how about drinking?

goldie0827

JCS, Cami is indeed a funny one isn't she? Where are you going and what kind of fun things did you plan?

NM, glad your weather held off, mud season coming soon and then fiddle heads! I imagine it would be hard to live with someone after being alone all these years. Your mom isn't doing anything right now, is she? I mean, this is just thought for the future right? I didn't know your mom would not take care of Sadie. The aunt that would take her, is she the one that passed? Yes, my ex is finally talking to me after 20 years. He's been very bitter and even in therapy. His therapist even told him he should speak to me, and this even before the issues with our son. Not sure when the sale will be, it's might not even be until April. It takes about 35-40 to get there, and if we don't go until 11 or so, it doesn't give us much time before we need to get back home. Funny about the biblical typing.

Celia, it's never been that my ex didn't pitch in. He is a great person and an awesome dad. It was with me that he had the problem. I was the one that left the marriage. He has been very bitter since. Even when he had a GF for 15 years. I couldn't be with a man that couldn't get over his ex.

Jazzy, we do have some weird weather. I have a picture with my hummingbirds and snow on the feeder with frozen sugar water, so that had to be in April sometime. Harry C is def. easy on the eyes. As they say "he can eat crackers in my bed anytime".

Cami, were you cheating those first two years in Spanish? Oh dear, your mom was really asked to NOT shop at all of those stores?

OMG Jazzy, did you eat all that? And what do they put on the elote, he looks good.

BabyGirl, so glad to hear things are beginning to look up. That is what I tell my son every day....one day at a time. Just ooking at those crunchy tacos must hurt your throat!

As for my son, I think they were going to release him today, however he is supposed to call the rehab place to get an accessment, but he can't do that until tomorrow. So we are hoping they keep him, so he can go straight from the hospital into rehab. He sounds good and said he even looks better. They have him off IV's, but he still hooked up to EKG and getting Ativan and maybe something else. I made some baked Ziti yesterday, 9x13 casserole dish and I think we ate a fifth of it. It does freeze/reheat well, so that is what I'm doing with most of the rest of it. Going back to Windsor Valley, that's what the POA community is called where the other warehouse his. Not taking anything, just going to put prices on the things we have there already. But I think we probably have 80% there.

DOTD: Sweet Corn Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup fresh corn kernels
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 ounce demerara syrup
• 1 1/2 ounce dark rum
• 3-4 drops mole bitters, like bitterman's xocolatl mole bitters
• ice

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Sunday Funday! Another beautiful sunny day here breaking here. The squirrel is out teasing Sadie, who is just dancing around and barking and chasing it back and forth along the fence. How that fat old thing can move so fast amazes me. I'm just sitting here watching and drinking my coffee. Just saw a news item on COVID-19, the disease caused by the new corona virus. The CDC is estimating a 1 to 3% mortality rate.Flu is 0.1%. Except that they don't really know how many people have been exposed or who have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. Add those people in and the mortality rate will drop.SARS mortality rate is 9.6%,, MERS is 34.4%, those are caused by other viruses in the Coronavirus family. COVID-19 is scary in how fast it's spreading, and how it's gotten to people who have no known contact, but it will probably be no more deadly than the flu when all is said and done. It does point out how helpless we are to stop a virus. But how on earth do you stop something that may be contagious for up to 14 days before someone feels sick? Talk about closing the barn door after the horse gets out!

FYI, the 2 best things you can do to protect yourself from flu, colds, COVID-19, or any other viral disease is to humidify the air and wash your hands often. Viruses love dry air, humidity in the air helps kill them off, and hand washing, well, you know the drill!

Celia--I learned typing in high school on an electric, but used a manual at home and in college. I used to type other people's papers for them for spending money. It was hard to type the papers and not correct the grammar and punctuation. I couldn't help correcting the spelling most of the time. I can still pull off a pretty fast, accurate rate if I concentrate. Do you ever go to one of those sites that measures your words per minute? I do once in a while just for fun.I just got a WPM of 72 taking the 1 minute Wizard of Oz text here: https://www.typingtest.com/select.html

Cammy Cat--40 words per minute? That's more like my speed when I'm at work than when I'm just playing around. Ok, Mom has never gotten a letter asking her to stay out of any stores. If Mom doesn't like the way she is treated at a store she never goes back.

Jazzy--Looking back I can see how my drinking habits have changed over the years, and my circle of friends has changed as well. Life is ongoing change, isn't it? I bet the distillery tour was great fun! It's amazing how many distilleries are popping up.Nice snag on the tickets. Ticketmaster seems to be a pretty decent site as far as the additional fees thing goes. My, those tacos look lovely!

Hug, Illi!

Cammy Cat--has Lent started?That one always seem to sneak up on me. Probably cuz I didn't really learn much about Lent until I was an adult.And Daylight Saving Time begins a week from today. Not looking forward to the springing forward.It's been nice not getting up in the total darkness recently.

