how about drinking?

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Saturday! Fall has arrived here with a vengeance, there were frost warnings in some places for last night. Just unreal. Had to put on a robe this ayem due to the chill. Wore long sleeves yesterday. Need to do some more work in the basement today and that will warm me up, I'm sure. And it was windy enough yesterday to talk about wind chill, even though the temp was in the 60's. Blowing so hard the power went off for a couple of hours. And the first day of Autumn isn't for another 3 weeks!Sadie even came under the covers last night. She's currently curled up in a ball with her nose under her tail in a patch of sun, snoring. And she even has her own fur coat!

Jazzy--The clean out was pretty horrific, but it's over and done with. I could not believe that Nicole would take all that stuff and then just run off like she did. I know she was upset that she wasn't given the house and I'm sure she doesn't understand that it won't pass any kind of inspection to get insured, and I know she doesn't think about how she will be able to afford to insure it and pay the taxes on it and maintain it, she's used to subsidized housing where she hasn't had to deal with upkeep, taxes, insurance, etc. I hope she finds whatever it is she is looking for in Michigan. We think she is going to stay with her son's father and paternal grandmother (the father lives with his mother), but that relationship didn't work out before when they were living there, don't see why it would now, but not my circus, not my monkey. I worry about the kids, though. Sounds like you finally found someone to prune the trees?

Cammy--It was incredibly disrespectful, and not something I would have believed Nicole would do if I didn't see it for myself. But, it has renewed my commitment to getting my place cleaned up and maintained!I'm actually looking forward to getting into the basement, this session will get it mostly cleaned out and ready to start really organizing so the rest of the clean out will go easier. I'm so glad you have Joey to show you the easy way to use the new phone. Many of them are really easy once you know how. Good for you for putting your feet up!

Illi--glad to hear the roads are reopening. That must have been some scary time! And must still be, somewhat.

Chi--Lock changing was discussed, and my cousin did change the locks on the garage. She did not change the locks on the house as it's cleaned out now and what is left will be demolished and hauled offas trash. All the doors have "No Trespassing" signs, the doors and windows are locked so if anyone gets hurt breaking in the family has no liability. No propane, no electricity after this weekend, no phone, no internet, no heating oil.Very little of valueleft, just a washer (electric), dryer (gas), fridge (electric), all have seen better days. Next door Aunty is going to check with the church and see if there is anyone who needs any of those who is willing to clean them up and move them out. Glad to hear the post-procedure emissions have finished! I've got a red wine blend that I opened last night that is very good that I hope to get again in my next case.With the Naked Wines thing I need to order 6 bottles at a time, but can put bottles on the list over time, so I can reorder the ones I really like as I drink them. Only 3641 people ahead of me on the Wine Angel list!

Teka--ok, now I recognize you! Don't mind me, I'm remeberably challenged at the best of times. Just so you know, this horror clean out was my Aunt's place, not mine. Mine is bad but better than that!And getting better every week!

Goldie--hard to believe Dawn Wells is 78. She looks great! Traveling, especially by air, is always an adventure!

Dances with Hornets' DOTD:

Candle in the Window

Ingredients

• 2 tsp Bourbon
• 2 oz Light Rum
• 1 tsp Cherry Brandy
• 1 tsp Dark Creme de Cacao
• 4 oz (hot) Coffee
• 2 oz Heavy Cream

Directions

Pour the rum, bourbon whiskey, creme de cacao, cherry brandy and coffee into an Irish coffee cup or glass. Pour the cream carefully over the back of a teaspoon so that it floats on top, and serve.

Best served in a Irish Coffee Cup.

NativeMainer,

I knew the horror clean out job was at your Aunt's place. ;o))

Jazzy, a good tree pruning job and now about the flashing!?

The following pic was taken from Facebook.

Snow covered Mt. Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains, September 1, 2017, from Lake Placid, NY.

Teka- well the story is this, I was up this morning and in my underwear in the kitchen (sport bra and panties) and heard a loud "hiss" and knew there was a hot air balloon close by. You can always tell by that hissing sound which is the burner in the basket firing to keep the envelop on the balloon inflated. So I peaked out my back door and there was a balloon literally about 20 feet above the patio. The basket was in clear view to my door so as I opened it, there was a basket full of people who all waved to me. LOL! And there I am in my skivvy's. Because my back door is covered by a porch, there was little chance they would see me but OMG! I think we were all stunned to see one another. I waved and closed the door fast. LMFAO all day long about this.

