how about drinking?

My brothers partner tested positive and my brother is waiting on his results, but pretty sure it will positive as well. Only feeling achy for now, but they live with his partners mom, who is probably close to 80.

• 2 parts cherry and fig infused brandy (see cocktail notes below)
• 1/2 part lemon juice
• 3/4 part simple syrup
• 1 tsp good quality olive oil
• 1 tsp egg white
• spritz of Pernod

Combine the brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup, olive oil and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Dry shake for at least 20 seconds. Add ice and shake until the cocktail is chilled. Pour into a coupe glass and mist with Pernod.

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Christmas Eve Eve! First day of break for me. I'm already looking forward to going back to work next year. I couldn't sleep last night for some reason, so got up and spent some time reading and playing on the computer. Yeah, not the best thing to do when trying to go to sleep, I know. Finally did manage to drop off around 2 ayem. I even woke Sadie up for belly rubs and cuddles. She didn't seem to mind once she figured out she didn't need to get out of bed! I'm looking forward to spending Christmas Day with Mom. It's going to be hard to not see my brother and SIL, but we'll talk on the phone. I've got to remember to turn on the scanner tomorrow evening and catch the BOGOs for "an elderly male, white beard,wearing a red coat and pants, driving a sleigh, last seen . . . .. If sighted, do not stop, report location"I love the way the dispatchers use their own addresses or areas and then add a message to their kiddos to "get to bed so Santa will stop!" It's a silly thing but I look forward to it every year.

Another bit of good news, I found out that if the school goes to remote learning, the nurses are expected to be available by phone and computer for meetings and to help with tracking information, and so are paid as if we are in the school. Erika (the nurse who oriented me) said she was really busy between helping her 3 kids who were remote learning plus staying on top of the information coming out and keeping up with the reports and meetings that were going on. Pretty much work as usual, she said, just at home and not in the school. So going remote will mean no loss of pay, and might mean a small increase, as my hours are the same as the teachers (8:15 ayem to 3:30 peeyem) and the online meetings may be scheduled based on the staff hours of 8 ayem to 4 peeyem. I greatly hope we don't end up going down that road.

Goldie--I never thought about just leaving the jelepeno off, duh! The kids were funny at school yesterday, pretty wound up but trying so hard to follow all the rules. Ah, to have that kind of energy again! Your Lords-a-Leaping has some stuff I need to look up, but cherry Heering sounds promising since I love cherry anything! Don't know Lillet, yet.

Jazzy--I've been seeing that pic on Fb, it's got to be a photoshop job, right? We can't possibly actually see the rings with naked eyes, could we?Doesn't seem possible! Great pic, though.

Cammy Cat--I do think I'm having a pretty good start with the new job. I really hope to get another contract for the next school year, but that is a later on next year thing to worry about. FF bringing his own beer (and more) is a real red flag that someone has a drinking problem! I can see where he can cause trouble. It's too bad he spoils things for everyone else. WOW! What a bonus you got! You must be worth something to him or he wouldn't do these things for you. Don't blame you for staying up spending the gift card! Did you get yourself something reallynice?

Chi--good idea for them to plan a 2022 wedding. By then covid will either be under control and mostly like the flu or we'll have all adapted to "a new normal". Ugh, how I hate that phrase, "new normal". If it's new, it's not normal. Anyway. Working from home does make quarantining easier and less of a hassle.

Goldie--ooh, cherry (and fig) infused brandy, and olive oil! What an imaginative combo!

Karen--Good for you for not staying in bed! Better for the body to be up and moving. Can make for a long day, though. I find I need structure in my day, so I'm going to have to make some up for this break week.

I made some hot mulled wine when I got home from work yesterday. In my little crock pot, I used a bottle of chardonnay and half a packet of mulling spices I had picked up. Tasted really good but rather strong. I'm going to try to find some fruit juice or something to add in to the next batch.

This round goes to Goldie. Hers is way more interesting!

HI Ladies,

Misty I'm so sorry about ur father, he found his peace.

Mistyeyes - I'm so sorry about your father - I hope your memories bring you comfort

mistyeyes so sorry for your loss.

Cami we call our kitty " box boy" because he does what the kitty in your picture is doing. He even looks like him. 🙂

Well, my brother tested positive. Just glad neither one of them feels too bad. The mom and sister are waiting for results. The boys live with mom and sister was there visiting. Also got a text yesterday from the wife of our primary, she said they wanted to come and visit, but Scott (Dr. Hamblin) had tested positive. My DH had an appt about a week ago but canceled, wasn't feeling up to going. Thank goodness! Doctor appt for DH was uneventful yesterday, they want to do nerve conduction on his leg now to see if the muscle atrophy is associated with back, from a nerve running up the leg.

Cami, I've said it before and I'll say it again....YOU ARE SOOOO LOVED by your family! How sweet of Dan to give you that bonus. Your men are good to you!

Karen, my brother is in MI. I'm usually up early, but I go to be early as well. Lots of time, even before dark! If it's too early, I will not get up and just listen to tv. Our tv plays all night.