Goldie--It's hard to tell with Mom if she's really doing anything right now or if it's all talk. She's been talking about making some kind of change for years, literally, and has been looking at houses and other options off and on for years. The difference is the very notable decline in Dick's memory and mobility. I don't believe he could live alone at this point, so Mom's presence is the only reason his kids haven't moved him to an assisted living setting. I don't believe he'd qualify for a nursing home yet. If/When it gets to the point that Mom can't take care of him with his kids help at home (they are helping quite a lot, now) is when I expect the you-know-what to hit the fan. The really scary thing is that Dick is still driving, and his car is all banged up from running into things like trees, cement steps, etc. He knocked the side mirror off Mom's car backing it into the garage the other day. Mom won't ride with him anymore, but he still drives on the main road to town almost every day. The Aunt that would take Sadie is the one that died a couple years ago. But, I know a couple people who house and dog sit, so I think I can find something better than a kennel for Sadie next time I take a trip. Wow, that sweet corn cocktail sounds totally awesome!I only had to look up 2 ingredients!

Jazzygirl

MinusTwo

Jazzy - LOVE it. Sent it to my son, who said I should be using a shower chair and not safety bars.

Jazzygirl

My artistic sunset photo

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monday Monkey Day! Getting up to a chilly ayem, but at least the sun is up.I think I go back to getting up in the dark next weekend. Sigh. Sadie was a very welcome bed warmer last night!

Jazzy--my kind of bar!And a great photo!

Morning, Minus Two!

maryland

Good morning girls, raining cats and dogs here, weather has been cray cray, 20's on Friday with snow, 50's yesterday with wind and now a typhoon! Bargained with my DH last night that he got the morning shift of dog walking, gonna be pulling out the pooch raincoats. Hopefully it will be done by my 4:00 shift. This is my big day, SSI at 9, Seidman Cancer Center at 11:30 for my injections and cardiologist at 1:30, Woohoo, I know how to have a good time!

Cami, in answer to your question, I am a terrible typist. I took typing my 1st semester of my senior year so I know how to use all my fingers but I still have to watch them on the letters after all these years. I know I was really crazy long winded in my last post but it took me a long time. Learned on a manual typewriter. I'm glad to be back too, shouldn't have left for so long but it was how I "let go" of cancer for awhile. No "letting go" now so I'm back for good. Wow, I would not have wanted to rub your mom the wrong way, and no offense but I suspect I wouldn't have wanted to be her hairdresser!

Lori, I sure hope your son can getted checked into rehab straight from the hospital. How's his attitude? Does he WANT to get sober? The garage sale sounds like quite the endeavor, do you do it every year?

Ya know what girls, I'm going to have to jump in the shower and come back later, got a busy day.. have to leave here in a hour... love to all... till later

goldie0827

NM, indeed some scary chit re this virus. And of course the stock market as well. DH hasn't even looked at ours. I'll have to revisit that typing test site. I'm not too bad, but I generally make a lot of mistakes. Oh my, Dick's driving and accidents. Can't his license be taken away some how. There needs to be a law for that. He's going to hurt himself or someone else. I'm so glad my mom agreed that she should quit driving and the same with my MIL. Glad to hear that his kids are helping. As for that drink with the corn, my thoughts are different than yours!

Jazzy, pretty awesome photo. Is it a reflection in a puddle?

Mary, knowing how to have a good time....lol. Maybe that's how we should refer to things now, when we have appts or whatever. Never had a sale before, hence 20 years of stuff. Driving there one way is at least 40 minutes!.

My son's attitude is great, and yes he wants to go. We won't know anything until later today. He was still in the hospital yesterday, mainly due to the fact that his arm was swollen. All the IV saline was just going into his skin, and anything else they may have put in there. I got my labs back, markers are down just a tiny bit, but I'll take it. Blood counts are starting to drop and I need to start on iron and folic acid to help with other issues. Yesterday was a big D day, so I need to drink more water.

camillegal

camillegal

Mornin' ladies,

Yep it's Monday, Lori praying that ur son transitioned well out of the hospital and now into rehab. As long as he wants to go that's a big step.I didn't know his father was having such a hard time with u after all this time. But let's face it now it's all about ur son anyway, but it is good u 2 can now talk. Let us know. And yes I cheated in HS Lori, the Brazil girl just let me and we sat in the back, at 15 it came natural to me then. I mean when was I ever going to use Spanish in America, right. And again yes my mom got at least 3 or 4 letters from from different stores asking her not to shop there, but she did anyway when she felt like it. My mom was tough when it came to shopping but she was so sweet in her other personality. My mom and her sister were 2 of the craziest women and just plain fun.

Jazzy funny bar and beautiful sunset.

Kim the virus is so scary. Every so often something gets traction and is contagious and dangerous. It's like the universe has this all planned out. Thruout the ages even. But u'd think now it would be figured out very quickly but it isn't. Jeez Kim I didn't think Dick was still driving at this point. That's a hard thing to give up, it's ur freedom but good ur mom doesn''t drive with him and always hoping he doesnt hurt himself or anyone. It's good to hear that his kids are helping out. I think I should take that typing test today to see how I improved over the years.

