Daily Ooos: February 1-2: Weekend Edition

[faerywings]

Time to flip the calendars!
One winter month down and 1 1/2 more to go.

I am starting to get into a Spring frame of mind. The roads were fine by the time I needed to leave if I wanted to look for the birdfeeder. I drove down, saw the parking lot was packed, and there was a line of people out the door. Since I couldn't get in the lot, I drove another block past to turn around. I was considering simply going back home but I was "right there" so felt I should suck it up and deal with people for a few minutes. The place was crazy!!! I have never been inside anywhere like this. It's all Amazon returns and a lot of the things are still in the brown, unlabeled Amazon boxes. Which you are not allowed to open, you have to bring it to the counter and one of the workers will open it. (I don't understand either!) Each day of the week has a different price point category. Friday is all of the expensive returns and everything is $10. So the $100 birdfeeder would be $10.
Nothing is sorted, its just tables and rows of chaotic boxes. People had carts filled to the brim and you couldn't see much. I took a deep breath, figured start on the right side of the building, and YAY!!! Halfway down the first row, I saw a box with a cardinal on it!! I grabbed it, tried to look around, got way too claustrophobic, and left. Yes, I paid for my birdfeeder before I left. *wink* I stopped at the feed store on my way home to get seeds, charged the camera up, and Gary will help me set it outside this morning.

Was it worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? Heck no!
Training went well. Even though I had done the training and one field trip before, I am happy that I went again. I remembered a little more than I thought I did but always good to have the refresher. Not to mention it is a cool feeling actually tapping a tree.

I am off to the FP this morning and then will be staring at my bird feeder the rest of the day.

Sadly, I have a bunch of desk work for here, for Weis, and for the party. Sam sets her iPad up to watch the live cam feed and I might just have to do the same. *If* I get any birds today. How long does it take for birds to find a new feeder? Is there anything to attract them, like how hummingbirds will be attracted to red?

I should post this and get on personals. HAGD!

 

[faerywings]

Edited to add: We just got word that the 1/2 JV game has been cancelled. We're down to 1 varsity boys game.

Ugh about the sickness. Are you dousing yourself in hand sanitizer yet?

To me the month flew by and was looooong, too! I think the seemingly long part was due to the anticipation of the family gathering this weekend!
Your weather has been crazy!

I hope you and the family are having a wonderful time together. Since you are at home, is it necessary to bubble wrap you or is that only when you visit elsewhere?
The weather is making *me* crazy! All of my lesson planning is out the window. There was hardly any snow on the ground at Weis yesterday so all of my snow science plans need to be adjusted. Again. :/

@BrightEyes Your enchiladas look delish!!

I have made 13 LOs from 9 different designers/kits. Will load 5 LOs today and finish loading the rest tomorrow.

Surgeries are starting to get real. Got my transportation and lodging all finalized.

I know it has to suck now but how amazing you will feel when it's over.
Could the tingly hands be from an anxiety attack? My lips and tongue get tingly when I get anxiety attacks, but chest pains and blurred vision for a panic attack. All of these are different from when I have a POTS episode. LOL
Hope that your back is not hurting you today.

@taxed4ever Where are you finding all of these cute emojis?? How am I missing them, like I did with the
So what is the one you used? Yup : gotcha :
Sheesh! I hope the mountains get the most of the snow and you get just the right amount.
Well, I am not one to judge but IMHO- I think your sister has the right idea hehe. I would love to be a recluse. Seriousl, no, I am JK. I would be worried about her too. Would she ever hike with you?

Thank you my friend!! I know that you are being very supportive and I appreciate it more than you can know!! That is what I am most worried about, that I will fall apart and blubber all over the mic! Me crying is not a pretty picture

I know I tend to put my but its always from a place of caring. Even if you cry, its gonna be ok. You will be with family who loves him and you. You got this. ♥

So now I belong to 6 local groups. No wonder there is always something going on LOL.

No kidding!!
Enjoy the quiet(er) weekend!
How is Jen doing, the anniversary is either soon or just passed? ((((((((hugs))))))))))

We are having 5 friends for dinner so I have been making sauce and putting together lasagna, salad and dipping oil for a appetizer baguette.

Is it too late to invite myself? Yum!

Happy Friday, Everyone. It got here just in time. People have done me in this week. Getting a mix of rain and snow... I'll take it. I have no desire to leave the house. Time for scrapping and cat cuddles. Off to post my color play pages.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.

As Tracy would say, tooo much people-ing! Yuck! I hope that you rebalance the people-time with cat-cuddling time. Are you with me counting the days until spring? (of course you are!)

@wombat146 hey Ona!!!

