how about drinking?

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Thirsty Thursday! My short day at work yesterday turned into a regular day. My own fault this time, though. I went in to work for a while Saturday and was counting those hours on this pay week, forgetting that the facility's pay week is Sunday to Saturday, not the Saturday to Friday that I'm used to. So I had to work all day to get my 24 hours. Just as well, a state surveyor came in to investigate a complaint and by being there I could find out that we are ok, no citations or fines.

And just to add to the covid fun, with the opening of a bunch of new test centers using the Maine CDC standing orders, everyone can be tested at any time, for any reason. The surge in people getting tested has overloaded the state lab that is running the tests, so results are taking anywhere from 72 hours to 4 days to report. So the Department of Health and Human Services has decided that nursing homes can no longer use the state lab for the Medicare required staff covid testing. Our Administrator did find an out of state lab that meets Medicare's criteria that only charges $40 per test. All the Maine based labs are charging $100 per test. Oh, the DHHS/Medicaid program will no longer be covering testing costs for nursing homes. To test our entire building staff plus all the contracted employees (people who work for another company but work in the building, meaning all our kitchen staff, therapy staff, maintenance staff, staffing agency nurses and nurses' aides) will cost almost $4K per round. We are only a 60 bed facility, and only 70% full. I cannot imagine how the large facilities are going to take on this cost.

I think I'm going to give myself a lazy day today and plan on getting stuff done around the house tomorrow. Saturday is the Hot Cider and donuts train ride that I booked after missing the extended foliage ride. I'm really looking forward to that, and plan on blocking the work numbers on my phone so there is no chance I will miss out.

Mom's settling into the new place quite nicely now. She's happily unpacking and arranging things, and has even gotten rid of a number of things, which surprises me greatly!

Sadie and I had a seriously long cuddle in bed this ayem before getting up. It was so nice to belly rub and get ear licks and just be all warm and snuggly. Would have lasted longer but we both had to get up and pee!

Goldie--I remember needing to run a fan and keep the bedroom really cool during AI treatment! I would want to snuggle but couldn't stand it for long. I find fleece sheets to be very staticky, don't like them for that. Do keep track of your medical milage, at that rate you will qualify to item deduct your medical expenses from your taxes next year, if not this year. Pain meds and constipation go together so often. I'm glad DH's gates got opened. He should be feeling better with that problem fixed.

Cammy Cat--Yup, work is crazy. Found out another one of the good nurses has given notice and will be gone in 2 weeks. I may work on updating my resume today and start posting it and see what happens. It was interesting last time I did that the contacts I got. You are right about the covid, all it takes is one person and it's off and running through a family or business or facility. There's no way everyone will band together now, covid has become a political thing and not a public health thing. So more people will suffer and for longer. Sigh.

Karen--yikes, that is scary! I hope Maine never goes red, then I'd have to be tested twice a week, along with everyone else in the facility. All the snow is melted here, too. Temps supposed to get into the 50's or even 60's this weekend. I'm hoping so, it will make the train ride a lot more fun if it's not super cold.

Chi--I can remember learning about Mag Citrate and hearing called "Magic Citrate" for its effectiveness in relieving constipation! I think some docs still use it as a colonoscopy prep. Isn't it amazing how fascinating the topic of our bowels becomes over time?

El Presidente Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 ounce light rum
• 1 ounce dry vermouth
• 1 teaspoon grenadine
• 1 teaspoon curaçao
• Twist of orange peel
• Maraschino cherry garnish

Instructions

1. In a tall glass filled with cracked ice, add rum and vermouth.
2. Add grenadine and curaçao, stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Twist orange peel over the glass so that the oil floats on the surface of the drink. Drop orange peel in, along with maraschino cherry.

From <https://www.thekitchn.com/election-night-drink-recipe-el-presidente-cocktail-the-10-minute-happy-hour-179732>

Cami, sorry to hear that some of Lu's family has Covid. I hope Lu and her DH are able to keep away from it.

Sandy, we will keep your bowel talk a secret and not tell your sister!

NM, I hope you get a nice day tomorrow for your train ride. How long is it? And good to hear your mom is settling in and even getting rid of things. Did she get a phone? How is Dick doing in his new surroundings? The fleece sheets aren't static, but they are just too warm for me. Yes, we do keep track of our mileage, for business and medical.

Karen/Jazzy, are you guys expecting snow Sun/Mon?

Covid cases rising all across the country, yet it doesn't seem as though anything is being done about it. It really angers me. Just saw they were going to open one of the casino's up here where I live and it's run by Native Americans, which is where majority of the cases up here are at. Oh well, we will just continue to go to doctors and get groceries and to the post office.

