how about drinking?

Illimae- I keep forgetting to tell you how happy I am your scans came out well! The views from the cabin are also beautiful. Are you up some in the hills of west Texas? It will be a great place to retire to.

NM - love the Alpacas and the train ride looks like it was really fun. So nice to take your mind off you troubles.

Cami - Hope your DH is recovering well. So sorry you have to drive so far for treatment. Very little here is more than 30 minutes away. Of course, that means sirens and loud cars are constantly in the background. Guess there are always trade offs.

Waiting for the rain to start next week. I will need to find some inside chores or finish up a bit of Christmas shopping.

Take care all

My neighbor was streaming MSNBC--so that's whose coverage we watched on his garage wall.

It might not seem as if curfews accomplish anything (whether to combat COVID or violence). Can't much speak to violence (seems as if during protests, imposing a curfew is like waving a red cape at a bull, and is more often disregarded than observed). But as far as the pandemic goes, the earlier people must go home and establishments shuttered for the night, the fewer people there are out on the streets, crowding together inside or outside restaurants & bars. And it makes violations that much more visible and enforcement against them that much easier. It's simple math. (Of course, some idiot local gov'ts and police depts. are refusing to enforce--including some "collar county" towns in IL).

Went out to a patio brunch this a.m., and the DOTD thus far was prosecco. Not sure what we'll order with a patio dinner tonight.

cami - let's hear it for obnoxious EX-DHs & glad/grateful that they're gone. My first one was. And you. I know Lori's was.

Edited to be fair. My second DH is still a good friend. Even though we've been divorced for over 20 years and he's been re-married for the same time), he will still pick me up if I need some kind of treatment. Before Covid we usually had lunch every couple of months. He called me to have a 'telephone drink' after the election was finally over.

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monday Monkey Day! I'm wondering what is going to be going on at work today. Guess I'll find out in a bit. Getting up to a lot of fog this ayem. It cooled off yesterday, and has warmed up again. Such crazy temperature swings!

Here's more fun:

BAR HARBOR, Maine (WABI) - Five different Bar Harbor restaurants have all announced this afternoon on Facebook they will be closing temporarily after employees may have come into contact with someone who is requiring a COVID-19 test.

From <https://www.wabi.tv/2020/11/08/five-bar-harbor-restaurants-announce-temporary-closure-after-possible-covid-19-contact-with-staff/>

One person has managed to closed down just about all the open restaurants in Bar Harbor! Some restaurant's signs says their staff was exposed to someone with a positive diagnosis and they are closed until staff testing is done.

Sadie says Hi to everyone.

Cammy Cat--numbers would go down if everyone followed the rules, but so many people see the rules as personal attacks and simply will not, so this will go on and on. Glad to hear your sister's family is recovering and there were no serious cases there. Moving sounds like a huge undertaking and big change right now. Hopefully, if there is a move, it won't be very far and Bob will still be able to drop by regularly.

Illi--the Alpacas were amazing! Curious but skittish. The babies were adorable.

Minus--I sent the link in a PM. The Grand Slam is one of the special tours they do in addition to the daily or twice daily whale watching trips. I've read about the feral hogs and the problems they cause. So crazy and destructive.

Librarian--it was a really nice, relaxing day. I only wish I could have taken Sadie along!

Chi--Ah, so you were watching election coverage. Part of the reason for curfews for covid is to close down bars and drinking parties before too many people get too drunk and uninhibited and stop be careful about distancing and such. It does cut down on the number of larger gatherings, but doesn't really stop the small, in-someone's-house parties.

Cammy Cat-- good point about the younger crowd starting to party later in the evening than us old folks. Sorry you didn't like the SyFy movie.

Minus--I think it's great when a couple can divorce or break up an still remain cordial, if not friendly.

Jhl--isn't it amazing how different the weather can be across the country? I bet the trip to the zoo was great!

Indian Summer

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz. Ketel One Oranje® Flavored Vodka
• 1 oz. fresh orange juice
• .5 oz. cinnamon simple syrup
• .5 oz. pomegranate reduction

Method

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Shake well with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange twist.

Cinnamon Simple Syrup: Crush 15-25 cinnamon sticks and infuse with equal parts water and superfine sugar for 1-2 hours.

Pomegranate Reduction: Boil down one bottle pomegranate juice for 60 minutes and then stir in a box of superfine sugar. Finish by cooking for another 30 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.

