Daily Ooo's: July 4-5: Weekend Edition

[faerywings]

*checks calendar. checks it again*
Yes. Saturday, July 4. Happy Independence Day in the States. My plan is to take a moment to reflect on the ideals of our nation. To see how far we have come with a critical eye and look ahead to make a more perfect union. One thing I am always struck by is blind patriotism and American Exceptionalism. For me-- being American, being patriotic is to always strive for that more perfect Union. Never giving up on that. So that is my 4th of July speech :humble::americanflag

What in the world did I do yesterday? Caitlyn and I finished the puzzle. I snuggled with Livvie and Cordelia. The babies still scurry away. boooo! More weeding and removing of a pest that is eating my coneflowers which are *thisclose* to blooming. Scott told me what they are but I don't remember- tiny little white moth-like things. I am using a Neem soap to wipe down the flowers. Hopefully, that will help. I told him that I couldn't garden without him so he can't move out. Then we both said that he literally can't move out- the rate we are all going, he won't have a job for a long time.

Leah wanted to treat us all to pizza for dinner last night which was so darn nice of her. I love her so much. She is good for Scott. *heart swells a bit*
We didn't watch Hamilton but wow, my social media was covered in posts about it. I hope we can watch it tonight.

No plans again today. I am going to work on my hard drive today since I didn't touch it yesterday. I also have to post a LO. Annnnd I have to check in with my mom. She is not doing well. She had been feeling sick even on the lower dose of the medication. She and my dad have been bickering a lot again and she can really hold a grudge and all of her pettiness comes out. (I don't hold grudges -- can't remember what I am mad about haha-- but I *really* can be petty, so I guess that is where I get it from) She is still not eating which is putting her into a cycle of being weak and tired which then means she doesn't have the energy to cook. And being that she is angry at my dad, she won't ask for help and he doesn't offer. *eye roll*

It is all good, I asked Cait to make me a pina colada with dinner last night and it was *chef's kiss*

Gratitudes:
-coconut rum ound:
-Leah
-Ray is moving around a lot better

Hugs!!!

 

[faerywings]

Nancy- we had t-storms like crazy last night and now it there is a cool breeze. Luther would enjoy it so I hope you have the same. He is so smart to know to go where the AC is.
They did a remake of OVerboard??? Nooooooooooooo!! That movie was one of my favorites. I can't imagine it being anywhere as funny as the original. Tofuuuuttttiiiiii...
How was Hamilton? Did your DH or DS watch with you and if so what did they think? I am wondering how hard I need to convince Gary.
Yup, hard talks with kids-- it is a tricky act. My kids are not happy with Biden and I had to tell them to trash talk as much as they want at home, but don't do it outside of the house/S Media, so as not to discourage others to not vote for him.

NB: I am sorry for getting political-- take everything I say re: the elections as only my opinion and YMMV!

That is really cool that your city is doing so much to accommodate the businesses to open outdoors and be safe. We have some outside dining but really only at places that had it already. We also don't have a main street or center of town so that makes it more difficult.
Any plans for the holiday? Fireworks?

Trudy- That is a lot cooler than normal. Will it stay cool by you or is it going to heat back up again? I am sorry that you aren't selling anything ATM. Leah has a large network on Instagram and Twitter that is a lot of work for her, lots of cross-promoting, but is helping with sales. Is there something like that you could join? I would hook you up with her but it is pretty much her age group and some of the stuff she has to share shows that.
And YES!! You can and should paint for yourself!!!
Did Sadie see Hamilton? I am sorry I am so obsessed, I had wanted to see it on Broadway in the worst way and now I have a chance to see it Broadway Adjacent. LOL
My country is COVID F-ed.
Mexico closed its borders with us. EU won't let us in. CA won't either. I don't blame any f them. It is horrible.
Good vibes to your postal packages~~~~~~

 

[faerywings]

Kay-hahaha!! It was 90* with about 200% humidity here the other day so I envy you your dry heat. But I am sorry that you had to walk so far and no surprise that your temp was up. That was smart of them to let you wait and retake it.
What brand of sheets did you get? I need new sheets but I wouldn't go into a store to feel them. And I am "sensitive" with scratchy sheets so am always on a quest for nice sheets that aren't $$$$. How was it to sleep on them? Wonderful of your DD to come and help.

