about doubled. It's on I-49 so kind of a tourist place. There was a 3 piece Cajun band. People use to dance but now they have put tables in front of the band stand so maybe they don't want dancing anymore.

Shirl, I think I know what a Charcuterie Board is but will have to look it up.

Tina, my youngest turned 42 this year. Hard to believe. I have never seen anyone with a dog in the local Lowe's. Sugar would love a visit. I should take her to Tractor Supply. Her nose would be working overtime with all the smells. I wouldn't mind going to Disneyland and Epcot again without any kids but don't think I could do that much walking.

I am bringing Pinky to the vet this afternoon. It looks like she is having a urinary problem now. I am still trying to get Mr P to eat the special food without the other cats eating it.

Martha

[chalet05]

Shirl, I thought about posting pictures of my living room/Christmas tree mess to make you feel better! I'm thinking of leaving my tree up and decorate for each holiday - don't want to mess with those lights again.

[Cudedog]

My daughter turns forty years old today. We usually don't exchange gifts but I sent her a heated throw to curl up under for naps on chilly winter afternoons in Charlotte after hiking with her dog/s. She enjoys naps on the weekend as much as I do and I will feel better, and warmer, knowing she and the dog/s are comfortable curled up together this winter. How she got to be 40 already is another discussion for another day.

Oh, Tina. My own beloved daughter turned 35 this past October. It seems only yesterday that she was a tiny infant, cradled gently in my arms.

Where does the time go?

[sigh]

Anne

[Bethers]

Another cloudy day here, but with the temps back up. I have no children to age me, but my nieces and nephew do that if I think about it.

Laundry done. Clothes put away. Bed partially remade. I put it off until UPS delivered a new lightweight quilt. Ok, it got delivered but I still haven't finished making the bed. At that time I was terrorizing Ty vacuuming. Now I'm taking a break.

Karen, the first news I saw this morning was about Roku and Google/YouTube. I already had the app downloaded on Roku, but I've never used it. I guess it's time to check it out. I hate admitting my biggest problem streaming is remembering what channel I'm watching something on. It took me about 15 minutes the other night to get to the next show on a series because it wasn't where I would have sworn it was. And it was where I least thought it was. I might just have to start writing things down.

[Shirlv]

Anita, glad you posted I was getting ready to send a search party for you. I hear you, my living room still a mess and tree not trimmed. It takes longer when you work 15 minutes and rest 30 lol. My mind is going in twenty different directions. Decorating the tree and thinking about a Charcuterie board. Need small dishes to hold sauces or dips, stop and run to Dollar tree before they sell out, need gas, pick up a package. Now home and resting. Martha, I never heard of a charcuterie board until yesterday and still can’t pronounce it so am going to call it a cheese board. Don’t want to go to Christmas Eve dinner with “Charcuterie” written on my arm. I found a beautiful picture of a board, tried to post it and couldn’t. Just as well don’t need to spread my crazy here too. Lol I have tree ornaments given to me from my youngest daughter from her toddler twins. Ask a twin if she wanted them for her tree and she does. Made me remember the Christmas my sweet mother-in-law gave her daughter in-laws pieces of her prize jewelry, made me cry. I’ve have known several women who greatly influenced my life and she was one. Lots of reflection going here this time of year. Back to tree trimming.

[OregonLuvr]

Had a busy morning. I dont know if you all remember my saga about waiting 4 months for a replacement title for the Motorhome I sold and it went to Tennessee. Well I got it about 3 weeks ago and promptly went to the Post Office and mailed it off on Priority Mail. THEY LOST IT. I dont know what good a tracking number is as I filed a claim and they sent me back a "so sorry we were unsuccessful finding your package, please file a claim". I was very upset and I know I said many bad words!!!! So I have a "new best friend, Cheryl" at the DMV in Salem Headquarters that helped me with the last title (#2 title, #1 burnt up in the fire) so since she gave me her direct line I called her and explained the situation. So crux of the matter is I had to go to DMV....again. Pay $98 for application for new title #3. Cheryl wanted me to call her as soon as I took it to DMV. She pulled it up on her computer and said she could see it and flagged it so as soon as she gets the scan of it (maybe a week) she will approve it and send it out. I am thankful I dont have to wait another 4 months. This time I am going to overnight it, get a signed receipt that it was delivered and hope for the best. Even thought of putting it in a BIG OLE BOX maybe easier for them not to lose it. LOL I hate the US Postal service even more now. I might send it UPS or FedEx we shall see. I so want to be done with this issue.

