how about drinking?

Afternoon ladies,

Celia, cellia Celia, it's never to early for a drink.

Welcome Li-T hope u come back to share with usLC that sound like awfully hard work, maybe to much.

Lori 90 degrees, that's not even fair ..this time of year. Can't u get one of those portable a/c u could even move to what room ur in and at nite put it in with the door closed about an hr. before. They're not to expensive either.Lori it's got to be hard working outside with weather like that,

Jazzy u r always busy, whew.

Kim do not ever apologize. I knew there was loads of rules and regs. but not like that. But of course everything has to be reported, that's kind of common sense, but for people not knowing that is crazy. And being in a closed environment and so many people coming to visit <before> the germs have to be rampant and that's normal germs. So when there is a huge problem it''s got to be really crazy. Especially for you, U are so meticulous in what you do, if all would be like you what a difference it would make. You know I can never say enough nice things about you and how u manage what u do. The Herculean work you do always amazed me. U know when u got sick u were so sick I worried about you, so I have to nag. An I applaud you for a non lecture about my weight, with Lori buzzing in why. Thanks Lori LOL

Sandy another good meal for tonight, I like to hear what u eat cuz it sounds good. I especially enjoyed the Chinese food.

It was Marty's sister's BD today so the did the ride-by HB parade. Something to do I told them just throw the gift and cookies out the window and get the hell out of there. That's really wht they' like to do every year but u just don't, well they won't.

OK u gals I'll shut up for now, only now, cath u later.

LUBS U ALL

Kim, those "Catch-22"s are maddening! I would think that washing hands between patients should be enough--having to wash leaving one room and re-wash entering another shouldn't be necessary if not enough time has elapsed between the exit & entry. But never underestimate the capacity of bureaucracies from making rules in a vacuum, to the point of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing. "12 hours" should not include overnight, and Medicare should have a mechanism for accepting reports with none of their staff on duty. But that would make way too much sense. I share your fury--it's part of the reason Bob was considering retiring before all this.

Heidi is her old self again. I came back up to "her" room to bring her more food, but the moment I cracked the door she shot off like a streak down the stairs. Haven't had to give her the "munchies med," as she's been eating robustly (and nagging for more). Then this morning, she turned her nose up at her prescription wet food (anti-kidney-stone) and Happy at his (rabbit & pea protein for sensitive tummies)...and they each gobbled up the other's food. Now they're back to demanding the commercial stuff. That transdermal appetite stimulant will be necessary when her new prescription (senior, with "SO" index) wet food arrives, if she spurns it. I was warned to wear a rubber glove when administering it, lest it give me the munchies (without the usual high).

Not sure what we're gonna drink with leftovers (last night's, plus the Panera salad Bob brought home for lunch today). I think there's some of that Viña Robles rosé left over, plus half a bottle of the 2017 "Poppy" Monterey County Pinot Noir we got last night.

Hi ladies- checking in here on Sunday Funday. Ha, are we having fun yet? It's the simple things, right?

New Mexico is coming down from it's peak, but still have some areas in trouble up in the northwest corner of the state around the Navaho reservation. That area is going to need help for awhile, and heard they are flying in doctors from the west coast to help as CA is doing okay for the most part. We have a couple thousand confirmed cases, about a third of those recovered, less than 100 deaths. As I think I shared earlier this week, we are on lockdown through mid May and think we will start seeing some slower openings in the later part of May. Still one day at a time over here.

The MO appointment went fine on friday. Lots of questions coming up to the apt for a week in advance, the day before, at the door, at the front desk. Took my temp as I came in too. The cancer center was pretty sparse, only about four of us in the waiting area at any one time with designated spaces to sit. I did blood work, the office visit, and Prolia shot. Just got the CBC panel back and everything looks to be in the normal range (yay). My doctor wants this to be my last Prolia shot, thinks I can come off this two years out of the AIs now and we are going to do a check in December on my bone density, plus he says my Vitamin D is low and we have to work on that. He wants me to work with my PCP on getting a script for the high dose Vitamin D and working on that. Sometimes I have some aches and pains from Prolia but so far so good here a few days later.

