Daily Ooos: November 9-10: Weekend Edition

[faerywings]

Good morning and happy weekend!
I already read yesterday's posts. I usually don't read them first but oh boy, I am glad I did. You ladies made me LMBO! You are all the best-- so funny!
I am feeling better today than I was yesterday at this time. I am digging deep to be more optimistic. Reading about your days made me smile.

My cleaning project yesterday was to get on the step ladder and clean the tops of the furniture in my BR and bathroom. Ceiling fan, dresser, bookcase. Then I did the baseboards and the window trim (yes, I used a soapy toothbrush on that). Next, I paid some bills and tried to figure out the best way to approach the next 5 sessions of HS. None of that helped my mood so I decided I'd go on a hike. I texted Scott to see if he was going to be hiking up here at all and he immediately sent me a pic of the woods. He was doing trail maintenance work for a night hike he is leading tonight so we met on the trail, went up the the reservoir, and then back down.
Crazy to be wearing short sleeves and a light jacket and sweating my butt off.
here is the view on my way up:

I had my walking stick with me but there wasn't much point to it. The ground is so hard, it just skidded along. But it did help me figure out where the rocks were hiding under the leaves. Being in the woods and talking with Scott always boosts my mood. Sometimes all I can do is get through the day and try again tomorrow. So here I am.

My day is pretty packed with "stuff." I have some laundry and dishes to deal with this morning. I'm off to the food pantry at 10 am. I have to ask about the Thanksgiving food pick-up since I can't get there that week. Since I am hosting, I'm going to need that extra bag or two of food. Everyone will bring something but even the extras, like butter or cans of gravy, will blow my budget out. It stinks but it is what it is. When I get back I am going to be in the kitchen the rest of the day. My brother asked me to bring Oreo pudding for my dad's birthday dinner and I'm making vegan chocolate mousse so Tom has something for dessert too. I don't have any ideas what to get my dad for a gift so I am making him rice pudding. Like I do every year. As long as he enjoys it, although I feel bad and very uncreative about it.
I found a photo of my parents with Caitlyn from the wedding so I can use that for his card.

Lots to do and to keep me busy- all good things!

Time to post and get J outside.
BRB for personals ♥♥♥

 

[faerywings]

@BrightEyes I hope that your temps stay above freezing so the roads and sidewalks can dry off and be clear of any ice. I'm so glad that your electricity is underground as the tree branches were coming down.
Sheesh, that was lucky of you to show the electrician the other ceiling fan and I'm glad you were able to get them both fixed.
I didn't clean the grout yesterday but it would have been the bathroom floor tiles. Mainly behind the toilet bowl. Probably doing that on Monday *G*

@taxed4ever How is Linda doing? It must be especially difficult as she grieves since she and Mark so recently broke up. That's a lot of pain and conflicting emotions to contend with
at watching your ILs TV from across the street
Good luck getting your calendar pages done, you always do and they always look incredible.

@vickyday I hope that the new brace gets to you soon! Take it easy when you sare scrapping

@AK_Tracy This is you on the grout job? ~>

Please take it as easy as you can!

Off for more coffee and Chris the answer is YES more coffee always helps.

You are right!

@Terri M Great news about the OT and RoM!
Oh my goodness, your poor G-DD! That is my biggest fear when I am with the kids in the woods, they climb on the rocks and logs and I'm always so nervous that are going to get hurt. I hope that she can get around school ok in the wheelchair. And good luck to Phoebe's parents- I imagine is going to be a logistical nightmare just getting around the house and dressed and all of that.

That would be scary, but I have to admit I'm envisioning it falling while it's on, and starting to fly around the room like a helicopter.

Any pics of the grout and tile yet Tracy?

Even funnier was the story announcer saying very seriously, ""While we've been here, the outside temperatures have dropped"

Another

@mimes1 So good to see you! enjoy your weekend and get off your feet if you can!

 

[vickyday]

Good morning and happy weekend!
I already read yesterday's posts. I usually don't read them first but oh boy, I am glad I did. You ladies made me LMBO! You are all the best-- so funny!
I am feeling better today than I was yesterday at this time. I am digging deep to be more optimistic. Reading about your days made me smile.

My cleaning project yesterday was to get on the step ladder and clean the tops of the furniture in my BR and bathroom. Ceiling fan, dresser, bookcase. Then I did the baseboards and the window trim (yes, I used a soapy toothbrush on that). Next, I paid some bills and tried to figure out the best way to approach the next 5 sessions of HS. None of that helped my mood so I decided I'd go on a hike. I texted Scott to see if he was going to be hiking up here at all and he immediately sent me a pic of the woods. He was doing trail maintenance work for a night hike he is leading tonight so we met on the trail, went up the the reservoir, and then back down.
Crazy to be wearing short sleeves and a light jacket and sweating my butt off.
here is the view on my way up:
View attachment 432456
I had my walking stick with me but there wasn't much point to it. The ground is so hard, it just skidded along. But it did help me figure out where the rocks were hiding under the leaves. Being in the woods and talking with Scott always boosts my mood. Sometimes all I can do is get through the day and try again tomorrow. So here I am.