Oh I fell asleep again, chit I have to get moving I'll be back

LUBS U ALL

janky

Happy Tuesday! The Sarasota sun is shining brightly, with a not too chilly breeze blowing, so much nicer that the cold and snow they are having back home! Our visit is going great, DH is doing small, fix up jobs for the 'kids' here, and we are helping with the meals, going beach walking and all in all, enjoying! My dad is off the Montreal to visit with my 1 sister who still lives there, so that will be a nice change for both of them! I have 3 sisters, and the youngest one lives near dad in Brunswick - she is on a 2 day business trip to Montreal so brought dad along - such a nice, and much needed change for him! then the one in Monreal and one lives in Frostproof, FL so she gets down monthly to see dad which is going to be good for the next while...

genny - I am hoping you have a long, healing run with the Ibrance and Ful, - yes indeed more than 2 years stable is awesome and I pray for much more stable time!

goldie - the virus is indeed scary and now close to us (Manatee) ugh! And the stock market is another scary situation, but that will correct itself when they find out the vaccine for the virus (RIGHT??!!). I pray for your son, it is such a long, worrisome time for everybody, I know, as we experienced that with one of our adult sons who is doing fine many years later, so stay positive!

NM - How is Sadie?? I feel remiss and ask that she get an extra belly rub and tickle please! And yes Lent has started

jazzy - what wonderful photos, the elotes look totally yummy! Hope your new project goes well, always happy when I hear you have one project following another - apprently it helps keep you young and fresh

cami - your mom sounds like the 'shopper shops don't want' - too funny (but not really I guess?!).

illi - glad to see you are getting there, hopefully able to really eat sooner than later.

Well I am off to bask for a bit, enjoy the day, stay warm, Cheers!

maryland

Father/daughter dance last weekend, Nora was SO excited! My son said it was lots of fun but a bit exhausting because she wanted to be swung thru the air all night!

I’m at the infusion center waiting for a room, my appointment was 40 minutes ago...ugh. Appointment at SSI went really well, the guy was so nice. He said d/t my dx they will fast track me and I should hear within 30 days. $300 more for disability then my SSI so that’ll be nice! Typing on my phone I’ll pop back later

Jazzygirl

Hi friends- happy March! I meant to write yesterday but was busy with the nice weather and house things. I took a walk last night at sunset (hence the reflective trees in the puddle on one of the roads I saw) and think the trees will be out any time now. We are on track for the blooms here in the first week of March. I will continue to be checking out the trees on my daily walks and will take pictures. The promise of spring is there for us all, especially those further north of me.......

I checked in with the client on the little gig that came up last week. Her meeting went well on Friday and she said what I put together was exactly what she needed for her conversations with the joint venture. Success! She said she won't need anything else in March, so I will wrap up a few things today with my invoice and W-9 for her for future 1099 reporting. She wants to keep me as a resource for the future!

But also this morning, someone I was supposed to meet today for lunch (we moved to Thursday per his request) contacted me today and is interested to hire me for some part time project audit work. So we talked about that, submitted my qualifications and will see what he thinks if I am a good fit for this work? That may start in a couple of weeks. Another great work from home opportunity with some occasional meetings with the client site. A lot of time, these part time things grow in time and my plate should be fuller as we go forward. I like the idea of a couple things going on simultaneously now and work from home arrangements with some periodic meetings and/or travel.

My sister sounded a bit better last week for the first time in awhile. Perhaps she is adjusting to the new normal since everything changed almost five months ago. But then she told me this weekend she believes her partner will be stable for the next two years. I was rendered speechless once again........

Goldie- I am glad your son is getting help. We have all kinds of addiction problems in our family, and seen too many not choose recovery. I am glad your ex is helping DS and that he feels ready to this. And men are grudgy creatures, I learned that long ago. It is best to put aside difference when loved one need your support to help them the best. No one says you have to be BFFs, just find ways to get along for the higher good of another?

Genny- I am glad you are in getting your treatment going today and wishing you the best. I suspect today is a long day for you. Those pictures of Nora are just wonderful, she is just a lovely child and just love her little fashionista look every time I see her. Hoping DH is able to be there for you. So glad you are going to get your SS pushed through. It will help things.

Janky- keep enjoying that FL sunshine. I was going to try to go visit some friends and family in FL later this spring and just let them know travel is off the table right now with the virus on the move. One of my friends there who has a lot of health issues and had a bad viral infection for a month just told me in an e-mail this am that there are confirmed cases in FL now. Be careful sister. I hope your dad has a good visit up north.

MinusTwo- oh I see a shower chair in my future too. But you know what I really want? One of those walk in hot tubs. I have a small jetted tub in my master bathroom that has never fit my body quite right. My mother used to have one of those at her rehab place and loved it. Expensive upgrade though, but if I am to age in to this home, it might be worth the investment at some point.