Felis- of course, we encourage you, we love hearing what you have to say. Even if is the 500th time we have heard it. Just kidding!!!! ound:
Tell your sister that we love fried food here too and the COVID weight is a real thing. But I am proud of her for doing the challenge. Moving is better than sitting no matter what your weight in the end.
Oh, I kept reading and that it is her scale that is broken! Tell her that she is doing great!!
That is what I am telling myself when I eat fried foods or junk. Gardening is exercise. Does it count if I am mostly sitting?
Americans are very vocal about wearing mask because our infection rates are dangerously high. 50,000 new cases a day. Masks are one of the only ways we have to protect ourselves and others. It is literally out of control in many areas around the country. I have no issue with other countries that have it under control wearing or not wearing them. But is *really* bad here.
We watched Fantastic Beasts recently and Grindlewald too- but that could be an option other than Harry Potter. Thanks!

::grouphug

 

[nancyr]

good morning we have taken Luther out and as we passed the gazebo downtown (we were on the other side of the street) they sang the National Anthem and then set off a cannon. Well Luther was pretty upset and just wanted to come home but it ended up being a pretty good walk. Our town is doing it normal Firecracker race virtually and no fireworks which is fine with me. But I do miss them. I did not watch Hamilton as it kept giving me an error message so I found another show Virgin River. It is really good. Well I guess I don't know that but I do like it LOL. It is only one season but they say it has been renewed just depends on when shows can begin filming again. Had a nice talk with my sister. She is in AZ and they are finally taking Covid seriously. She says once things opened people just went crazy. She just misses seeing in person her grandkids. Today is just lazy.

Chris I agree that what we should all strive for is a more perfect union. It is one strange weather day the fog is still hanging around and it is damp but not hot. Just sticky. I know that my DH will not watch Hamilton.

Trudy hope the day is nice. How fun that the neighbors gave everyone sparklers for your Canada celebration. Yes keep us out as too many of us don't follow the rules.

Kay enjoy the day.

Felis that is a fun story of your sister and her challenge and then finding the scale was not working.

Gratitudes
walking
sun

 

[BrightEyes]

Been up for awhile - seems like between 5 and 6 is now my 'normal' wake-up time. Managed to get a bit of scrapping done already.

Chris, I do like my new sheets. They are a microfiber but feel like the softest percale cotton. They stayed cool all night - no getting sweaty with them on which was a big problem with a lot of the microfiber fabrics. The brand name is Charisma... and can be had at Costco only. My DD#1 is a member there so that is why I had her get them for me. Big pluses are the fact that the fitted sheet is plenty big enough to tuck under so they stay in place. The other thing is the pillowcases [4 of them] are slightly over-sized so my Queen pillows are covered completely with a nice overhang at the opening. The sheets make me want to crawl back in bed again.... LOL

I saw an ad for a chicken salad sandwich yesterday and that got my mouth watering. I have chicken breasts cooking so I can make chicken salad with lot of fresh fruit. I picked up some fresh red and green grapes yesterday so will add those, chopped apple, pineapple tidbits, onions, red bell pepper and some pecans. I do a mayo, pineapple juice with a dash of sugar and nutmeg and cinnamon for the dressing. That sounds like a perfect dinner for a hot 4th of July evening. And I will have left-overs for the next couple of days. I swear it gets better the longer I have it.

Nancy, I understand why dogs don't like the loud noises... some neighbors were firing off fireworks for almost 2 hours last night and you could hear the dogs barking/whining. The city had planned to have fireworks tonight at one of the golf courses... but the golf course is right next to a city animal shelter. Due to complaints from people about it scaring the animals, the city moved it another venue.