My day is pretty packed with "stuff." I have some laundry and dishes to deal with this morning. I'm off to the food pantry at 10 am. I have to ask about the Thanksgiving food pick-up since I can't get there that week. Since I am hosting, I'm going to need that extra bag or two of food. Everyone will bring something but even the extras, like butter or cans of gravy, will blow my budget out. It stinks but it is what it is. When I get back I am going to be in the kitchen the rest of the day. My brother asked me to bring Oreo pudding for my dad's birthday dinner and I'm making vegan chocolate mousse so Tom has something for dessert too. I don't have any ideas what to get my dad for a gift so I am making him rice pudding. Like I do every year. As long as he enjoys it, although I feel bad and very uncreative about it.
I found a photo of my parents with Caitlyn from the wedding so I can use that for his card.

Lots to do and to keep me busy- all good things!

Time to post and get J outside.
BRB for personals ♥♥♥

Glad your hike with Scott bolstered your day! I love my daughters but the time I spend with my sons is extra special since I don't see them as often!

 

[vickyday]

@BrightEyes I hope that your temps stay above freezing so the roads and sidewalks can dry off and be clear of any ice. I'm so glad that your electricity is underground as the tree branches were coming down.
Sheesh, that was lucky of you to show the electrician the other ceiling fan and I'm glad you were able to get them both fixed.
I didn't clean the grout yesterday but it would have been the bathroom floor tiles. Mainly behind the toilet bowl. Probably doing that on Monday *G*

@taxed4ever How is Linda doing? It must be especially difficult as she grieves since she and Mark so recently broke up. That's a lot of pain and conflicting emotions to contend with
at watching your ILs TV from across the street
Good luck getting your calendar pages done, you always do and they always look incredible.

@vickyday I hope that the new brace gets to you soon! Take it easy when you sare scrapping

@AK_Tracy This is you on the grout job? ~>

Please take it as easy as you can!

You are right!

@Terri M Great news about the OT and RoM!
Oh my goodness, your poor G-DD! That is my biggest fear when I am with the kids in the woods, they climb on the rocks and logs and I'm always so nervous that are going to get hurt. I hope that she can get around school ok in the wheelchair. And good luck to Phoebe's parents- I imagine is going to be a logistical nightmare just getting around the house and dressed and all of that.



Any pics of the grout and tile yet Tracy?

Another

@mimes1 So good to see you! enjoy your weekend and get off your feet if you can!

YES! Got the brace yesterday !

 

[vickyday]

Good Morning,
Quick in and out today. Fighting a headache.
Got the brace for my arm yesterday. Wore it in the afternoon and in bed. I'll take it off here in a bit to let my arm breathe.
No plans today other than maybe some laundry.
The Lord laid something on my heart this morning, so even though I thought my devotion was done for the widows, I'm going to rework it, so I will probably work on that today, too!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! The weather looks to be gorgeous here! Hope yours is, too!

 

[AK_Tracy]

Good Morning!

Seems quiet this morning. Im not usually this high up in the thread

I don't have any ideas what to get my dad for a gift so I am making him rice pudding. Like I do every year. As long as he enjoys it, although I feel bad and very uncreative about it.
I found a photo of my parents with Caitlyn from the wedding so I can use that for his card.

This is what matters. You make his favorite dessert. At this point in life there isn't much he probably needs. So a favorite dessert is always a good idea. I always made my dad chocolate chip cookies. Was his favorite.

Any pics of the grout and tile yet Tracy?

I have pics with wet grout that looks black but I'm waiting for it to dry so its grey like its suppose to be. I am so thankful its drying the color I wanted and not as dark as the box said but again that would change when we seal the grout. But it looks so good and makes me happy.

Quick in and out today. Fighting a headache.
Got the brace for my arm yesterday. Wore it in the afternoon and in bed. I'll take it off here in a bit to let my arm breathe.
No plans today other than maybe some laundry.

Sorry you have a headache. Thats miserable. I am happy you got your brace. I hope it helps tons.

Today is work so it not an exciting day. Should be a nice quiet day at work too.

Must get more coffee, will try and share a photo.

 

[AK_Tracy]

Here it is so far. The grout wont be so dark. But all the colors are the same as the counters which are more "dots" in shape. Once the wood trip piece is added and the grout sealed and everything put back it is going to look fantastic! Working on it one day a week is dragging out the process.

 

[bcgal00]

Good morning ladies. Thought it was time to pop in for a visit and see how everyone is doing. The Xmas markets have started here so have gone to a few so far. Chatted with a woman about jewelry making which intrigues me, so on her recommendation I joined a class in Calgary and bought a jewelry tool kit. I'll watch tons of videos before I go to the class in a few weeks. I probably won't start making any until Jan but it'll be fun to get supplies and figure out what I want to make. Looks like I may have a purpose for my media room upstairs after all It could become my jewelry studio.

Remi is healing nicely and we have loosened the restrictions a bit. Taz is getting more stubborn and silly with his old man behavior.

