Check this place out if you like seafood...

http://www.theoceanaire.com/Location...s/OurMenu.aspx

I will tell you about it on Friday. Going there Thursday evening for dinner.

Funny MELLIE...my oldest brother is a "trekkie". A girl from here went to the Star Trek convention in Chicago last weekend or so. They paid 380 bucks to have their picture taken with the Star Trek actors. NUTS I tell you! Have fun shopping!

Annie
I watched a star trek marathon last week end. It was the newer ones. on the Enterprise ship.
I should have know that the boss son was to young to mow. I really don't mind it. But as Mel reminds me it's supposed to be hot today and tomorrow. 97 degree's ugh.

Mel
Have a good day shopping. My friend texted me last night stating she would be in Jonesboro Thursday, our usual day to eat out but I'm kinda glad in a way. I have that day to myself for a complete rest day.


Shad
I liked the picture of Mel's house. Wouldn't mind having something similar when I retire. Wow already time for a new car! Believe it or not mine still has that new car smell.

-------------
Not much has happened since yesterday.

Morning all,

Geez Louise another day checked off the calendar. DH remarked that yesterday seemed to fly by, I said they all do. On a whim we decided to take a run to an animal park - poor man's northwoods zoo up this way :lol: Supposed to be a nice family friendly place. Got there and the place was over run with Mom's with strollers and little very energetic kids. NO THANKS. I thought for sure a gloomy cool day at the beginning of the week would make for an emptier park. Guess we'll have to pick another not so nice weather day and go right when they open. Reason being is that we'd like to get some animal pictures and you know you can't do that with 120 screaming 4 year olds running about. On the way back we went through town and there were activity in the popcorn shop. We found a parking spot down the street (none too easy) and walked over there. Turned out the doors were locked and people were getting the place set up. Darn and I had such a taste for popcorn! We went back by the car and I wanted to look into a new shop. Handmade moccasins on the main floor, wine cave downstairs. Skipped the shoes (no support) but did pick up a nice bottle of wine :hat: Then we decided to take an ATV ride and go get lunch at a local place we'd been talking about. Got all the way there, turns out the place is closed on Monday :( Came back and had a late lunch of a sandwich at home. I did go to the podiatrist in the morning - all is well except with my feet settling (I'm warning you against the no support of flip flops Annie!!!! ) I may have future problems with ingrown toenails. I asked her too about the bursitis - she said it tends to be seasonal - spring and fall interestingly enough and once it starts, it advances like a freight train. So... does not seem to be a good idea to consider even 2 days working at the popcorn shop. Done deal.

Annie - oh yum - a delicious seafood restaurant - my favorite kind of place to eat out. Lots of yummy items there - how can you pick just one??? Enjoy your dinner. Very much! Thank you for the tip on cooking the eggs that way. I would have to come up with a liquid that was far less calories than butter or oil though :lol: Speaking of Sassy's possible allergies - we have some new gift items in the thrift store - one is a plaque in the shape of a bone and it says "I had to get rid of the children - the dog was allergic". Everyone who sees it laughs and points it out to whomever they are with! And what a big payday with Dad's change! Should make for an outstanding dinner. Is that what you're using for Thursday's night out?

Yes, we can put "Mel's House" on the commune grounds. Will have to clear some trees out unless we put it in the back by the garden but that area might be too close to the bear's path for Mel's liking. Cute little cottage that one is. Also was oohing over the insides of the meeting house. Not sure I can add that too although it gives me some ideas for us decorating the mancave ;)

Happy shopping Mel - you are shopping for the weekend already??? It's only Tuesday - unless I am mistaken :dizzy: Pick up some good stuff - hope they have sales on exactly what you need.

Shad - the finger is still bleeding??? How deep did that cat nick you? I suppose that cold weather maple trees do not do so well in your tropical climate - hence the low grade (probably artificially flavored) syrup. Actually I find that I purchase the good stuff from better gift shops and guard it like gold. Most of the store brand stuff - not so good either. Ok - you win the gasoline wars. Cost us 60 dollars to fill up the SUV the other day - DH was really grumbling. However when you think about it, we probably fill it up once or twice a month - we use the more efficient Avalon for tooling about town. Health insurance and gasoline - 2 big rip offs.

Laura - very sorry to hear of your aunt's passing. :hug: Sounds like your gas prices are close to ours - I know they add lots of extra taxes to your prices. It's about 50 cents a gallon MORE in the city at the Mobil by my Mom's house. :faint: That was a nice gesture of sisterhood to burn your mouth on your cup but really, you didn't have to do that for me ;) :lol: Actually, I too have suffered a way too hot drink - particularly tea for some reason - out of one of those well insulated cups. You have my sympathies.

Ceejay- be careful now that the heat has moved in by you. Time to find someone to mow that lawn :lol:

Michelle - how nice that they have city run bark parks for the pups. We have a really nice one that volunteers built at the Humane Society. And I hate to break it to you but the programming trolls are siblings to the laundry leprachauns that grow Mt. Washmore into those monsterous piles. No rest for the wicked :D

Ok, I have to get out and water the garden before I head off to the shop for the afternoon. Happy Tuesday chicks.

Just a quick fly by to say hello! So much work to get done, and I have to leave a bit early to go to the DMV for a CA driver's license and Vehicle registration, so I'll be official.

Love to all,

Morning all. Tired of how balky this site can be. :shrug:

Ceejay - So will you have the kid mow in that hot-hot weather? Too early for me to be thinking of the weekend, darn it.

Annie - Awww, little Sassy might have allergies. I think Coal might have them too, he was a bit weepy (and sneezy) a few weeks back. He's better now though. How many of you are going to dinner? You sure picked a nice place!! Makes me want to go out to a good seafood joint sometime soon.

Mel - Another nice sunny graphic! Thanks for posting that. :) Hope the shopping goes smoothly!