Wow NM, up until 2am! When was the last time you did that? You are so cute, anxious to get back to work. We can tell how much you like your new position, it shows in your typed words. There are lots of ingredients, in lots of our DOTD's that I have never heard of, but that one really interested me after you mentioned all the herbs in it. The Green Chartreuse.

Misty, I'm sorry to hear about your dad, I can relate. My mom was in bad shape when she passed, but passed peacefully with my brothers with her. She always talked about having her ticket to get in to Heaven and if God had the elevator in working condition! Glad he was able to let you know that he knew you were there. I can't believe it's been 3 years since your DH passed, seems like just last year. Glad you are "looking forward" to Christmas this year. Ha ha.....FF is Cami's other DD's husband. FF stands for f*ck face, her pet name for him!

Sandy, I guess you and Bob will always be worried about this stupid virus, just because of his profession. Praying for NO COVID for both of you. Glad the kids made it safely. So, do we get to see this wonderful gift you are picking up? One of you riding shot gun in the back reminds me of the movie Driving Miss Daisy.

My UPS IT guy is a photo geek, here is one of his shots, you can actually see the moons around Jupiter. I thought that was pretty cool. Other than that, I was not impressed the whole thing. I'd rather see a meteor shower!

Here ya go NM, unless you already looked.

Lillet, classed as an aromatised wine within EU law, is a French wine-based aperitif from Podensac. It is a blend of 85% Bordeaux region wines and 15% macerated liqueurs, mostly citrus liqueurs. The mix is then stirred in oak vats until blended. During the aging process, Lillet is handled as a Bordeaux wine.

Lori, my heart is breaking. When I logged onto fb, the first post I saw was that our beloved Chrissy passed away. She is at least the 5th bco friend that I had the good fortune to meet in person and spend real time with. Her husband Ari, children and grandchildren were the love of her live. I'm glad that she was surrounded by them when she passed. I hope their memories will bring them comfort. Those of us who knew her from bco, she will live on in our hearts.

Lori - your UPS got a great photo. I tried a few times, but really only could see one planet. Sorry to hear that your brother tested positive. Hope its a mild case and he recovers fully and quickly, same for his partner and your pcp.

Sandy - looking forward to hearing what special present Bob got for you. Is it a combined Christmas/Chanukah/birthday present? Congratulations on Gordy's engagement. 2022 sounds so far off, but it will go quickly. Glad for you that the wedding will be in Chicago.

Cami - what did you buy with your gift card?

Kim - the job sounds perfect. Enjoy your winter break.

To those who celebrate, happy Christmas Eve. Have a great day!

HE'S COMING

Things change on a dime! My youngest DS felt bad on Monday. He got a PCR test on Tuesday. No results yet. Today he is attempting to get a rapid test. We are cancelling Christmas Eve dinner and keeping our fingers crossed for Friday morning brunch and presents. It could be tomorrow before he gets results from either test. I am sad, but we are all trying to be ‘adult’ about it.

Waiting for the weather to get bad as a cold front is supposed to move thru. I am staying in my pajamas, drinking hot tea and reading my book. This morning has been enough stress for me.

Oh! And the cat decided to have some kind of bloody discharge this morning resulting in antibiotics from the vet. When it rains it pours!!!

Merry Christmas to all

Good afternoon friends- happy Xmas Eve. I am down with some ear issues this holiday, but did a telehealth visit yesterday (my first!) and got some steriods and an anti-B. The NP thought it could be something with the eutstachian tube (it has been blocked off and on this fall, I tend to be congested more in the winter months) but it also felt like something was changing. I woke up middle of the night before with pain in my ear and felt like crap yesterday am so I called for a virtual apt. I was able to work all day, but decided it was a good idea to get something going before the holiday weekend. Got some sterioids which she suggested I begin with and got those going last night and if things are not better in three days, then we move to the anti-Bs. My ear felt a bit better this am, but thing the steriods messed with my sleep. If one has to be sick with a new job and with no time off available yet, better for it to happen during a long holiday weekend during a pandemic when there are no plans to cancel anyways, right? I plan to spend the next few days just laying low and resting and probably my body needs that for so many reasons. Been running hard the past few monts with the start of this new job and all the rest......

Went to see the eye doc this week for my first regular check up since the cateract surgery last fall (feels like so long ago, probably because the past year feels like forever). Everything is good, vision is great and no other issues identified. That was the last of my wellness check ups, I am super thankful there were no issues this year, I am on cruise control......

First of all, before I get into some individual comments, I wanted to say I am sorry about our fellow BCO sister, Chrissy, loosing her battle. When I saw the name, my first thought was "Australia" and then remembered she was a common link to another woman on the singles thread who was not doing well (and let some of us know about that other Austrialian sisters passing years back). Just so sad to hear this news, and hugs to all who were close to her. Losses during the holidays are just extra hard too.

Goldie- I am sorry to hear about your brother, partner and related family all being diagnosed or waiting on results. I pray nothing serious comes from this. Are you doing better with this second infusion of the new meds?