We are heading out tomorrow for a day trip, from Banff to Saskatchewan Crossing along the Columbia Icefields Parkway. I know you'll want info, Chris....so here's a link.

https://icefieldsparkway.com/assets/volumes/pdf/Icefields_Parkway_Planner_-_Downloadable_Doc.pdf?v=1668117410

I miss you all but have been keeping very busy with life here. Not scrapping too much at the moment, just a bit for a few CT teams.

@AK_Tracy the backsplash looks gorgeous!

It's time to get out for one of my 3 daily neighborhood walks with Remi. She has adapted really well to her new schedule and doesn't seem to miss ball launching at all (good thing LOL because she's not ever doing that again). Take care everyone and I'll pop back in later on the wkend.

 

[AK_Tracy]

Good morning ladies. Thought it was time to pop in for a visit and see how everyone is doing. The Xmas markets have started here so have gone to a few so far. Chatted with a woman about jewelry making which intrigues me, so on her recommendation I joined a class in Calgary and bought a jewelry tool kit. I'll watch tons of videos before I go to the class in a few weeks. I probably won't start making any until Jan but it'll be fun to get supplies and figure out what I want to make. Looks like I may have a purpose for my media room upstairs after all It could become my jewelry studio.

Remi is healing nicely and we have loosened the restrictions a bit. Taz is getting more stubborn and silly with his old man behavior.

We are heading out tomorrow for a day trip, from Banff to Saskatchewan Crossing along the Columbia Icefields Parkway. I know you'll want info, Chris....so here's a link.

https://icefieldsparkway.com/assets/volumes/pdf/Icefields_Parkway_Planner_-_Downloadable_Doc.pdf?v=1668117410

I miss you all but have been keeping very busy with life here. Not scrapping too much at the moment, just a bit for a few CT teams.

@AK_Tracy the backsplash looks gorgeous!

It's time to get out for one of my 3 daily neighborhood walks with Remi. She has adapted really well to her new schedule and doesn't seem to miss ball launching at all (good thing LOL because she's not ever doing that again). Take care everyone and I'll pop back in later on the wkend.

Hi Rae!!!!!!
**waving like a crazy lady**
Good to see you!!!! You will love jewelry making. I dabbled in it and my favorite was earrings. Fun, big, sparkly earrings. I cant wait to see/hear how you like it.

Love that Remi is healing and enjoying the long walks instead of ball launches.

Have a wonderful trip. Sounds super fun.

 

[BoatLady]

Wow I have missed so much I hope to catch up, at least a little.

First of all OMG @taxed4ever that is so horrible to loose such such a young person. Life can be so unfair. I hope everyone can cope and things get easier as time passes. The only comfort is that it sounds like she didn't suffer to the end. RIP

@AK_Tracy Beautiful grout and tile.

@vickyday sure hope the brace helps you....but resting it is probably the best but hardest to do.

@BrightEyes Im glad you are getting that fan fixed I had a dream about it." I walked into the spare room and ours was hanging there whirling around with our granddaughter sleeping on the bed under it". LOL Your snow is beautiful but inconvenient for sure so send it up to Tracy she likes it.

@Terri M Sounds like you are on the mend and getting back to normal so that is great news.

@bcgal00 sounds like a wonderful adventure I am looking forward to seeing photos on FB.

@faerywings frame that pic of your parents and daughter for your dad...I bet he would love it.

Wednesday I got my haircut and then off to lunch at the Asian restaurant to celebrate a friends birthday. It was delicious and so much fun but by the time we were done it was almost 4 There were 10 of us so we had to take 2 vehicles some of the girls went to a friends house but dropped them off then I came home to do a repair on 2 deck chairs. Thursday I went to help my friends plant 16 shrubs in front of the club and we sifted a garbage can full of dirt to use in the new wall we built. My back and knees was too sore so I skipped Bunko
Friday!!! 5 of us went to the Indian mound at Anclote River county park. Long story short. Everyone said the reason our area didn't get hurricanes is from the Indian mound. Last year a developer wanted to take it over and make 200 seat restaurant with live bands and docks for boat rentals thus taking away our public boat launch, public beach and picnic area. BIG fight but it got shut down....then this year back to back hurricanes affects the area. So I said we need to go pay tribute to the mound so I took bird of paradise flower since we live in paradise, a friend brought vodka so poured it on the mound and we all had shots. We each said a silent wish and then walked around the mound.. So hopefully that will help us next hurricane season. Then off to town for lunch, laughs and some shopping.
This morning I was painting some plant stands and hubby announced he wanted to go power wash the sign at the club so I could paint it on Monday. FYI- orginal plan was wash tomorrow. Then when I got home I had to alter a flyer I made for the club. I finished my plant stands and put 2 of my orchids on them. 10 of us are meeting at a restaurant later to meet a friend's son from Alaska who is visiting, it should be great fun.
Our weather is a little warmer (mid 80's) than normal but it has been very humid sometimes 95% We have nto had rain but our irrigation comes from the pond so we still have green grass and plants. Winter is the dry season in Florida so we wont have much rain from now on.
Monarch update. 5 released so far 11 in chrysalis and 4 eaters.