NM- I am glad you are hanging in there and that you have a nice day. Yes, the cuke vodka is good and yesterday I saw some other brands that were cucumber-mint. Seems to be the new flavor this year? I find myself lingering way too long in the vodka section of the grocery store these days. I bought some peach vodka yesterday. My favorite flavored vodka is pear (made by Skye) but have not been able to find in the regular stores. There is a place near my hot springs I may be able to get some. I did an inventory on Friday night and going to get a few new flavors. Vodka and tonic is my fav summer cocktail and one easy to make at home.

Goldie- how is the weather your way? Been really nice here this week, but expected to hit 90 here before the end of April. That would be a record breaker. Makes me worry it will be a hot summer. Usually by June, we can be up in the low 100s here (ugh).

MinusTwo- it's never too early for a cocktail in pandemic times. Remember it's 5 o'clock somewhere, right?

Cami- so did they do the parade or not? I know lots of people trying to having birthdays during pandemic and it's hard to celebrate. I still plan to do more once I am free to go out a bit more again. A day at the local hot springs will be the plan. Hot springs with a mask on, I am in to it!

Celia C- did you get more white wine? Do they sell it in the grocery there or do you have to do a liquor store? I love chambord.

Ill - thinking of you and just saying a gentle hello for when you return. Sending love for better days

JCS- you might benefit from some of the dust masks for home stuff. I use them for yard clean up because I am allergic to so much, especially right now. Mold and mildew no good for my allergies but less common in the dry desert here. Hope you are staying well friend.

Well, time to get to some business things and some outdoor things. Working on my rock garden today. Some of the irises here are blooming and really lovely.

Wishing everyone a good week. Into May we go......

Celia, looks like you need to hit the store for some more wine!

MinusTwo, I was always skeptical at the care my mom was getting while in the nursing home. It wasn't the best, because the aides (the ones that do most of the work) and they only get paid minimum wage pretty much.

Cami, the cooler works pretty well, and it does cool off at night, thank goodness. And it's not the money for an AC, it's the power they use. And I do not work outside when it's that hot, I can't. You are welcome for buzzing in and telling on you. Isn't that what sisters do?

Jazzy, what did you mix with the cucumber wodka? Yes, it's hot here. I too am worried about a hot summer. My garden does not like that, and does not produce well! Most of our cases around me are on the reservations as well. Navajo and Apache. Sounds like you had a good doctor visit.

Sandy, glad your Heidi is doing better.

NM, so nice to get a visit from beyond. Again, this weather, so so cray cray. You still getting snow and me in the 90's.

JCS, where my mom lived, you could put your garbage out at the curb and people would help themselves. I think its great. Sorry to hear about your aunt, but glad she is doing better.

Some of you may remember me talking about my "little buddy". Mentally and pysically handicapped little guy. Well he's not little as in age, he's in his mid 30's now. His dad passed away a few years ago from cancer that came on quick and took him in like 6 weeks. Well his mom is now in the hospital with cancer. Ovarian and moving into the intestines (we think). Don't have all the reports in. She is having a port put in today for chemo. She is doing all of this for John (my little buddy), she is in her mid to late 70's.
I'm having to help with orders, as my husband just isn't doing well, plus take care of the phones. Monday are the busiest day, but I did get several orders packed up yesterday and Saturday. Need to make a grocery run, can't go today, too busy. Tomorrow morning is Senior Hour, so if you go during then, it seems to be very busy, and if you go after that, then everything is picked over. So may wait and go Wednesday. Also have to do labs, for MO appt on May 8.

Have a great Monkey Day goils!