Hi there, Tracy. I only check the Daily Ooos now and then, so this is the first I heard you are having surgeries. It's marvelous that they are capable of helping your lipedema. I hope all goes easily and well and that it makes a big difference. Sending big hugs!! (I guess I'd better check in more often to keep up to date, lol.)

Waving "hello" to everyone else. And, Trudy @taxed4ever I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Sending some love and a bunch of hugs to you, too.

Hi Diane! You know the tules, you only pop in and/or reply when you can. Its always wonderful when you do! Hope you are doing great!

 

[deej]

Ugh about the sickness. Are you dousing yourself in hand sanitizer yet?

Actually yes because hubby was out sick 2 1/2 days this week and so far I haven't caught it. His work has the same policy as our schools, if you have a fever - stay home.

 

[BrightEyes]

Staggered out of bed @4:30AM... not sure why I woke up at 4AM but couldn't go back to sleep. Been busy uploading LOs to the gallery and around digi-land since then... Of course, I had to check out the Feb challenges. The Challenge #1 - Color Play so easy... just had to pick one of the Color Play LOs for it... and Challenge #6 - Year Flashback 2020 was easy also. So Feb is off to a great start....

Even though it is still below freezing at night,, the temps are heading up... 59*F today and may hit 70*F by Tuesday/Wednesday!!! WAIT... it isn't suppose to be spring yet!!! Looks like it will on a yo-yo swing all month. I am thinking about making a new siggy... may do one with snow falling on blooming flowers??? Nope... Feb is the month of LOVE - Valentines day.... hmmm...

Oh... good news... Talked to DD#1 yesterday... she is now out of the boot and back into the ankle brace!!! No need to use the knee scooter - just a cane. And she can now drive again. The doctor is very pleased with her progress considering how much damage was done to her foot when she fell. She still has several weeks of PT to do. DD#3 will be heading back home/here in a couple of days now that DD#1 can drive again. And DD#1 and her hubby will be coming to visit me in a few weeks. Her hubby has 3 days of continuing education classes here and she will come out with him. Plus my niece and her hubby will be here for a couple of days near the end of Feb!!!

@faerywings So proud of you that you hung in there and battled the crowds to get the bird feeder/camera!!! Way to go, gal!!! Good luck getting the camera and laptop set up to capture the action.

@deej So sorry your hubby has been sick... Hoping you stay well. And so glad to see you popping in most days now.

Need more coffee and then my

 

[Nonni F]

@faerywings I am definitely ready for spring. Usually I like the winter break but I need to get the catio open again. One of the kittens, not naming names, is getting me in trouble with the vet as he is becoming wider than he is long. He needs some fresh air and a porch to chase the chippies back and forth.
Was supposed to snow here a couple hours during the night. IT IS STILL SNOWING. It's pretty for sure, but stop already!
We got a camera bird feeder for Christmas but haven't put it out yet. I really should. Just worried where I can put it that the squirerels and the raccoons won't rip it down. Today definitely would have been the perfect day for photos.

 

[AK_Tracy]

Good morning!!!
Today should be a fun one, *insert sarcasm*. Its at least above zero but still single digits. I am going to work today. Its the first of the month and a crazy day and the new gal has never done one. Told her I would pop in and help for a bit. Plus the boss has been away for weeks and the desk/paperwork is a mess. So I'm going to surprise her by getting it sorted and caught up, or at least started. I dont want to be there all day but several hours for sure.

Nothing is sorted, its just tables and rows of chaotic boxes. People had carts filled to the brim and you couldn't see much. I took a deep breath, figured start on the right side of the building, and YAY!!! Halfway down the first row, I saw a box with a cardinal on it!! I grabbed it, tried to look around, got way too claustrophobic, and left. Yes, I paid for my birdfeeder before I left. *wink* I stopped at the feed store on my way home to get seeds, charged the camera up, and Gary will help me set it outside this morning.

This sounds horrible!!! And yes, before you said you paid I did envision you grabbing the box and running out the door.

Was gonna ask if you needed bail money I'm glad you were able to get your feeder and for such a huge savings but yuck, peopley and sounds just awful!!!!

Could the tingly hands be from an anxiety attack?

No, its stress. I carry my stress in my back running down my shoulder blades. They're rock hard and painful and that results in my hands going numb if I hold my arms wrong. I didn't think I was stressed until this last week when I saw chiropractor and he said again massage therapy would be really good.

Even though it is still below freezing at night,, the temps are heading up... 59*F today and may hit 70*F by Tuesday/Wednesday!!! WAIT... it isn't suppose to be spring yet!!! Looks like it will on a yo-yo swing all month

That's a crazy temp difference. Spring is at least two months away and it worries me with the crazy pattern weather we have going. I fear winter will arrive in March and that would be bad.