 

[vickyday]

View attachment 432470
Here it is so far. The grout wont be so dark. But all the colors are the same as the counters which are more "dots" in shape. Once the wood trip piece is added and the grout sealed and everything put back it is going to look fantastic! Working on it one day a week is dragging out the process.

WOW! That is beautiful already, Tracy! I'm envious of your HUGE kitchen!

 

[vickyday]

Good morning ladies. Thought it was time to pop in for a visit and see how everyone is doing. The Xmas markets have started here so have gone to a few so far. Chatted with a woman about jewelry making which intrigues me, so on her recommendation I joined a class in Calgary and bought a jewelry tool kit. I'll watch tons of videos before I go to the class in a few weeks. I probably won't start making any until Jan but it'll be fun to get supplies and figure out what I want to make. Looks like I may have a purpose for my media room upstairs after all It could become my jewelry studio.

Remi is healing nicely and we have loosened the restrictions a bit. Taz is getting more stubborn and silly with his old man behavior.

We are heading out tomorrow for a day trip, from Banff to Saskatchewan Crossing along the Columbia Icefields Parkway. I know you'll want info, Chris....so here's a link.

https://icefieldsparkway.com/assets/volumes/pdf/Icefields_Parkway_Planner_-_Downloadable_Doc.pdf?v=1668117410

I miss you all but have been keeping very busy with life here. Not scrapping too much at the moment, just a bit for a few CT teams.

@AK_Tracy the backsplash looks gorgeous!

It's time to get out for one of my 3 daily neighborhood walks with Remi. She has adapted really well to her new schedule and doesn't seem to miss ball launching at all (good thing LOL because she's not ever doing that again). Take care everyone and I'll pop back in later on the wkend.

So nice to hear from you, Rae!
I made jewelry for awhile...beaded jewelry. It was really fun!

 

[taxed4ever]

Hi everyone I can't stay in here as we just got back from Costco and all the meat needs to be vacuum sealed and put away. I just wanted to say and hope everyone is having a great weekend! I hope to pop in tomorrow for a bit longer!

Here it is so far. The grout wont be so dark. But all the colors are the same as the counters which are more "dots" in shape. Once the wood trip piece is added and the grout sealed and everything put back it is going to look fantastic! Working on it one day a week is dragging out the process.

Tracy this looks amazing!! Great job!! Wanna come and re-do my counter tops?? I have been bugging my DH for years to get new ones! I totally redid all the kitchen cupboards and Island a couple of years ago, changing them to white and I just love it!! But its time for new countertops and backsplash!!!!!!

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Chris @faerywings keeping your area in my thoughts - CA has forest fires and now your area. It's been SO dry and now the fires.

 

[Terri M]

@AK_Tracy Beautiful tiles!

I don't have any ideas what to get my dad for a gift so I am making him rice pudding. Like I do every year. As long as he enjoys it, although I feel bad and very uncreative about it.

He likes it, I bet he looks forward to it. It's not like he's expecting people to get him luggage, right? Enjoy that you can still do this for him.

We put the electric blanket on the bed when we did the sheets today, so it better get cold soon. Worked on some paperwork long distance for my daughter so she can get a handicapped tag for the car and pushing on getting the kids-size wheelchair delivered for the 6yo with the huge cast. DD has been working things out with the school, which is fortunately totally accessible and very cooperative. I also spent about 45 minutes playing "games" on FaceTime with Phoebe, who is bored bored bored (her words) just sitting on the couch all day. The game turned out to be me guessing how many index cards she was holding in her hand. Fortunately she had a lot of talking in between because it's not really much fun if you're the person on the guessing side. I'll try to think of something fun to do with her.

I posted my 6th challenge on the thread today, so I won't have to think of them the rest of the month and can maybe catch up on other pages. I have to make a list of cookies to bake this year -- my Christmas gift to family is usually a box of home baked treats. Plus my sister is trying to organize a not-in-person paint & sip event. So I have to figure out a couple hours to paint the snowman from the video she chose. We did them a lot during covid but I haven't painted since.

It's been a week. I'm going to bed early. No energy left these days.

 

[mimes1]

Hello everyone, It's been super busy here today getting the first load of Belles things into the house. It's a domino affect for sure. First the movers came out this past week and played roundy-round with all the room furniture upstairs. Then they emptied Belle's closet of all her boxes that have been untouched for 3 years. Then they filled the same closet with 45 boxes of my dad's pictures. So today, Belle and I went through every box, and downsized to 4 boxes. Then we made a delivery to Goodwill and Habitat. In all the moving, my computer desk didn't fit well in the new space for it. Yesterday I found a nice corner desk at Habitat for 25$!!! I bought it, and Belle and I picked it up today and got it in her car, dragged it upstairs, and it fits perfectly. I'm so happy. Now I can settle into the new desk and new desk location and start creating. The old desk is not going anywhere. we put it in the dining room for the time being, and will definitely keep it for the eventuality that Belle will someday move out and I'll want it!