I have been outside in my backrobe when they have come cruising through and maybe once or twice saw one this low, but talk about timing! Note to self that I must be sure to get my robe on first thing and not be flashing the neighborhood again.

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Sunday Funday! Waking up to another gray day, buta bit warmer than Friday was. Got the dumpster filled up again yesterday. One more fill the dumpster day will pretty much have the junk out of the basement and it will be ready for getting organized. Got several storage tubs (some even with covers!) that I can use. Found some things I've been looking for, and some things I forgot I even had. It is so nice to see real space down there, and be able to move around! Fortunately it warmed up quite a bit yesterday and I was able to lounge on the back deck in the afternoon. I found some podcasts about wine--Wine for Normal People--and listened to a few of those. It was really interesting, talked about some terminology in one, gadgets in another, how to talk to a Sommelier, and I've got several more downloaded to listen to.

Sadie gave me one seriously dirty look yesterday when I took her downstairs and put her in the car and then only moved it out of the basement. She loves to ride, and just moving the car does NOT count as a ride!

Jazzy--you went through a lot of trouble to get that pruning done! I'm surprised they came without notice like that, I take it someone in the office must have goofed and not made a call or sent out a letter? Whatever, at least it's done, and the estimate from the other company could be canceled. Many people have mentioned that Nicole thinks the world owes her, so yes, she does have an entitlement attitude. Her son has Asperger's Syndrome and is already handicapped by a bad temper and being expelled from at least on one school for beating up another student and threatening to kill him. I don't think her kids have ever known any real stability. But, not my circus, no my monkeys, I can't fix that but I can keep praying for all of them. Hurricane Irma is being watched, but it looks like it will affect the more Southern states. The last time a hurricane made landfall in Maine still as a hurricane was Gloria in 1985 and it was a Category 1 by the time it got here. I remember being a bit disappointed, we get thunderstorms with more wind gusting that Gloria brought to central Maine! I have decided not to go kayaking this weekend, it's too cold. I'm holding out for a nice Indian Summer week and will try to go out then. If not, I'm ok with not getting the kayak out this summer, cuz I know I will have the time to get it out next summer. And yup, there was some frost in frost prone places over the last couple of nights. It's crazy. Wow, that tree really did need to be cut back a bit from the house! Beautiful tree, though.

Teka--Snow in the mountains, summer is over! Sigh.

Illi--good luck with the getting to MD Anderson, and stay safe. Prayers for Lita.

Jazzy--LOL! Maybe you should keep a robe by the patio door for unexpected balloon visitors! Frankly, most undies cover more than a typical bathing suit, so I'm sure you weren't too inappropriately undressed!

Dances with Hornets' DOTD:

Gold Velvet

Ingredients

• 1 splash Champagne
• 1/2 glass Lager
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice

Directions

Half-fill a beer pilsner with lager. Add pineapple juice, and gently top with champagne.

Best served in a Pilsner Glass.

OMG, you ladies got frost? It's still pretty toasty here, but cool at night, in the 50's.

NM, what a horrible thing for your cousin to do, to leave that house in such a mess. Was anything said to her? SOOOOO disrespectable, unreal. Yay for you getting all of your cleaning done (well not all). And that was a dirty trick you pulled on Sadie!!!

Jazzy, glad you finally got the tree trimmed, but not very nice of them to not call you and just show up without any kind of notice. I'm not sure who all "remains" from that show. With all the working out you have been doing, I'll bet you looked great in your skivvies! At least you were covered.Can't tell you how often I run around in just panties, cuz it's so hot.

Teka, snow???

Ilona, I was sorry to hear about Lita. She was on Xeloda thread with me.And don't worry about catching up.

I'm watching Irma very closely and it heads towards my daughter. Heading out to Phoenix tomorrow and then to MI on Tuesday. My daughter is supposed to arrive Thursday evening. Put corn up yesterday, 5 dozen!

Jazzy, I love Steely Dan and am saddened to hear Walter Becker passed. Seems Donald Fagen kept getting all the glory.

Yesterday’s DOTD when Bob arrived home late was Mumm Napa Brut Rosé Reserve.