@deej I hope you dont get sick!! Lots of vitamins and hand washing!

@Nonni F Hope you find the perfect place for the bird feeder.

I cant wait to see all the photos you guys get with these bird feeders. We dont have many (or so it feels) variety of birds. And bird feeders attract bears so we dont put them out.

Off to get more coffee! Have a wonderful day!

 

[deej]

Nice quiet weekend here. I had two errands to run this morning. One to Sam's Club and the other to Hobby Lobby. Got what I needed and am back home. I started a fire in the fireplace as it's a cool 67* in my living room. I know it's supposed to warm up outside today but I'm cold so a fire it is! I have some scrapping to do and may get that done today while hubby is at work. We have church tomorrow and hubby ushers. That's the extent of our weekend. I hope everyone has a great one!

 

[BoatLady]

First of all Happy February.
Our dinner last night was a huge success. One couple are our friends who had their house flood in Helene they are moving back in so are busy so they appreciated the break.
@faerywings --sure come on over...the more the merrier, it will just take a minute to put out another place setting.
All this talk of bird feeders and cameras to capture the images. Wow. We just had 44 Black Bellied Whistling Ducks in the backyard. As far as songbirds- I use black oil sunflowers seeds. My mom said they attract most birds so that is what I used for years but it's difficult to attract birds here in Florida as there is natural food for them all year round.

@Nonni F Snow is pretty but after awhile it is dirty ugly and just plain work keeping it off driveways/ walkways.

@AK_Tracy I know you told us when you were leaving for your surgery but I forgot I hope you can send us progress reports.

@BrightEyes your daughter is doing great and how nice you will have so many visitors.

@FloridaGranny I hear you about not being able to keep up with all the daily chatter....we are retired how can we not have more time for chatter.

So the monarch caterpillars are eating like pigs...I have to walk over to my friends house every day to grab giant milkweed leaves today I stayed for awhile to visit with her....I need to help her with her orchids in the tree, she has neglected them so they are looking bad.

So Friday I got a note on Messenger from someone I never knew. She introduced herself then said she lives in my parents old house and found a gold wedding band in the garden. After back and forth with a photo turns out she had my dads ring. I'm going to have her mail it to me and when we are up there in June will go see her to thank her in person. She wants me to check out what she had done to the gardens, etc. So I am still in shock and pleased there are still nice people in the world.

Well I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.

 

[FloridaGranny]

@faerywings I like your "rules" so...
Here I am chatting, two days in a row!
@BoatLady I laughed at your comment about being retired. Of course we should have lots of free time. You always amaze me feeding heaps of people. I'm happy to get dinner on the table for the two of us... or maybe 3 or 4 others. By the way, I think a few of your monarchs came down my way last year. I hope that happens again.
@AK_Tracy. Have "fun" at work!
We definitely had spring weather here yesterday, sunny and mild but it's in the mid 70's today and cloudy. Who knows what's going on with the weather???
"Hello" to everyone else. I enjoy your posts and hope you all have a great day!

 

[bcgal00]

Good morning ladies. Temps are dropping and we are getting another dusting of snow. I love how our winter scenery stays pretty all winter long. Other than a walk with Remi, I plan to stay indoors all day. I'm nice and cozy in my stretch jeans, fleecy top and comfy hoodie. D is waiting for a delivery of a fireplace fan so installing that will keep him busy for a bit this wkend. I'm focusing on housework, scrapping, reading, binging Yellowstone and making some jewelry design. Happy to have no commitments this wkend.

@faerywings The amazon warehouse sale sounds very cool! Hope you get lots of birds. Give them a few days but I'm sure they'll come.

@AK_Tracy Don't work too hard. Good of you to help out the new gal.

@BrightEyes Glad to hear the good news for your DD.

I'm getting coffee, am going to watch a few YT vids and then get out for a walk with Remi. Then I can relax and enjoy being home all afternoon/evening, looking forward to it. HAGD everyone.

 

[bcgal00]

@BoatLady I want to live with you!!! Birding around your place would be awesome!

 

[taxed4ever]

Good Morning everyone, just popping in to say . We are waiting for a face time call from our Son, it's his Dad's birthday tomorrow and they are off to Cuba later today, so they wanted to chat with him before they head off to the airport. Wish I was going with them, but I am sure the feeling is not mutual . Honest I wouldn't be in the way LOL Just park me in a hammock and send a drink over now and again . I wish!!! We are getting snow and sounds like we might be getting a lot more than expected. We have a couple of errands to run this morning, but should be home before the roads get bad. I hope to do some scrapping today and just have a nice relaxing weekend. Tomorrow we are going to SIL Linda's as she is hosting my Gary's birthday dinner. I made sugar free Sex in a Pan for his dessert and hopefully it tastes as good as it looks!! Oh the iphone is ringing so I gotta run, have a wonderful Saturday everyone!