From <https://www.ketelone.com/vodka-drinks/indian-summer/>

Cami, common sense for Thanksgiving makes sense, but too many lack it! Glad those in your sister's family are feeling better. My step daughter DOES know what's going on, with her dad and myself. And like I said, she can't do the cooking because of her obesity, she can't even put her own shoes on. They are not the cleanest and I'm anal about the way I like things done, so I really don't want them doing the cooking and cleaning! And she offered her husband to do the cooking and said we didn't have to have a big traditional TG dinner.

Minus2, I can say NO. But what I want is for my husband to tell his daughter NO, not me. Because I feel like then I look like the evil step mom! Interesting relationtionship XDH 2.

LMAO JCS, you said to Cami, that you hoped her DH is recovering. I think you meant me. But it made me chuckle!

Sandy, you make a valid point re the curfew. More for the younger ones and the crimes.

JHL, how were things at the zoo. Did you have to make an appt? Were masks required?

NM, looks like you had the most perfect day for your outing. I was so happy for you, I think your soul really needed that.

Good morning Karen. Well, we've hit the 10,000,000 mark!

Well, I feel like I'm working in a nursing home, one on one with a patient. DH is in the bathroom a ton. 27 times in the last 24 hours! Often messing his pants, or the floor and always the bowl, and most times there's hardly anything there! Hoping our doctor can suggest something. BUT...it's snowing! And you know how my roads are trying to get out of here! Oh ya, I wanna do a big TG dinner and take care of, cook and clean up after 2 more.......NOT!

Mornin ladies,

Kim glad ur outing was great, u deserve it for sure..

Minus good u get along with him, actually. After a few bumpy years I ended up getting along with my 1st H, after he moved to FL. His wife didn't like it, but when she'd have a problem she'd call me, so I was their middle man, how silly that situation was for yrs and yrs.

Jane ur living in a nice weather place How have u been feeling???

Lori yea, I was thinking about what Darrell wanted. Cuz ur right u can't easily say no, it should be him. But I would think he wouldn't want to have anyone over thru all of this. And if he does u have to talk him out of it. It's just to hard for you.Please just talk him out of it.

Karen u really have everything in order, amazing to me. Now let's hope everyone does and things will get better.

Jodie took today off, so she's coming over this morning for breakfast. So that's good. Leslie has pink eye with she gets alot. If Joey or Marty get a cold she gets pink eye, every time.The drops clear it up quickly. tho.

Well I hope a good day is in store for everyone.

LUBS U ALL

Lori - We did have to make a reservation & masks were required. They are required in all public places in California. Fortunately, the reservation system restricted how many were allowed into the zoo. It was one of our best visits. The adults were well spaced & allowed the little children close to the windows/fences to see. The lions were out & roaring to the delight of everyone.

I hate to be TMI about your husband. Do his visits to the bathroom result in foul smell? - again, TMI. The reason I ask is C. difficile infections often occur after a hospitalization & are characterized by frequent bowel movements that have a distinct smell. A call to his doc & a stool sample would be required. You need to be very careful also. It is easily passed to household contacts. If you are immunocompromised, it could be a significant threat to your health.

I wish you both well,

Jane

Cami, how strange that Leslie gets pink eye when everyone else gets a cold. Nice that Jodi came over for breakfast, did YOU eat?

Karen, we got a couple of inches of snow, but most gone by the end of the day and it's going to warm up here about the same as you. But darn cold here this morning at 11 degrees...Brrrrrr! Ordering a prepared meal is not something I would do.

Jane, there is no odor nor does he have a fever, and I am very careful when cleaning the messes. I wear gloves and spray with bleach. Glad you had a nice time at the zoo. Did you go to the one in San Diego?

NM, why does it not surprise me that you are leaving things good for others in the case that you leave? Pizza and Whoopie pie, do tell.

DH's daughter called him last night, and I heard some talk of TG. I didn't say anything. I'll figure it out. If they do come, I'll just wear a mask the entire time they here! And then he pissed me off. Our HSA debet card was compromised and asked if I would call and take care of that. Really? You sit there on your ass all day, why can't you do that? Not exactly what I said, but he says he's afraid he'll get mad. So I call, they send papers that have to fill out. He asks me if I'll take care of that. I say sure, after I finish the dishes, go out and pack orders and clean your dirty underwear. I fill it out, he can see I'm upset I tell him and of course it turns in to a "poor me". I'm an asshole, he cries, I don't deserve you, blah blah blah. Then he starts bringing in pellets for the stove. ARGH, I wanna run away!

Mornin ladies,

Jane ur so right about C.dif, it's awful.

Kim I love that ur treating urself, it's about time. How is ur mom doing. And tell about Whoopie Pie. Belly rubs for Sadie.