I am keeping tabs on the Corvid-19 virus too. I went shopping Friday at Sam's Club with all the other apocalypse shoppers and stocked up on bottled water and a few other things. Heard a couple things that said as this hits in a bigger way, hospitals will fill up and best to prepared to be home for a couple weeks with self containment if you get this. People who are in and out of healthcare facilities right now, wash those hands often and keep them away from your face and mouth. Those are the two most practical things I have heard we can do right now?

NM, Cami, CeliaC, Teka, ChiSandy, JCS, and some of the newbees whose names I still forget, wishing you a good start to the month.

MinusTwo

Kim - thanks for the shout. Needed that today. And Jazzy. There's just no way I can keep up with you lovely ladies, but I do lurk & follow as best I can. Goldie - when is the sale? Cami - I love the stories about your Mother.

Since this is a drinking thread - here's my report. I pretty much give up gin & tonics for winter (even though Houston stays pretty warm) and go with red wine. I'm not a fan of sweet and tend to drink cabs & zinfandel. I've found a bunch that I like around $10.00 at Total wine, but will go up to $19 for special occasions.

The best part is my 'good night' sips. This for my health mind you. A "wee dram" is approximately 1/8 oz. I used to "take" only Tia Maria. Then I started drinking Godiva Chocolate liquor occasionally, or Chambord (yum raspberries). Lately I switch between Tuaca and Amarula. If you all don't know about Amarula, it's a cream liquor made from the Amarula Fruit in Africa that the elephants love. Sooooo smooth it's hard not to pour more than a . Google it...

maryland

Hi girls, got thru all my appts today, each one took a lot longer than I thought, didn't even have time to stop and eat, I was starving by the time I got home. SSI took 1 hour 45 min but the guy was so thorough, he back dated everything to see if he can get me disability sine my stent placement, well almost, he said he can go back one year so the best thing about that would be that I could get Medicare in 1 year instead of 2. He seemed to know what he was doing and he said either way I am fast tracked and I'll know within 30 days. The Faslodex shots were fine, they used 2 nurses and got me in both cheeks at the same time, took maybe 90 seconds. My butt's a weebit sore but not too bad.

Jazzy, so happy for you at getting the job leads, hope they all pan out. Thanks for the well wishes, glad to get that first one done. Nora is a sassy one, Ill give ya that.

Well that's all I've got tonight, just caught myself dozing off, time for bed...G"night

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Twofer Tuesday! Getting up to fog this ayem. Lots and lots of fog. The temps have come up and the snow is melting.The trees and bushes were ice coated yesterday ayem, they were sparkling in the sun shine, it was so pretty. Sadie wasn't impressed yesterday or today, the back deck wasbit slippery. The looks she gives me when her feet go out from under her is just too funny!

Genny--wow, sounds like you had quite the day planned! I hope all appointments went well.

Goldie--I hadn't thought about the stock market being affected by the virus, but I guess it really has been. There are rules in place for taking someone's driver's license, but the whole process depends on someone starting it. No one ever wants to the be the person who took Mom's or Dad's license away. Mom won't b/c then she'll have to drive him around all the time and he wants to go into town at least once and often 2 or 3 times a day. Glad to hear your son is in good spirits. And glad to hear the counts are down a bit. Be sure to take care of yourself!

Cammy Cat--Yup, the virus thing is scary. You aren't far off, this kind of thing has been going on for as long as there have been humans and animals that could catch diseases. A disease emerges, hits populations hard, the populations develop resistance, illnesses become fewer, a new one emerges, and the cycle begins again. The only real difference is that with technology advancing we hear about it sooner and the spread goes faster. It's going to be interesting to see what happens over the next few weeks.

Janky--Sadie is very well, thank you, and she says Woofies for the extra belly rubs and tummy tickles. She loves getting the tummy tickles! Not that I mind giving them, mind you.

Genny--What beautiful pics!Fast tracking at SSI and an extra $300 will both be nice.

Jazzy--Nice to have that little job done so easily, and left you set up for future work, too! Work from home with occasional travel sounds like a very nice situation. Good luck with the newest project! Glad your sister is sounding better, but concerned about the 2 years stable comment. Part of her is still not processing, but nothing to be done about that except listen and support and pray someone or something reaches her in time to prepare before things get worse.

Minus--I like your 'good night' sips! I love Chambord, have tasted Godiva Chocolate and love that, too, haven't heard of Tuaca and Amaruta. Gonna have to see if I can find some of those.

Genny--sorry the appointments took so long. Ouch on the faslodex shots.

camillegal

goldie0827

Janky, how long are you away for? I'm sure you are enjoying some warmer temps.

Mary, the father/daughter dance, so special and look how adorable aNORAble is. Love the pose and her hair looks very pretty. She looks very excited. They asked me if I wanted my Faslodex both at the same time, I declined. Reason being, when they do one side at a time, you can take the weight off your foot on the side they doing, doesn't hurt as bad that way, since it's going in the muscle.