 

[Nonni F]

@taxeI absolutely LOVE your siggy.

 

[mimes1]

HI Everyone, I'm sorry I haven't been around much this week. Erinn is having significant cardiac problems. I'm heading out to take care of her tomorrow and will be there all week as she can't be left alone. I'll be popping in from time to time, but won't be doing any scrapping while I'm there. I'll catch up with everyone next week! Hope you all are having a nice weekend!

 

[BoatLady]

@mimes1 Oh Amy wow I sure hope Erinn is ok that is certainly a scary thing. Keep us posted. Hugs and get well to Erinn.

 

[Nonni F]

@mimes1 sending positive healing vibes, up and out.

 

[AK_Tracy]

Good afternoon!
Home from work and enjoying the fact I dont have to stay all day. Got the invoices input and showed the new gal how the first is different from the other days. Was good and only took three hours. Plus I got to catch up with her which was fun.

@AK_Tracy I know you told us when you were leaving for your surgery but I forgot I hope you can send us progress reports.

I will for sure keep you posted how things go. I have some things beforehand but surgery is end of month. I wont be here much in Feb but I will pop in now and again. And I am sure you will eventually see LO that feature my surgeries. I cant wait for the before and after.

After back and forth with a photo turns out she had my dads ring. I'm going to have her mail it to me and when we are up there in June will go see her to thank her in person.

That is SO neat!!! I'm so glad she was able to contract you and send you the ring. What a treasure to have.

@AK_Tracy Don't work too hard. Good of you to help out the new gal.

I didn't but the main boss stopped in and asked me if I was crazy. Why was I there!!! Well, helping of course cause that's what I do.

We have a couple of errands to run this morning, but should be home before the roads get bad.

Oh no, sounds like you got winter!!! Hope it stops and roads aren't too bad.

I'm heading out to take care of her tomorrow and will be there all week as she can't be left alone.

Amy keep us posted on how Erinn is doing. Praying you have a safe drive and that the drs find a solution.

 

[BoatLady]

Last night there was trivia at the club...our team lost which is unusual. It was still fun. This afternoon we are go in to the Elks with a bunch of friends to see a Neil Diamond impersonator...this will be interesting. We Neil D twice when we lived in CT so I hope I am not disappointed. Our son's middle name is Neil, I am sure you can guess why. After the show we will all go to dinner.
My HS friend who had the brain aneurysm on Jan 4 is still in hospital, still sedated but doing a little better. Her wonderful husband gives me reports several times every day, he said we should be able to go visit her soon.
I called the woman how found my dad's wedding ring..we talked for 45 minutes about my gardens and my moms obsession with growing plants. I will go meet her and tour the gardens in June when we are up there. I found the file of pictures mom took of all the named Rhodendron, azalias and Kalmia so will send those to her. Finally the home has an avid gardener to take care of it. My parents would be happy.

@mimes1 Thinking of all of you and wishing Erinn the best. Hugs to all of you.

@AK_Tracy I bet you will make some interesting pages about your surgery.They will be unique that is for sure. Hugs.

@taxed4ever I hope your son enjoys Cuba. We went to Havana on a cruise and I loved it...so old and the architecture must have been stunning in it's heyday. And the cars-just wow. How nice that they get to go US citizens cannot go there now.
Well I will be making Sex in a Pan for our next social at the club....It is perfect for our group of friends. I had never heard of it so looked up the recipe, easy and sounds yummy.

@FloridaGranny yesterday was like spring for sure and looking forward the week looks awesome in the 70's- we will take it.

Well that is about it for now. off to the the ducks they are waiting for their cracked corn.
Enjoy your day

 

[MariJ]

Good morning all, Chris that Amazon place sounds great but crazy, is it located up by you? I'm intrigued and wonder how you knew about what they are carrying at the moment, how did you know the bird feeder was there? This bargain hunter is very curious!
My sister had me help her put one up while I was there and I attached my iPad to it - it's awesome to be able to see her birds from here and if she happens to be outside, I can talk to her through the mic. She attached it to her deck for now because the ground is too frozen to put a pole in. Since she has lots of feeders the birds had no trouble finding it, somedays there is a lineup down the deck! She has bird-feeding down to a science and there's lots of talk about "nutzys" (?) and other types of seed that attract certain birds. Since the winter has been so cold they eat non-stop. It's very cool to watch them though; good luck with yours. @faerywings
Here's a red-bellied woodpecker ready to eat and a line-up of little yellow finches - usually there's even more than that and the crowd goes all the way down the deck railing!

