Daily Ooos: Thursday, December 23

[faerywings]

*still staring at the screen to find a way to get words from my brain typed out*

Yeah, I am officially beyond tired.
(Still not as bad as Lyme Fatigue so at least there is that!!!)

Thankfully, the dogs didn't wake me up as much as they did the night before. Just a few times last night which was a big improvement. The night before last, they ripped up all of the blankets to make nests. W decided my pillow was hers and as I tried to sleep just below the pillow, she was draped over it lengthwise. As she was dreaming, she was hitting me in the face with her paws and kicking me in the back with her legs. (yes, I did try to move them but they are solid, esp when sleeping dead weight)

Nope, my day was 100% upended yesterday, and am still drained from it all. Good news-- nothing bad happened, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Gary and I picked up groceries and then stopped into a few stores on the way home to see if anyone had rapid tests. The pharmacies weren't even sure if they were going to be able to get *any* in before Christmas. We were concerned that the PCR tests we ordered would never get the results posted in time. We were right because the kits should have been here yesterday and they never made it.
Cait and I decided to drive down to the county testing site and Gary came with us. I thought it was a drive-through site like the one Scott went to on Wed. bzzzzzzp! *Wrong answer!*
We pulled into the parking lot and the line wrapped along the side and back of the building. It opened at 10 am and we got there at 10.20. It was cold and windy and loooooong! Around 11.30, Gary's stomach was acting up and he decided to drive home to deal with that. He was going to come back and pick us up. He calls at 12.20 to say he is back on his way- and we are still not even inside the building. He gets back on line with us a little before 1 and it was just before 2 when we got the tests done. Had to wait for the results *happy dances~~ all negative!* and got home a little after 3 pm. Scott doesn't have his results back but Ian and Leah are both negative so we feel pretty good that he is too.
It was worth it though. Now I have a clear conscience that I won't inadvertently infect anyone in my family over the next few days. I have been not feeling great as it is, very rundown, scratchy throat, headache. But it is just normal "this time of year" stuff.

Sidenote: I saw on the town's FB page that one store had gotten a few rapid test kits in and was charging 3 times as much for them. What a crappy thing to do.

All of the things I was hoping to get done yesterday (I thought I was going to scrap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BWUAHAHAHAHA!!!!!) now has to be done today. But eye on the prize---- I know that I won't get anyone sick.

The last few things need to be wrapped. cookies will come out of the freezer and get boxed up for friends and family. I want to make the breadsticks for Saturday (copycat Olive Graden-- which are vegan) but that might not happen. But if I can get the eggs boiled for deviled eggs that will be a big start for tomorrow,

Coffee, Advil, and some good music-- all necessities to start my day. What necessities do you need to get going this morning?

 

[faerywings]

ugh-- I wrote that NJ had 7K cases the day before... when we were online yesterday it was posted that we had 10,000 new cases. There were a few times we wanted to leave, (you know, like when I lost all feeling in my feet!) but that gave us the resolve to stick it out.

@LSlycord I hate being around people too, worse as I get older. It started when Lyme was bad and then COVID just put me over the top heh
Oh my goodness, what a mess with the laptop. Costco would be one of the last places I would want to be two days before Christmas. They better not have given you any trouble getting it replaced.
WHY in the WORLD would you cut back on coffee right before the holidays??
*faints*
If you think Shaun has allergies to dust mites you can get him a pillow/mattress encasement. That seemed to help Caitlyn quite a bit. We got hers on Amazon.

@BrightEyes You sound like you had a wonderful, relaxing, and recharging PJ day
You must have such a well-stocked freezer. No snow yet, maybe some flurries tomorrow. (bah humbug, I hope not LOL)

@tanteva What did you stay up late watching? Did you get all of the stuff you needed? I could have sworn I ordered egg nog but either it was out of stock or I forgot I might have to send one of the kids out to get it from the place around the corner, they are almost never busy. Costs twice as much but at least they can stay away from people.
I am going to need your cheat ball recipe-- I used to love Swedish Meatballs but don't eat them since I don't eat beef.