Jazzy, sounds like you have some good work coming your way and working from home an added bonus. Oh dear, your poor sister is in some huge denial. But I am surprised that your SIL is still with us, which is a good thing, I guess. Thoses walk in tubs are quite nice, my DH's aunt in VA has one, and she has one of those chairs that takes you up and down the stairs.

Minus, we don't when the sale will be, playing it by ear. Want to make sure we get everything there and priced. Have a camping trip scheduled for the first of April, so sometime after that. They must have drunk elephants in Africa!

NM,What on earth does Dick do when he goes to town? I had a little chuckle that your mom doesn't want him to lose his license so she doesn't have to drive him around.

Well, my son got out of the hospital, but not into rehab. That happens Friday, and I will be the one taking him, as it is in the same town as my brother, where I will be staying. My other brother and I will go pick him up at his dads on Thursday, he will stay the night with me and I will take him on Friday. I guess they keep you in 2 week intervals, throw ya out if you aren't following the rules.

camillegal

Mornin ladies,

Janice it's so nice u and ur sisters are so good to your dad and he gets to travel a bit. Weather is kind of OK here this week, but again u never know. Yes mom mom was a nitemare shopping, my sister is like her <not as bad> but she was the only one who could consistently take her shopping every week, I always stayed with my dad and loved it. But when they were in their 70's my dad would wait in the car for 3-4 hrs waiting for my mom and my aunt and never complained.

Oh they announced on TV last night 2 cases of this corona, a couple in their 70;s but they were home not in a hospital, now they said it might be like Sars for the treatment??? Just find it.

Oh Lori I can't stop thinking about ur son, I pray it's going well.

And Illi I pray today is a better day too.

Mary Nora is absolutely beautiful, what a super pic. And how much fun is a father and daughter dance. Her dress is so feminine with her hair style. Just Anorable.

Wow Jazzy u sound busy trying to get some things done, plus organizing 2 different jobs. BUT I know u can do it, so no worries for you. This is what u shine in.

Kim these DOTD'S are so pretty to look at, they have to be good. Mud season will be there soon and who knows what else in March. I know we both get crazy March but sometimes urs is worse. But so far there have been no closings this winter, usually there are 1 or 2 but we never had really bad weather. So now we wait.

Tuesday is taco day, not that we'll have them just thought I'd bring u all up to date. <very important>

Hoping everyone has a good day

LUBS U ALL

JCSLibrarian

Glorious weather here outside of Charleston. We have been to two state parks, the beach and relaxing on the deck. I love having no schedule and being lazy. Might have thunderstorms tonight. The plan tomorrow is to visit the S.C. Aquarium since it is supposed to rain most of the day.

Sounds like people have been busy dealing with family issues. Some good, some not so good. My youngest just found out he has to replace the sewer lines to his house. Quite a bit of money and cannot use the toilet until it is fixed. The fun just never ends!

goldie0827

I'm off in the morning. Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers and good juju. Will check in when I can.

JCS, enjoy the aquarium!

MinusTwo

Goldie - hope all goes well & you get your son settled in rehab.

Jazzygirl

camillegal

Lori praying everything goes as planned with ur son.I know u have to show strength for ur son and I know u will. But it isn't always easy but I know u'll have this covered. U r a woman of strength and it's time to call it up for ur use now. Safe travels and a pleasant ride. The weather is supposed to be OK so that's a relief. <well for me>

Illi <<<HUGS>>>

Mary r u doing OK???

Jazzy FANTASTIC PICTURES. Were u right up front, oh u must have enjoyed that. I know I would. U do such fun things.Every concert I catch is on PBS, but I'm fine with that. I hope u get to talk to ur sister soon.

I'm falling asleep so...................

LUBS U ALL

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump Day! Did everyone get out to vote yesterday? Or earlier if you do the absentee ballot thing? Hmm, what this one a nation wide one or just select states?The big news in Maine is that the new law doing away with non-medical vaccination exceptions was upheld.The yelling and crying has already started, along with the warnings that soon we won't be able to make any choices for ourselves, the government will be making them all. What a hot potato topic! Sadie doesn't care, she says give her whatever shots it takes so she can keep living with me. So I guess I'm doing ok as a doggy Mom after all!

Speaking of Mom, things are blowing up on the Mom and Dick front. Mom noticed that someone has been looking through her financial papers (bank statements, in particular). She is furious. She thinks Dicks daughter is the one, and she confronted her, and now the daughter won't come and see Dick (she been coming at least once a week to help Dick with financial things). Mom is going to start moving her more valuable stuff out of the house and into storage or a safe deposit box and islooking into getting an apartment in a retirement community. And the only reason Dick hasn't been moved into a nursing home or assisted living place is because Mom is still in the house, and the daughter wants that situation to go on as long as possible so Dick doesn't spend down his assets and the kids will inherit more. So, naturally, Mom's blood pressure was through the roof before her procedure yesterday.Oh, and I'm not supposed to tell my brother any of this so he isn't worried while he's in the process of changing job locations.

