Daily Ooos: October 8-9: Weekend Edition

[faerywings]

HellooooO O-zies! Happy Weekend to you all.
I am reveling in this moment, I don't have a headache. I have been battling headaches for at least the past week. Sometimes they are bad, sometimes just in the background but I am thrilled I don't have one right now. I think my eyes have changed and the contacts/glasses Rx is off but I have to wait a little longer to get an eye exam. I still have another couple of months of contacts left to use up first.

Have I ever complained about how strange my town is? I know I have. Yesterday, I kept hearing sirens for over an hour, fire and police. I mentally check where my family is and if I know they are safe, I dismiss it. There are always sirens going so I don't; pay tons of attention. Caitlyn and I are getting ready to head to my parents so I check FB to see where the situation is and if I can get out of town the way I go. A fuel tanker took out a telephone pole, flipped over, and caught fire not even a mile from my house. I am shocked that I didn't smell it. FB page had a ton of photos of the black smoke over the lake. As I am driving out of town, I see Parsippany Fire trucks coming into town. Not my dad's company -- he is in Rainbow Lakes, Parsippany company. I would have been ticked if we were trying to see the firehouse and he was in West Milford LOL
I asked him about it, and it was his town's foamer and Haz-Mat trucks.
Scott's car broke down in the afternoon, so he has my car for the next few days. I have to take Cait's car to the FP this morning. Then I am driving her to her friend's engagement party. She is a bridesmaid and has to be there early to help set up. I have to figure out if I can get her there. Today is my town's Autumn Lights Festival-- a street festival that celebrates the town's first traffic light. Really. We didn't have a traffic light in this town until the year before we moved here. And a cause for celebration! *eye roll* The main streets in town get blocked off and the traffic is crazy and I am not in the mood for it. hahah!

Uh-oh, is that a little twinge of a headache?
Maybe it isn't my eyes, maybe it is stress causing the headaches? Or maybe it is the non-stop eye-rolling I do??
Yikes. I better get out of here before you all kick me out

 

[faerywings]

@LSlycord Great news about the surgery, I bet you breathed a huge sigh of relief. That is amazing that Shaun went to school and everything. Did Sydney end up coming home for the night? I can't imagine how wonderful it would be to take the day and go to the beach. *jealous*

@vickyday When we got home yesterday we had two more skeletons on the lawn and Gary also put up some spider Halloween lights. Pretty soon, people will drive down the street, back up, and take pics of Moe. Gary can't give that up, he gets such a kick out of it.
I love hearing about your Rummikib BFF, she is a trip! Woah, great scores on the Levis!!!
That is really nice that you and your Aunt reconnected, you should bring some of the photos you have been scanning if/when you visit.

You buried the lede!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
#birthday Have a fun time at the pit and I hope that your s stomach is good to go#birthday

@BrightEyes Did you scrap the balloon pictures yet? I hope you get to see more of them this weekend
Congrats on the DVD inventory! Even better is that the printer connected!!

@Cherylndesigns What did you end up doing yesterday? Or should I say "Who dragged you out of the house?"
Thank you for the recipe for Cait's cookbook, I'll print it out, maybe on some yellow/orange paper if that is ok?

@Kythe Happy Thanksgiving to you and hubs! I hope that the dinner will be easier this year --( although I looooove mashed potatoes.) Either way, the sentiment is very sweet that he wants you to enjoy the day

xoxo

 

[vickyday]

@LSlycord Great news about the surgery, I bet you breathed a huge sigh of relief. That is amazing that Shaun went to school and everything. Did Sydney end up coming home for the night? I can't imagine how wonderful it would be to take the day and go to the beach. *jealous*

@vickyday When we got home yesterday we had two more skeletons on the lawn and Gary also put up some spider Halloween lights. Pretty soon, people will drive down the street, back up, and take pics of Moe. Gary can't give that up, he gets such a kick out of it.
I love hearing about your Rummikib BFF, she is a trip! Woah, great scores on the Levis!!!
That is really nice that you and your Aunt reconnected, you should bring some of the photos you have been scanning if/when you visit.

You buried the lede!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
#birthday Have a fun time at the pit and I hope that your s stomach is good to go#birthday

@BrightEyes Did you scrap the balloon pictures yet? I hope you get to see more of them this weekend
Congrats on the DVD inventory! Even better is that the printer connected!!

@Cherylndesigns What did you end up doing yesterday? Or should I say "Who dragged you out of the house?"
Thank you for the recipe for Cait's cookbook, I'll print it out, maybe on some yellow/orange paper if that is ok?