Hi Ladies

Weather here is cold this morning and a/c on now--whatever that means. Oh Ill I've been watching all the news for it, but one thing was amazing EVERYONE ws helping EVERYONE. that was good to see, but sad to watch. It's all so hard for all those people.

SusyQ I hope u;r feeling better and news comes quickly and everything is fine

Boy Kim once u start cleaning u really don't stop, u hve to be so tired, u were supposed to rest this weekend. nd I don't blame Sadie. LOL

Sandy glad that's over for you, that;s why I don't get put out for my colonoscopies, I dont like that muggy feeling after and as soon as it's over u get up and leave so I prefer to be awake, but we all know I'm quircky. And good thing things looked good too. Now u'r done with that for while.

Lori did u buy thecorn??? Did u take the kernels off or keep everything together. I knew u'd find something to get ready for winter.

And Jazzy u'r another one that just doesn't stop....good for you.

But Ill I'm so sorry to her about Lita, this is so chitty., she'll be in my prayers too

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Labor Day! So nice to have another leisurely morning to enjoy. The remnants of Harvey came through yesterday evening/overnight. I got 0.41 inches of rain and lots of wind, my cousin Dawna on the coast got a lot more wind but not as much rain, although it did come down hard a few times there. I started working on a corner of the living room, one that's behind my rocker/recliner, where I'm going to set up a small "office" space where I can keep my work tablet and create a charging station for all my electronics. I've got one of those rolling 3 drawer storage thingys, that is now white again. Amazing how much dust collected there. Even more embarrassing was finding an old mouse nest, complete with dead mouse in the corner under the baseboard. No wonder there were funny smells in the house all last winter! Went out to the dollar store and got a whole bunch of little baskets for organizing the drawers (and others later on). And yes, Sadie went with me, so she got a ride. I'm thinking I'll pop out for the Farmer's Market that I used to go to regularly.They used to be open on Mondays and Thursdays, and I went almost every Thursday, but they stopped doing the Thursday market this summer. So this will be only the second time I've gotten to it this season. It seems to be getting harder and harder to get to the Farmer's Markets lately, not sure why.

Goldie--No, nothing being said to Nicole, mostly because no one has an address or phone number for her. She had a cell phone that one of the family gave her and was paying for, one of the pre-paid, month to month plans, and the family member let it lapse. Long story short, we've put out to people who know her that she has money coming to her (she sold the car her grandmother gave her) as soon as the proper paperwork is processed, hoping she will be in contact with someone and get the message and send contact info. If not, the money will go to one of her brothers to hold for her until she gets in touch again. She did leave a lot of stuff in storage at her other grandparent's place, so maybe she plans to come back someday. We just don't know. We didn't know she was planning to leave the area until she asked for a ride to the bus station. But she's a woman grown, and responsible for her own monkeys, and it's not my circus. Yeah, I guess it was a dirty trick to pull on Sadie. But I gave her a good ride later in the day to make up for it. You put up a lot of corn!Good for you!

Jazzy--oh, yoga on the patio, that must have been so nice. I really need to start doing more yoga if only for the stretching and decreasing the stiffness from the cleaning and lugging I've been doing. Biking must be beautiful where you are. The entitlement attitude seems to be more and more pervasive as time goes by. I never noticed when that change started. I have talked with people who honestly believe that they should not have to work to get a home or to buy things, that they should "qualify" for all sorts of things (food, housing, cable TV, cell phones, ATVs, snowmobiles, medical care, prescriptions, special equipment) because of coming from a one parent home, for not being 100% Caucasian, because their parent or family was discriminated against in some situation or generations ago, because of depression, stress, or a learning disorder. I honestly do not understand that mind set, but I suspect it is because I was brought up to have a strong work ethic, be self-reliant and responsible for myself. I had to earn things like good grades, and money for things like bikes and other special toys. I guess it's a different world now than the one I grew up in. I don't feel bad about not getting the kayak in the water this summer, I have accomplished so much and am still getting so much doneand am enjoying so many other things that this summer has been a really positive one for me. I can prioritize the kayaking next summer after all the cleaning out and decluttering is done. I can see that will run into the winter, but with inside projects, so it's ok. I heard about Walter Becker's death yesterday. So many of the bands from myyouth are showing up in the news when a member dies. Guess we're in that generation now.