Time to go finish putting the salad together. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

 

[taxed4ever]

Good morning ladies and Happy 4th of July to all of our US friends!! I hope that you have a lovely holiday and get to celebrate with family! Keep your bubble small and stay safe!! It is another cooler day, but the sun is trying its best to come out every once in awhile. Not much happening for DH and I today, its too wet to do any gardening or cut the grass yet and only a couple of things that we need to do in the way errands today. I really need to see if the lady that I get my makeup from is open again. I am getting low on a couple of items. Not that I wear much makeup lately LOL. Last night we ordered Mr. Mikes Bacon Mushroom Burgers oh my gosh they are so good! No bun for me and DH had a huge pile of fries that were very tempting, but I did not have any :mmph: My weight has been slowly rising as I have been trying many things that I should not. So it is time to get serious again with my Keto way of life! Not being able to get my laps in has not helped either. Still no word as to when the pool will open. :sad:

Chris - I started watching Hamilton and man is it ever long!!! Only got through about a third of it and I am loving it, but will have to finish it off another day. My Gary will not watch it most likely, but hey you never know, he has seen many other musicals with me. :noidea: I like that it is filled with history! I watched it on Disney + is it being shown on other places also?? DH and I are trying to watch the last 2 seasons of Ray Donovan and now that we no longer have Crave TV we are having a hard time finding where else to see it. We might have to bite the bullet and renew Crave for another month or so. :mmph:
I sure hope that you Mom is feeling better soon! She was doing so well, what the heck happened?? Yes our weather is supposed to stay cool like this for the next week, but the forecast seems to change every day so who knows :loco: I don't think that Sadie got to see Hamilton yesterday, they are in the middle of watching all the Harry Potter movies again so that is occupying most of their screen time. I think that the reason I am not selling is I am not a good sales person LOL. I am bad for not updating my Instagram etc. I am too lazy LOL. So I shouldn't complain should I! Don't feel bad about the EU not letting your country in they won't let us in either, they shouldn't be letting anyone in until there is a vaccine and the vaccine when it arrives should be MANDATORY!!! Who wants to go through this again???

Nancy - Aww poor Luther must have been so frightened by the Canon blast!! Hope it did not take him too long to settle down! That's too bad that you could not watch Hamilton, wonder what the error was?? Perhaps too many trying to watch?? I had no problems at all just did not have the time to sit and watch it all in one sitting. Mind you I have trouble sitting and watching anything longer than an hour long LOL. Hope that your sister will be able to see her grands soon! I can totally relate to how she is missing them! Nice to hear that AZ is finally taking things a bit more seriously! Enjoy your lazy day!

Kay - That is horrible that you had to walk so far in that heat! No wonder your temp was high!! I hope that you had a lovely sleep on your new soft sheets!! I bought a set of really nice sheets for our King Sized bed at Winners a while ago. They are made by Eddie Bauer and they were really inexpensive, only $30 so I thought they would be not so great after a few washings, but they are beautifully soft still and I love them. Now to see if I can find another set! What do want to bet I can't!! :mmph:

Felis - I love your story of the scale and your sister's weight troubles! Maybe that is what is wrong with my weight gain, its the scale is broken LOL. Naw, its me LOL. I agree with your Grandma, gardening is great excercise!! Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Ok I am in need of another cup of coffee and I better get dressed and get going with errands this morning before it gets too busy out there. Have a lovely day everyone! I hope you do something fun today! :wave:

 

[scrap-genie]

Here it's a nice day for the 4th of July, maybe the coolest day we'll have for a while. I made a loaf of apple nutty bread that heated up the kitchen, but the breeze is cooling things inside. A national genealogy conference scheduled in May went to a day of live-streaming followed by a host of webinars that became available on July 1. I signed up to get 20, but in addition are the ones from the live-stream and another group sponsored by different companies, though some of those are really about their products. So far I'm watching one each day. Ohio has gone to reporting data by county with levels for the virus. Our county is in the next to highest category and it looks like wearing masks in public is going to be made mandatory in the city and the rest of the county too. For us, we really should just be staying home.