@Kythe Happy Thanksgiving to you and hubs! I hope that the dinner will be easier this year --( although I looooove mashed potatoes.) Either way, the sentiment is very sweet that he wants you to enjoy the day

xoxo

Yes, I have very few OLD photos from her (dad's) side of the family that I plan to take.....if I don't forget! I have almost zero pictures from mom's side of the family.

Tummy is not great today, but I hope I feel well enough to at least eat a hot dog. I only buy the all beef ones, so I am hoping it will settle on my stomach OK, but it is doubtful, lol! Especially since my stomach is already a mess! My thorn in the flesh!

Thanks for the birthday wishes! *heart*

 

[vickyday]

@LSlycord Great news about the surgery, I bet you breathed a huge sigh of relief. That is amazing that Shaun went to school and everything. Did Sydney end up coming home for the night? I can't imagine how wonderful it would be to take the day and go to the beach. *jealous*

@vickyday When we got home yesterday we had two more skeletons on the lawn and Gary also put up some spider Halloween lights. Pretty soon, people will drive down the street, back up, and take pics of Moe. Gary can't give that up, he gets such a kick out of it.
I love hearing about your Rummikib BFF, she is a trip! Woah, great scores on the Levis!!!
That is really nice that you and your Aunt reconnected, you should bring some of the photos you have been scanning if/when you visit.

You buried the lede!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
#birthday Have a fun time at the pit and I hope that your s stomach is good to go#birthday

@BrightEyes Did you scrap the balloon pictures yet? I hope you get to see more of them this weekend
Congrats on the DVD inventory! Even better is that the printer connected!!

@Cherylndesigns What did you end up doing yesterday? Or should I say "Who dragged you out of the house?"
Thank you for the recipe for Cait's cookbook, I'll print it out, maybe on some yellow/orange paper if that is ok?

@Kythe Happy Thanksgiving to you and hubs! I hope that the dinner will be easier this year --( although I looooove mashed potatoes.) Either way, the sentiment is very sweet that he wants you to enjoy the day

xoxo

And, yes, my BFF is a trip!

 

[bcgal00]

Good morning ladies. Got home yesterday afternoon from our mini trip. The SUV was ready(they replaced the bumper that D had smashed in) so J dropped us off to get it. The came home, relaxed in the hot tub and had a light dinner. We enjoyed visiting Wells Gray Park. D came out to a few look out points to see a few waterfalls but Jen and I did a lot of hiking each day. The hardest hike was with a guide who took us to Moul Falls. We met her in the parking lot, then hiked downhill for 1.5 hrs to get to the bottom of the waterfall. At parts the path was very narrow and difficult to climb down. But I did it, thankfully no injuries, no one slipped or dropped anything. My heart was beating fast a few times though, it was close. Then we hung out at the falls for 30 min or so and then hiked back up which was hard but when we got to the top I felt so proud to have done it. I feel completely recovered from my covid fatigue now. My energy was fine. The park is so remote, so quiet and beautiful. We didn't see any wildlife but when we go back in the spring we'll go early morning to a few points where we might see the bears. We will also be going back for a night at the end of January to see Helmken Falls which freezes in the winter. I've seen pics, it is stunning.

This morning I am heading out to the park for hopefully some bird photos in the spot where I saw a lot of woodpeckers last week. Then I'll be home for the day.

@faerywings Gary should be proud of the display he puts up. He puts so much work into it. Don't forget to share photos when he is finished.

@vickyday Happy birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day. Any plans?

I'm going to feed the birds and dogs, get dressed and head out to the park. Then home to do a bit of scrapping later.

 

[vickyday]

Good Morning,
Just popping in here to wish everyone a great weekend. Mine has started off with the usual IBS woes of late! So, I will have to watch what I eat! You would think no more than I eat I would be skin and bone.....not so much! The carbs, I am finding, are the easiest thing on my stomach! Why couldn't it be veggies? Oh well! It is what it is!

Have a great weekend!

 

[bcgal00]

@vickyday We cross posted so I didn't see your post about not feeling well. Hope your stomach settles.