@faerywings and @MariJ those brush fires sound terrible!! That is truly frightening and devastating and I hope they get put out quickly!

@BrightEyes I'll have to go back and find the story, but it sounds like your electrician rescued another fan from falling? Give them a big tip!!! I'm glad you're ok and no damaged occured from those fans!

@BoatLady your day and week sounds so busy! You sound like you're having an absolute blast.

Heading to bed, hope you all have a great rest of your night!

 

[AK_Tracy]

Thank you all for the comments on the kitchen. The grout is drying and its a beautiful grey like I wanted.
@vickyday Yes my kitchen is amazing and huge. I told hubs when we were designing the house that everything could be low end but the kitchen. Its 19 feet from the corner to end of cabinets. My island is 10' with the stove on it, double wall ovens. I love it! I really love it now with the updated backsplash and paint. @taxed4ever Sorry Trudy, never done counters before!! For that I might hire a professional. Especially if you want granite as that is heavy.

 

[faerywings]

My next-door neighbor took these photos last night:

This is 1/2 mile from my house. 2000 acres. Please let it rain tonight. It won't be much-- only forecasted for 1/4 to 1/2 inch but anything is better than this.

It was an unsettling day yesterday. All day we heard helicopters and sirens.
The food pantry lines were very long again- I got there 5 minutes before the official opening and I was number 55. Since we had such a long wait time, (almost 2 hours and I am eternally grateful to the volunteers who work their butts off), everyone kept looking up to watch the helicopters fly back and forth overhead.
I wrote this in the NJ thread:

It feels literally and mentally very close to home. Several state and county parks are closed, including one county park where my son, a Park Ranger, works. There is also one death being reported, a forest ranger died when a tree fell on him.
All day yesterday we heard the helicopters overhead and sirens. Roads and part of the highway on both sides of my town have been closed. This is not normal

I'm grateful that they can use Greenwood Lake for water at least.

We are going to my brother's this afternoon-- it's my dad's 86 birthday. Scott decided to take a half day so he can be there and hopefully, Gary will be feeling up to it too. Based on a few things my dad has said to me, I think he believes this one is going to be his last birthday. Not for any specific reason that *I* know of but his father died when he was 86 and this past year has been a s***show for his health.

I'm excited to play with my brother's dog, Marlin, hope I can get some good pictures of the little fluffball.

I still need to make his card but I was able to get all of the desserts and rice pudding cooked yesterday afternoon.

HAGD!

 

[faerywings]

hehe-- uh-oh! I am rereading my post that was written Pre-FP and I was hoping for butter and gravy. Again, I am sooooo grateful for what I get at the FP, but by the time my order was filled, they had run out of most of what I needed. I was able to get eggs, dog food, and laundry detergent but most everything else was out of stock. It's all good, though, I can be creative with my cooking. I got some more cans of beans too so that means more chili for us yum!

Glad your hike with Scott bolstered your day! I love my daughters but the time I spend with my sons is extra special since I don't see them as often!

I am incredibly lucky to have both of my kids live so close. (Can't get much closer than Caitlyn and Tom living upstairs hahaha!!). When I was with Scott on Friday, he said again how happy he is that he and Sam live so close to both of their families. I am extraordinarily blessed and I know it ♥
yay for getting the brace, I hope it is helping you a lot!

The Lord laid something on my heart this morning, so even though I thought my devotion was done for the widows, I'm going to rework it, so I will probably work on that today, too!

You are going to be amazing and the women will love everything you share with them

This is what matters. You make his favorite dessert. At this point in life there isn't much he probably needs. So a favorite dessert is always a good idea. I always made my dad chocolate chip cookies. Was his favorite.

TY! You are correct- and I need to stop comparing myself and my situation to my brother and SIL who are quite wealthy. No one ever looks down on what my family can "contribute" financially, it is only in my own head. My own worst enemy
Hope that work stayed quiet, how many days are left?
WOW!! The kitchen and tile are gorgeous! Installing all of those tiny tiles would make me dizzy! You got a good man!

@bcgal00 you know me too well, I just spent way too long poring over the pdf of the Icefiels and parks. You are going to get the most incredible photos, I really look forward to you sharing them here. (Please come back and share them soon!!)
I'm also excited for you to take the jewelry-making class, you are so creative and I'm thrilled that you have so many new things to do.
Give lots of pets to Remi and Taz, my fav grumpy old man ♥

@BoatLady Oh my goodness, the dream you had about your G-DD and the ceiling fan sounds awful.
How are you still on your feet after the last few days of activities?
I hope you have stock in Advil or Tylenol or whatever you take for achy muscles.
Love the idea of the tribute-- *fingers and toes crossed that your offerings work for neat hurricane season* And if not, you had a nice time doing shots with your girls
Fly butterflies, fly! Have you ever done any online tracking of the monarchs? I want to do some citizen science programs with the kids at work and I know that there is data collection for monarchs and birds and what what the other one I was looking at...? I can't remember. Just wondering if you ever did that and how you went about it? Thanks!