@mom2triplets04 The cookies we made the other day were only part of them. I also made two trays of magic bars, pecan pie bars, shortbread, and fregolata - an almond cookie. Plus Gary's shortbreads that are a gift to him. (not to self- find/wrap them)
Where in NJ are you? Must be central if your DD is going to commute to Rutgers. My DD doesn't like to drive either. She is in Ramapo for her Master's and refuses to drive on Rt 17. Can't say I blame her. Rt 17 is a mess on a good day. We are up in the mountains in North Jersey so easy enough to find a lot of back roads.

@bcgal00 Did you survive the grocery shopping?? I hope the weather cooperates so you can get to the bird sanctuary today.

@Susan - s3js That sounds terrifying about the tornados being so close. They scare me more than anything. Glad that you and your family were ok.

yay, Linda! That is great news about Costco not being too crazy. Poor Sydney, how long will it take to get her the new one?

@mywisecrafts One year I thought about not baking and had a full-on family rebellion.
Your gnome is sooooo freaking cute!!


Have a fab day!

 

[LSlycord]

We are on our way to Orlando---about 90 minutes to the north side. Friends are in from Iowa so we are going to meet them for brunch and then hang out for awhile before they fly home. This is the first of my four trips to Orlando in the next two weeks. My friend from high school is flying in and out of there and the Citrus Bowl is down there so lots of Orlando visits.

Grocery shopping was a disaster. No miniature marshmallows, no cream cheese, no whipping cream, no eggnog. We have 2 more days to try. Sydney also let me know that instead of 1:30 she will be back from work at 3:00 on Christmas Day. We talked about it specifically. I'm in a bad mood so hopefully today will cheer me up.

I'll be back tonight to let you know if I'm a little bit happier.

 

[BrightEyes]

Morning, gals. Back to waking up early again. Made it over to the library and picked up my on-hold book. Good thing I went as they are closed today until next Tuesday. Made it over to the used book/DVD store and came away with 7 DVDs. I really should sit down and get all the DVDs I have bought into the DVD inventory. Been writing them on the paper inventory but running out of space on the pages. Decided I didn't want to do any more errands due to the crowds everywhere. I was glad to be back home again. A couple hours later, the doorbell rang... it was a delivery of a beautiful red rose bouquet from DD#1 and her hubby. I plan on staying home until next week as I have everything I need for the holiday. Heard from DD#3, she is improving slowly but the family is still dealing with the RSV virus. So this will be a very quiet holiday for them, too. Just got word that my nephew had a heart attack last night and is in the hospital. His wife can't be at the hospital with him due to Covid restrictions so we will be waiting to hear how he is doing. He realized he was having a heart attack right away so she called 911 and they transported him ASAP.

@faerywings Hope you find Gary's cookies right away. WOW... that is a lot of cookies and other treats. I hear you about everyone wanting you to keep on baking for the holidays. My kids were the same about my potato rolls and cinnamon rolls for the holidays... had to quit making them when the back was bad and I couldn't stand long enough to knead them. Had a nice surprise this year when DD#2 told me she made the potato rolls and cinnamon rolls for her and her DH! Maybe Cait will take over the baking for you one of these days. So glad that everyone tested negative... but what a PITA to go through to get the test done.

@LSlycord Sounds like a lot of trips to Orlando in a short time. Enjoy your time with friends. Too bad about the laptop being damaged. Glad you were able to get in a short line at Costco for the refund. Shame that they didn't have another laptop in stock so you won't have one under the tree for her.

@mom2triplets04 I can't imagine dealing with 3 using your car and them taking turns driving it... oh, wait... I had 2 who got their driver's license at the same time and another one got hers a year later. Thank heavens we were able to get another car so I had mine all the time. Ah, the joys of motherhood and teenagers! Can't say as I blame your DD for not liking to drive much... especially using Route 17. That was a busy highway years ago when we drove it so can image it is even worse now. Don't blame you about mixed emotions about the biting puppy. Hope the puppy daycare will help calm him down and you can get some relief. <<< hugs >>>

@tanteva Hope you got some rest and are better. Thanks for the link about how Swedes celebrate the holidays. So interesting how different cultures celebrate the holidays.