 

[vickyday]

Good morning ladies. Got home yesterday afternoon from our mini trip. The SUV was ready(they replaced the bumper that D had smashed in) so J dropped us off to get it. The came home, relaxed in the hot tub and had a light dinner. We enjoyed visiting Wells Gray Park. D came out to a few look out points to see a few waterfalls but Jen and I did a lot of hiking each day. The hardest hike was with a guide who took us to Moul Falls. We met her in the parking lot, then hiked downhill for 1.5 hrs to get to the bottom of the waterfall. At parts the path was very narrow and difficult to climb down. But I did it, thankfully no injuries, no one slipped or dropped anything. My heart was beating fast a few times though, it was close. Then we hung out at the falls for 30 min or so and then hiked back up which was hard but when we got to the top I felt so proud to have done it. I feel completely recovered from my covid fatigue now. My energy was fine. The park is so remote, so quiet and beautiful. We didn't see any wildlife but when we go back in the spring we'll go early morning to a few points where we might see the bears. We will also be going back for a night at the end of January to see Helmken Falls which freezes in the winter. I've seen pics, it is stunning.

This morning I am heading out to the park for hopefully some bird photos in the spot where I saw a lot of woodpeckers last week. Then I'll be home for the day.

@faerywings Gary should be proud of the display he puts up. He puts so much work into it. Don't forget to share photos when he is finished.

@vickyday Happy birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day. Any plans?

I'm going to feed the birds and dogs, get dressed and head out to the park. Then home to do a bit of scrapping later.

Thank you! Hubby set up a hotdog roast at the pits for today with some family and friends, but only a few are able to come. That's OK because I'm not feeling the greatest today anyway! Not in the mood for lots of company!

Your hikes sound wonderful! I really need to make myself get up and out for more exercise!

 

[vickyday]

@vickyday We cross posted so I didn't see your post about not feeling well. Hope your stomach settles.

Thanks! This, too, shall pass!

 

[BrightEyes]

Morning everyone. Was awake at 6 AM to darkness. Raining again today and the weather cancelled the balloon flights. And it maybe the same tomorrow as more rain is expected. It is colder than yesterday so will definitely be dressing in long sleeves and long pants today. Not ready to turn the heat on yet. May end up cuddling under my heavier throw... LOL

I took the time this morning to upload the latest photos I have taken. It is a PITA as I have to move the ExHD over to my old computer as the SD port on DH's computer is broke. Most of the balloon photos I took were not clear or were too far away. So this year's photos are not worth showing.

When I was in the garage yesterday, I spotted the storage bag filled with fall decorations. I had bought a bunch of new ones last year so I didn't have to climb up into the attic to find the old fall decorations. Decided to decorate for the season instead of having Red Hat decorations for the lunch next week.

I started this thread about them: https://oscraps.com/community/threads/are-you-decorating-for-the-fall-season.36388/
It lifted my spirits to get up this morning and see them.

 

[BrightEyes]

Good Morning,
Just popping in here to wish everyone a great weekend. Mine has started off with the usual IBS woes of late! So, I will have to watch what I eat! You would think no more than I eat I would be skin and bone.....not so much! The carbs, I am finding, are the easiest thing on my stomach! Why couldn't it be veggies? Oh well! It is what it is!

Have a great weekend!

Vicky, so sorry your tummy is still acting up.

 

[BrightEyes]

@faerywings so sorry to hear about that horrible accident so close to your house. And it is the PITS that Scott's car broke down. Glad you were able to use Chris' car to make it to the FP. Had to LOL over the town celebrating the first traffic light in the town!!! That is a small town for you.

@bcgal00 I was drooling over the photos on FB from your hike to the falls... plus the other wildlife photos you have shared there! Glad you are feeling back to 'normal' finally!

@Kythe Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in Canada! Your DH was being so sweet to think about you and changing what to have so you don't spend the whole time cooking. He is a keeper, for sure!

@Cherylndesigns Saw some of your LOs over on FB... great photos and super LOs.

Time to get dressed and do a little more cleaning so all is ready for the lunch next week. CYL

 

[Cherylndesigns]

@LSlycord Great news about the surgery, I bet you breathed a huge sigh of relief. That is amazing that Shaun went to school and everything. Did Sydney end up coming home for the night? I can't imagine how wonderful it would be to take the day and go to the beach. *jealous*

@vickyday When we got home yesterday we had two more skeletons on the lawn and Gary also put up some spider Halloween lights. Pretty soon, people will drive down the street, back up, and take pics of Moe. Gary can't give that up, he gets such a kick out of it.
I love hearing about your Rummikib BFF, she is a trip! Woah, great scores on the Levis!!!
That is really nice that you and your Aunt reconnected, you should bring some of the photos you have been scanning if/when you visit.

You buried the lede!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
#birthday Have a fun time at the pit and I hope that your s stomach is good to go#birthday

@BrightEyes Did you scrap the balloon pictures yet? I hope you get to see more of them this weekend
Congrats on the DVD inventory! Even better is that the printer connected!!