Lori Ur in a bad time right now. But did u ever think of it the way Darrell might. The last few years especially have been really tough and u never complain. U continue to work, cook, garden etc. which makes all of us happy, but u don't complain to Darrell so he thinks ur really doing all right, emotionally and physically. So why wouln't he think u can handle everything u always do. I don't think he has a clue how u really feel <let's face it a lot of men are clueless>. So now is time for all good women <U> to come to their own aide. U need to use ur voice on what u can and can't do or don't even feel like doing that day or any other. Of course ur going to do what u can for him, but him alone, that's more than most people can do, and u always do.Please take good care of urself too. I'm sorry I just the best for you.

Leslie's on the war path. Her stupid friends in their 50's put their pics. on FB and they are in a bar, no masks and the people around them no masks and the more they drink the closer they get to strangers. She's stopped going out with them cuz they r to careless. Not just young people either. Now Marty doesn't even want them in the house, and most of them are Marty's family <that's how she met Marty> even his mom is out with them sometimes <stupid people come in all ages>

Hoping everyone has a great day and a safe one.

LUBS U ALL

Sorry about the DH mixup. I would give mine away in a minute! We have been arguing since the election. Too much to go into, but we are not on the same side of things. I have pointed out to him that if I died he would be SOL. He has no idea how to pay bills, handle his insurance or manage the house. It is my fault, but still makes me furious.

Got a text from my brother this morning. His wife, son and son’s girlfriend all have COVID-19. They all live together and My brother is already tired of caring for them. Plus, he needs food instructions. HE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED. He seems to think that would make it impossible for him to shop for food. I tried to explain that he is infecting everyone he sees and needs a test. He can order deliveries of food, groceries, etc. Then he started ranting about the election. That was the end of that painful conversation. At least he lives outside of Dallas and I cannot be expected to help him. Oh! And did I mention he is an insulin dependent diabetic?! My DIL is getting tested as she has been feeling poorly for a few days. She did a rapid test that came back inconclusive so is now doing the lab test. She and my DS are isolating until the results come back. See how much more mature those two are than my brother and his family?! This s__t is never going away as long as there are stupid people in the world.

Things will be better tomorrow.

Cami, you have me pegged! I am not one to complain and do try to please everyone, regardless of "me". I guess in a sense, I'm sort of like NM? And you are right about the fact that because I don't complain, Darrell, or just people in general, think I am fine. But I think that too most of the time...lol! Can't blame Leslie for being pissed. You can't fix STUPID.

You gals are cracking me up....

BabyGirl "Sometimes I wonder how the man I married became so helpless about certain things."

JCS "I would give mine away in a minute!"

My DH usually does quite a bit around here, most with the business. He handles ALL of our bills, and helps with the hardscape in the garden, and lots of other things that need to be done living off grid. I don't want to make it sound like he's lazy. I have my things, he has his. However, he does NOTHING domestic.

JCS, I'll decline on your offer thank you! LOL All kidding aside, I am very sorry to hear of the Covid issues in your family and pray everyone will be ok.

Sandy, sorry to hear about your HK's family member as well.

Well, I baited my step DD. I really wanted to find out if she was visiting other people. This is what I sent her.....Ok...IF I can pull it off for Thanksgiving, what day are you guys leaving home and how long will you be here. I'm going to tenatively start planning. Mostly for food, cuz as you know, I can't just run to the store and get something I need like most people can!

I still don't have a date as to when I'm supposed to start the new IV infusions, so of course I don't know how I will feel. And then there is your dad and the issues he is dealing with. I feel horrible for leaving it all to mostly last minute, but that's all I can do for now.

Love ya....Momma!

Her reply (they live in Reno)....We plan to leave here thurs nov 19th after I get off work and spend the night in Laughlin (I won't get there till late but wanted a head start. ) May or may not spend a day with Alene. Then I'll spend a few days with Sherry in phx. I'm not going to visit many people. She hasn't hardly left the house since March and works from home. Jumping ahead I'll drive to Concho Tues Nov 24th leaving phx by noon at the latest. We'll hang with you guys until Sat Nov 28th. We'll stay in Laughlin then get home Sunday. I'll try to function at work Monday 🤣. All the days are tentative on safety, snow, etc.

You know Shawn is more than happy to help make dinner (or fend for ourselves). We just want to see you and know everyone is ok. I promise we will have limited contact with people and willing to get a covid test before we come if it makes you guys feel better. We would never jeopardize your health.

We are super excited and hope to see you soon. (Everything this year is last minute. Don't worry about that. )

I will show my DH and see what he has to say...will let you know!