Cammy Cat--The melting has started, mud season is just around the corner, Yay!Of course, we get blizzards in March, too. . . It will be interesting to see what happens.

Goldie--Dick usually goes to a hardware store, sometimes a grocery store. Sometimes he buys something, sometimes he doesn't. I think it depends on how close the wanted item is to the front of the store. He is having a harder and harder time walking with his bad ankle. I'm glad your son is getting into rehab, hope he can stay out of trouble between now and Friday. I wish him luck on his journey.

Librarian--Homeownership is a never-ending list of things needing doing and money to be spent! I'm lucky that I haven't run into any hugely expensive work, yet. Great pic. Do you watch the thunderstorms from your deck?

Safe travels, Goldie

Jazzy--those pics are great!Looks like it was a great show.

Mississippi Mud Pie Martini

Ingredients

For the Martini:

4 ounces RumChata

3 ounces vodka

2 ounces kahlua

1 ounce chocolate syrup

For the Crust:

6 chocolate cookie wafers (any plain chocolate cookie)

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

For Garnish:

4 tablespoon chocolate shavings (use a peeler and shave a chocolate bar)

Instructions

Crush the cookies in a plastic bag.

Pour into a bowl and mix together with the chocolate syrup. Divide the cookie mixture in half and spoon into each martini glass.

Add the ingredients for the martini into a cocktail shaker only half filled with ice cubes.

Shake well and divide equally into each martini glass.

Top with chocolate shavings and serve.

From <https://www.mantitlement.com/recipes/cocktails/mississippi-mud-pie-martini/>

mistyeyes

Good Wacky Wednesday Morning. I have been busy at work and trying to fit in home jobs. I have been so tired after work that I just get done what I need to. I don't sleep well, so I need to fix that and exercise/move more, that should give me more energy. It doesn't help me saying it if I don't do it. lol

Goldie- prayers for your son, hard for him and all his family. Two weeks doesn't seem like enough time, hopefully it gets him a good start. I am glad that he came to you and his father for help. Dealing with grown kids problems make you miss the time when they were little and you could fix everything. -- I didn't think about the stock market and the virus. That is kind of interesting how one thing affects everything else.

NM - It sounds like your mom is in the middle of a lifetime movie or a soap opera. Maybe this makes her housing decision easier if she is thinking of an apt in a retirement community. I truly hope she is wrong about Dicks kids, but there are people out there like that. Out to get what they can.

Jazzy - It was great to see your concert pictures and glad you got some jobs lined up. I see the walk in tubs in on commercials or magazines; and you are right that if would be a good investment for your future self.

Minus - I had to look up the drinks you have, but it is interesting about the Amaruta coming from a fruit in Africa. I do learn so much here. I don't know if this is considered useless trivia floating around in my brain, but I do like learning about things so keep it coming!

Genny, the pictures of your son and granddaughter were so beautiful. That will be such a sweet memory for her.

JCS - Hope you enjoy your day at the aquarium, that is a really great way to spend a rainy day.

Illimae- glad you are feeling better...slowly, but better. Soon you will be back at your travels.

I read everyday, even though I don't post often.

Is chiSandy traveling, haven't seen anything from her lately.

Jazzygirl

Hi ladies- happy hump day. Another sunny and warm day here and spring seems to be moving in here early. I think the ground hog predicted it, and I had lunch with a friend yesterday and she said it had been unusually warm lately. We have had a lot of moisture though this winter, while it was sunny and mild here yesterday, down in the southern part of the state, they got a big snow storm! That is unusual for the south

I started some birthday celebrations yesterday with a good friend who also has a milestone birthday this March (she turned 70 yesterday). We went to a new location for a fav place of mine and had some wonderful salads for lunch plus she got a free dessert with a sparkler in it. She is the same friend I did my pay it forward to with the recent eye surgery assistance (she is doing well with recovery).

And then of course, the concert last night, ooh la la. Harry was in prime form both with his singing and engagement with the audience. He had a great 7 peice back up band that included a NOLA style horn section

NM- thanks for voting yesterday and super Tuesday only covers some states, not all. Our primary here is one of the last, early June. I used to think all the primaries were the same day for the most part too, but we hear more about things these days. We are a large state area wise with a small population (under 2 million). I heard our current governor is trying to get us pushed up on the schedule in the future. Attached is the link for all the states and their events, plus the conventions. So no, I did not vote but I will and we usually have early voting locations here for everything which makes it easier. I just saw on the news there were people waiting in line way too long yesterday in some locations.....

https://www.270towin.com/2020-election-calendar/

Oh accusing the Dick's daughter of going through the paperwork. Could it be that Dick went through it (and realize that he may not remember it?) Accusing a family member or visitor is never a good move. Maybe she just needs a secured file or something so the paperwork is out of sight. I know this movie too as my sister's MIL was always misplacing jewelry when she used live alone, but then accusing people who maybe came to visit or drop off some things to help her (she never drove) of stealing her jewelry. They stopped visiting too. I would tell your brother anyways as an fyi, not fair for the burden to be on you. I always reminded myself as the roles reverse with parents, we have to really step up the adult role with them. Wishing you better days sister.

