Just need to talk to my friends(201)

JeriLynn66

Good morning,

I survived the holiday festivity with no broken dishes, no family squabbles and sent everyone home with leftovers, lol. Hope your day was joyful as well.

I didn't get to watch the dog show but did see on the news that the Pug won. They're cute, but I've never had one.

Today I will put my kitchen back in order and break down the garage set up. My tables worked out ok, it actually looked pretty festive, and we had enough seating. I'm glad it's over. I don't plan to host a Christmas "dinner". Snacks and finger food at the very most, if that. I'm trying to get DH to go on a trip, but you know how that goes. We do have our trip to Texas in January.

Hope everyone has a good day. I'll be babysitting the great grand today as her Mommy goes out to the Black Friday sales. And I'll be happy not to be in the crowds.

David1946

We had an excellent Holiday everyone helped clean up after a good day.

Now i have to pack my clothes to get ready to go back to the VA home and it's going to be hard to leave.

My wife bought me a small Christmas Tree for my room and electric Christmas candles for my window .

David1946

Lorita

Cold and sunny here. Stormy has been out a couple oof times but Sheena can only make herself stick her head outside. I watched part of the dog show. I have never seen them "show" the Pyrenees. Karen used to have three Pugs, cute but not my favorite.

Sounds like everyone had a good day.

Decided I would go see my eye doctor but found they are closed on Friday. I don't think there is anything in my eye but have a headache- may be my sinuses.

May get my covid shot Monday. Don't want to be close to a store on black Friday. We did our shopping one year on that day and will never do that again.

jfkoc

here

JeriLynn66

Making Brunswick Stew from leftover ham and chicken. It’s COLD today 🧊🧦🧣🧤❄️🍲🥣

Mint

we all cleaned up together too David. Glad you had a nice day. I did too.

cold and cloudy here with a few snow flurries.

sounds like it is someone else's turn JeriLynn.

My sister took mom a plate for supper and ate with her. She said mom didn't eat much but was gracious.

take care

Lorita

Cold day here, too, but sunny and calm. Never did get a nap.

Called to see if an earlier repair appt. For the refrigerator had opened up. It hadn't. Stood at the kitchen sink a while ago with the water running and when I sat down the hem on one of my pants leg was wet. Went in to find the source and the drainage pipe had cone loose and the bottom one had dropped down and the water ran out if it was running much. This happened several months ago. In the morning I''ll call Gary and see if he can fix it and also do something to get the sprayer to run better. Last time I saw him he thought he might have to have neck surgery.

So, two things to fix in the kitchen. I am going to have black eyed peas on New Year's Day for sure. Didn't last time and it's been one thing after another all year. I already have them.

Been a very quiet day- only two robo calls, usually at least six.

Ron, how are you today? Mint, are you getting snow? Looks like there is a lot up north and in the Rockies, up to six feet. I can't imagine that much snow.

Maybe tomorrow I can get down in the pasture and check the persimmons. We haven't had a big frost so probably not edible yet.

Sleep well tonight!

BethL

The grandkids decorated our tree yesterday. I think they did a great job!

Lorita

The.Christmas tree is beautful! They did a great job. Are you home?

Carl46

That tree looks like a Balsam Hill advertisement! Great job!

Thanksgiving was a quiet affair this year. No need to put the leaves in the table with only three of us here. DS ate both drumsticks like a starving wolf, and DW ate cottage cheese directly from the serving bowl, so it was pretty informal, but I don't care. Sharing food with people you love is the second most pleasurable thing people do together, which is why people have been having dinner parties since they were held around campfires, or maybe even before.

DW's sister used to show dogs. We went to one of the shows but had to leave early. The air was so thick with talcum powder and dog hair from people grooming the entrants that DW couldn't see or breathe. Watching on TV is fine, though. That pug is a beautiful animal. I don't know anything about dogs but I know grace and beauty when I see it.

Mint

Good morning

David1946

Goodmorning on the way to the VAhome. Decorated the tree before I left

David1946

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/229849#Comment_229849

Beautiful tree

BethL

David, your tree looks great and looks like a very pretty home! I love the hardwood floors and the lacy curtains! Was this your home with your first wife?

The best day on the cruise was the day we transited the new locks of the Panama Canal. The original locks opened in 1914. The new locks opened in 2016. There are 4 sets of locks, two on the Atlantic side and two on the Pacific side. There are 3 chambers we went through. The water level is raised to allow the ship to pass from one lock to the next. An engineering marvel! Also, note : View from a high bridge showing the old locks (right) and new locks on the left.