Shad - Gosh, can't believe your finger is still bleeding a bit - you might have needed a stitch or two?? Hope Miss Puss gets back to her normal (?) self now that the tiny terror is gone. Love Mel's house and the meeting house!! Great additions to the commune. :D New car - whoo!! Having one car for two of us has been getting to me a bit lately. With gas prices and maintenance, though, we're trying to resist the urge to buy another vehicle. Bf mentioned a scooter...not thrilled in the least by that, and it has limited usefulness in this climate.

Michelle - Sorry the wind got the sinuses going and a headache. My eyes are affected by the seasonal allergies, thought that might be over by now... Nice the dog parks are easily accessible and you're not limited by permits, etc.

Happy - How did the foot doc appt go?
===
Went to Jazzercise last night. Got the times mixed up - arrived about 25 min. early for the 7:15 class. It's the Thurs. class that starts at 7:00. Good class and I reconnected with another of the students I knew from years ago - that was nice.

Went outside w/ doggy this morning to discover the rabbits somehow got through the fence and into the veggie patch and again ate up the bean plants.:mad: One full size remaining leaf between three plants. I dug out the spray bottle of hot sauce and sprayed it on what's left. Yep, I'm the queen of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. Sigh.

On the positive side, one of the tomato plants looks like it actually grew, and might even have some blossoms. Otherwise, my yard time included reaching over the fence to pet the pup next door and him grabbing my wrist in his jaw and not wanting to let go. Brat. And my sneakers got so wet with dew that I had to change my socks. Must remember to save shoes and socks for right before I leave the house and wear my crocs in the yard.

Nothing going on tonight. Hope the weather stays rain-free so we can grill some marinated chicken tonight.

Thanks for the condolences re my aunt. I know 84 is really a good long life, but I still don't get how someone with children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren doesn't want to address their health issues so they can hopefully enjoy being around them a bit longer...

The scale was alright this morning, so I have a chance of being back or nearly back to where I was three weeks ago. We'll see how the ww weigh-in goes today. I didn't do well with tracking over the weekend, and that's key for me. I had the SparkPeople app on my old phone but when I went to install it on the new one, it is no longer free, so I didn't install it. Now I realize I like to see my calorie intake and not just ww points, and I prefer the SP tracker over My Fitness Pal, so I will spring a whole $4 and buy the SP app. :rolleyes:

WOW HAPPY...sounds like Mondays are not a good day for anything...busy, not open yet, closed....strike 3. Yes we are using the $$ from the change to go out to eat. You see, tomorrow is me and dad's birthday. He always buys my dinner on our birthday, so technically he still is with the change. It will be a tough bd without him to celebrate with, my first bd alone.

LAURA...dinner will be two of my older brothers and their wives, me and Curtis. To h*ll with the brother that is in the Philipines instead of being at dad's funeral. Sore spot, my have to bonk his head a few times if I ever see him again. Tomorrow nite, our actual birthday, Samantha, Chris, the babe and Ainsley (her BD is Thursday the day after mine), Jake and Kristin are all meeting me and C at Texas Roadhouse for dinner. We will celebrate me, dad and Ainsley. I am making Ainsley's cake. New recipe, hope it is good.

Hello to CHELLE flying by to get official in CA!!

CEEG...don't have heat stroke cutting the grass.

Annie - I know this b'day will be rough. Enjoy it as much as you can since you're spending time with those you love. Sending you many, many b'day hugs. :hug: :hug: :hug:

Thank you Chelle..I needed that!

http://dl6.glitter-graphics.net/pub/...kzidyp3c7d.gif

Annie we are wishing you a very special birthday this year.
Although bittersweet, you have lots of good memories.
Hope you have a very special day. :hug: :hb: :gift:

I would love to go to a Star Trek fest!!
But that's a lot of $ buckaroos $ for one picture!!:yikes:
http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instanc...x/29400431.jpg





MY POST FOR TOMORROW MORNING

:cofdate: "Good Morning" Ladies of the World

I just got a notice for another evaluation from Social Security.
Seems like I just went thru this.
Hard to believe a year has gone by.
I need to copy 3 yrs worth of my "big" pay checks :lol3: :lol3:
Too bad I forgot and put last years info in the shredding bin. :faint:
I just set the alarm for early tomorrow morning.
I'd like to get the job done before the office opens.

Have a great day tomorrow.



Ceejay....sorry your friend won't make the lunch date.
But what a great treat to have the day to yourself!!!
I'll join you Thursday for a day of rest:beach:



Happy....Strange day out huh??
Sometimes days like that were everything is upside down make me feel like I am in another dimension!!:rofl:
Jen & I had one of them the other day....weird :crazy:
Everything we did or planned didn't go right.




Michelle...hope the DMV trip was a good one.
I always hated that job....now I am license free!!!:scooter:



Laura....I need sunny graphics....it's been so gloomy here.:sunny:
I am surprised Sparks is charging for the App.
Guess every thing is going up this year.
Fingers crossed for the weigh-in:crossed:



Shad....sorry the finger is still bleeding. It needed stitches!!
Does DS2 have insurance...get a cat bite lawyer:lol3:
Hope you don't get any infection from this.
Also hope the Lichen med is working.
As soon as I find a quiet day I'll let you know. http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include...e_girl_078.gif
Good luck finding a new car....how about RED!!! http://www.e-moticone.com/emoticone/transport/jeep.gif
I showed Jen the house and she wants one too.
Shall we leave Richie behind??
Not sure he can make it on his own though!!!:cry:

Mel - guess I can find a man cave for Richie. That place in Arrowtown is actually called Mel's Place. Who Mel was I don't know. Since NZ has just been proclaimed the third most peaceful place on earth after Iceland and Denmark, perhaps we need to shift the commune down there. I did see a photo of the Hobbit Hotel the other day. Can't find it right now. Wouldn't you know it.