Cammy--I did rest on Friday, did nothing but nap and lounge around. Some if this inside mess is really starting to bother me, so I get motivated to do something. I work on things for a while and then stop when I get tired or frustrated. I'm not going too hard, and make sure I take one day a week completely off from decluttering. Most of what I am doing I am doing sitting down. I sort stuff into garbage, keep and give away. The last give away boxes I put on the side of the road are still there, so I'll probably stop doing that and just throw stuff. Hard to throw stuff that is really still good to use, but if I don't have a use for it, it has to go. It is good to see everyone helping everyone in Texas, isn't it?

Dances with Hornets' DOTD:

Chocolate Hurricane

Ingredients

• 1 oz Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 oz Coconut Rum
• 1 splash Lemon Juice
• 1 oz Orange Juice

Directions

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

Best served in a Cocktail Glass.

Just before going to change into my gym clothes for a noon workout, my lower back muscles (probably glutes) spasmed up on me. Had to cancel the workout, start using heat (my trainer says not ice), take a couple of Aleve & a Baclofen. Am stiff as a board and I can actually feel the tender spot & knot. All I can do is pace around the house to keep it from getting even worse (or keep it worsening more slowly). I just had x-rays in June so I know there are no fractures or mets. Doc just took me off my PPI so I can absorb my iron—which means along with the Aleve (which I can't take at bedtime) I will have massive GERD tonight (he says switch to Zantac, but I dunno if that'll work).

Here's the kicker, though: Bob has a cardiology review course at a posh downtown hotel tomorrow through Friday, and he wants me to join him there. Even before my back went out, I had no idea what I would do all day—drive home and then come back? Not gonna shop or go out to eat, not gonna get spa treatments—all too expensive. Tomorrow I have a voice lesson via Skype, and Thurs. both a service call for my fridge (they’re supposed to call here first) and another workout (assuming my back is better, which is doubtful, since these things usually take at least 2 weeks to heal for me). And what am I supposed to do in a hotel with a bad back??? I am in no shape to pack, either. My housekeeper is supposed to be back tomorrow, but I doubt it—she’s always a day late coming back from vacations, especially ones involving long drives.

Wish I could drink. Bob wants to eat at the Palm (the restaurant in the hotel) tonight after checking in, but I hurt too much to even get dressed, much less drive. (Original plan was for me to drive so we’d have only one car there—and he’d go back to work Fri. aft.). Besides, he brought home leftover rigatoni alla Barese on Sat. night (of which I ate only half) and deep dish pizza (which I don’t really like) last night. Gordy won’t be home till late tonight. And I have to bend over to feed the cats. Owwww…..

Good morning girls!

I hope everyone is well and happy. I am waiting for Logan, I am babysitting while Jessica goes to the dentist then they will both hang out with us for the rest of the day.

Thanks ladies for the congrats and well wishes for my employment. I am currently awaiting my license then have to go get fingerprinted next week.

Sandy, so sorry your back went out. And your hubby is nutty thinking you may want to go with him and hang in the hotel, especially with all of the obligations you have AND the pain. I hope you feel better.

NM, I can't get over how rude that girl is acting then to just nessapear? Dafok is wrong with her ( a rhetorical question). Congrats on all you have accomplished this summer. I can't get over how different you sound without all of that stress of the full time job. You go girl and keep up the awesome work! \

OOps, gotta fly, DD is here with baby boy. I want to give her the little souveniers I picked up in Myrtle Beach for her before she leaves!

cheeRs!

Well, I'm typing this on my MBAir from my side of the bed in our hotel room. Gordy assured me he will feed the kitties at night. Got nothing scheduled tomorrow at home. I can be miserable & in pain anywhere. I can always have Housekeeping send up a heating pad and an ice bag if I need them tomorrow. I had a voice lesson today, and instead of Thursday I will do another in the room. (Skype is Skype anywhere). Then I will get a massage & facial, and maybe the concierge can find a salon to do my hair & repair two of my nails. (Lately, my "no chip" gel manicures haven't lasted even a week before the tips on my R index & middle fingers chip, and I get a split in the middle nail no matter how short I get them filed). Might have to go to my regular nail salon in Lincoln Park (have to take Uber or Lyft anyway--cheaper than paying for parking) or keep patching them myself (I brought French manicure no-light gel polishes with me).