Chris, I was interested in reviews of Hamilton, but guess none of you actually watched (at least all of) it yesterday. I'd thought of looking into how to get Disney+ for a month to see it because I really liked a portion of it that was shown back then on the Late Show. But I've probably changed my mind after remembering that I have never liked musicals and even more learning it is so long. So good Leah is there for Scott, especially now. Hope you got some inside things done, but we all know you're meant to be outside. Any word on your mom? The not eating part is especially scary. Thinking healing thoughts for her.

Nancy, have you had lots of fireworks going off in the neighborhoods for days and weeks like here? Poor Luther wouldn't like it but one cannon blast must have given him quite a jolt. Hope you all enjoy celebrations today. I like Chris's thoughts on what it means. Good luck getting to see Hamilton.

Kay, those sheets sound wonderful. Nice that DD can get them for you and also help put them on the bed. We sure don't want you stressing that back. It was nasty that you had to walk so far in the heat to get to the mammo, but nice they understood and let you recuperate a bit. Your chicken salad sounds scrumptious, never thought of pineapple but for some reason I bought a little can of it in our last groceries. Have to remember that.

Trudy, I really liked your neighbors and the Canada Day celebration idea. Tonight we'll probably watch fireworks on TV. Please do keep painting even if for yourself. I have the same problem, but also just don't have any ambition. Wishing you success in getting back to a more keto eating. It's so hard to resist temptations.

Felis, what a story about your sister and the scale! What a mean scale. But I like that testing revealed the story. As the others have written, please don't worry if your posts might be repetitive. If we all had such exciting lives, we wouldn't have time to post here every day. :bounce: You asked about my genealogy research (big mistake!) I had followed the brother of one of my ancestors who moved from one state some distance to anther state. The brother had a daughter who was 17 in 1850, but I didn't know what happened to her after that. Until this spring when I found a clue online. She had married a minister and lived in various locations. I've learned quite a bit about them which would seem to solve my "missing girl" problem. Except that now I've got two missing as her youngest two daughters are small in 1870, but I don't know what became of them...

Gratitutdes
a not too hot day
genealogy

 

[felis]

Happy Independence Day, girls! :americanflag
I had very pleasant but lazy day. My sister knows how to cheers me up! She sent me picture of herself shopping for essential stuff, and of course :roll: is pick up Liam Gallagher's vinyl LOL! What more essential than music! I'm so happy to see her happy and back in her place! And there is the song that Liam is wrote for his future wife and I'm so curious to see do he will be able to get married next month as it's planed! And I guess I'm talking about him way too much in our past few phone calls, so no surprise that my excitement was contagious LOL .
No grocery shopping for me (yey!!! :laugh: ) as dad is working at the weekend, and will do that after work.


Jean, this is so exciting, and makes me very happy! It's so strange that they are been real people, but now are like part of romantic story for me! I'm so happy that her 'disappearance' is because of the last name change! When we talk about a young woman my first opinion is unfortunately for illness, as it's been hard times. Hope you'll find something about the daughters too!

Trudy, sorry that pools aren't still opened! I saw many people using it here these days because is too hot. But some prefer to undress in their cars which is a little bit weird. But I guess if men are free to go around shirtless, women also have to be free to go around in swimsuits and pareo! Maybe I have to specify that I talk for pools outside, so they cross the parking and go direct to the pool and outside showers. I wear makeup and mask at the same time too lol ! What face cream with spf you use? I really have to get one new! I used Nivea, but it's not with enough protection.

Kay, maybe you like to wake up in earlier morning because it's cooler?

Nancy, how nice that it's ended up as a good walk!

Chris, ouch, the news about your mom are so scary! Any chances to bring food to her front door? Boxes and soup in thermos, that she can freeze and use the whole week. Hahaha, nope you can't cheating at gardening exercises, we count only watering with a watering can (as dumbbells), long-handled hoes, wheelbarrow and ect. I think they are more for the upper body, but have also lots of squats.