@Cherylndesigns What did you end up doing yesterday? Or should I say "Who dragged you out of the house?"
Thank you for the recipe for Cait's cookbook, I'll print it out, maybe on some yellow/orange paper if that is ok?

@Kythe Happy Thanksgiving to you and hubs! I hope that the dinner will be easier this year --( although I looooove mashed potatoes.) Either way, the sentiment is very sweet that he wants you to enjoy the day

xoxo

Chris, you'll need to change the grammar - I've had it on my computer for so long and send it to my girls every time they make it because they always lose the recipe. For some reason, whoever started it, did NO caps - so in my haste, I sent it in the raw form to you. I should have changed it for you, LOL I think it would be super cute on orange paper! I send it to my girls several times a year and keep it in one of my email folders for easy access. Hahaha

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Good afternoon. Quick in and out Adrienne and I are going into town. Chris @faerywings would you believe we didn't go anywhere yesterday??? I got outdoors and worked in my front gardens instead - it's cooling off and good outdoor working weather. My mums and dividing like little champs and I need to prune back the other flowers that are squeezing them out. My hydrangeas are about gone anyway and I'm going to prune those back to give the mums room to spread out. One of them has divided itself into 4 plants! I was so excited when I got in there and really looked. They're small (the new ones) but they're in there and need more room.

We're having a birthday party for Braden tonight - his bd is Tuesday, but tonight's easier and it sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun.

Linda @LSlycord great news about Shaun!! I'm so happy for all of you.

Kay @BrightEyes thanks for your comments about my layouts. It seems like I get flooded and put a bunch on at the same time. We all do that, though, don't we?

I'd better get ready to go. Happy Saturday everybody and hugs to all.

 

[tanteva]

Hi everyone!
The work trip was fantastic, we had a really great time. Nice food and hotel. We had Bibimbap for the first time. I swear - this is the food served in heaven! The restaurant where we had dinner on Wednesday evening was fantastic. So good, both the food and the Irish Coffee I had. I need to scrap those photos!

Was super tired all Friday after leaving home Wednesday at 7.30 am and not getting home until 7.30 pm on Thursday, basically being around people all the time. But it was fun to meet all the other library personel in the county, we were about 180 persons. It was a nice kick-off.

When I woke up Saturday morning, I had a pm at another forum. Got really excited, cuz I thought I'd won something on a DSD challenge or something. Turned out it was even better: I got invited by a designer to guest her CT. Of course, I was so flattered about being head hunted like that, I said yes. It's for a couple of months, it will be a blast. I know, I was going to be a "free spirit", but I can't say no to that. LOL

Tomorrow, I'm working. A little bit worried about that, cuz I will be opening the library for the first time. Usually, I work evenings. But, I'm sure it will be fine, I know the place, and if I forget something, I'm sure someone will tell me. LOL I guess I'll be doing the same stuff as when I'm closing, but in reverse order. It'll be fine.

Also, we've booked the hotel for October 23-25 in Vadstena. Can't wait to get there!

 

[LSlycord]

Good Sunday morning...I missed Saturday! Syd came home Friday night after the beach. She came home after the beach. She came over and sat for a bit to visit while we were at the beach. She said she was coming home when everyone went home but I told her that I didn't want her driving back late at night. Then she said that she would spend the night and drive back Saturday morning because she had tickets for the noon football game. That caused me to say that I didn't want her to drive back and struggle with parking because of the football game. But, I said that I could drive her back and then her dad and I would bring her car back either today or tomorrow. So I got a full night with Sydney and the drive back to Gainesville. But, by the time we got back, I was so tired that I needed a nap. LOL

Today will be a bit more relaxing! I'll spend some extra time in the gallery and doing some scrapping I think. We haven't quite figured out when we will take off on our road trip. I don't know if Shaun knows when his follow up appointment is with the surgeon. He is doing great but I really want him to take it easy physically. And Syd has no class on Thursday and would like to look at possible apartments for next year. So she said we could bring her car down on Thursday and then we could look at apartments. So, I'm now thinking that we might go to the Blue Ridge Mountains with the 1000's of other folks and take a look at the trees. Then come back home, take Syd's car to Gainesville and leave for Iowa next weekend. I haven't talked with Brian so I'm not sure if he will like that idea or not.

I'll go take a look now to see what is happening around the O!

 

[LSlycord]

LOL! Chris, your juggling things with your cars and us juggling things with our cars...good grief! I'm typing up my recipe for Cait right after I finish these personals. It's a frozen fruit salad that is so easy to make ahead and then take to potlucks. And I've never had anyone bring anything similar.