Annie - happy birthday :hb: :hb: :hb: :hb: :hb: :hb::hb: :hb: :hb: :hb: No really that is too much cake. Hope you have a great day and a good dinner with all the family except the recalcitrant traveller. So nice of your dad to shout you all a lovely dinner. Hope you are not going to pay the bill in 5c pieces.

Laura - this site is a bit weird but I am not sure if it is the site or the IE doing it. I do know that word is acting wonky and shifting the cursor to places unknown so I have to keep checking my work. Maybe MS7 or 8 or whatever I have on this machine.
Pesky rabbits. At least I don't have to deal with them here. Just bugs, burrowing insects, cats that dig out my seedlings and the odd possum and bat.

Michelle - Getting organised. That's the way to go. Good to have a busy job.

Happy - you seem to be doing a lot of volunteering up there. Hope you are getting some downtime as well. Batting 0 for 3 is not good. But at least you got a sandwich at the end even if you had to make it yourself.

Ceejay - didn't realise that the boy mowing the lawn was just that - a kid. No wonder his father needed to come with him

My finger is out of the bandage. It does not look pretty. It is more of a rip than a bite and has displaced a fair amount of skin. It doesn't seem to be infected, but I am being very careful of it and can't afford to knock it or it will begin again. Yep it may have needed a stitch but I can't see where anyone would have put it. So I will wait and watch and mention it when I see the doc probably on Friday. Fortunately the nail is not damaged. The fang has gone in alongside the nail and pulled out along the length of the fang down the side of the finger. Sorry TMI there.

Anyway - better go and see if I can salvage the day. Didn't want to get out of bed. Now that I am here I don't want to do anything. Best if I take myself off to see some people and do something interesting. Might go see M and his mob and then take a walk along the Nudgee boardwalk. Check out the crabs and fishies and birds.
Here's a couple of friends to keep us company

Aww MELLIE...thank you for the birthday pix. How sweet. Another evaluation? SHeesh. THey need to find someone else to pick on.

SHADDIE..thank you for the cake and I don't need any for sure. Proven fact, people with red cars get more speeding tickets. Just sayin'. Hope the finger gets better. Please quit trying to one up me on injuries. lol

C got up and sang HB to me and my dad first thing this morning. He gave me a beautiful card and a copper butterfly wind wheel for the yard and a copper frog spinning sprinkler for the garden. Both are very beautiful. They are also supposed to glow in the dark, but I forgot to look last night.

Have a wonderful Wednesday/night everyone.

Hugs

Samantha just called to wish me a happy birthday....she was going to tell me she was pregnant for my birthday, however she had a miscarriage over night. We both just bawled and bawled. JUNE SUCKS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNIE!

:bday2you::hb::hb::hb:

Sounds like it's off to a good start! Even though I know this is a difficult time for you I hope your day and the year to follow bring you good things. :) :hug:

Okay, scratch the part about the day being off to a good start. Annie, sorry to hear about S. :(

Morning all. Nothing much to report. Dreary and overcast out there, and stormy weather is on the way.

Happy -Well your day out on Monday sure didn't go as planned, but at least you got an ATV ride and some wine out of it! :D Yeh, gas prices are a lot higher in the city than out by us, but even getting lower prices through our Costco membership that price it HIGH. :faint: Lol - laundry leprechaun. :p

Michelle - Are you official now?? :D

Mel - Sounds like they've got you red-flagged in their system!! Have fun at the photocopier this morning!

Shad - Really, none of the other sites seem to give me trouble like this one does! Maybe no stitch for your finger, but maybe one of those butterfly bandages that hold the skin together? Glad it's not showing signs of infection...did the beast have its shots??!! Love the pics of the animal friends. :)

Annie - Hope you can enjoy dinner with the family tonight, celebrating your dad, Ainsley & YOU! :)

===
Had a loss of 1.2 pounds at ww yesterday. That brings me to within .2 pounds of where I was 3 weeks ago. This session ends next week, and I've signed up for another.

Forgot I had an eye doc appt last night after work. Good thing bf reminded me. He did a kind of scan that could better identify a detached retina, or the potential for it. No problems there.

Nothing planned for tonight except maybe watching the hockey game. Not sure I should do that - I get all hyped up watching them. But I've also found I enjoy watching them - a lot more non-stop action than, say, football. Not a whole lot of stopping play for time-outs, penalties, etc.

Back to it.

:balloons: Happy Birthday Annie. :hug:

Annie - Sending you birthday wishes. So sorry to hear about Samantha. Sending you big bunches of love and big hugs.

Laura - Congrats on the weight loss!! Glad you have no retina problems.

Mel - Bummer that you have to jump through more hoops and spend your morning at the photocopier.

Shad - Glad to hear the finger is not infected. Cat bites/scratches can lead to nasty infections. Maybe wrap the hand in bubble wrap to keep from banging it.

====================
After over an hour at the DMV, I am still not an official Californian. I have to bring my birth certificate and/or divorce papers and/or passport that shows legally what my maiden name is...otherwise the only license they can give me is in my married name!! :tantrum: :tantrum: All that stuff is packed away, and their website made no mention that I'd need it. :tantrum: As for car registration, I need to get the vehicle smog tested. Really? It passed smog test in Wisconsin. Aaaargh! :faint:

I got a call from my recruiting agency for the job in Escondido. Apparently, the guy that accepted the job offer, changed his mind. He was supposed to start this coming Monday, and called them yesterday and said he doesn't want the job anymore. So the company called recruiting agency and asked them to reach out to me to see if I'm still interested. I said I am still very interested, depending on the salary/benefits offered. There are pros and cons to both options (taking the Escondido job versus staying here), but since I'm struggling with a steep learning curve at my current position, a permanent job offer with benefits using technology that doesn't have quite the steep learning curve would be nice. Of course, if I stay with my step-mom, it means free rent. :dunno: We'll see if an offer comes and what the offered salary package is.