[Shirlv]

Karen, I remember and that is awful. I do not understand the unorganized, inefficient postal service. We can only assume the fault lies with the top. The local postal carriers are working them selves as hard as they can. Hope your issue is resolved soon.

[chalet05]

Karen, I remember and that is ridiculous. I spent the month of November dealing with such things, and wasn't in the best of moods! Had 3 Amazon packages out for delivery today by USPS - only 2 delivered! The guy comes in his SUV, not a full truck!

Shirl, after not putting up a tree for 15 or 16 years, I have had a lot of memories going on with ornaments - and there are more in the garage. My daughter used some of my decorations and apparently isn't keen on giving them back. I may have very well said, 'You can have that' somewhere along the line so not making an issue.

My grandson is still deployed for a few more weeks, but we learned today he'll be stationed in Juneau come July. I would love a road trip!

[Bethers]

A pic of Shirl's Christmas tree has been posted in the Shirl's thread in general talk.

Oh, Karen, what a mess! I've been having trouble with FedEx whenever anything is shipped using them... Started last spring and continued with a package finally delivered today. I'm afraid to say it, but I've been fine with both UPS and the USPS. I admit that when I have my mail forwarded to me I usually pay extra for tracking, etc.

[JudyJB]

This may be my last trip to Florida. I have had one batch of mosquito bites after another. One batch will heal, and I will get another few. They first couple of batches were fairly normal bites--red but fairly small. Yesterday afternoon, I notice three new bites and by last night, they were all swollen and red in the middle. Swollen area on my wrist is slightly over 1" in diameter, and I had a lot of trouble last night sleeping. Took benadryl and put cortisone cream on them, and even put ice pack on the one om my wrist. These things not only itch, but they sting and are really painful. Anyway, my benadryl pills were out of date by a couple years and the cream expired in 2010, so I went out today and bought some fresher stuff. (Also got some vitamin C to see if that will help.)

I'm eating dinner right now, but feeling sleepy because of all the benadryl I have been taking. I also just took some Advil for the pain. The ice is really the only thing that seems to help, but I can't leave it on all the time. I did read last night that lavender oil makes a good mosquito deterrent, so will try that, along with long pants and long sleeved shirt when I go outside tomorrow!

Almost done with Christmas shopping. My two youngest granddaughters said they wanted hoop earrings for Christmas. However, they are age 12 & 13, so I asked their mother if it was OK. I am worried about them catching and tearing their ear lobes and also the big ones don't seem appropriate for young girls. Anyway, their mother said it was OK, but agreed that I should get smaller ones. I found some in real 14k gold today that are 20mm in diameter, slightly bigger than a penny but just under the size of a nickle, so I got two sets. I spent a little more than I usually do, but I wanted to get them real stuff. Hope they like them. Some of the other stuff on their list cracked me up. For example, the 13 year old wanted some "age-appropriate romance novels." Well from a grandmother's point of view, there ARE NO romance novels appropriate for an immature 13 years old! Ditto for an "age-appropriate" horror movie!!! And both wanted makeup kits!!! One had also picked out a midriff-baring top, which I doubt she could wear in school, and also not very appropriate for a 12 year old!! The earrings were a LOT easier, and the whole thing made me glad I had only boys!!

[Acadianmom]

Shirl, your Christmas tree is beautiful. It will put my poor thing to shame.

Judy, there is a Johnson Baby Creamy Oil that is suppose to be a good mosquito repellant. I have a tube in the camper and have used it. Mosquito bites don't bother me like they do you so can't swear it actually works. At least it doesn't stink. It was really hard to fine for a while. It's in a green tube.

I don't know what is going on with the post office here. Everyday it's a different vehicle. I even see the truck on Sunday. Karen, it's a good thing you know someone at the DMV.

Shirl, I had two good mother-in-laws and miss both of them. Don't miss my first husband but loved his mother.

It's a good thing I brought Pinky to the vet. She was running a fever. They kept her overnight to run some tests. She has to be about 15 so hope it's nothing serious.

I had part of a bottle of wine that has made several campouts and didn't get consumed. I decided to drink a glass and was pretty loopy for a while. I think it's worn off. I should drink the rest of it. lol

Martha