@taxed4ever LOL-- it feels like it has been a long time since you had a big home DIY project. You redid the kitchen and then the stairs-- maybe it is time to redo the countertops. *ducks and runs out of the thread*


@Cherylndesigns TY for the good thoughts. This many fires are completely abnormal for NJ. I don't know how CA deals with this on a regular basis.
I'm sending good weather thoughts alllll over the world!

@Terri M The last thing my dad would expect or want for his b-day is luggage
You get lots of Amazing Grandma Points for playing the guessing game with Phoebe for that long. *G*
When does Phoebe go back to school? I'm glad that the school is accessible-- and cooperative. Whew. That has to be a weight off DDs shoulders. I had to have home instruction for Scott when he was very sick and it was not an easy thing to coordinate.
We'll have to set up a virtual cookie exchange this holiday season, that's my big thing too. I make Christmas cookies for everyone.
What are your family favorites?

@mimes1 It sounds chaotic but wonderful getting ready for Belle to move home. Is she officially in now or someday soon?
I have a bird question for you- Would a hawk sit on an electric wire?
I was driving home yesterday morning and I was looking at the smoke when I drove under the wire crossing the street. I swear there was a hawk on it but I didn't have enough time to really get a decent look. Its stomach had this pattern on it:

We have red tail, red shoulder, and sharp-shinned in the area. But this guy seemed smaller than the ones I usually see and I don't think I've seen (maybe noticed?) any hanging out on wires.
Now that think more about it, the patterning seemed "longer" -- more vertical than horizontal if that makes sense.

Time to get rolling along, I have to work on my grocery order and the card for my dad.

 

[BoatLady]

@faerywings Chris wrote-Fly butterflies, fly! Have you ever done any online tracking of the monarchs? I want to do some citizen science programs with the kids at work and I know that there is data collection for monarchs and birds and what what the other one I was looking at...? I can't remember. Just wondering if you ever did that and how you went about it?I have never traced them all I have done is grow milkweed and keep them in habitat's I bought on Amazon.

Here is a site that might help you if you want to do do a Monarch project with your kids. Perhaps a Waystation could be a little project for them. There is allot on this site you mdght find useful. They are not on the endangered list anymore so all the efforts have helped.

 

[AK_Tracy]

Good Morning Ladies!

TY! You are correct- and I need to stop comparing myself and my situation to my brother and SIL who are quite wealthy. No one ever looks down on what my family can "contribute" financially, it is only in my own head. My own worst enemy
Hope that work stayed quiet, how many days are left?
WOW!! The kitchen and tile are gorgeous! Installing all of those tiny tiles would make me dizzy! You got a good man!

Oh my Chris, yes those tiny tiles would drive me nuts too!!! They're actually pre-done on 1 foot squares.

There is NO way that hubs loves me enough to have placed every single little tile.

Work was nice and quiet, got a lot of files purged (over 8 years old papers) and things are looking good for "handover" time. I have until end of December so I am not counting down yet as they keep adding weekdays to my schedule. I have to work 10 straight days starting Thursday. Plus all my Saturdays. Its crazy but it will help pay for the holiday season.

Chris I hope you have a wonderful time at your dads birthday party. I am sure he will love the dessert you made him. AND YES stop comparing yourself (preaching to choir too as I do comparison so well). Sometimes the homemade dessert is more meaningful then stuff, especially at this age. He will be so happy you thought of him and made a yummy treat. Who cares about another new shirt (example). Its the homemade, from the heart that matter. You're giving yourself in time and energy, not just handing over some money and being done. I hope I said this well and its not confusing. I think you're gift is the best and you shouldn't compare yourself to someone else. You're amazing! You have a huge heart.

Why do dogs, and kids, demand to be fed daily? Multiple times a day? Cant they see I am talking to my O's?Well, they are cute so I better listen. Good things the kids are old enough to feed selves. Off to feed dogs. See you all this afternoon. Have a. wonderful day!

 

[BrightEyes]

Morning, all. It is going to be a nice day here... up to 50*F as a high!!! Beautiful blue skies with a few fluffy white clouds! Nice to be back to more typical fall weather. The Sandia mountain is so beautiful with all the snow on it! I meant to post yesterday but some how the day slipped away and I didn't get back in here. I have been on a "kick-back and read" PJ day. The humidity is high (for here) between 65%-80% and that has my body aching.

@faerywings Those photos your neighbor took reminds me so much of the fires we had when we lived in CA. Praying your area gets the needed rain to help put them out. What a shame that the FP was out of many things that you needed. I am sure that your Dad will be happy with pudding for his birthday... it is made with love! Hope that Gary will be up to going to the birthday party.

@AK_Tracy Love the backsplash tile and the grey grout... it goes so well with countertops. That is a large kitchen... you were smart to make the decision to have a large one when you built the house.

@BoatLady WOW... that is a lot of work... no wonder your body is talking to you.

@Terri M So sorry about your GD's broken leg. It is wonderful that her school is handicapped assessable but what a challenge for her mom to get to and from!!! You are a great Grandmom to spend the time playing games with her.