Anyway, gotta get back to climbing the steep learning curve at my current job.

love and hugs to all,

Morning all,

Happy Birthday Annie. I will forgo the usual festivities as this is more of a somber day for you. I would say not to be sad for Dad because he would not want that for you, but I have no words for Sam other than I am so very sorry to hear that. :hug: My heart goes out to you - you seem to get sadness in heaping bunches. Be gentle with yourself today. :grouphug:

Michelle - your experience with the DMV reminds me of Memphis. It took 7 hours - no lie - to get both our drivers license and another all day trip to get our gun concealed carry permits. Worst place I have EVER seen. Ever. So I feel for you. We too got caught up in coming there, waiting in line only to find DH did not have acceptable ID info. Since they are state run agencies, don't know if you can do much about it. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Interesting about the job in Escondito. Decide with your head, not with your heart as this would be a big move. Easy to get caught up in the excitement but I know how easy it is sometimes to get enthusiastic and miss some of the cards on the table. At least you have avenues open to you. :D

Laura - horrid weather predicted your way - and in the afternoon commute too - they think there might be a superstorm extending for something like 145 miles :eek: :yikes: Congrats on the continued weight loss! Go Hawks!!! :yay:

Shad - I'm thinking you should probably get that finger looked at. Sometimes they can literally glue the wound closed when it's hard to get a stitch in there. That has to be painful! How did the car shopping go?

Ceejay - looks like the intense heat of summer has moved in by you. Stay cool. Hope you don't get those bad storms too.

Mel - good golly Miss Molly - dancing with the G Man again. :( I hope this is not too invasive or stressful for you. I'll meet you at the end of the day with a cold Frap and we can put our feet up and grumble about red tape and stupidity :lol:

I had an ok day at the shop yesterday. Had a good talk with my buddy who advised me to forget trying to make a difference, make things better than I found them and not to worry about the personalities. Come in, do your shift, don't ask, don't tell - ie. if you aren't sure of something - make it up, don't worry about rules or consistency. :dizzy: She advised of some strong personalities with strong beliefs - not unlike I encountered down south. Said it's best to just do your thing quietly and keep to yourself. I said more and more I am discovering that it's just best to retreat to my own house, be a hermit and make friends with the animals :lol: She said you don't have to be quite THAT bad but there is no bucking the ruling class - you just get frustrated and don't accomplish anything. It was rather enlightening. Just means changing everything I ever was and believed in...

Anyway it's a new day. I did stop at the grocery store on the way home, picked up an oregano plant even though I don't use it all that much, a replacement dill plant as my 2 are about to bolt and I also got a lovely hanging basket of strawberries. Teeny little guys - I hope they are as good as they look. The shop girl said they'd bloom all summer as long as the plant was kept watered and in maximum sun. The bees and the butterflies are starting to come out which will help keep things pollinated. Still waiting on the mass of dragonflies we typically have here too. It's going to be warm but overcast so it's a good day to work outside. Have a good one ladies.

Again happy birthday Annie - try not to be so sad as there are still some good things in your life. :hug:

HAPPY...big corp or lil place the politics take over and it is all about keeping your head down and doing your job. Sadly tho, you are a volunteer, do they not realize you do NOT have to be exposed to that crap? Really, lighten up people, be positive, think happy thoughts and do your best. QUIT b*TCHIN.Sheesh!!!

CHELLE..thank you so much sister for your support and love.

LAURA...congrats on the loss, hope you do not have to revisit those LBs again.

CEEG...thank you for the HB.

Sis is having a difficult time...made me cry with her. LIL sh*t. There is a reason for everything...the next babe will be perfect.

Dinner in a bit for me and kidlets, hope Sis is ok and doesn't be too awfully sad.

Loves

Flat out busy today - right from get up. Been up to see M and M to see how the training thing is going - slowly. Had some morning tea and a laugh and then I went into Fortitude Valley in town and had a look at various cars. Naturally enough I start at the top end of my budget and check out the European cars. I have an appointment on Monday morning to test drive an Audi A3. Yummy. Very impressed with the features and finishes. I will be checking out a Mercedes A class as well. I couldn't find an equivalent BMW but will check out the 'net sites shortly to see what is available. Tuesday I will look at the Japanese and Locally made models.
Then I went to pick up some of the things I had to get for Sophia's visit. Just got to pick up the car seat and the high chair from one of DS1's friends and that is all ready for the Royal Tour. Oh and some bath toys apparently.

Tomorrow I go back to the doctor to see how the Lichen Schlerosis is
progressing or not as the case maybe. I think the steroid cream is doing the job, but I do know that you can not use it forever and a day. So my bet is that she will tell me not to use it for a few weeks and then start it again.

Darn site is putting the cursor everywhere except where I want it tonight. It's a pain. So I am going to leave personals until tomorrow in case I lose everything

I will try and come back later on.
Up all night with sciatica.
Must be aggravation :rofl: :rofl:
I left a note on the SS phone for the evaluator.
"Sorry I am not up to this right now. Try Monday."
I had to sleep part of the night in the chair. Ouch.
Going back to bed.
See you soon:wave:

Good Morning Everyone...

Last night was bittersweet at Texas Roadhouse, one of dad's favorite places to eat. We did surprise Ainsley with the birthday song from the peeps at the restaurant. SHe sat on the saddle and we all gave her a big YAHOOOOO. Lil man was less impressed and it frightened him so he ended up freaking out and crying. All and all it was a good time. Sam was a little depressed and sad from losing the baby but managed to smile a bit. My heart was breaking for her. I know exactly how she feels as I went through that 3 times.