And what are non-medical vaccines? I thought all vaccines were medical? 'Splain that to me please!

Goldie- I hope you are to your destination by now and that you can have some visits with your son. I don't know how rehab works but think sometimes you can't visit in the beginning, but don't know that for sure. I hope you get to see the goils while you are there, I know you are looking forward to it.

Shout out to ChiSandy and also Genny, you guys doing okay?

Mistyeyes- I have problems with insomnia sometimes too and find that if I exercise even a little bit, it helps me to sleep better. Sometimes a short walk is enough. I try to get a 20 min walk in each day, but also swim and do yoga. The ways to get a quick walk in are to do it before work, at work at lunch time, or after work. I have had walking buddies sometimes at my client sites and jobs and found a walking buddy to go with depending on where the work site is and any safety concerns.

JCS- that is too bad about your son. I had a friend here in my city who lives down in an older area near the university that was required to replace the lines to her home too. I guess the pipes were aging out and it was on the property owner to replace them and it was something like an $8K financial hit. She had to take out a loan to pay for it, and said it was not like she was even doing something fun with the house.

And yes, although I am getting more contacts, I am learning to ask different questions now when someone approaches me. Sometimes what is initially said turns out to have some hidden obstacles you need to ferret out. For example, yesterday someone contacted me about doing more work at the place I just left two months ago. I happen to know they are shedding consultants and also have a hiring freeze? A friend called last night that still works there and she confirmed that is still true. SMH. Tomorrow I have lunch with someone who contacted me about some new work and have lots more questions for him too.

Gotta run to Social Security to get a new card ordered for real ID next month as well as an updated passport. I am late to the party with this but hopefully will get everything in time (otherwise I will be getting my liscense done twice this year).

maryland

Hi girls, hope everyone is having an ok day. I worked today, 1 more down 7 to go and I'm all done. I'm ready, I have so many things to tackle around the house and I've got to start working out more. All my appointments went fine on Monday, not even sore from the shots. Doing fine on the Ibrance so far too. Did not like the new cardiologist one bit, he was one of those arrogant types that wants his patients to do what he says and never ask questions, I won't be going back, going to look for a female I think. Not my kind of doctor, I like to be able to ask questions and that seemed to annoy him. All 3 pooches got groomed today, they look bootiful but it was $180 plus $35 tip, yikes, I've never spent that much on my own hair!

Cami, when you were talking about lent it brought back a memory, I went to catholic school in the 60's, nuns in long flowing habits, anyway, on ash Wednesday we always had mass and we got the ash cross on our foreheads and every year 6th, 7th 8th grade I woke up with a bit zit right in the middle of my forehead where they made that cross, wanted to wash it off after 6th grade but didn't dare, oh I dreaded that zit! By 9th grade I was a heathen and in public school so I didn't have to worry about it anymore. Thanks about Nora, I think she"s awfully pretty but I'm partial. Joey doing ok?

Janky, Are you still in sunny Florida? Hope the weather is great, and you're continuing to have a good time with the kids. When do you go back to the cold? You've got a good size family, sounds like lots of support for your dad. Yes a long, long run on my current meds would be nice, don't know if I have any other options but IV chemo so I'd like to get years out of this.

Jazzy, looks like great seats for Harry, was that your first time seeing him? Spring seems to be coming early here in Ohio too, I noticed some tulips starting to pop thru the dirt today. I had to apply for a new SSI card when I was there for the same reason, for the life of me I can't figure out what happened to it, figure it'll turn up as soon as the new one arrives. LOVED the bar shower!

Lori, safe travels, praying for your son, seems maybe the timing of your trip was meant to be. Yay on markers going down, sorry about the D, hope it doesn't interfere with your travel!

NM, Wow, talk about it hitting the fan with your mom! good news I guess is that it may push her into a retirement home situation instead of trying to buy a house. And it might be nice if she can concentrate on herself and not have to help take care of Dick. The retirement home I work in has a movie room a game room a fitness room and even a pub, hardly a bunch of old folks sitting around sleeping and drooling. They are going to exercise classes and happy hour! I'm with Jazzy, not sure what a non-medical vaccine is either.

Misty, I'm sure my granddaughter will always remember that dance, now her new thing is the Disney Zombie movie and she keeps making herself up like a zombie, I'll have to post some pics. I do a lot of talk about exercising more too, probably does work better to actually get up and do it!

Hi Minus and Sandy and whoever else I'm missing, time to cook dinner altho I'm really tired and may cook it and skip actually eating it and just go to bed. DH will be home later but I thawed chicken and told him I'd cook it, now I might just eat a "special" cookie and call it a night. Oh and I made an appt to get my MMJ card, I go next Friday, I was surprised at the cost tho, it's $280 first year and $180/yr after that. I didn't expect it to be that much!