@bcgal00 so wonderful to see you popping in again!! Oh, you will love making jewelry!!! I have made my own for years... from using seed beads to large cabezon stones for necklaces. Love making earrings and necklaces to go with the outfits that I sewed. So glad you have made so many new friends and have new activities.

@taxed4ever You had me over your hoping that the in-laws would close their blinds so you didn't have to see what they were watching on TV!!! My neighbor to the west of me leaves his window blind halfway down and I see what is watching from my kitchen window. I usually have my kitchen blinds closed from the afternoon on as the sun comes in that window.

The is empty and need to get my now that the house temp is warm enough. HAGD

 

[AK_Tracy]

@AK_Tracy Love the backsplash tile and the grey grout... it goes so well with countertops. That is a large kitchen... you were smart to make the decision to have a large one when you built the house.

Yes, we were in a 950 square foot home with 5 people at the time we drew up our plans. So we over did that space a bit but I dont mind. I can have 20 people in my house and it doesn't feel crowded.

I'm glad youre temps are getting more normal. Ours are suppose to cool of tomorrow and be back in the mid 20's. Possible to have snow later in the week. Thanks for sending it back!

 

[scrap-genie]

I have a bird question for you- Would a hawk sit on an electric wire?
I was driving home yesterday morning and I was looking at the smoke when I drove under the wire crossing the street. I swear there was a hawk on it but I didn't have enough time to really get a decent look. Its stomach had this pattern on it:

We have red tail, red shoulder, and sharp-shinned in the area. But this guy seemed smaller than the ones I usually see and I don't think I've seen (maybe noticed?) any hanging out on wires.
Now that think more about it, the patterning seemed "longer" -- more vertical than horizontal if that makes sense.

Chris, if it was that small and on a wire it might have been an American Kestrel, our smallest falcon.

 

[faerywings]

Thanks Jean! I just looked up Kestrals on the Audobon site
If it was, it was a kestral, it would have to be a female, the coloring was lighter than the photos with the black and brown wings.
I wish I had noticed it before it was too late to get a better look. Although I guess it was good that I was not staring at a bird instead of the road (or really the smoke above the road :/ )

 

[faerywings]

PS; they really are pretty birds too.

 

[vickyday]

Thank you all for the comments on the kitchen. The grout is drying and its a beautiful grey like I wanted.
@vickyday Yes my kitchen is amazing and huge. I told hubs when we were designing the house that everything could be low end but the kitchen. Its 19 feet from the corner to end of cabinets. My island is 10' with the stove on it, double wall ovens. I love it! I really love it now with the updated backsplash and paint. @taxed4ever Sorry Trudy, never done counters before!! For that I might hire a professional. Especially if you want granite as that is heavy.

My kitchen is probably 6' x 6'...and that might be stretching it!

 

[vickyday]

hehe-- uh-oh! I am rereading my post that was written Pre-FP and I was hoping for butter and gravy. Again, I am sooooo grateful for what I get at the FP, but by the time my order was filled, they had run out of most of what I needed. I was able to get eggs, dog food, and laundry detergent but most everything else was out of stock. It's all good, though, I can be creative with my cooking. I got some more cans of beans too so that means more chili for us yum!


I am incredibly lucky to have both of my kids live so close. (Can't get much closer than Caitlyn and Tom living upstairs hahaha!!). When I was with Scott on Friday, he said again how happy he is that he and Sam live so close to both of their families. I am extraordinarily blessed and I know it ♥
yay for getting the brace, I hope it is helping you a lot!

You are going to be amazing and the women will love everything you share with them


TY! You are correct- and I need to stop comparing myself and my situation to my brother and SIL who are quite wealthy. No one ever looks down on what my family can "contribute" financially, it is only in my own head. My own worst enemy
Hope that work stayed quiet, how many days are left?
WOW!! The kitchen and tile are gorgeous! Installing all of those tiny tiles would make me dizzy! You got a good man!

@bcgal00 you know me too well, I just spent way too long poring over the pdf of the Icefiels and parks. You are going to get the most incredible photos, I really look forward to you sharing them here. (Please come back and share them soon!!)
I'm also excited for you to take the jewelry-making class, you are so creative and I'm thrilled that you have so many new things to do.
Give lots of pets to Remi and Taz, my fav grumpy old man ♥

@BoatLady Oh my goodness, the dream you had about your G-DD and the ceiling fan sounds awful.
How are you still on your feet after the last few days of activities?
I hope you have stock in Advil or Tylenol or whatever you take for achy muscles.
Love the idea of the tribute-- *fingers and toes crossed that your offerings work for neat hurricane season* And if not, you had a nice time doing shots with your girls
Fly butterflies, fly! Have you ever done any online tracking of the monarchs? I want to do some citizen science programs with the kids at work and I know that there is data collection for monarchs and birds and what what the other one I was looking at...? I can't remember. Just wondering if you ever did that and how you went about it? Thanks!