Cami- I am glad you kept some of the cards for yourself. I am already seeing that the big Xmas sales are starting today! I hope you find some fun things to buy and have some good family time. I know Italian families do a huge feast for Xmas Eve and wish I were there to partake with you. I hope Joey is doing okay and dislike that Marty's family is mean to him. He is a smart young man (who is also a fab musician) and he has many good things ahead of him. Some people can't be happy for others who have real potential and options. The strawberries have been my fav gift this year, but got a lot of yummy food and other things too.

Chi- I like your star photo. Glad to hear Gordie and Leslie made it safely. It will be good when Bob has his second shot. I read many of the providers in the urban areas here have their vaxes, now they are getting them signed up and planned for part two. Hope you all have a great zoom chat and much to look forward to in 2021 with the wedding plans (if not the actual wedding....)

NM- well it is good you got started and probably good you will be home for a bit until things ease up a bit more. Sadie says yes to that, she likes you home! I hope your storm is not too bad, I heard it is packing a punch. We had really high winds yesterday that made everything super cold here, but no moisture with it. I saw it went to the teens here overnight and single digits up north. Pretty cold for here. I hope your mom does okay and does not loose power/heat.

Reader- your kitty is a cutie. We have a lot of cat and dog people on this thread as you will hear in time. I have no pets because of allergies and asthma, but love them all so much. I send Xmas gifts to my sisters dog and cats. She was out today to buy them more gifts and treats. I read something that pets have really helped people so much through this pandemic and many great adoptions took place this year with everyone remote short and long term.

Misteyes- I was re-reading your post about looking forward to Xmas this year, especially after a number of years now since the unexpected passing of your husband. I think that is a good sign of grief finding its way through and more forward movement (even in this crazy pandemic). Blessings to your family this holiday season with all that has been going on recently and before.

Ill- what are you eating this week? I got some tasty take out yesterday from Taco Cabana (you may know those from TX as they are headquartered in San Antonio). I have some delicious tortialla soup plus some green chili tamales from some local sources for my holiday eats. Keeping it simple.

MinusTwo, Celia C, Karen, Teka, Mema and others I may be forgetting, hoping your holiday time is going well.

Will be back on Sat with some updates and hope to be back out and about by then. Stay well friends and enjoy what you can this weekend. We are almost to a new year that is fresh with possibilities.

Mornin ladies,

I think I'm a cat person, altho we now have an adorable dog, except for his barking. When I go to the bathroom in the middle of the nite he barks like I'm a burglar waking everyone up, every single nite. That's one thing a cat doesn't do. Anyway....

I really wish everyone a good day today whatever u celebrate. I like to think of the religious aspect, well I was raised that way, but it is exciting to start the day looking at a beautiful tree that we all got together and made that way. The fun of looking at the presents under the tree, then in no time it looks like a garbage dump.I don't like that. That's why I made the rule open one at a time and everyone has to watch and then thro the paper in a garbage bag, which everyone has <I'm not a clean nut>, I just think it's sad so I want to make it as long as possible. There're less presents this yr. tho, so we'll do it in slow motion.My new rule.

Jodie was here yesterday for breakfast and helped me with my shower. And she brought over the things from the grocery store, so everything is in the house. I'm the one that made all these plans and I'm already tired so this is going to be a struggle for me, I know it but I made the plans. The good thing is I'll wear PJ's all day cuz they are Christmas onesand maybe I'll allow my picture to be taken. Yea right.

I do hope u all have a good day however it's planned and of course I hope ur plans come thru. I feel like we're on minute by minute for planning. Jazzy good thing this is a long weekend for you so u should feel better.

Everyone is up now so it's time to get moving.

LUBS U ALL

My brother lost his taste and smell yesterday, and now congested and the mom has tested positive now too, she is 78, sister is negative. No one has had a fever though, so his comment was "why do they check your temp when you go into places, cuz it doesn't mean anything". Also, my other brother said to me, how is it in less than a year they have come up with a vaccine for this virus, but they can't find a cure for cancer!

Karen, it was the first thing I saw as well when I opened FB. Chrissy was having kidney failure, so I assume that is what finally took her. I could see both of the planets, but it just looked like 2 stars to me, nothing special.

NM, you were up late those other nights cuz you were working, that doesn't count! I hope the weather doesn't play a role your Christmas with mom.

Cami LOL at keeping all your $$, but you gave Joey $50. Glad to know that "your men" are thoughtful and not coming near you. But do know it's tough, it's tough for all of us. We would do the one gift at a time as well, if everyone opens at the same time, it's over too quick and you miss what they all got.

JCS, so sorry to hear about your DS, I hope all is ok!

Oh gosh Jazzy, I hope the pain in the ear isn't too bad. I think ear and tooth pain are the worst! And yes, holiday along with pandemic makes it easy for sick time. I just hope you bounce back quickly. My second infusion was a piece of cake.

Pretty much just another day for us, but that's how it always is, so no big deal. Going to make ribs today. Did a facetime with my brother and his DD and her hubby. They are expecting in April, I'm so excited. This is more like a grand baby to me instead of a grand niece. I told my brother, maybe I should be Aunt Nana!

No cell service yesterday. We’re boondocking at the beach for the holiday.

DOTD on 12/24 was fitting for our 20th anniversary. Cheers to all 🍾