@vickyday Happy, Happy Birthday! I am so sorry that I missed it...and I'm even sorrier that your stomach was messed up yesterday. I hope that you were able to eat a hot dog...with a bun since the carbs seem to be working for your stomach!

@BrightEyes sorry that you didn't get balloon pictures. Someone that I knew from my hometown moved to New Mexico this summer and she must live near you because she posted a picture on FB of all of these balloons in the sky. It really looked beautiful. The autumn decorations sound like a great plan rather than red hat decorations.

@bcgal00 it sounds like a great trip! I really admire you...I don't think that I could do that hike. And, I have never seen a frozen waterfall. That sounds spectacular. Hope the glands are continuing to shrink...I'm crossing my fingers that you get your results back this week and it is all good!

@Cherylndesigns hope that you all had a good time for Braden's birthday party! And did you pick up any little goodies when you went to town with Adrienne. Glad to hear that you got some gardening in. I really need to get out there and prune my hibiscus. A couple of them are getting pretty tall and unruly!

@tanteva sounds like the work trip was everything that you hoped for and then some! I'm really happy for you! And having the trip to look forward to for genealogy...October is shaping up pretty good!

 

[BrightEyes]

I am up at 4:30AM before sunrise but I blame that on crawling in bed to get warm and read early last evening (7:30 PM). After I dropped the book twice due to nodding off, I turned the light off at 8:30. So I actually got 8 hours of sleep. No wonder I woke up so early. Yes, it is another cloudy/rainy morning. I am feeling lazy so may make it a PJ day and read most of the day.

I really should take a look at the challenges and see if I can get 1 or 2 done.

@tanteva So glad that it was a wonderful trip with good food and meeting others. You packed a lot into it. I know you are so proud of Urban being invited to attend. And CONGRATS on being asked to be a guest on a designer's CT!! I am sure you will enjoy it.

@LSlycord How neat that Syd made it home for the weekend. Sounds like you will be on the road a lot in the near future. Hope you do get to make the road trip to see the fall foliage. Glad to hear that Shaun is recovering okay.

 

[faerywings]

Any guesses on how long I lasted headache-free yesterday?
If you said it went from a twinge to full-blown right after I posted yesterday, you would be 100% correct. I think it isn't my eyes, it is stress. yesterday suuuuuuuuuuucked
Nothing horrible, family is safe and healthy and that is really the only important part.

even before I left for the FP I had worked myself into a state. Caitlyn was really stressed over the party. She -- like me- gets bad social anxiety and was struggling with the bride's "dress code." Bridemaids had to wear sage green so she got a sage green dress and wasn't super happy about it but loves her friend. She had to sew/tack down a bit of the sleeve because it wasn't fitting right, had me (me!!! ) try to sew it while it was on her. She ended up using fabric glue. After all of that, she gets a group text saying that it doesn't *have* to be a dress since it is going to be outside and it was only 50* yesterday. Now she tries stuffing the bottom of the dress into slacks and adding a blazer. More stress.
She is running late when Scott gets home from work--How are the roads, I ask. A nightmare. he replies, not good at all.
He suggests I loop around and catch the road I need a little farther down, instead of where it is backed up at the end of the street.
It is 12:50 and we leave. The place I am trying to catch the road-- that stop sign is already a mess, so I go right- try to turn around in a garden center. Can't make that left. Go a little farther down, Finally, I get turned around and am now in stopped-dead traffic. It took me 45 minutes to go 2 miles from my house!! It was a MESS! And not one cop directing traffic. Because we only have the one set of traffic lights in the "town center" all of the other roads are stop signs that loop around and connect to make a square. (The main part of town is basically a 2-mile x 2-mile square in which we have 5 liquor stores, 4 pizzerias, and 3 banks. I live on the eastern edge of that two miles). People were trying to cut through on my street to get closer to the street fair and it was backed up to my house-- I have never ever seen it like that! We were cracking up because we saw a lot of people staring at Moe and taking pictures while they were stopped.

Scott's car is toast. Something seized and snapped the brackets holding a belt. The mechanic said that it would be about $500 to fix the brackets/bel;t but would have to take the entire engine apart to figure out what caused the seize. He's been saving for a new car but was hoping to get more time out of this one, as well as knowing if he had the FT job or not. Today is the last day of the season as Ranger but still no news about the naturalist position. He is going to get his car towed here and then figure out what to do with it. He and Gary are going to do some test drives tomorrow. He is working at the ecology center for three days this week so we have to coordinate all of that.

Stress- hahahahaaaa. I laugh in the face of stress.