 

[MariJ]

Tracy, I'm thinking of you as your surgery gets closer. It will be SOooooo nice to be on the other/healing side of all of it.
Sending lots of love and hugs, dear friend....
@AK_Tracy


Amy, so sorry to hear about Erinn, she must be happy to have her Mama there and for sure you will be too.
Take care, both of you and sending lots of love and hugs to you, too dear friend.
@mimes1

 

[faerywings]

Happy Sunday, O-zies!
Blerg, I am tired. I have not been getting much restful sleep, lots of tossing and turning and off-the-rails dreams. My entire back feels like it is in knots. I've been doing something bad and it's time to stop. To save some money, I've been stretching out my Zoloft prescription. Full dose one day, 1/2 dose the next. To say that it isn't working is well-- kind of a teeny tiny understatement. I'm not going to be saving any money if I can't work if I need to be scraped off of the ceiling.

How was your Saturday?
I wasn't feeling the best- partly from my bound-to-fail-medication experiment. I think I was having a Lyme flare too. My speech was horrible, I couldn't think of basic words, and I was achy all over. Then I remembered that I got vaccinated on Monday. That will do it, throw off my immune system just enough to make a bacterial mess of my body. I'll be keeping track of that today.
I was disappointed (sort of) --Day One and no birds came by.
Scott called to tell me about a new backyard bird supply store that is on his way to his work office. They aren't officially opened yet but when he went to the door to peek inside, the owner saw his ranger uniform, and invited him to show him around. They are going to see if they can collaborate on some community programs. Sounds very cool and Scott was excited. I asked how long it might take for birds to show up at my feeder and he said it should only be a few days. *fingers crossed*

I started decorating for the party and now have a Jolly Roger flag hanging in my DR and a stuffed parrot on the cabinet.
What is up for today? Meal planning and my grocery order are the big tasks.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

 

[faerywings]

@MariJ Wow!!! Those pics are fantastic!!!! TFS!!!

The store is called Blooming Deals and it's on Hamburg Tpke, Bloomingdale NJ. It's not far from Rt 23/Rt 287. If you ever come up, LMK-- I am ~25 minutes from there, we can meet for coffee/lunch!
As for knowing that they had the feeder, it was by sheer luck. We visited with Scott and Sam that morning and I was obsessed with their feeder. Sam was showing me all of the photos she had saved. Scott got me a hummingbird/camera feeder for Christmas (not set up yet of course) and asked if I wanted this style as an early b-day gift. (my b-day is not until June, he is the best♥). Sam and her mom were in the store that afternoon and must have seen the box in the back or maybe on a preview shelf? I'm not sure how it works since the expensive items get sold on certain days. But long story, not that short-- I knew that they had one there, that it was on sale for $10 on Friday, and I got it before anyone else did. Bonus.... I didn't need to beat anyone up for it a la Black Friday Style.

ETA: I don;t know if they have a website, but I found them on IG https://www.instagram.com/bloomingdeals.liquidations/

 

[MariJ]

@MariJ Wow!!! Those pics are fantastic!!!! TFS!!!

The store is called Blooming Deals and it's on Hamburg Tpke, Bloomingdale NJ. It's not far from Rt 23/Rt 287. If you ever come up, LMK-- I am ~25 minutes from there, we can meet for coffee/lunch!
As for knowing that they had the feeder, it was by sheer luck. We visited with Scott and Sam that morning and I was obsessed with their feeder. Sam was showing me all of the photos she had saved. Scott got me a hummingbird/camera feeder for Christmas (not set up yet of course) and asked if I wanted this style as an early b-day gift. (my b-day is not until June, he is the best♥). Sam and her mom were in the store that afternoon and must have seen the box in the back or maybe on a preview shelf? I'm not sure how it works since the expensive items get sold on certain days. But long story, not that short-- I knew that they had one there, that it was on sale for $10 on Friday, and I got it before anyone else did. Bonus.... I didn't need to beat anyone up for it a la Black Friday Style.