 

[faerywings]

Good morning! Afternoon/evening/whenever
I hope everyone was able to get a decent night's sleep in the US. Holy fireworks everywhere. Anyone with a dog or a veteran in their family (I should also add a victim of gun violence) had a rough one. I thought J was going to give herself a heart attack. She was beyond frantic. Gary said that someone a few houses up from us was lighting one set off. I could hear the pop/sizzle before the BOOM. But they were non-stop and all I could do was lie over her and tell her it was ok.

How was everyone's day? I hope it was a nice one. Again, I have very little recollection of what I did. Cait and I started to gather recipes for our Wizard Night. Weeded/moved rocks/removed pests. Cleaned up some of the hard drives. After dinner, we watched the first act of Hamilton. OMG- I am loving it. Lov-ing-it. Gary and Cait were chattering away (and making W howl Grrrrr) during the first few songs and I had to yell at them. We are going to watch the second act tonight. Lin-Manuel Miranda is a musical *genius* and the actors belting out the songs (Lafayette's rap! Wow!!!)- I am in awe. :hail:

No big plans today, just same old same old, fighting with the Shoprite website is the biggest on the To-Do List.

Wishing everyone a very happy day, may it be more exciting but only in good ways than mine.

 

[faerywings]

Nancy- poor Luther, I can't imagine how startled he must have been when the cannon went off. Hope the noise didn't bother him last night, at least not too much. That stinks about the error message for Hamilton but at least you found a new show to watch. Had to laugh at the not knowing if it is "good" LOL As long as you are enjoying it!
We had so much fog this morning and the smell from the fireworks was in it. J didn't want to go outside, just stood frozen with her nose twitching. It has burned off and it going to hit 91*
I am glad that your sister is being safe but how horrible it must be for you to see it happening in AZ knowing how bad it was here.

Kay- Oh thank you so much for the brand of sheets. We have a Costco membership so I will have to check that out. Bet it felt amazing to sleep on them. I hate it when the fitted sheet gets all wrinkly and bunched up overnight.
Enjoy your chicken salad!

Trudy- Is today's weather better than the last few - not too wet? How nice to enjoy a good burger. Good luck restarting keto again. It has to be hard not to have the pool open. Is there a place outdoors that you could go to swim laps?
I figured Hamilton was going to be about 2 hours based on other plays but when Cait said it was 2 hours 40 mins we decided to break it into the two acts. I doubt that I could have sat through that long but I was 100% engrossed so maybe I could have,. It is funny, it takes me a while for my ear to adjust to accents (Broadchurch and David Tennent about killed me! ha!!) and I need the same for musicals. The first couple of songs I had to strain to catch the words.
I am very worried about when a vaccine comes out there will be many people not willing to get it. I am seeing a lot of that nonsense on my FB feed. No Bill Gates is NOT microchipping you! :doh:
You aren't a bad salesperson, I think you do better face-to-face like with your neighbors.
If I can't track down the sheets that Kay mentioned, I will look for Eddie Bauer brand.

 

[faerywings]

I had to post that-- electricity started to flicker for some reason!

Jean- I do hope that you were able to enjoy the day since it is going to get hot. Are you watching your webinars in front of a fan? I hope so.
That is scary news that your country is next to the highest in cases. PA made masks mandatory lest week IIRC and I think it is a smart move. yup, you know me too well, I am meant to be outside. My poor house is showing the neglect, but hey no one outside of family sees it so who cares?? ound:
I didn't call my mom yesterday- bad daughter. Thank you for the good thoughts! I will pass them along to her.

Felis- awwww that is so sweet of your sister. She knows you too well. Is the album one you have already? Yay for no shopping!! :dance:
I could bring my mom food, I will have to ask her if she wants me to. But she is saying that nothing tastes right to her. Even stuff she normally likes is "off."
I am following you and Trudy's discussion about face creams. I need something for the summer since I have oily skin and yes, at 52 I still break out. Ugh. I should be wearing SPF and I don't-- but I do wear a baseball hat which helps a little.


Ok, better get going. xoxo!!!