I have no freakin' clue what I am doing today.
ev'rythin's a messssssss

 

[faerywings]

@vickyday How was the BBQ? I hope everyone spoiled you with birthday love!
Were you able to eat anything?

@bcgal00 The park and falls sound amazing. I would have been nervous hiking on that trail that you took with the guide, glad that you didn't slip. Soooooo so so sooo good to hear that the fatigue is gone. I bet you can't wait to go back in the spring, it truly sounds rejuvenating

@BrightEyes How disappointing that the balloon flights were canceled yesterday, *fingers crossed that weather is good today!*

@Cherylndesigns I can fix the capital letters on the recipe, might see if I can find a cute stock photo of mac and cheese too when I print it. You must have had such a nice time doing yard work, I told Gary and Scott (they are worried about me and my stress/anxiety, I can't figure out **why??** Bwuahaha!) at dinner that part of my crazy stress levels is that I can't get out in the yard to reset myself and that we need to move somewhere warm. They didn't go for it. pfft
Happy birthday to Braden!

@tanteva The trip-- and food--- sounds wonderful!!! Bibimbap also sounds delish! I am not surprised that you were tired on Friday. It had to be really cool surrounded by other people who love books and libraries and reading.
Congrats on the CT gig!!!!!

@LSlycord I am LMBO over the beach/car/driving saga. Why does that sound like something I would do/write? Anything to squeeze out some extra time with your kids, right?
I hope that you are able to relax and scrap today
Thank you for the fruit salad recipe, and no rush sending it either.

Kay- Happy scrapping today to you too!

 

[tanteva]

Here's some advice @faerywings

 

[bcgal00]

Good morning ladies. Binged more episodes of The Cleaning Lady last night. It was a quiet night. Jen is working today and tomorrow so it helps to keep her mind off of our (Canadian) Thanksgiving and how we used to celebrate it with Bailey. I will bake a gluten free dessert for her later and will make a chicken dish for dinner but no turkey. It's too much of a reminder. We have friends coming over this afternoon and then after that I'll head to the dog park before dinner.

@faerywings Sounds like a traffic nightmare. So glad we don't deal with that much now b/c the Vancouver area was a nightmare most days. The road system out here is pretty good. Too bad about Scott's car. Hope he is able to find something he likes at a good price.

@BrightEyes Enjoy your pajama day.

@LSlycord Family life is busy. Enjoy your quieter day today.

I'm going to hop in the shower and get on with my day.

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Good afternoon all. We had a great time to Braden's party. Several of his friends were there and they had fun in the hot tub, then jumping in the pool. The pool's not heated, but they jumped in anyway. They don't have the heater in yet. They whooped and hollered every time they jumped into that cold water. Two of Adrienne and Roger's crazy friends have started joining all of our get-togethers' and what funny guys they are. We all sat on the back deck until the kids ran us inside with their loudness. I didn't get home until 1:30! I had not been out that late for a long time. Chuck didn't feel like going last night, so I just stayed until I was ready to come home. LOL He never stays as long as I want to, so he normally just drives home, whenever he's ready to leave. Of course, with my sleep disorder, I can't go right to bed and I was too keyed up from laughing and cutting up. I didn't get in bed until about 3 and didn't fall asleep until 3:30. Kay @BrightEyes you were just about ready to get up, weren't you? Hahaha

Chris, @faerywings I love that giphy - I laugh in the face of stress. LOL That's a good one. I should have a picture of that mac and cheese - I'll try to find it. We take pictures of all our food. BWAHAHA Who doesn't??? I'm sure your stress level is rising by the minute!! I'm sorry you're having those headaches - you don't need that! Adrienne is the stress handler - I guess having 5 kids prepared her for that. She can whip up get-togethers like they're nothing. There were so many people there last night and she was on top of all of it. Chuck used to be our "get-together whip". My dad used to say that he could through a family meal together like nobody he had ever seen. He's slowing down these days, but he can still cook a mean family dinner - he doesn't want to do it every week, but he loves doing it occasionally. The man must have been a chef/party planner in another life. We had a big party for my parents a few years ago and Chuck was in the kitchen helping us girls organize and get the food out to everybody. He just can't help himself.

Adrienne and I got into town and realized we were both hungry, so we went to thiis amazing place called Raffa Wraps. We had THE best chicken and cheese fajitas and could only eat half of them. We brought the other half home to Chuck. I pretty much just shopped for Braden - got him a gift card which he prefers, a card and some (wait for it) insoles for a pair of my shoes. Thrilling, huh??? Then we went to the grocery store to get food, drinks, party stuff. then the kids all went and picked up pizzas before the party. We have the greatest local pizza shop right around here and usually go there - it's called Skeeter's and I always chuckle when we say that name. Good pizza, though.