Mornin ladies,

Wow now I can't believe how quiet this place is. I have nothing going on, for sure.

My niece was here the other day an the hours flew by, they always do. I always enjoy her visits. She's so sweet an caring.

I recorded a few Hoarding shows, just to make me feel good when I watch them, cuz my little room can overwelm me sometimes but I chose this so it's really fine.

Joey has an actual col, ut we still don't go by each other. So here we are in the same house and I can't see him, now that's hard for me so we text. LOL

Sandy has the numbers for us with this horrendous covid <I refuse to capitalize the first letter, it's like giving into it's power, I get so goofy about things> So we're all sailing the same way in choppy waters still.

Lori I hope things are better for you at home. This has been a very tough time for you, so not fair and I'm so sorry.

This one lousy hour seems like hrs. to me. I just can't get the hang of it this year. That's so silly but it's a struggle with my already crazy sleep pattern, it's crazier than usual.

OK I've complained enough but Kim OK OK OK I will keep it zipped otherwise u know what I'll say. Just take care of urself. For all different things.

LUBS U ALL

Woops, didn't think the picture was posting. Guess it did!

Weather is awesome here, all the way up till Tues. afternoon, after which the bottom drops out and it's mid-Nov. again. Dining out on Cellars' patio tonight for the second day in a row. Last night's DOTD was a brut cremant de Limoux. Tonight, likely the same. Finally pulled out a bottle of real Champagne and put it in the fridge but not gonna open it yet.

Over 10K new COVID cases today in IL (yet another record). Our Gov. has to quarantine yet again because of a possible exposure (maybe a reporter at a press conference). And despite WI setting a single-day new case record, the idiots on its Ct. of Appeals overturned their Gov.'s indoor-dining-and-bar capacity limits as "unconstitutional." (It's S.Ct. is just as stupidly partisan). Anyway, I'm getting a trim & touchup (first since early June) tomorrow, in anticipation of likely shutdowns in salons as early as next week (before my next mani). No Braz. Blowout straightening this time--the last one wore off too quickly due to sweat, and the FDA advised banning it in 2018 as carcinogenic, but politically-connected supervisors at HHS refused. The fumes from it have been so bad that even a mask & goggles didn't keep my eyes and even nostrils from burning last time. And it adds 2 hrs. to the time and $200 to the tab. My ocular onc. wouldn't say for sure that 10 yrs of it 3x/yr. contributed to my choroidal melanoma, but seeing as how I can use hot tools and conditioners at home my vanity & supposed convenience isn't worth even a speculative risk.

Tonight, probably DOTD will be much the same as last night. (It'll go with the salmon I'm planning to order). Or maybe a rosé.

Lots to see up here, enjoy.

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Saturday! Hot Cider and Donuts train ride a bit later this ayem, and it's warm enough to not need the heat on, so it should be a nice ride. I hope the sun comes out for a while. Sadie says Hi to everyone!

Karen--I sure hope we aren't all headed back to full lock-down/stay at home, particularly for the holidays, but it sure looks like we are headed that way. More and more schools here going fully virtual. I am getting so tired of working hard to follow the guidelines and taking care for everyone and seeing so many people who clearly don't care about anyone but themselves.

Chi--I'd be scared to put something on my hair that made my eyes and nose burn! It must give really marvelous results for people to put up with that much discomfort.

Celia--I've stopped listening to/watching the news entirely, can't stand the craziness and violence. Has a winner of the Pres. Election been officially announced yet? Sharing my coffee & Kahlua with you this ayem!

Illi--on my goodness, look at all the critters!

Bulleit Train Old Fashioned

Ingredients

1.25 oz Bulleit Bourbon

.25 oz Grind Espresso Spirit

1 Raw sugar cube

3 dashes orange bitters

Method

• Muddle sugar cube and bitters in rocks glass.
• Add large ice cube.
• Add espresso spirit and bourbon, stir until well chilled.
• Garnish with lemon zest.

From <https://www.supercall.com/recipe/old-fashioned-bulleit-train-cocktail-drink>

Sandy, those are Javalina’s. They’re considered quite a nuisance around here but I think humans are far more destructive, so I live and let live 🙂

Mornin ladies,

Well it seems like weatherwise we're all fairing about the same an it's pretty good right now. About the only thing that's good out there right now. Yep closings are starting all over again an with good reason. So many people thought they had enough and figured it was about over and started not caring about masks and such...Too soon. I know we're all tired of this but it's better than being sick an compromised. Celia and Kim u've got the right idea for ur coffees. And LC ur still going in the right direction for sure. I think this is very hard on you for the most part.

Kim sounds like all ur ducks are in a row, now get them moving soon. U'll be fine I just know this. Extra belly rubs please for Sadie. I feel bad for Dick he's having a much harder time thn ur mom is.