Jazzygirl

Genny- I am glad to hear you are doing okay this first week. Hoping the treatments kick butt and leave you with energy to do all you need to. Our houses really do require a lot of time from us sometimes, yes?

This was actually the second time I saw Harry Connick Jr, but it has literally been decades. I saw him when he was up and coming in the mid 1990s and probably in his late 20s back then. That was a great concert too, memorable for someone like me who has been to many concerts since the 1970s. This one was even better, because of that band he had with him this time too. He has evolved from being a musician into a full spectrum entertainer. I love him too in the movie, Hope Floats, if you have seen that (runs on HBO a lot).

Got a lot of things accomplished today including my social security card replacement ordered (should be here in two weeks) and my passport application went in the mail. I should have everything back by end of the month and then can go get my Real ID and have this done (plus everything else current). Someone gave me a tip on going to this SS office in the town just to the north of ABQ and I was not there 5 minutes before I got helped. I figured I would be there for hours. And when the time comes to get my SS benefits with retirement, I will know where to go for help if I need it.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Thirsty Thursday! Another lovely warm day, even if windy, today. I guess the wind should be dying off today, that will make for abeautiful, spring-is-coming day. I haven't been asked to cover any shifts this week or next, that is a really good sign! I am busting butt getting caught upand trying to get a bit ahead before the next staffing crisis hits. Making for awfully long days in front of the computer, though. Sadie says Woof to everyone!

Misty--I hear you about the feeling tired and needing to move more to get more energy. If you find a strategy that works, please share it! Today I'm going to set an alarm to get up and walk around every 30 minutes while I'm at work and see if that helps. Mom does sound like she's in the middle of a life time movie, doesn't she? My personal opinion is that Dick or Dick's daughter did look at Mom's bank statement, but not out of any nefarious intent but to verify or clarify something in Dick's finances. Mom tends to jump to the worst possible scenario conclusions and then act on that without actually getting facts first. Dick wouldn't necessarily remember doing it, and I know how accusatory and nasty Mom can be when she thinks she's been wronged. But, this daughter does have a history of doing questionable things with her mother's money under similar circumstances. The whole thing makes me glad Mom and Dick kept their finances separated. That will make things easier in the long run.

Jazzy--I just saw a news item about people waiting more than 2 hours in line to vote, I didn't catch where that was. I suppose it's pretty egocentric to assume that if Maine has a vote, all the states have a vote going on! It is easier to find out about stuff like that now, though, than it used to be. OK, and now I just figured out why they call it Super Tuesday! I always thought it was because that was the national primary vote day!Talk about being naïve.I hope she gets a secured file of some kind, she currently keeps her mail and bank statements and such in a pile on the kitchen table or counter. There was a note written on one page "start here" that is not in Dick's handwriting, and not in Mom's so someone has looked at the statements. BUT, I really wonder if Dick and Dtr were looking to help understand something in Dick's finances, and Mom over reacted. I think Mom is going to keep her papers somewhere else now. I am going to call and talk with kid brother this weekend and up date him, just so that he knows what's happening. I feel kind of crappy about doing that, but this is one area where Mom may not know what is best. Ah, the joys of having aging parents!The non-medical isn't referring to vaccines, it's referring to exemptions from vaccinations.In Maine, it used to be that children were allowed to attend school, preschool, or daycare without having any vaccinations. Parents could choose not to have vaccinations given to their children for any reason.The growing number of children who are not getting childhood vaccinations has caused a resurgence of a number of illnesses (chicken pox, measles, whooping cough primarily) breaking out in schools. When this happens unvaccinated children need to be kept out of school for their protection, and if a large enough percentage of children are unvaccinated or get sick, the school has to close until 14 days after the last case is diagnosed. Children have been missing months of school time, schools are starting to have trouble getting the required minimal number of days in, and infants, older people and ill people are being hospitalized at higher and higher rates with these disease and the complications of them are causing an increase in the death rate of Maine's elders and disabled. Legislation was passed eliminating the non-medical exemption last year. Parents can still opt not to have their children vaccinated, but unless the child is exempted from vaccination for medical reasons by a doctor (children in treatment for cancer, children with a documented allergy or serious reaction to a vaccination, children with diagnosed medical conditions that make vaccination unwise) that child may not attend public or privateschool, pre-school, or day care and may not be allowed to attend public events when certain illnesses are circulating. In other words, parents who choose not to vaccinate for philosophical reasons will have to home school their children, will not be able to take their children into stores or to movies or concerts or sports events during flu season or if there is chicken pox or whooping cough or measles cases in the community, can be prohibited from visiting in nursing homes and hospitals. There was a people's veto on the ballad this week, and the veto did not pass by a large margin.

OK< gotta head to work, kechup tomorrow!