BethL

Aruba

Curacao

Cartagena, Columbia (Judith you might be thinking of Cartagena, Spain rather than than Columbia's Cartagena)

Grand Cayman

David1946

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/229902#Comment_229902

No this with my current wife. I don't have any pics of my home with my first wife when I got my phone none of th photos did not transfer. Fortunately I have pics of her and many memories.

Mint

Beautiful pictures

we are in the deep freezer here. Looks like we are going to be there for awhile. I am thankful mom is in a safe place.

Think I will be able to stay home today. Made my nephew a nice breakfast and now I’m working on cleaning house.

Hope i have a little time left to declutter. One bedroom is done I’m working on my office /sewing room. I have a very good start on it. It already feels better. Next place I’m headed is to the pantry and my kitchen. There’s a lot of things gonna go to thrift store.I do not need six muffin pans etc. Maybe if I get rid of some of the stuff I don’t need I can buy myself a real nice Bundt pan and have room to store it.

Do any of you guys have a Bundt pan that you like really well and if you do tell me what brand it is. I’ve had Bundt pans in the past, but it seemed like the cakes never released very well.

Lorita

Hi Beth, thank you for posting the beautiful, interesting pictures. Makes me almost feel like I was there. Those buildings and the water are both foreign things to me here on the flat plains. I know you all are having a wonderful time. When do you come home!

Cold, sunny and very windy here today. I got in touch with Gary and he will come Monday to fix the drain.

Iris, I found a rerun of the dog show so am watching it this morning. My.left eye is still bothering me. Can't see what might be wrong. Wearing glasses prevents that.

jfkoc

hmmmm….

JeriLynn66

Well, my kitchen is restored! I've moved some little used things like crystal to the top shelves and moved things down that I use often for "nice" serving dishes that are vintage items. I like those. I don't guess I'll ever host another dinner that includes china and crystal. I think I have 4 sets to leave for the children and grands who do not want them. I'm not getting rid of them. They can deal with it.

Got 1/2 the Christmas tree put together. I wasn't going to do one but then I felt guilty for the littles. The joy that comes from watching their little faces as they ooh and ahh… I'll start and finish the living room and tree tomorrow.

I'm going to see Wicked (part 1) with my girls today! (even though one granddaughter and I saw the Broadway play when we went to NYC). The theater is next to a shopping venue, so I'm sure my wallet will feel some pain. It's fun though. I watch them as they look at things, consider and then put it back. Then I go pick it up and take it to the checkout. LOL.

It's a beautiful day today after wind chill in the 20s yesterday. I decided to dress in black leggings and turtleneck with an ankle length grey sweater with sparkles down the front and a snakeskin pattern down the entire back. It sounds loud and flashy but really, it's subtle. Black suede boots. I even used the curling iron. You can tell I don't get out much, LOL.

Beth, that looks like an amazing trip! If only I could get DH on a boat or a plane. Alas, no go.

David, your tree is lovely! My late MIL used to crochet Angels like the one you have on your tree. All sizes. One year I had the windows and french doors going out to the lanai decorated with them. Lots of candles and the tree was on the lanai. In Florida, of course.

Iris, are you feeling better?

Lorita, best get that eye checked Monday!

Mint, my bundt pan is an el-cheapo from Wally World. It's non-stick and works OK for me. Keeping in mind, baking is not my strong suit. But the last two cakes I made (one fresh blueberry, one strawberry) turned out really well. The thing I don't like about baking is you actually have to follow directions. :( I like the "oh I think I'll try this" method of cooking and that doesn't work with cakes or pies does it, lol..

HB, I bought 2 pairs of jeans from Talbots. Signed up for email and text messaging for 10%, got the instore 40% discount, another 10% for ? something - I don't know: the saleslady and I were chatting away and after a bit I think she was just making stuff up as she went along. Anyway, since those jeans were EXPENSIVE, I was happy for all the help she would give me. I was trying to channel you and your Mom. And I also scored at Chico's. Today I have COUPONS !!!!! REWARD POINTS!!!! I'm looking forward to a little retail therapy.

OK, dear daughter should be here in a minute. Gotta go fluff this freshly coiffed hair. Did I mention I have been up since 1:30 am?????

Have a good afternoon everyone!

eaglemom

Good afternoon everyone. Beautiful pictures, I'm glad you took your porch family with you!!

Blue sky and crisp outside. I love wearing a sweatshirt and it being the perfect weigh to wear. Simple pleasures I guess.