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Sandy - congrats on your great blood tests.

Lori - Lots of people commute from California to Reno & Nevada County in California, that borders on Reno Nevada, has had a spike in COVID cases. Also, Reno just had a spike in cases as well. I agree with Karen that she is starting from a high density COVID area & meeting too many people along the way. But, you have to make your own decision based on your risk tolerance.

We are having a crisp sauvignon blanc to go with what may be our last dinner salad of our fall.

Jane

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump Day! I'm looking forward to the Wednesday, Women and Wine get together this evening. We're meeting at a restaurant with outdoor "Dining Domes" that look like igloos. 7 per Dome, we've reserved 2 Domes. Going to be interesting with the new face covering on unless eating or drinking rule, but we'll work it out. The restaurant is one of our favorites, so this will be a very nice step forward back to normal for us.

Couple of interesting things from work yesterday. First, 2 CNAs were sent home for being rude and uncooperative with other staff. Both from agencies, both have been troublesome before. Glad to see some consequences for them. UnChristian of me, I know, but still. Then I learned that Medicare is considering any money the nursing home got through the Payroll Protection Program to be income, and Medicare's reimbursement to thenursing homes will be decreased by the amount of the program loan. This is happening all over the country, as the Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement rules are national. I foresee the closure of a lot more nursing homes in 2021.

Sadie decided we needed a belly rub session before getting out of bed this ayem.

Goldie--Pizza and Whoopie Pies on a train ride, what can be more fun? Both made locally. I've got to wait for the December on call schedule to come out to see if I can make that ride or not. Oh dear, what a time you have had with DH! If he's bringing in pellets he must be feeling at least a little better. I'm proud you didn't knock him "upside his head" for being an a$h0le.

Cammy Cat--Talked with Mom last night for quite a while. She is settling in, still has stuff to move out of the camp, but now she doesn't have a key anymore so she has to wait for one of Dick's kids to come over and open up for her. Whoopie Pies are a Maine/New England sweet. The traditional version is a sweet crème filling between 2 soft chocolate cake like cookies. Very, very yummy.

Smart of Leslie to quit going out with those people for now. And wise of Marty not to let them in the house. They've chosen who they want to socialize with and will have to live with the consequences, sooner or later. Stupid people do come in all ages!

Illi--Good Morning, and good for you for not making phone calls for DH!

Librarian--Unless your brother is never in the same room with the rest of his family members he might just as well assume he is positive! It's sometimes funny the ideas people get about stuff, like not being able to go shopping if you test positive. DIL and DS are, indeed, more mature about the whole thing. Glad you don't live close enough to your brother to have to go take care of them.

Chi--Wow, impressive blood work results! Good for you! I hope you do at least contact that agency and give them a verbal a$whooping. So wrong on so many levels, starting with Infection Control and ending up with HIPAA violations.

Goldie--so DD will be coming from one city to Laughlin, then Phoenix, then Concho, then to your place. In the space of 5 days she will be in 5 different places. How manyof them have community spread?I'd tell her no visiting in the house. They should stay somewhere else, and come to your place to visit, outside, with masks and 6 food distancing, not for meals. They should covid test before leaving home, and every couple of days of the trip. The testing is so they will know which people they have exposed and now have to quarantine and when to stop the trip and go home and isolate. They should also plan to quarantine for 14 days after getting home and before going to work. Or at least test every couple of days so they know ASAP when they have exposed everyone at work and the workplace(s) needs to close down.If they really wants to see you, they should come straight to you, and see everyone else on the way back, if at all. That's my opinion. It's people making trips like that way that are helping the virus get spread around. But I've been told that I'm being too harda$ about this whole thing.

Quarantini

Ingredients

• one lemon, squeezed
• 2 teaspoons of elderberry syrup
• 2 oz gin
• 2 oz honey syrup
• (optional) grenadine to taste
• (optional) lemon zest and shot glass chaser

Directions

• Fill glass with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, elderberry, honey and grenadine. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Add lemon zest and chase with shot glass of lemon juice for maximum immune benefit.
• Optional: add lemon zest garnish and chase with shot glass of lemon juice for maximum immune benefit.

From <https://topshelfdiy.com/the-quarantini/>

Goldie - I know you do not want to be the mean stepmother, but somebody has got to put their foot down. You and Darrell both have preexisting conditions that the kids need to be respectful of. That is way too many stops before getting to your house. Plus, those Covid tests take a while to get the results. Maybe a compromise would be for them to stay somewhere else and just visit with you two outdoors. No eating, masks could be worn and you could still have a good visit.

It is really difficult to be responsible.