Just need to talk to my friends (218)

We're back home. So much running around, it'll be nice to be in one place for awhile. We didn't end up going to Dark Sparkle the other night, we both decided to get some extra sleep instead. It worked out well because we were able to get to an early breakfast with D & V. It was great to see them.

Then off to my aunt's birthday party. Check out this cake my cousin made! It's four layers of vanilla and lemon sponge cake, two layers of lemon curd filling, and one layer of blackberry compote filling, and then the frosting. It was as good as it looks.

Iris - I had to go and read about the white peacocks, so I knew they weren't albino (but that was a new fact for me).

HB - I'm with you - time to wash the car.

And omg - I'm so sorry for your nieces. This all sounds horrible.

Talking about gas —— in CA it's $6 most places, or close to it. At the gas station on Market and Castro in SF it's $7. 😱

Tomorrow is supposed to be 80 degrees here! I'm ready for it.

@Iris L. It kind of makes sense that EWR isn't as massive given it's one of 3 large airports serving NYC.

Judith— I agree with your assessment that travel and vacation are different. I would also add a 3rd category for trips to visit family; I don't care how nice the beach is, it's not vacation.

Lorita— Diesel here was $5.59 yesterday when I was coming home from dinner. Gas was $4.49 at Costco Saturday at noon. Is farm diesel different that what is at the pump at stations? Does it degrade over time like gasoline does?

Ron— It's probably not a great idea to be doing manual labor so soon after surgery. You don't want to undo any benefit or make things worse.

Carl— That meal sounds ghastly. I was never a fan of BK personally and I agree that the "onion" rings are singularly disappointing. A fish sandwich can be hard to come by outside of Lent. Wendy's does a decent fish sandwich but it's seasonal.

Gothic G— That cake is stunning. It's pretty rare for something decorated that beautifully to be delicious as well.

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Fingers crossed I have nothing on my plate today aside from a little laundry and sorting out dinner.

I managed to find a set of 2# hand weights for mom yesterday as well as a nice healthy Delaware Valley Azalea. When I redid her front garden I planted 7 tiny ones. One didn't make it and one was badly damaged by a tree crew removing a tree— this left the one end of the bed looking sparse. I also need to transplant a couple smaller hosta that end up obscured by larger one. Perhaps I'll do that tomorrow after her cardiac echo.

I'm taking her out for Mother's Day tea on Thursday in lieu of a crowded Sunday experience. It'll just be the two of us. Niece 1 and I decided she and her sister will do something else which means mom will get taken out twice which she'll appreciate. It's in an old historic inn which should be nice. It's weird, though, I had to make the reservation days in advance and leave a $50 deposit.

My BIL is still in the hospital. The psychiatrist is weaning him off all the psychoactive meds he's been prescribed. He's still angry, confused and can't transfer from chair to bed without falling. MRI today and possibly lumbar puncture. He'll be discharged to a SNF for rehab. Niece and I discussed potentially doing that near her house to make things easier for her as she's the point person. I also suggested she consider setting up a patient portal so she can get test results as they're available as she can't be bedside through the week.

I hope all have a pleasant day.
HB

Good morning.

I agree Judith, travel and vacation are different. Right now I need a vacation from my travel. 😉

Ron, it's too bad you can't hire some of JeriLynn's goats to "mow" your grass for you.

Carl, Italy has no fast food places. Even at the truck stops there is cooked food for patrons. I saw only a couple of McDonald's, and only in Milan, which is a big city.

We ate well at the hotels, but apparently a common everyday Italian breakfast is a croissant and a cappuccino. Lunch and dinner are sit-down affairs with three courses. They take a break after lunch, like a siesta, but they dont call it siesta.

HB, here are some beautiful Azaleas at one of the palaces.

Iris

Yep….I am learning the bagpipes. Step 1…I put the chanter together

Good afternoon.

Let's see. I paid $4.49 for the cheapest regular gas and diesel is $5.49.

That peacock pic is beautiful.

I had a blood draw & PCP appointment this morning and tomorrow morning I get to visit the dentist, again! I had a cleaning two weeks ago and all was well, until Saturday (naturally when they are closed) and a cap comes off. I've been very careful and thankfully its not hurt, but I'll be glad to have the cap back on that tooth. Ugh, always something.

GG the cake, my goodness it was beautiful.

Iris I'm not surprised your knees are hurting. You did a lot of walking / hiking. They'll calm down in time. You might try some ice - that helps pain and swelling. (Like you didn't know that!)

Ron you need not be mowing. Nope, that's not on your to do list. I love that you want to help, but that's too much too soon.

Oh the joy's of figuring out what to fix for dinner. I really don't mind making it - its just the deciding part.

Let's be safe everyone.

I had a nice visit with Carl at the senior center today and now that my surgery is over I hope to go more often.

My grandson started mowing after school today so I guess I want be mowing.

Ron

and may the forth be with you also………..

Lorita - I like bagpipes too. I'll go out of my way to listen to them.

Judith - Interesting about the history of bagpipes. I'm excited for you (the classes).

Hi Zetta - how are you?

HB - I hope you ended up with a mostly relaxing day, and that nothing unexpected came up.

Afternoon tea with your mom sounds nice.

eaglemom - I'm glad my cousin has taken up cake baking - fewer broken bones and knee injuries than when she was doing roller derby. 🙂

I guess it's still technically May 4 (at least where I am), so May the Fourth be with you!

I'm hanging out at Death Guild right now, watching the video feed of what's going on inside the club. I'm seeing a lot of Star Wars themed costumes.

Today was back to everything. Boxing this morning, which felt really good. Then laundry from the trip(s), and getting everything ready for tomorrow's blog post.

Good morning

Ron