My goal - as silly as it seems - is to get the garland on the tree in the den. It doesn't sound like a difficult task, but somehow for me it is. I get it put up and stand back and it looks like I just tossed it on there! So I start all over, numerous times. It's a large heavily flocked tree - so it does take time. I'll get it done and feel like I've accomplished something. Maybe I'll decorate it tomorrow, we'll see. I promised DH a Pistachio Cake so that has to happen this afternoon.

Lorita, did you watch our Chief's? Another nailbiter for sure. Patrick's passes just weren't on target like usual. At least he and Kelce did connect several times. I read that after the game Taylor handed out some toys to kids. Good for her.

Unless one of you wants to tackle this garland I've got to get busy. Be safe everyone. Back later.

Lorita

I did watch it, Eagle. Pretty good game. Sometimes I think over confidence gets in the way. Just checked and they don't play again until next Sunday. Good luck with that garland. I always hated taking down the tree.

Jeri Lynn, you should try Denim & Co. Jeans. They are really nice and.not so expensive. They have some called Easy Stretch that are comfortable and I like their trouser jeans. I just found a Couple more pairs of dress pants I had forgotten about. Guess I should keep looking.

It is noisy, noisy here. They got up both herds in different parts of the corral and every one of them is bawling. Also has Stormy and Sheena upset. You all know me, I had to find out what was going on. They're working and tagging and separating the bigger calves to get them off their moms. They will truck them out this afternoon to other pastures somewhere. This will make the winter easier on the cows. I have to be sure when they load them that they don't get. Billy. Just Bradley and Mike's nephew doing this, so far. Just looked and I think all of the mother cows are back at the lot to check on their big kids.

I remember once when we sold calves, Sue,one of the cows, screamed and screamed when the truck left with her calf. Just.like people missing their kids when they leave home.

My eye seems better. I think it may be my sinuses but I am overdue for a checkup so will do that this month. Because of my.narrow angles I have to be careful what I take.

Just watched part of Ken Burns' documentary on the National Parks, really good. Enjoy the afternoon. It's 56 but feels colder.

David1946

My wife decorated the tree I just couldn't help her do to my confusion because of my illness. I'm sure as hell glad to have her in my life. I truly believe that would have died if it wasn't for her.

jfkoc

Garland…I have my mothers which is now in many pieces. I throw some greenery in my big easel then add the garland, italian lights and a few special ornaments. The front porch has a garland with the same lights and a string of red peppers that light up. There are Italian light in the trees that need a dusk to dawn supply.

Beth..I would love to go through the Panama canal. that was a great photo. Cartahena look like Miami beach!

Davis…glad all went well

Mint…how coul d you have too many muffin pans with all the you cook! I have a sans castle baking pan that is wonderful After baking I put tiny flags in the turrets. I have not used it in years but think I will use it this Christmas.

Anyone else remember the bundt cake from My Big Fat Greek Wedding??? What a great movie.

Lorita

Watching Yellowstone, again. Guess I could watch it three or four times and still catch something I missed. The theme song is so very sad to me. I want to cry every time I hear it.

I think I'll watch 1923 beginning tomorrow night.

Babies are separated from their mothers and everyone is bawling. I did check and Billy the Bull is out in the pasture. He was licking minerals when I saw him.

Got another big water bill. Need to check and see what is going on. I think that makes close to a thousand dollars since the first leak.

jfkoc

Lorita,,,I have done this;

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-find-a-water-leak/

Iris L.

The two Christmas trees look lovely!

Beth, it looks like you had a great cruise vacation!

Judith, I like your cartoon!

I'm still coughing from the whooping cough, mostly in the evening and night.

Iris

Lorita

Thanks, Judith. My water meter is a quarter mile from the house but tomorrow I'll check the land along the waterline and see if I can see standing water. Also will see if I can get the heavy lid off where the meter is to see if the meter moves with all water turned off. . Can't talk to Mark til Monday but another man who works at the wayer district is just a little over a mile away. Don't have his number but Darwin does.

The men are gone with the 400-500 lb. Calves. I went out and watched a while. Those calves are strong and it was hard for both men to handle them.

Lots of unhappy cows looking for their babies. I didn't see any little ones out front so drove up where the hay is and saw two with tags. Had to be sure. They'll look for and call their babies for a Couple of days. Feel sorry for them.

loveskitties

The trees that you all have put up are beautiful.

While at my mother's everyone chipped in to help get her tree and decorations up from the basement. Then two of them put it together and got all the lights strung. Christmas has always been a favorite of my mother's. Now she has a few weeks to get the ornaments on the tree before we all converge on her house again to celebrate. Family is so big now that it is difficult to get a date for everyone's schedule, so will celebrate the week before this year.

Wishing all better health and better days.