Tonight is Oceanaire. I am so looking forward to it. I am definitely getting a shrimp cocktail and probably go with lobster tail. YUM!! Maybe even treat myself to the house bloody Mary.

MELLIE...sure hope you get to feeling better sweet sister. I sleep in the chair at some point nearly every night. We should talk during the night besides telepathically. lol

SHADDIE...hope the doc appt goes well.

Everyone have a terrific THursday.

Hugs

Morning all.

Mel – Sorry to hear about the sciatica keeping you up. I hope the pain eases up today.

Shad – Those sound like some very nice vehicles you're considering! :) So when does Sophia arrive? Hope the doc finds the lichen treatment progressing satisfactorily. I seem to have the cursor problem on the desktop computer at home, not on the computer at work.

Annie – I’m sure it was difficult for all of you to be up for celebrating birthdays, but it was nice to make Ainsley’s b-day special. Oceanaire sounds like a wonderful seafood place. I’d be tempted to get a crabcake because I live them, but there are so many other options! Enjoy your lobster tail.

Happy – It’s just a whole ‘nother world up there isn’t it? :D Ooh, strawberries – how fun. Be sure to let us know how those do!

Michelle – No sooner did you unpack a few more things at your stepmom’s house than you learn that the Escondito job is still a possibility! Many things to consider. You sure seem to be happy being with family and friends where you are, but if this job is a struggle…and you want to ultimately be further south, huh. You’ve got some thinking to do! It’s so great you have that opportunity!! How annoying about the DMV wait and not even accomplishing your objective after the long wait! Typical.

Ceejay – Starting your weekend – aaahhh! Enjoy your day!
==
The severe thunderstorm warning brought Metra to a standstill yesterday right during the evening commute. On my 5:33 train, we waited until they made an announcement just shy of 6 pm that they wouldn’t move until the storm had passed (the storm warning was in effect until 6:45, so that was the minimum). Instead of waiting, I ended up taking the CTA Blue Line to Rosemont, where bf picked me up. Ultimately, I probably got home about the same time as when my Metra train would have finally arrived after a long delay, but the resumption of Metra service wasn’t a given, so it was better for me to just be on a train actually going somewhere. I got home around 7:30. We had a bit of heavy rain and thunder/lightning at times, but it wasn’t severe in our area. Haven’t checked the news to see about other areas though.

I had to walk to the train this morning as I’d left my bike there overnight. Lovely day shaping up today. Too bad I’m in here! At least I got a bit of a nice walk.

Tonight will be a Jazzercise class.

That’s all folks.:ink:

Good morning ladies -

Late night last night. Just as I was getting ready for bed, both downstairs bathrooms decided to have "Roto Rooter" type issues. The plumber came out and was there 'till after 10:30. Still couldn't fix the issue, so they're coming out this morning. Step-mom dealt with the plumber like a champ and will be at the house this morning when they arrive.

My 30-year old nephew who lives in the area was supposed to come over for dinner tonight, but decided he'd rather spend time with a friend. So, I may get together with a friend, or I may just take a relaxing evening at home.

Still haven't heard about the Escondido job, but I'm just taking things as they come. No sense in worrying. Whatever happens it will all be good. :D

==========================
Shad - How fun car shopping!! I hopefully won't be doing any of that for a few years. Audis are very good cars, from what I've heard. I've had good luck with my Toyota Corolla for well over a decade. Glad to hear you're nearly ready for Miss Sophia's tour. Good luck at the doc. Sending you lots of :goodvibes:

Mel - So sorry about the sciatica. I hate it when that happens. Sending you get well wishes. :getwell:

Annie - I can understand how last night was bittersweet, between your dad not being there and Sam losing the baby. I had no idea you had gone through it too. Sending you all many hugs to help you through your grief. :hug: :hug: :hug: Enjoy your seafood dinner tonight.

Laura - Wow, that storm sure packed a punch (from what I heard). I'm glad you were able to find an alternate way home. I'm glad the storm wasn't too severe in your area. I checked with my ex (since, yes, I was worried about him and my ex-DMIL). He said they had torrential rain and close lightning, but at least the wind wasn't too bad. Have fun at Jazzercise. As for the DMV, I got my car smog tested yesterday, so I am ready to make another DMV appointment to surrender my WI plates and get my CA registration. As for my license, I have to find either my birth certificate (I ordered another online just in case I can't find mine), or an old passport with my maiden name, or my divorce paperwork which is in storage and should be the easiest of the three to find. Then I'll make an appointment for next week.

A big :wave: to Ceejay and Happy.

Much love to all,

Morning all,

Nice and sunny and just the right amount of breeze to keep things perfect. Had I known ahead of time would have gotten up early and gone to the animal park. Oh well, DH had a bunch of errands planned anyway and what with the predicted bad weather, was almost impossible to get on the weather dot com site to see anyone's weather forecast. Our summer craft shows and festivals have started. I am going to be working as a volunteer at a Humane Society fundraiser on Saturday. A photographer has kindly donated her time and talents for Pet Portraits - all proceeds to the HS. I will be working the desk gathering info, setting appointments, taking donations and the like. Will find out more shortly. As long as I don't have to walk the dogs or scoop poop! :no: Then, since I'll already BE at the fair, won't hurt to have a look around when I get off my shift, no? :chin: :shrug: :D Then the following week we have one of our big summer festivals in our town. I am working Thursday afternoon but we have Friday and Saturday open to enjoy the digs.

Glad to hear that the storms were not as severe as they were talking about them being in the Midwest. People are complaining that they made a big to do out of nothing, however if they had not taken precautions and warning and people got stuck in the bad weather then they'd complain about that wouldn't they? :dizzy: I was SHOCKED to see that they stopped the Metra commuter trains in Chicago. Never in my life had I heard about that. Had to be frustrating sitting there not knowing when they'd get going again. It was good that you had an alternate way home Laura. I'll let you know how the strawberry plant works out - even if the berries aren't the best, the hanging basket with it's blooms is pretty.