ETA: I don;t know if they have a website, but I found them on IG https://www.instagram.com/bloomingdeals.liquidations/

Thank you! That's really awesome info, don't know if I'd ever get up there but for sure I'd let you know if I were coming. My friend lives in Randolph and when I'm there we often take little shopping trips.
The bird feeder my sister has had a camera button, you click on it and voila! I was getting many great shots those days after/during the snow as the poor birds had not many feeding options. I know there is also someplace that identifies the species of bird that came -- even gives numbers, but we haven't done that. And, I know her feeder has a hummingbird port but she didn't attach it yet since they are not around. She normally has lots of feeders around in spring/summer and gets so many of them. I'll have to tell her about the hummingbird/camera feeder, wow!
That's wonderful about your gift offer, you have such a nice family. I will look up the info, thanks fo rthat too!

 

[faerywings]

@MariJ I love that you have your iPad connected to your sister's camera
How many feeders does she have in total? Scott set up a feeder for finches but as of last week hasn't seemed many use it. His mantra is basically- be patient and they will come. Too bad I am not the more patient person LOL

@deej Good healthy thoughts to your DH and all fingers are crossed that you don't catch it.

@BrightEyes I hope that you are getting some solid sleep, waking up at 4 and 4.30 is not fun. (ask me how I know Hahah!)
Wait-- what temps are you going to bet reaching the next few days???? I am so jealous- tomorrow will be "warm" at 42* according to weather.com.
The rest of the week is going to be 20s and 30s. Not great temps for maple sugaring either. (needs to be below freezing at night and above freezing during the day to get the sap to flow).
Wonderful news about DD#1!! She must be thrilled to be out of the boot and no more scooter. And OMG, I am so conditioned to tell people not to push themselves that I feel the need to tell her that too.
DD#3 must be happy to be coming back home but I bet she'll miss being with her sister too. Oh! I just read your next sentence-- I really should read the entire post at once-- but yay that DD#1 will be out so visit soon! Feb is going to be a fantastic family month for you ♥

@Nonni F uh-oh!! Bad kitty, eating too many snacks Caitlyn weighed her rats the other day and Mouse is also overweight. I am not sure which will be easier, getting a kitten or a rat to lose weight. I guess having chipmunks looking inside the catio and teasing the kitten will help increase the activity levels a little bit.
Sorry about the snow. At least it is a Saturday and you don't have to drive to work..... (I am looking for the smallest good thing about snow).

@AK_Tracy How was it at work yesterday? That's the sweetest thing, to go in and help.
Awww you are also so sweet for the bail money offer! Although I would think you are more likely to find a way to bust me out than go through the legal channels
Stress? In your life? Can't be..... I hope that you have a wonderful, relaxing Sunday with your feet up and drink and book in hand.
I'm a little cautious about bears and the feeder. We only had a few sightings in my yard/neighborhood the last year. They typically won't come to the front door anymore although we have had them on the front steps years ago. One time Gary opened the door, and there was a cub right there on the step! Mom was trying to get the bear can lid open two feet away. Of course, our bears aren't like your bears thankfully.

Nice quiet weekend here. I had two errands to run this morning. One to Sam's Club and the other to Hobby Lobby. Got what I needed and am back home. I started a fire in the fireplace as it's a cool 67* in my living room. I know it's supposed to warm up outside today but I'm cold so a fire it is! I have some scrapping to do and may get that done today while hubby is at work. We have church tomorrow and hubby ushers. That's the extent of our weekend. I hope everyone has a great one!

Glasd thgat DH is feelignbetetr! Have a wonderful rest of the weekend. Did you get any scrapping done? If not, have a great time with it today! Well. Come to think of it, even if you scrapped yesterday, have fun doing it again!

@BoatLady Did you get any photos of the ducks? That must have been quite a sight!
Scott mentioned the black oil sunflower seeds too for the feeder. I ended up getting a basic blend that has them mixed in. Once I see who shows up, I'll figure out what is best.
So happy that your dinner was fun, especially for your friends whose house was flooded. That has to be heartbreaking and hard, emotional work.
Wait-- No way-- I am reading about your dad's wedding ring and my jaw is on the floor! What a surprise and talk about a scrappable moment. These stories keep my faith in humanity going on the rough days so this makes my heart happy!
Just incredible that she found it and tracked you down.

@FloridaGranny Diane, you crack me up! I hope that you stop in today even just to wave hi! Let's keep the streak rolling! ♥ if you want. Remember, no rules LOL!

@bcgal00 What, no yucky dirty snow? My front lawn is some snow, some ice, some mud, and some frozen dog poop. It almost makes me wish for another inch of snow just to hide the mess.
I hope that your Saturday was as cozy and as relaxing as it sounded.

@taxed4ever Happy b-day to your Gary!!!

Honest I wouldn't be in the way LOL Just park me in a hammock and send a drink over now and again

I hear ya!! Hope that DS and DIL have a great time in Cuba!
Ummm--

I made sugar free Sex in a Pan for his dessert

Do I want to ask???