@taxed4ever LOL-- it feels like it has been a long time since you had a big home DIY project. You redid the kitchen and then the stairs-- maybe it is time to redo the countertops. *ducks and runs out of the thread*


@Cherylndesigns TY for the good thoughts. This many fires are completely abnormal for NJ. I don't know how CA deals with this on a regular basis.
I'm sending good weather thoughts alllll over the world!

@Terri M The last thing my dad would expect or want for his b-day is luggage
You get lots of Amazing Grandma Points for playing the guessing game with Phoebe for that long. *G*
When does Phoebe go back to school? I'm glad that the school is accessible-- and cooperative. Whew. That has to be a weight off DDs shoulders. I had to have home instruction for Scott when he was very sick and it was not an easy thing to coordinate.
We'll have to set up a virtual cookie exchange this holiday season, that's my big thing too. I make Christmas cookies for everyone.
What are your family favorites?

@mimes1 It sounds chaotic but wonderful getting ready for Belle to move home. Is she officially in now or someday soon?
I have a bird question for you- Would a hawk sit on an electric wire?
I was driving home yesterday morning and I was looking at the smoke when I drove under the wire crossing the street. I swear there was a hawk on it but I didn't have enough time to really get a decent look. Its stomach had this pattern on it:

We have red tail, red shoulder, and sharp-shinned in the area. But this guy seemed smaller than the ones I usually see and I don't think I've seen (maybe noticed?) any hanging out on wires.
Now that think more about it, the patterning seemed "longer" -- more vertical than horizontal if that makes sense.

Time to get rolling along, I have to work on my grocery order and the card for my dad.

Yes, the brace is especially helping at night during my sleep!
Thank you for the vote of confidence. I do have something in common with the widows since I am in their shoes. I can say that even though I am married again. Once a widow, always a widow! If I had my druthers, I'd still be married to my first love and soul mate! But, the Lord had other plans. And Mark is great!

 

[mimes1]

Hello everyone!
@vickyday I hope your study goes well with your widows! It's so cool that you feel the Holy Spirit and share what He whispers to you.

@AK_Tracy 950 square feet with 5 people! That's impressive! I bet it was busy, but also filled with lots of love and coziness. Memories you'll have forever!

@faerywings I agree with ScrapGenie on your bird. Your bird could have been an American Kestral. Other small Birds of Prey in your area would be a Peregrine Falcon. Their breast feathers have that laddered look - they're mostly grey and white with a band across their eyes. It could be a Coopers Hawk from your picture, but they're bigger than the Sharp - Shinned Hawk. Birds of Prey will perch on wires - here we see big hawks on them as well as little ones. Good observation!

We had a great productive weekend in the first stage of getting Belle moved. Belle did a great job carpet cleaning her room and the guest room today. We decided today also we need to paint her room. Not crazy about that idea, but some fresh paint would be super nice. Then we need to add wire shelving in our spare closet so we can empty her closet. Her window needs a blind so we'll do that pretty quick. She's leaving tomorrow and will be back Thanksgiving week. Not sure if I told you all but she has a job interview at the school side of our church. It would be very cool if we both worked there.

The small of my back is very very sore. I keep thinking of @BrightEyes massager chair and thinking that sounds pretty good right about now. Kay, warm her up for me and I'll be over shortly!

Have a good night everyone!

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Oh my goodness, Chris @faerywings how frightening. Fire is the most frightening thing - next to water. Oh, I don't know which is worse - but they're both bad and so scary. Those pictures are heartbreaking and I'm hoping against hope that they get them under control soon. I saw, on the news, that BOTH coasts were burning, and CA is used to it (as used to fires as you can get). SO, terribly frightening. I'm sending your part of the country the best vibes I can conjure up.

I'm ashamed to say that I had a very good day. Serendipitous - one of my favorite words. In a nutshell, it means finding things when you're not looking for them. Yes, that kind of day. Okay, let me preface this by saying that yesterday was a terrible day for me. I spent most of it on the couch, laying with Daisy and Sam. I don't broadcast my birthday, but it was Friday and my family did their level best to make it wonderful for me. It was wonderful, but yesterday (the day after) hit me like a ton of bricks. It was my first birthday in 44 years without Chuck and I had NO idea that it would deal me such a blow. I was a mess all day and evening yesterday. Oh well, it's over and today was better. I don't want to burden my family, so I just suffered in silence. They did my birthday up in grand fashion.

So, Adrienne wanted to go out about 11 this morning, have lunch, and run errands. She wanted to go to this local shoe store, and she didn't find anything, but I found a pair of navy-blue Sketchers (step Ins) and a pair of black Bear Claw boots which I had just told her last week I needed. The last pair I bought was when we lived in Florida. So, I scored - which I usually do in that store. For some reason, I always find shoes in there. I think it's the size I wear. I wear an 8 and she wears a 9 1/2 or 10. I had been wanting a pair of navy-blue Sketchers and by golly, they had them.

Then, we went to Walmart and I'll be darned if I didn't find a camel zip up hoodie - it's the most luscious color, so I had to have it. I love that brand (Time and True) and have so many of the hoodies, but I didn't have camel.
So, after a sucky day yesterday, I had t good one today.

Hugs to ALL and XOXO.