Annie - glad that you made a nice birthday for Ainsley even though your heart was hurting. Do enjoy your dinner at Oceanaire. How I wish I could be with you :hungry:

Mel - so sorry to hear of the sciatica. Hope you can find some type of relief - that is really bad pain. :hug:

Shad - how nice that Sophia is visiting your side of town. Forgot how much "stuff" one needs to accommodate a baby guest :lol: Hopefully you can borrow what you need. Hope the steroid cream is doing it's job - that's the problem with that stuff - can't use it forever but hopefully it can keep it in check. Have fun test driving the new cars!

Michelle - who would have guessed that you picked a field of work where the technology would explode into all different areas that you have to be versed in? Good luck with the learning - geez that would make my head explode :lol: On the other hand, I have some friends who are making a very comfortable living on a really old programming language that is industry specific and a standard in about half the mfg plants in the country. So even though they work very hard and there are very few of them who know it any more, they are assured of a job until THEY decide to stop working which is a huge plus in today's society. I guess there's something to be said for having a niche ;)

Annie - I'm sorry but you card is going to be late. I should have known better than to leave it for our mailperson to drop at the post office. It just came back to me today looking like she dropped it in the creek and used it for fish bait :rollpin: the address was obscured but my return address label was still good. I will try again. :dizzy:

Hi Ceejay - hope you are not melting down there :wave: :wave: :wave: - sending you some breeze :D

Ok, now my cursor is jumping all over - here I thought it was me but I will readily blame anything else. Have a good Thursday all !

Happy - Have a good time running errands enjoying the nice weather. I hope you don't have to stand too much at the Humane Society booth this Saturday, so you're able to look around after your shift. I'm going to have to check around for craft fairs and festivals in this area. I just loved going to those in WI.

Happy
Thanks for the nice breeze. It's dropped the humidity also. I've been outside mowing, but I'm still taking long breaks. Taking one now as a matter of fact.

Laura
I'm glad they stopped the train for bad weather. But of course it did cause you to be late in getting home.
Yep, I've started my four day week end. I love the day's off but would rather work 8 hour shifts.

Michelle
You have some decisions to make. When would you start the newer job. Makes me want to see what else is out there.

Annie
Enjoy your evening. I know last night was good to a certain point. It will take time.

Mel
Ouch on the sciatica!!! Try to get some rest today.

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I heard some kiddos outside last night but didn't realize they were in my yard. The neighbor's grand children are back and her grand son just takes over. They pulled the basketball goal over to my yard. When I saw it this morning I almost had a melt down of rage. I immediately text my neighbor, tried to call but I had the wrong phone number, to come remove it as I was going to move this afternoon and politely added that I didn't want them in my yard. I could be sued if anyone got hurt. She came and got it. She also told me that the detectives had been back in the area. I wonder what else has gone down out here.
I also checked in on my SS status yesterday and my retirement age is 66. I made up my mind that I'm going to live off my retirement from work at age 65 and then go to my SS benefits at age 66. And I will be moving in with sis in MO. She said she wouldn't charge any rent.
Ok break is over. Time to go back outside for another 15 to 20 minutes to mow.

Ceejay - Sista, if I were as close to retirement as you are, I would not be looking. As for the Escondido job, it's up to the company to decide if they want to offer me the position or start a new recruitment process. So I don't have any decisions to make just yet. :) Good on ya' for mowing! It's interesting that you say you'd rather work 8 hour shifts. Most people I've talked to who work five 8+ hour days would rather work four 10 hour days and have the extra days off. So good for you that you have your retirement income and living situation set!! I'm so happy for you!

Hey sistas -

I just had to post another photo of my adorable grand-nephew Ryan....he's just 8 days old in this photo. What a cutie pie!!!

Love to all,

LAST NIGHT I WAS HAPPY...BACK WAS DOING OK.
TODAY MORE PAINFUL THAN YESTERDAY.
BE BACK OVER THE WEEKEND.
HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING OK.
GETTING TIRED OF LYING DOWN!!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.



ANNIE....GOOD THOUGHTS YOUR WAY.
AND YOU MADE MY DAY WITH YOUR PACKAGE:encore:
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THINKING UF US.

Morning all. Happy Friday!

Mel - I'm so sorry your back is giving you pain again. :hug: (Hope that didn't hurt.) Feel better soon!

Michelle - Hope the plumbing issue has been resolved - those stink (sometimes literally). Bf has been trying to make the pop-up stopper in our bathroom sink work better and as a result the drain pipe has somehow developed a leak. He's still messing with it. Bleh. Love the photo of the g-nephew! :)

Ceejay - Has it cooled down by you yet? Wow, you still mowed in that heat. Good for you taking needed breaks. Me, I might never get back to it if I went inside to take a break, lol. Did you get the kids to move the basketball hoop back to where it belongs? Sometimes I think it might be a really good thing for kids to be in school year-round. Too much time on their hands and they get into too much trouble. I'm glad you're doing the math and working out your retirement finanaces and arrangements. Whoo re no rent!!!

Happy - So is this an art/craft fair at which the H. Society will have a booth? Should be a good people-watching day, provided you're not overly busy at the booth. Re Metra - they seem to get very cautious about these storms now. Not everyone appreciates that. Enjoy your weekend if you get to return to the fair to see the sights and maybe find something nice.

Hellos to Annie & Shad! :wave:
===
Went to Jazzercise last night. It was a different instructor. She was "just okay". I sweated a lot, but it didn't feel like I really got my heart rate up like I do with the other instructor. But it was certainly better than doing nothing.

Tomorrow I'll do a Jazzercise class, and then I have a hair appointment at 11:30. Plenty to do around the house, including the remaining pruning and the shrub trimming.