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monday Monkey Day!Sadie and I are getting up to a windy and raining morning. The wind is actually quite loud today. No snow, at least, just rain so far, but boy is it a cold rain. Sadie did one of her super fast potty trips this ayem. Even more branches have come down. I'm hoping there won't be power outages today. And I have got to stop watching horror movies before bedtime. I woke up in the middle of the night last night, the house was awfully chilly, got up to make sure the heat was on and found the kitchen door open a bit and the rain coming in. Scared myself silly until I remembered that the last time I went out I came back in with an armful of laundry and just pushed the door closed with my foot, and it doesn't latch when I do that. I forgot to go back and latch it, and the wind will blow it open if it isn't latched. And who sleeps through that whole episode?Silly Sadie. Yup, big ole watchdog Sadie was sounds asleep, as in snoring, during all that. Actually, I'm pretty sure she would have reacted if anyone actually came in to the house, but still.

Oh, look!There is snow mixed in with the rain now!Yippee!

Jazzy--what's the population of New Mexico? The Maine numbers are about half New Mexico's and I'm wondering if our populations are about the same. Maine is 1.3 million. We still haven't heard if the stay at home order will be allowed to expire on Friday or if it will be extended. Glad the appointment went well. Do you use a particular formula/brand for high dose Vit D?I found some flavoring for water that is cucumber-minta while back and it is very good. I have that at work, but haven't been using it, actually haven't been hydrating like I should due to wearing the mask. When you have to walk to a break room, empty conference room or bathroom to take off the mask to take a swig of water (or coffee) it takes up a lot of time.

Librarian--the same thing happens in Maine with the curbside clean out in the spring! It is amazing how much stuff will go and how fast. And I am getting VERY tired of snow. And cold and chilly breezes. I want to be able to sit on the deck and bask in the warm sun! Oh my goodness, your poor Aunt. Glad to hear she is well enough to be home!

Jazzy--LOL!!!!!!!

Chi--I'd not seen that article, but it sounds about like I'd expect. Dover-Foxcroft is only 25 miles from where I live, the same distance as Bangor in Penobscot County.Does your pharmacyhave a way to pay for scripts online rather than risk credit card contamination or handling real money? What does "biodynamic" refer to? I haven't heard that term before.

Snow Cap

Ingredients

• 3 parts Maker's Mark® Bourbon
• 2 tbsp Sugar, Powdered
• 6 tbsp Heavy Cream
• 2 parts JDK & Sons™ O3 Premium Orange Liqueur
• To taste Nutmeg
• Garnish Orange Twist

Instructions

Stir ingredients together and pour over crushed ice. Garnish with nutmeg and orange twist. Serve in small brandy snifter.

From <https://www.thecocktailproject.com/drink-recipes/snow-cap>

Kim, a "biodynamic" wine is one that is made without either chemicals or artificial manipulation (such as mechanical picking, crushing and filtration). The nature of the grape itself (including terroir--the specific patch of earth where it grows) is allowed to come to the fore, rather than being altered by the way it's processed. The soil in which the grapes are grown takes on the character of other plants growing nearby, and pest control is done by using natural predators (including insects). It differs from "organic" in that the latter only means no fertilizers, pesticides or added sulfites (some do occur in nature).

My PCP messaged me back today that given my travel history and then the symptoms I had in Dec. I quite likely have had CV19 (neither of us thought about foreign travel as a factor back then because none of us had heard of this virus). He said I could get an antibody test, but he doesn't think that even a positive result guarantees immunity. The scariest thing is whether after recovery, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reappear (the way varicella and herpes can). If so, that may account for "re-infections" in "recovered" patients.

Bob just mentioned that he is on Day 9. "Day 9 of what?" I asked. "Day 9 after I saw a COVID patient and wasn't told that was what he had." Yup--it was at Little Company of Mary--and because he saw him as a regular cardiology consult was not wearing PPE. The independent-contractor ER doc (may he rot in hell) deliberately turfed him off to Bob without telling him the truth because he didn't want to be exposed any longer than he cared to. So now I'm waiting with bated breath--and he insists on going back there this weekend. I told him this time he doesn't treat so much as a hangnail there without full PPE--if they don't suit him up the moment he walks in, he is to turn around and walk out.

Speaking of people who should have hot weather for eternity, this afternoon I went out to the alley to take out my recycling--and there lying in my blue bin were torn gardening gloves and a bloodstained Kleenex.