@felis Hope you and your family have a Happy Holiday, too.

@mywisecrafts That is the cutest gnome gift box!

@bcgal00 Hope you get a chance to go to the dog park and enjoy a relaxing time there.

Coffee cup is empty and I need another cup. Hope you all have a more relaxing day today and can kick back and enjoy it. CYL

 

[tanteva]

Well ... in about 24 hours all has to be done ... then it's time for Christmas dinner. Made cheat balls, boiled the eggs & I have John's chicken in the oven. Not sure if I'll do anything more today, or get the rest done tomorrow. We'll see how I feel after dinner. Dinners the week before Christmas is always crappy. LOL I have full focus on cooking food for Christmas.

Cleaned the kitchen and the loos ... that's all I'll do. We will celebrate alone, I can clean during the weekend. Can't bee too tidy, I'll lose my presidency!

Had some mulled wine, listening to Christmas music ... trying to get into the feeling ... but ... NO. I just want to fast forward to dinner tomorrow.

 

[felis]

@felis Hope you and your family have a Happy Holiday, too.

aww, @BrightEyes Kay, thank you for think about me, it makes my day!
We will have typical traditional cozy Christmas Eve and I love that we are free about that. Then we have to keep the Christmas and the New Year's Eve quiet and intimate, no party and celebrations, but still some kind of festive.
Fast recovery to your nephew! OMG this is so scary. I've missed the part that your daughter is been sick, but I'm happy to hear that she is improving now!


I have no mood for visiting O or trying to figure out what to posting these days, because I don't want to be Grumpy Cat and ruin your festive mood.
Merry Christmas and bright holidays to all!
Hugs and kisses!

 

[mom2triplets04]

My day isn't going very well. Woke up at 8. Took the dog out. She attacked me after she peed. Bit my sleeve which went through my jacket. I was able to get her into the cage/pen we have in the yard and get away but it left a bruise again on my right arm. She stayed outside while I went inside it's 30 and cold. I emptied dishwasher and prepared meals for both dogs. Went back out to get the dog. She came in only to bite me again which drew blood on my thumb. Where the heck is the bandaids I have none. Then again tears and I screamed at the top of my lungs which didn't do very well since now I have a sore throat and my husband was on a call he works from home in the basement. I just couldn't take the biting any more. She's finally sleeping! Did my prayers again asking God to make this dog better and lovable. Luckily I'm leaving soon so I get a break from her. Taking my oldest to get her haircut. I believe i just need a break from the abuse.

Funny thing happened last night I signed into ginger scraps as I used to CT there and when I signed in my signature said I am ENOUGH. What? I made that in 2015. My word for 2022 is ENOUGH. How I stumbled upon this is so strange. It's fun to see my old gallery with the kids so small. Anyway, I'm going to leave my signature there the same. Luckily I had Karen Schultz kit and was able to do a page there. Are any other designers here and there?

Well, I'm going to calm down now, Finish my coffee and eat lunch.

 

[mom2triplets04]

@fairywings - are you in NJ too? I'm in NJ. Well, I'm stuck in my house as I have this puppy and not working. I go out only to food shop and or doctors. Think not seeing people and talking to my dog is getting to me. I miss working in the elementary school with the little children. I'm 15 minutes from six flags. My kids were working at six flags for 2 summers. They quit due to this world and the threats of guns and stabbings. It was a rough summer as they returned to work after having one summer in quarantine. Now, they work locally at our local target. All 3 are driving and using my car. 30 minutes from freehold. We are central I guess.

 

[mom2triplets04]

@BrightEyes - We have 2 cars and 5 drivers. It's a struggle to schedule who gets the car but we are trying our hardest as we have tried to get another car but we were in the middle of a refinance on the house and then the dealers haven't had any available to lease plus they are over pricing cars right now. So we alternate who gets to drive. Luckily 3 are in same school and 2 are working at same place. that makes it a bit easier. My parents wanted to give us a car but it's old and hubby wants a new car as they are more safer.

 

[mom2triplets04]

@tanteva what is cheat balls?