Much as I hate to, I really need to do some clothes shopping. Every morning is the question of what to wear to work. I now have two pairs of dress slacks and two pairs of more casual chino-type pants that fit alright, although I'm not in love with any of them. The one pair of dress slacks needs to have the hem let down, but because of the skimpy hem, I need to buy some hem facing in order to do the job. That's what get for not buying something higher quality. Though I have to say, the other pair of dress slacks I purchased off the clearance rack at Walmart for $7 seems more well-made than the ones from Kohl's. They have a brand called "George" that seems to be higher quality than what they usually sell. Anyway, I hope these will see me through to the point where I get to my weight loss goal. I really need to get to some other stores, but that means planning a separate trip outside the ones I go to for the usual groceries and home/personal supplies.

Okay, just rambling now. Let me get this posted, see who might have snuck in on me, and, oh yes, get some work done. :lol:

TTFN!
:cofdate::coffee2::coffee2:

Morning everyone,

Mel - sorry you are still hurting. It will take some time. I can understand getting antsy. Not sure what is worse a bout with sciatica or a review with the SS people :dizzy: Rest up and feel better soon :hug:

Michelle - nice picture of the baby - cute that they caught him smiling. I often wondered how they get the babies into poses like that. Guess they just have a good eye for working with wiggly things :lol: Hope all the plumbing issues got fixed at the house.

Ceejay - sounds like you are getting your retirement plans in place. At least at 65 you can go on Medicare and have the medical coverage available to you. That's the biggest cost factor, anything else you can adjust your spending. This way also it will be like getting a "raise" when you turn 66. DH and I are doing the same thing as we are different ages - staggering our collectible income. Just don't pick up any expensive hobbies between now and then :lol: I don't blame you for not wanting the kids in your yard. Now a days you never know when someone is going to hold you accountable for something they should have been responsible for. Sad that we have to be that way...

Nothing much going on here. I have some housework to do and a load of laundry to finish. I will be gone a good part of the day tomorrow so trying to get things taken care of before I leave, otherwise I walk out feeling guilty that I should have stayed home to do something else. Funny how time is all my own chosing (for the most part) and I still seem to have far more than I can handle all at once. :dizzy:

Hello to the rest of the chicks. Have a good weekend everyone!

Ah there she is typing above my head again. Hi Laura :wave: As for tomorrow I'm not exactly sure what is going on. This is billed as a Garden Fest held at the greenhouse in my cousin's town up the road. I guess they will also have some arts and crafts booths too but the primary feature is to get people in to buy plants. I think they are having some educational how to presentations also. I have not heard any more about what my part entails other than the general help the photographer with paperwork and making appointments. Seeing as how she has a business, I'm hoping she will have some sort of "process" we are to follow. I'll go there early so we can get set up (and I can get a parking spot) ahead of the crowd.

Good luck with finding some interim clothes. Not sure if it's too soon for the clearance racks but that would entail some serious shopping. I can totally understand how you wouldn't want to spend money if you are between sizes right now. Can you take a nip / tuck in any of your existing bigger pants to make them fit better? I have a couple of online places I check out (for short people so can't help you out there ;) ) and will occasionally browse through them bargain hunting. Never fails, I'll get a one off something for a great deal and really, really like it and couldn't get more if I wanted them. I just picked up a couple of supima polo shirts from Land's End. I really like those - nice colors too - it's just that sometimes they seem to attract grease stains which are the devil to get out and I'm not even sure where they came from. I do agree with you - getting more and more disappointed in Kohl's stuff. Was very disappointed in JC Penney too and Coldwater Creek as well. With pants and blazers I have found that it's better to pay a little more up front because in the end the quality lasts longer. However, when you are between sizes it's not worth it. Maybe you need to cruise the malls for a day for a Pant Mission :lol:

Anyway coffee cup is empty and the washer just beeped the end of the cycle. Later chicks...

Afternoon Everyone.....

Oceanaire was marvelous! I ordered King Crab legs, Curtis ordered Lobster, then we shared. We also shared shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were as big as 3 of my fingers put together and so dang yummy. Had the best bloody Mary in my life. It also came with a huge shrimp hanging off of it. Smooth not acidic. We had the best time ever and get this.....the change we found was 642.00, the bill last night with tip and taxes was 635.00, and we didn't even keep track of anything, it just worked out. Cheers to dad/mom.

LAURA....sorry you have to go clothes shopping, however look at the bright side, small and not larger!! Yeah!! Happy Jazzercising!

HAPPY....I love crap festivals...that is what my brother calls craft fairs...You know like Frank's nursery and crap! lol. Have fun with all the lil pets. Hope all the animals get adopted out.

MELLIE...feel better sister and I am glad you liked the box of goodies.

CHELLE...what a sweet lil babe. So handsome.

CEEG...what the nerve of the neighbor brats to assume they can use your yard. Ballsy.

SHADDIE...how is the finger coming along? When does Sophia arrive? Wonder how Sunday will get along with the babe.

That is about it for me. Have a great Friday/night.

Hugs.

Happy Friday ladies -

Well, the plumbers came out Wednesday night, but weren't able to fix anything. They came out yesterday and got things to point where we could flush the toilet but not take showers. And they're out today to get us "good to go". Luckily, it hasn't been too stinky.

My step-mom, step-brother and I are going on a diabetes eating plan. We all need to lose weight, especially me and my step-brother. I'm the only one with diabetes though.

I'm glad you're enjoying the photos of my niece, her husband and my grandnephew. Here's another one! This one is of my beautiful niece, her husband and Ryan not long after he was born. :love:

Tonight, Santa and I start obedience training, and I'm sure after a couple weeks Santa will have me trained to be very obedient to his every whim! :rofl:

Tomorrow, Santa and I are meeting up with a group of women who have Westies (West Highland White Terriers). I've met the women before and they are very nice, and their dogs are fun. We are going to a very nice dog park that has a separate section for smaller dogs. :D

No plans for Sunday yet...maybe relaxing at home...maybe going to the beach...not sure.