Linda @LSlycord sounds like you had a fun family time and how nice that Syd spent the night. You and Brian are the best parents - driving her car back so she wouldn't have to fight for a parking spot on game day. I know what that's like. My sister lived in E. Lansing for many years, right off-campus and what a mess it was on game days. They didn't have a garage, so it was hard to even find a parking spot for their own house. You have a birthday tomorrow, don't you? You and Braden are twins. LOL

Eva @tanteva congrats on the Guest CT gig - I think I know who it's with I'll have to wait and see, won't I? If it's where I think it is, that is. Anyway, congrats.

Hope I haven't forgotten anybody. I'm going to go now and post my layout for Kay's challenge. I did it last night while I was trying to wind down and get sleepy. Had to do something, why not scrap??? LMAO

XOXO

 

[vickyday]

@vickyday How was the BBQ? I hope everyone spoiled you with birthday love!
Were you able to eat anything?

@bcgal00 The park and falls sound amazing. I would have been nervous hiking on that trail that you took with the guide, glad that you didn't slip. Soooooo so so sooo good to hear that the fatigue is gone. I bet you can't wait to go back in the spring, it truly sounds rejuvenating

@BrightEyes How disappointing that the balloon flights were canceled yesterday, *fingers crossed that weather is good today!*

@Cherylndesigns I can fix the capital letters on the recipe, might see if I can find a cute stock photo of mac and cheese too when I print it. You must have had such a nice time doing yard work, I told Gary and Scott (they are worried about me and my stress/anxiety, I can't figure out **why??** Bwuahaha!) at dinner that part of my crazy stress levels is that I can't get out in the yard to reset myself and that we need to move somewhere warm. They didn't go for it. pfft
Happy birthday to Braden!

@tanteva The trip-- and food--- sounds wonderful!!! Bibimbap also sounds delish! I am not surprised that you were tired on Friday. It had to be really cool surrounded by other people who love books and libraries and reading.
Congrats on the CT gig!!!!!

@LSlycord I am LMBO over the beach/car/driving saga. Why does that sound like something I would do/write? Anything to squeeze out some extra time with your kids, right?
I hope that you are able to relax and scrap today
Thank you for the fruit salad recipe, and no rush sending it either.

Kay- Happy scrapping today to you too!

I ate a hot dog and a few chips. Not too many people were able to come and that was fine. I ended up going back to the house earlier than Mark's Aunt was leaving as I was getting a bad headache. They left not too long afterwards since it was getting dark and quite a bit cooler! But, I was able to eat a little, so that was a good thing!

Today my daughter treated us to KFC for my birthday after church. She asked me what I could "stomach" and my choice was chicken, which usually settles pretty well. That and mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuit! ALL CARBS! My stomach seems to LOVE anything carb, lol! Not good for the hips, unfortunately!

 

[tanteva]

@Cherylndesigns I don't think it's supposed to be a secret. At least no one told me so. LOL It's for Kim Jensen

 

[vickyday]

Any guesses on how long I lasted headache-free yesterday?
If you said it went from a twinge to full-blown right after I posted yesterday, you would be 100% correct. I think it isn't my eyes, it is stress. yesterday suuuuuuuuuuucked
Nothing horrible, family is safe and healthy and that is really the only important part.

even before I left for the FP I had worked myself into a state. Caitlyn was really stressed over the party. She -- like me- gets bad social anxiety and was struggling with the bride's "dress code." Bridemaids had to wear sage green so she got a sage green dress and wasn't super happy about it but loves her friend. She had to sew/tack down a bit of the sleeve because it wasn't fitting right, had me (me!!! ) try to sew it while it was on her. She ended up using fabric glue. After all of that, she gets a group text saying that it doesn't *have* to be a dress since it is going to be outside and it was only 50* yesterday. Now she tries stuffing the bottom of the dress into slacks and adding a blazer. More stress.
She is running late when Scott gets home from work--How are the roads, I ask. A nightmare. he replies, not good at all.
He suggests I loop around and catch the road I need a little farther down, instead of where it is backed up at the end of the street.
It is 12:50 and we leave. The place I am trying to catch the road-- that stop sign is already a mess, so I go right- try to turn around in a garden center. Can't make that left. Go a little farther down, Finally, I get turned around and am now in stopped-dead traffic. It took me 45 minutes to go 2 miles from my house!! It was a MESS! And not one cop directing traffic. Because we only have the one set of traffic lights in the "town center" all of the other roads are stop signs that loop around and connect to make a square. (The main part of town is basically a 2-mile x 2-mile square in which we have 5 liquor stores, 4 pizzerias, and 3 banks. I live on the eastern edge of that two miles). People were trying to cut through on my street to get closer to the street fair and it was backed up to my house-- I have never ever seen it like that! We were cracking up because we saw a lot of people staring at Moe and taking pictures while they were stopped.