Hey ladies, been a busy day. Town tomorrow, have to be there by 6 am, so I won't have time to check in in the morning. Have to do labs as well. Haven't been grocery shopping for 3 weeks!

Sandy, praying you, your DH and all the patients and others that he has been around are safe. So scary, and I'm so sorry!

Good morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump Day!The first night shift is over, and the building is still standing, no blood on the floors and everyone lived. Successful shift! The Maine Gov came out with her 4 stage plan for reopening the economy, and it includes 14 day quarantines for anyone coming into the state (or returning after leaving the state) through August. There goes the summer tourist season for this year. No one is in a position to, or will want to plan a vacation of quarantine for 14 days, then whatever time is left to actually visit and explore, and probably going home toa quarantine as well.A month of quarantine for what few days you get to actually vacation just isn't going to fly. Strict restrictions for nursing homes for at least that long, and possibly longer. But some business can reopen as early as Friday if they can meet "the checklist" of mitigating actions.People are very excited to be able to go to the hair salon! There's lots more to the plan but my mind is trying to shut down, so I'll not try to explain today. Sadie is confused, to say the least, about my working overnight. Although I noticed she was very comfy curled up in my rocker/recliner when I got home. I had to speak to her to wake her up to get belly rubs!

Goldie--have a nice day of running errands and getting labs done and such!

Chi--Cremant de Limoux sounds decadent!

Overnight Daiquiris

Ingredients

• For Peach Daiquiris:
• 1 16 ounce package frozen peach slices
• 3/4-1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur for non-alcoholic use orange juice
• juice of 1 1/2 lime
• 1/2-3/4 cup light rum
• 1 can lemon-lime soda for non-alcoholic version only
• Garnish with lime slices or mint sprigs
• ----------------
• For Strawberry Daiquiris:
• Substitute frozen strawberries for the frozen peaches
• ----------------
• For Blueberry Daiquiris:
• Substitue frozen blueberries for the frozen peaches

Instructions

1. For any flavor:
2. In a medium saucepan, combine frozen fruit, sugar, water, orange liqueur and lime juice.
3. Cook until sugar is dissolved and fruit is thawed and softened. Approximately 5 minutes.
4. Pour the fruit mixture into a blender and pulse until smooth or desired consistency.
5. Pour into a pitcher and add the rum. Stir until well blended.
6. Pour into a freezer container and freeze overnight.
7. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before ready to serve.
8. Pour into glasses (if serving as a non-alcoholic drink - add a splash or two of lemon-lime soda)
9. Garnish with a lime slice or mint sprig. (opt.)
10. Enjoy!

From <https://www.simplysated.com/overnight-daiquiris/#wprm-recipe-container-6315>

I hear you, Jazzy. I'm not willing to lay down my life for anyone's income, much less their looks or leisure. I'll let my roots and blowout grow out, and keep my nails short (and am trying to get used to playing cleanly with finger-picks, which requires patience and discipline). As to facials, I have a supply of sheet masks and exfoliants.

Personally, once the "non-essential" stores reopen for pickup or delivery order fulfillment, I'm not going to be comfortable patronizing them. Online ordering from dept. stores, warehouses, etc. is safe (returned items get sanitized before restocking)--but am I willing to buy something from a boutique that other people have had on their bodies? When Warby Parker reopens, I'm sure their optometrists will wear masks & gloves (as must all customers, per state orders), but can I be sure the sample frames I try on will have been properly disinfected? They won't replace any lenses but single-vision in any of a customer's own Warby frames--and I wear progressives. (I no longer trust the integrity of Zenni's frames--they're cute, but in my experience rather fragile--one pair flew off my face and its temple broke off when it hit the floor, and couldn't be repaired). My own ophthalmologist retired (his office sold me the pricy Moda "Eco" frames in my avatar), and I have no desire to travel all the way down to the far SW side (even further than Bob's office) to patronize the guy who bought his practice, especially now that we have to pay for refractions rather than get them free with professional courtesy (Medicare pays for all of the eye exam except refractions).