Thursday I will ride home to ride herd on the freezer repairman and (hopefully be able to) pick up my gym bag and walk to my workout--which will be more like physical therapy. Then back here, checking out Fri. morning (Bob will have office hrs. Fri night and come back here from home Sat. morning--parking for a few hrs. that day). Poor Bob--not a morning person, he has class sessions today through Sat. morning--starting 7:45 a.m., an hour for lunch, then till 5 pm. So I'm cutting him some slack (and making sure he gets to bed early enough).

DOTD was Duckhorn 2014 Chardonnay (Napa) downstairs in the Palm with lobster. Gory details about the latter in the "dinner" thread. (Kim, was about to PM you during dinner but the kitchen got it all straightened out).

Good Morning everyone! Hope you all are doing well. Sorry I haven't been on for awhile a lot has been going on. We moved into a new house which I love and I have been sick this last year with Chronic Pancreatitis. I had to have a GJ tube placed in July to rest my pancreas because I couldn't tolerate any food and had lost about 40 lbs. Not that I didn't need to loose weight but I wasn't getting the nutrition I needed. I had to have feedings go about a month and a half and started eating again about a month ago. I'm doing great now so the tube is coming out next week. I still have to take Enzymes when I eat anything but it's doable. Jackson started K this year and Samarah is in first grade. My daughter finally got married and my son is still engaged hoping to get married next year or year after.

I'm still racing dragonboats but haven't raced this year due to my Pancreatitis. Our last race is next week in NJ then we are going to NY for two days. I'm going to cheer them on so looking forward to that. We just celebrated the teams 10 year anniversary which is huge for a dragonboat team. Next July we go to Florence Italy for our BC Olympics. I can't wait for that.

My niece was in Huston doing her student teaching internship during Harvey. Her school got flooded and she's still waiting to hear if they are going to start school or not. She's home for now. Lori I'm praying all goes well for your daughter and everyone else in Irmas way.

Dorothy so glad things are going so well for you.

How is everyone else

Ncolette- really great to see you back here! Sorry to hear about your health issues, but good to hear that you are feeling better. I seem to remember you were in the process of changing homes last time we heard from you and hope you are enjoying your new space. Photos are great!

Hi ladies- well I lost my post here I had been writing so I will do this again, but shorter! Went to a prof org luncheon today that was very good on health care exchanges and met a few new people that are good to know.

Hurricane Irma is working her way her way through the islands and heading to FL next and up the Carolinas. There are two other active hurricanes in the Carribean too, Jose and something like Katiya? Irma is really looking very serious and watching Goldie's post on FB as she is worried about her DD in the VI but hopefully she is riding out the storm okay. I think of Juliette who was in FL too with her family? She has not been here for awhile.

Chi- I hope your back is better soon and glad you decided to go with Bob.

NM- hope you have better weather and that those storms stay away.

NCollette- I had missed the Florence part in your message, one of my favorite cities! You will have a wonderful time!

Gotta run but be safe my people who are near the fires or battling the storms in the tropics!

At Tru tonight: Michel Arnould Extra Brut NV (Champagne); Pierre Labet Clos du Dessus des Marconnets 2014 (Beaune, aka southern Burgundy, 100% Pinot Noir). I treated myself to a whole 5-oz. flute of the Champagne, and had a 3-oz. "tasting" size pour of the Burgundy. But with the cheese course, the sommelier gave us both an extra splash.

Bob had the wine pairings, and I took a sip of each glass. From the Savoie region of France (mts. bordering Italy, Mont Blanc area) a 2014 "Schiste" (you could actually taste the mineral stoniness) Vin des Allobroges from the Domaine des Ardoisières (unusual local varietals, mainly "Clairette"); 2015 Robert Weil "Kiedrich Turmberg" Riesling trocken (very dry, Rheingau region of Germany); 2012 Ch. Simone "Palette" (Provence area, made from ugni blanc, the grape used for Cognac--dry, had a hint of Cognac in the nose). Those were the whites. Next came the aforementioned Burgundy, and finally a sweet fizzy red 2015 Birbet from Negro Angelo e Figli (looked & tasted like a cherry Lambic beer, which is to say perfect with a chocolate-cherry dessert).

Yeah, I just took both a Zantac and a TUMS. The reflux was worth it.