Scott's car is toast. Something seized and snapped the brackets holding a belt. The mechanic said that it would be about $500 to fix the brackets/bel;t but would have to take the entire engine apart to figure out what caused the seize. He's been saving for a new car but was hoping to get more time out of this one, as well as knowing if he had the FT job or not. Today is the last day of the season as Ranger but still no news about the naturalist position. He is going to get his car towed here and then figure out what to do with it. He and Gary are going to do some test drives tomorrow. He is working at the ecology center for three days this week so we have to coordinate all of that.

Stress- hahahahaaaa. I laugh in the face of stress.

View attachment 381272

I have no freakin' clue what I am doing today.
ev'rythin's a messssssss

I hope your day has turned out better than it started!

 

[vickyday]

LOL! Chris, your juggling things with your cars and us juggling things with our cars...good grief! I'm typing up my recipe for Cait right after I finish these personals. It's a frozen fruit salad that is so easy to make ahead and then take to potlucks. And I've never had anyone bring anything similar.

@vickyday Happy, Happy Birthday! I am so sorry that I missed it...and I'm even sorrier that your stomach was messed up yesterday. I hope that you were able to eat a hot dog...with a bun since the carbs seem to be working for your stomach!

@BrightEyes sorry that you didn't get balloon pictures. Someone that I knew from my hometown moved to New Mexico this summer and she must live near you because she posted a picture on FB of all of these balloons in the sky. It really looked beautiful. The autumn decorations sound like a great plan rather than red hat decorations.

@bcgal00 it sounds like a great trip! I really admire you...I don't think that I could do that hike. And, I have never seen a frozen waterfall. That sounds spectacular. Hope the glands are continuing to shrink...I'm crossing my fingers that you get your results back this week and it is all good!

@Cherylndesigns hope that you all had a good time for Braden's birthday party! And did you pick up any little goodies when you went to town with Adrienne. Glad to hear that you got some gardening in. I really need to get out there and prune my hibiscus. A couple of them are getting pretty tall and unruly!

@tanteva sounds like the work trip was everything that you hoped for and then some! I'm really happy for you! And having the trip to look forward to for genealogy...October is shaping up pretty good!

Thanks, Linda! YES! The hot dog was wonderful! I only buy the all beef, no nitrates, no gmo, yadayada. So they usually settle pretty well on my stomach WITHOUT the heartburn! And, YES! the bun was delicious, too! I also ate a few chips which usually settle well! All those carbs! Love them and hate them, you know what I mean?!

 

[Cherylndesigns]

@Cherylndesigns I don't think it's supposed to be a secret. At least no one told me so. LOL It's for Kim Jensen

I love her designs! That's Awesome, Eva!!

 

[vickyday]

Hi everyone!
The work trip was fantastic, we had a really great time. Nice food and hotel. We had Bibimbap for the first time. I swear - this is the food served in heaven! The restaurant where we had dinner on Wednesday evening was fantastic. So good, both the food and the Irish Coffee I had. I need to scrap those photos!

Was super tired all Friday after leaving home Wednesday at 7.30 am and not getting home until 7.30 pm on Thursday, basically being around people all the time. But it was fun to meet all the other library personel in the county, we were about 180 persons. It was a nice kick-off.

When I woke up Saturday morning, I had a pm at another forum. Got really excited, cuz I thought I'd won something on a DSD challenge or something. Turned out it was even better: I got invited by a designer to guest her CT. Of course, I was so flattered about being head hunted like that, I said yes. It's for a couple of months, it will be a blast. I know, I was going to be a "free spirit", but I can't say no to that. LOL

Tomorrow, I'm working. A little bit worried about that, cuz I will be opening the library for the first time. Usually, I work evenings. But, I'm sure it will be fine, I know the place, and if I forget something, I'm sure someone will tell me. LOL I guess I'll be doing the same stuff as when I'm closing, but in reverse order. It'll be fine.

Also, we've booked the hotel for October 23-25 in Vadstena. Can't wait to get there!

CONGRATS on your guest CT invite, Eva! How cool! I giggled at your head hunted comment!
Glad to hear your library function was a good time, even if tiring!
And, you WILL do great at opening the library!