I'll be back to post personals in a bit.

GOrgeous family CHelle....

Morning all,
Yesterday went to the doc and got a good report for the lichen stuff. Still need to continue on it for another 3 weeks. Then back for another visit. Got my knee looked at again and told to be patient :lol3: who me? and got some antibiotics for the finger/ cat bite. Also asked her about the medication I had from when I was in Indonesia. The company gave us a first aid kit that contained needles and syringes and pills for just about every conceivable disease that might come your way. Anyway they were all out of date. She advised me to take them to the Pharmacist next door which I did but they wouldn't take the sharps (why can't people call them what they are? Needles) so I am wandering around with sharps in my handbag. I will dispose of them at the airport when I go to NZ next week. They have bins to put used needles in, in the toilet blocks. So all in all I reckon I am probably in the clear for the next couple of weeks. I certainly don't really want to see a medical professional for a long time if ever.

Not sure if any of you have heard but Kim Doty who was Ottoette on 3FC had her house burnt out in the recent Colorado fires. She is over on face book. Poor soul is in the middle of a marriage split and getting her kids over the worst of that when she had to tell them of the house going up and they have little than the clothes they escaped in.

Annie - sounds like you had a great birthday dinner thanks to the stash of cash from your dad.
Finger coming along reasonably well. It has stopped bleeding, but the doc gave me antibiotics anyway and said that probably they could not have stitched it anyway.
Sophia arrives 4th July. I put the cot together yesterday. Today I will wash the bedding and get it all ready for her. I have some toys to put in it and need to buy some bath toys for her bath time. Sunday will be kept out of her room, but they will need to put up with the fact that she lives here too. However I think she will probably keep her distance while they are home.

Michelle - the new eating plan sounds really good. It always helps to have someone there doing the same as you and hoping for the same results. Hope the plumbing gets sorted really soon.

Happy - hope you and the photographer get along okay and make lots of appointments. Must have missed something - how does that relate to the Thrift shop?

Laura - ughhh clothes shopping. How I hate that. I will probably have to get something for my sisters birthday and I don't fancy that one little bit
Good luck with the Jazzercise

Mel - oh no, not a bad back now. Take it easy and find a comfortable position. Backs are not to be ignored.

And that's about it. I've got cleaning, gardening, car cleaning and some laundry to do today - plus shopping for bath toys for S. At some stage I need to go up the road to pick up the highchair and car seat. But that might wait until I need to go into town on Monday or Tuesday. Today is apparently a weekend. I've lost track of the days.

Shad
Thanks for mentioning about Kim. That was so sad when I read that. She's been through a lot lately. Those fires are huge and don't think they are out yet.

Happy
Hope you had a good turn out at the arts and crafts show today. It's been gorgeous down here. Medicare is why I'm waiting till I'm 65 to retire.

Laura
I had to do some clothes shopping this Spring. Not that I had lost any weight, just because I needed new clothes. You are doing well on Jazzericing class. The high yesterday was only 91 and the humidity levels were down so I was okay.

Annie
What a feast! And you deserved it.

Michelle
Nice picture of your niece and family. That's great that your step and brother are willing to go on the diet with you.

Mel
Oh NO. Try to find a compfy position and rest.

--------------------
It's been a gorgeous day and I've spent the entire day on the inside. I basked in the quiet with no t.v. or radio. Every once in a while I heard the boys bouncing their basket ball. I took a long nap. Now I'm going outside to wash the truck.

Morning all,

Quick post for me as I have to get ready soon and head off to the fund raiser. To your question Shad - there is a gardening event / arts and crafts show held up north of me today. A portrait photographer from the southern part of the state is coming up to participate. She is doing pet portraits and is donating part of her proceeds to the Humane Society. They were looking for volunteers to help at the booth - greeting customers, setting appointments, taking payment, etc - so I volunteered to take a half day shift. It's rather gloomy out there right now - we had some mild thunderstorms overnight but things are barely damp so I don't think we got much rain at all. Too bad, I was counting on it to water the plants!

Do any of you have this problem? Typing a post and the resolution / font size gets smaller and tinier? I used to think it was something with the touch pad on my laptop but this site is the only place that happens to me. Very frustrating!!!

Thank you for the information on Kim - I knew of her but did not know her - I think she was part of the original journals group that I did not participate in. Regardless, that is very sad about her situation. My sister was telling me about the fires - burned so hot it burned everything down to the cement foundation of the home. Bad enough about the divorce but to lose EVERYTHING you have on top of that :no: My heart goes out to her and her family.

Ceejay - you're not alone waiting on the medicare for coverage. I have a nurse friend who is in the same boat - stuck working for 6 more years just for the health coverage. At least it gives you time to plan and the time will go by quickly. Sounds like you had a lovely time the other day.

Shad - reading your post I was totally surprised they would not take the sharps (I too wonder why they just don't call them needles) at the doctor's office - after all, they have the disposal containers. I'm seeing them in more public restrooms - would probably drop them off there myself if I had no other option. That is however, some serious kit you had there. Just having to go to a place where having something like that is a common sense idea would make me think twice about going in the first place :lol: But obviously we are not used to life in the tropics.

Mel - hope you are feeling a bit of relief today.

Michelle - the diabetes eating plan is a very sound and nutritious one. It's great that you are doing that as a family project - makes it easier to plan and implement. I wish you lots of success with that.

Annie - glad you enjoyed your seafood dinner and a great drink too! I'm sure Dad is smiling...

Laura - hope the Jazzercise class today is a bit more energetic than the other day. You are getting to be a powerhouse now - what would have me on the floor probably makes you barely cut a sweat :rofl:

I'm off to the showers - talk to you later.