Kim, a "cremant" is any sparkling wine made in France other than in the officially-designated Champagne AOC ("appellation d'origine controlee"). They are made by the same method as Champagne, pioneered by blind monk Dom Perignon (natural fermentation in the original bottle--called "methode Champenoise"), but outside Champagne it is called "methode traditionelle"; and often use exactly the same grape varietals as in Champagne: pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot meunier, and in Alsace pinot blanc. What does cremant de Limoux taste like? Champagne! (But try telling that to anyone from Epernay or Reims)!

There are other sparkling wines in Europe made by that same method: Cava from the Penedes region of Catalonia in northern Spain; some Italian sparklers (but not prosecco); some excellent ones from England (!!!), even sparkling Grüner Veltliner from Austria (I've tasted one and regret not having bought several bottles). Plus, of course, Australia, California, NM (Gruet, as Jazzy can attest), OR (Benoit & Argyle), WA (Ste. Michelle), NY, VA, etc. The German "sekt" and Italian prosecco, OTOH, are made by the same method as cheap American sparklers (such as Andre, Cook's, etc.): the "charmat" or "bulk" process, in which the wine is tank-fermented and then bottled. You can tell either by the label (outside the EU, it can say "methode champenoise" or "traditional method") or by the thickness of the bottle & depth of the concave depression (the "punt") at its bottom: a traditional-method sparkler's bottle is made of thicker glass and has a deeper "punt" because since all the fermentation takes place in that bottle, tremendous pressure builds up inside and a flatter bottom & thinner glass would likely explode!

Gonna have more of that bubbly tonight, as I'm making shrimp for dinner.

A fellow sista posted on her fb page, I copied to mine and I thought I would share here

Copied from a friend ❤️❤️❤️

Just a thought... As governors are trying to figure out how to ease back in to a new normal, please remember:
🛑 Some people don't agree with the state opening.... that's okay. Be kind.
🏡 Some people are still planning to stay home.... that's okay. Be kind.
🦠 Some are still scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening....that's okay. Be kind.
💰 Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may not lose their business or their homes....that's okay. Be kind.
👩🏾⚕️Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off....that's okay. Be kind.
📝 Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job....that's okay. Be kind.
😷 Some will wear masks for weeks....that's okay. Be kind.
💅🏻 Some people will rush out to get the hair or nails done.... that's okay. Be kind.
❤️ The point is, everyone has different viewpoints/feelings and that's okay. Be kind.
We each have a different story. If you need to stay home, stay home. But be kind .
If you need to go out, just respect others when in public and be kind!
Don't judge fellow humans because you're not in their story. We all are in different mental states than we were months ago. So remember, be kind.
Please share this reminder for kindness. ❤
I did!

DOTD: Midnight Rider

Ingredients

• 2 oz Hennessy VSOP cognac
• 1/2 oz Tawny port
• 1/2 oz Noilly Prat dry vermouth
• 1/4 oz Crème de cacao
• 2 dashes Bittermens orange cream citrate
• Garnish: Brandied cherry

Mornin ladies,

I'm so far behind, seems like everyone is doing OK, as well as would be expected I guess.

I'm in a daze, my cousinNicky, I must have talked about him over the years. another super close person to me die. He had a heart attack, 58 rs. old. we're all in shock and can not even see each other yet. I talked to so many people yesterday an none of us can believe this one. I happen to talk to him the day before an we both said I love you when hanging up <we always do> but happy I did. It really sucks now cuz we can't comfort each other like we should, just talk on the phone Dan called to tell me then he called again late to just talk and said he was going to come over, but thought better of it. I'll be back just thought I'd poop in to tell u why I'm on the quiet side right now.

LUBS U ALL

Hi Jazzygirl, I have the same questions as I am an avid thrifter. I was thinking yesterday that when I return to thrift shopping I will wear gloves and not try on the clothes until I get home and wash them. Then I will return them if they don’t fit. I will be very choosy when I buy so hopefully there won’t be a lot of returns. I am curious to see how Goodwill, etc. handle this.