@mimes1 (((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))) Sending you and Erinn all of my love!

Debby- how was the concert? Hope you weren't disappointed by this Neil.
I am so excited for you that you spent so much time talking to the woman who owns your parents' house now. And so amazing that she appreciates the plants that your mom so obviously lovingly planted.

 

[MariJ]

@MariJ I love that you have your iPad connected to your sister's camera
How many feeders does she have in total? Scott set up a feeder for finches but as of last week hasn't seemed many use it. His mantra is basically- be patient and they will come. Too bad I am not the more patient person LOL

Oh my, if I'm trying to count feeders (not hummingbird ones) she has roughly 5 in the back - plus she puts a line of seed down on the deck floor near the sliding door and another line on the deck railing for the little birds.
Plus she has 3-4 in front, it's crazy! I'll have to check he exact amount, now you have me thinking. I just know it's a full-time job filling, putting them out and taking them in at night. Plus it's expensive - especially this winter!
I think Scott is right. They will come and once one does, they seem to spread the word and all the friends and relatives come!
She set me up here a few years ago and I started to see so many woodpeckers and cool birds, amazing. But, then I got tired of fighting with squirrels and huge starlings who hogged it all so I gave it up!

 

[AK_Tracy]

Good Morning!!!!! We have double digit temps!! Its a whopping ten

Tracy, I'm thinking of you as your surgery gets closer. It will be SOooooo nice to be on the other/healing side of all of it.
Sending lots of love and hugs, dear friend....

Thank you!

I started decorating for the party and now have a Jolly Roger flag hanging in my DR and a stuffed parrot on the cabinet.

I cant wait to see photos.

@AK_Tracy How was it at work yesterday? That's the sweetest thing, to go in and help.
Awww you are also so sweet for the bail money offer! Although I would think you are more likely to find a way to bust me out than go through the legal channels
Stress? In your life? Can't be..... I hope that you have a wonderful, relaxing Sunday with your feet up and drink and book in hand.
I'm a little cautious about bears and the feeder. We only had a few sightings in my yard/neighborhood the last year. They typically won't come to the front door anymore although we have had them on the front steps years ago. One time Gary opened the door, and there was a cub right there on the step! Mom was trying to get the bear can lid open two feet away. Of course, our bears aren't like your bears thankfully.

Work was funny. It felt like I had not been gone a month and yet it was odd to make the drive to work. That's funny you had a cub outside your door. I wouldn't mind that as much as the big brown we had in our yard one year. She was sleeping under our bedroom window. This was when we lived in town too. Bears know no boundaries.

Today is church so its a quick in and out. Dogs demanding to be fed. Need coffee. Have a great day!

 

[bcgal00]

Ugh...-9 for the next 3-4 days with a wind chill 10°+ more. Time to get out my balaclava for walks with Remi. Yesterday my face was freezing. D is installing the fan on the fireplace which will help circulate that hot air a bit more. On a brighter note, it sure looks pretty outside and we have some sun peaking out from the snow clouds (a bit more coming this afternoon).

We shopped on Temu this morning (sterling silver rings, purses and jewelry supplies for me). I have no idea what D or Jen got. It was nice to get our mind off the tariff situation for awhile. We have been getting lots of info about Canadian made products and our grocery stores have started to make displays for their Canadian products to make it easy for us.

I'm home today, will scrap and work on some jewelry later. I'll make some notes about questions to ask when my friend comes over tomorrow, when we call the polar bear tour company, to get all the info and book our spots. Her and I have booked our May trip to go on a grouse birding wkend together. We are watching the weather to see which upcoming wk will be best to drive to northern Alberta to see the frozen bubbles at Abraham Lake. Lots of fun things to do this year. It'll be kind of fun to see what kind of Canadian based trips we can come up with. We all agree that we won't be crossing the border this year.

We are 4 episodes from the finish of Yellowstone....loving it! Now I can't wait to watch one of the spinoffs but first...Based On A True Story.

@faerywings I bet you are going to love watching your birds. @MariJ sure has some cool pics. What fun! We have gotten a few inches of snow and everything looks even prettier now but...cold.

Time to shower (I've been lazy this morning) and get out with Remi. HAGD everyone.

 

[vickyday]

Time to flip the calendars!
One winter month down and 1 1/2 more to go.