 

[BrightEyes]

Morning, everyone. There was no point in trying to go to sleep early last night. There was a fireworks display going on less than half a mile from my house at the neighborhood park. It went on from 8:30 to after 10:30!!! Yes, the dogs around here were howling and barking. I could see it from my backyard but as I was already dressed for bed, I didn't go outside. Plus it was still 90 * even that late in the evening. The forecast is to reach 100* or higher this week. I will be staying inside with my A/C going.

I got my chicken salad made... and almost forgot to add the chopped apple and celery. Oh, man.... it was so good! It is one of my favorite summer meals. Jean, I think you would like pineapple in the chicken salad - it adds a different favor... nice and sweet.... I discovered I had used up all my nutmeg spice so added just the cinnamon along with the pineapple juice to the mayo and sugar. Even my hubby loved it and would ask when I was going to make it again.

Chris, sorry to hear your mom is not feeling well again. No, you are not a bad daughter for not calling every single day. Sometime you need a break for you own peace of mind.

Felis, nice that your dad did the grocery shopping for the family so you didn't have to go.

DD#3 called to say that she would coming over today. Haven't seen her in over a month. We will be doing the social distancing thing. So, I need to get my shower and dressed soon. CYL

 

[taxed4ever]

Happy Sunday ladies!! It is a nicer day today with the sun shining but still quite a few clouds out there and not really warm. At least not for July :mmph: Wish we could send this out to Ontario where they are suffering through another week of scorching heat! The weather sure is crazy!! DH and I have been bottling a Pinot Grigio this morning and so the tunes have been going, it makes the bottling process go very quickly and it is actually fun!! So now that the grass has dried up we will be outside for the remainder of the day getting the yard work done, weeding etc. The awning on the back deck needs to be cleaned too. I have already got my laundry started and one bathroom cleaned so now it is time for a coffee break and I will get back here to catch up with all of you in a bit! :wave:

 

[felis]

Trudy, I was thought about your sales and I just send you link via Instagram to initiative in which one of the artists I follow practice. I'm not sure did this will work for you, but at least you'll can check it.

Edit: Ok, I'm back with a normal post:
Hello girls!
We had a short rain and temps cool down, so was pleasant to work at the garden. Have to admit that I wasn't very productive and feels like I wasted excellent chance! So hope the weather to stay like that for tomorrow too. I feels, really, really strange. Kind of blurry and don't actually know how the day gone. I mean I know exactly what I did, but feels it like it wasn't me, and I was side observer on some parallel myself. If that make sense to you! Sooo weird!


Trudy, these bottling wine days sounds lovely every time! Hope you'll be more productive in your yard work than I was!

Kay, enjoy the visit of your daughter!

Chris, I'm not pretty sure what you are asking me, umm, if you you mean did I already have Liam's album physically, nope, I don't collect vinyl/CDs. But if you ask me did I was bought it before my sis, yes I have it from google play, and she was listen it with me multiple times when was here LOL. Aww I don't wear hat at summer/spring. My hair is so thin and exhausted, that I'm try to save it at least from this friction, after winter's one.
So bad about your mom's taste change, maybe pills are did that, but sounds very worrying! Haha, don't ask her, she will say 'No, no needs!'. Present it as something crazy that you and Cait did, as we was trying to freeze soups, so to not cook daily, but now have too much for the refrigerator. Yep, sometimes we have to tell a little lie, just to not harms someone pride.
Ouch, don't hate me but I'm from first that will refused to be vaccinated. I argued with my sister a lot about that, but nope, there is no chance to allow this chemicals in my bloodstream! I seriously suspect that all the fear and anxieties are fake made by the press just to sell you this poison!!! Which don't mean I'll dissuade my family to take it, everyone is free to choose! But I'm not sure what makes you think that this is the last mutation, and on the next year new type of the virus will not come with prepotency and needs of additional vaccines? Or like flu they will convince you to do it yearly! I made mistake to agree on tetani vaccine once, and the stupid thing almost killed me! In my opinion vaccine worth it only if there is no treatment. OK! :tape2:
Haha, something good in that to watch foreign musicals is that here they translated songs with subtitles, so to not cover the music and we easier got the meaning.