Sandy how is ur HK doing with her DH now??? Keep on enjoying ur times out to eat etc. every week is a new announcement. So do what u can while u can at least.

Jazzy job going good allis well in that direction. Great.

Everyone have good Saturday an try to have a good saturday.

LUBS U ALL

Jazzy - So happy for you in re: your new job!

JCS - Congrats on your 2 yrs!

Just settled in with an after dinner Chambord/White Wine Spritzer. Awaiting the 8pm speech.

Jazzy - curfew 10pm to 5am due to the rising Covid numbers - in effect for 30 days except not on Thanksgiving which makes no sense since the governor has said only get together with people who live in your house!!!

Gorgeous weather in Denver today, though windy...weather is changing and turning cooler tomorrow, then Monday in the 40s.

NM, we have had to have heat on too, especially in the mornings. The July Grand Slam sounds awesome. Facemasks are required here, but it's not enforced. I don't think it's required for outdoors. Sounds like a good plan for your vacation time and possibly moving on. God has always been good to you in regards to that. Understandable that Dick doesn't like his situation.

Karen yep, those would be some expensive GS cookies! My kids wanted me to send them some of my canned goods and I said the same thing, those would be some expensive tomatoes! If people would just follow the rules, we could get rid of this dang virus, 6 week is all it would take. I personally don't understand curfews and how they even help.

Sandy, interesting about the Braz. blow out fumes and the possible connection to the choroidal melanoma.

Celia, I think Covid is worse everywhere. People just becoming too lax.

BabyGirl, we have all of those animals here as well. Not necessarily where I live, but here in AZ. Totally agree with humans being more destructive than the javalina's.

JCS, you sure had a lot going on with the raking, walking, football and Nascar! Congrats on the 2 years.

Jazzy, sounds like things are going really good for you on the job front. I think liking the people you work with is HUGE! Sorry to hear about your friend. Hoping it's early stage!

Welcome JHL.

Cami, how is Joey feeling?

Been chilly and gloomy here. A bit of rain yesterday. Not sure what today will do, but it will be a bit cooler. I've been tearing down the garden and cutting back plants, on top of trying to get things done in the house. My step daughter asked a couple of weeks ago if it was ok to come for Thanksgiving. I was kind of shocked, given everything that has happened here. Plus I don't know how I am going to feel if I ever get this treatment. I have been busting my a$ off taking care of things around here and then to have 2 more people to take care of! And they don't help at all. Which she really can't anyways as she is very obese. He does everything at their home.

DOTD: Boozy Snickerdoodle Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

1:1 Ratio Chai Tea and Milk (I used my favorite Tazo brand for my Chai Tea)
1.5 oz Smirnoff Cinna-Sugar Twist Vodka
Whipped Cream
Cinnamon for dusting

Directions
Heat up the chai tea and milk on the stove to the desired temperature.
Pour into a mug and add in the vodka.
Stir to combine.
Add whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon.
Enjoy!

Mornin' ladies,

Welcome jhi hope u come back and share, BCO has been great for me.

I'm sure that the numbers will go down if everyone follows rules and maybe this thing can get under control. Well that's what I'm hoping anyway. Karen what I don't get is for Thanksgiving whoever lives in the house. If there is just a husband and wife with grown children an u've seem them all this time why not. Thanksgiving is about family and Thanks. And if we all spend it alone, of course we have so much to be thankful for but our kids and good friends help that. I think everyone has to just use common sense on this one. Everyone is doing OK now with my sister's family, no one needed the hospital, just needed to stay where they were and rest somehow. She told me pretty much it's about over so I wouldn't worry so it's all good now.

Lori it's strange ur stepaughter asked about coming over for TG. Her next sentence shoul have been she would do all the preparing and cook so u could relax for the day. She has to know all that has been happening if not make sure she does know. U've been going thru so very much coming from all directions.. prayers still being sent.

Sandy celebrating is good for the soul so keep it up.

Jazzy 2 weeks already. It must feel strange tho having exact hours after all this time. U probably work less now but still.

I have to agree about wildlife. Their instincts are matured compare to our own brains. If their habitat is left alone they have proven to get along with other wildlife unless it's dangerous, where humans just follow rampages for any reason.in their own area.It's a shame.

Quiet weekend here. Joey feels good now so it was just a cold, but I still haven't talked to him in person. The kids are still looking for a house and my biggest thing is moving from Bob. He lives just a few mins. from here and usually calls me at the end of his day to see if I want anything for him to drop off. Which I do sometimes and he does. Nothing is happening yet.

Wishing all a great Sunday, peaceful, good food an of course good cheers.Have that first and the rest will come.

LUBS U ALL