 

[scrap-genie]

No art class this afternoon as teacher's friend who's been long ill just passed away. Like with my sister both expected but sad.
Yesterday I actually got things done. We shopped at two stores, the grocery because last week the Italian sausage they make was out. No luck this time either so we're making do with a brand name variety. We had thought of an alternate to the Christmas Eve dinner we use the sausage in, one using ground beef - but there was no ground beef! just "rib eye patties". Who would waste rib eye on burgers? Then took back overdue movies to library that is temporarily closed except for curbside pickup as not enough COVID-free staff to stay open. Also baked an apple nutty bread that I hadn't made in a while. And before and after dinner put together H&S photos for a layout. I'm not posting it online but DH emailed it to everyone. I used the 12 Days download for it. And made dinner and found a YouTube video to watch. The baking was following last week making the sesame seed cookies I scrapped for the 12 Days challenge. They're just as good as remembered. But we have way too many cookies as we're still working on the bakery ones and the banjo player gave everyone a little gift of her chocolate chips cookies - including me!

Chris @faerywings I forgot to post yesterday about the nose of my gnome (https://oscraps.com/community/threads/gnomes-poll-d.34605/post-610903). It is an old button, I guess mother-of-pearl. Sorry the testing was such a production, but YEA for the results! Can't imagine putting up with dogs in bed let alone the abuse you got last night! I liked a cat that slept by our feet but DH had one as a kid that tried to push him out of bed. So I guess it isn't just dogs. Still, if you could just sleep, you'd feel better. With all the negative test results I think you'll be happy anyway.

Felis @felis still sorry you have the required rituals of mourning to dampen the holidays. Hope you visit when that ends to tell us of your good news.

Eva @tanteva It will soon be time for that dinner! Watch out with all that cooking and cleaning, don't jeopardize your presidency. Love the LO with tree templates.

Kay, @BrightEyes how nice to get the red roses! You have such thoughtful family. Hope the nephew recovers well and quickly. Enjoy the time at home with everything ready for the holiday.

Linda @LSlycord all those trips to Orlando sound tiring but seeing all those folks will be wonderful. Wish the laptop hadn't been damaged. Did they give any estimate on time to replace it?

Rae @bcgal00 hope you are at the bird sanctuary taking lots of photos. No better way to clear the spirit.

Cheryl @Cherylndesigns hope the OK weather is fine for all your festivities.

 

[scrap-genie]

Laura @mom2triplets04 you seem familiar from maybe somewhere other than the O. Were you possibly at Deco Pages back in the old days (2006-2010)?

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Oh my - I missed checking in yesterday!! I think it was about the first time ever. Did anybody send out the search and rescue dogs??? I didn't hear any barking. LOL

Yesterday was a blur. Steph and Asher got in from FLorida and it's been a whirlwind ever since. Asher is staying here and Steph's sleeping at Adrienne's in her guest room. So, last night, I slept with Asher. It wasn't too bad - last time he was like a windmill, but he wasn't too bad last night. Of course, he WAS exhausted, so I'm hoping tonight will be as good - he hardly moved last night.

So, we're sitting on the couch, last night, watching Home and he says "I'd really love some Ramen Noodles with an over-easy egg on top. It was about 11:30. Only for one of my grandkids would I do that. LOL Of course, as I predicted, he ate about half of it, then his eyes started to droop. I told him maybe he should go get into bed - no, he did't want to do that. I told him he didn't have to go to sleep, but to just go lay in my bed and watch TV. He was done. LOL

So, earlier in the evening, everybody came down for dinner - they brought the food, so YAY. Haha The rest of the evening, Asher took over my laptop and played video games. Oh well, he isn't here that often. So, he's out walking in the woods with Ava right now and I thought I better jump on and say hi.

Oh, thanks to everybody who asked - it's beautiful here today and 62 degrees right now!

I hope to get my laptop again tomorrow and check in.

 

[mom2triplets04]

Laura @mom2triplets04 you seem familiar from maybe somewhere other than the O. Were you possibly at Deco Pages back in the old days (2006-2010)?

I used to be on CT teams yes a while ago like years. Ginger Scraps probably deco pages as well. I don't remember all the places I've been. I also have a youtube channel named the same thing as well.