I am starting to get into a Spring frame of mind. The roads were fine by the time I needed to leave if I wanted to look for the birdfeeder. I drove down, saw the parking lot was packed, and there was a line of people out the door. Since I couldn't get in the lot, I drove another block past to turn around. I was considering simply going back home but I was "right there" so felt I should suck it up and deal with people for a few minutes. The place was crazy!!! I have never been inside anywhere like this. It's all Amazon returns and a lot of the things are still in the brown, unlabeled Amazon boxes. Which you are not allowed to open, you have to bring it to the counter and one of the workers will open it. (I don't understand either!) Each day of the week has a different price point category. Friday is all of the expensive returns and everything is $10. So the $100 birdfeeder would be $10.
Nothing is sorted, its just tables and rows of chaotic boxes. People had carts filled to the brim and you couldn't see much. I took a deep breath, figured start on the right side of the building, and YAY!!! Halfway down the first row, I saw a box with a cardinal on it!! I grabbed it, tried to look around, got way too claustrophobic, and left. Yes, I paid for my birdfeeder before I left. *wink* I stopped at the feed store on my way home to get seeds, charged the camera up, and Gary will help me set it outside this morning.

Was it worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? Heck no!
Training went well. Even though I had done the training and one field trip before, I am happy that I went again. I remembered a little more than I thought I did but always good to have the refresher. Not to mention it is a cool feeling actually tapping a tree.

I am off to the FP this morning and then will be staring at my bird feeder the rest of the day.

Sadly, I have a bunch of desk work for here, for Weis, and for the party. Sam sets her iPad up to watch the live cam feed and I might just have to do the same. *If* I get any birds today. How long does it take for birds to find a new feeder? Is there anything to attract them, like how hummingbirds will be attracted to red?

I should post this and get on personals. HAGD!

Glad you got your feeder at least! I'm with you.....not my kind of thrifting!

 

[vickyday]

Ugh about the sickness. Are you dousing yourself in hand sanitizer yet?


I hope you and the family are having a wonderful time together. Since you are at home, is it necessary to bubble wrap you or is that only when you visit elsewhere?
The weather is making *me* crazy! All of my lesson planning is out the window. There was hardly any snow on the ground at Weis yesterday so all of my snow science plans need to be adjusted. Again. :/

@BrightEyes Your enchiladas look delish!!




I know it has to suck now but how amazing you will feel when it's over.
Could the tingly hands be from an anxiety attack? My lips and tongue get tingly when I get anxiety attacks, but chest pains and blurred vision for a panic attack. All of these are different from when I have a POTS episode. LOL
Hope that your back is not hurting you today.

@taxed4ever Where are you finding all of these cute emojis?? How am I missing them, like I did with the
So what is the one you used? Yup : gotcha :
Sheesh! I hope the mountains get the most of the snow and you get just the right amount.
Well, I am not one to judge but IMHO- I think your sister has the right idea hehe. I would love to be a recluse. Seriousl, no, I am JK. I would be worried about her too. Would she ever hike with you?

I know I tend to put my but its always from a place of caring. Even if you cry, its gonna be ok. You will be with family who loves him and you. You got this. ♥

No kidding!!
Enjoy the quiet(er) weekend!
How is Jen doing, the anniversary is either soon or just passed? ((((((((hugs))))))))))

Is it too late to invite myself? Yum!


As Tracy would say, tooo much people-ing! Yuck! I hope that you rebalance the people-time with cat-cuddling time. Are you with me counting the days until spring? (of course you are!)

@wombat146 hey Ona!!!


Hi Diane! You know the tules, you only pop in and/or reply when you can. Its always wonderful when you do! Hope you are doing great!

I'm sorry you had to adjust your lesson plan because the weather wasn't cooperating!

Bubblewrap.....no need! I sat most of the day away playing games and/or eating! I was threatened, too, and told I could not play pickle ball with the others out in my daughter's driveway! No worries! Not going there! My son-in-law, being the funny boy he is.....bought me a pair of PJ pants with pickle ball paddles on them! I will never live that episode down!

Had a great weekend with the family! I was so tired by the time we got home last night! And then I said goodbye to my son and daughter so they could travel home. We will be gathering again in June. The time between June and January's gatherings is the long stretch that seems like an eternity!

 

[AK_Tracy]

I'm sorry you had to adjust your lesson plan because the weather wasn't cooperating!

Bubblewrap.....no need! I sat most of the day away playing games and/or eating! I was threatened, too, and told I could not play pickle ball with the others out in my daughter's driveway! No worries! Not going there! My son-in-law, being the funny boy he is.....bought me a pair of PJ pants with pickle ball paddles on them! I will never live that episode down!

Had a great weekend with the family! I was so tired by the time we got home last night! And then I said goodbye to my son and daughter so they could travel home. We will be gathering again in June. The time between June and January's gatherings is the long stretch that seems like an eternity!

I love your son in laws humor!! that is hysterical