Now I really did it :((

[MarionC]

oh great - so many interesting posts to respond to. My mind is spinning.

I am highly disappointed. I thought the removal of braces would cause the bunnies to become benign. They are evil!!!
You need bunny repellent!!!

I want to read that whole "copying" thread. I didn't know the ring was copied. I would be quite upset because it is such a fabulous one of a kind creation. Yet I have to admit I have often wanted to copy DS's Beaudry.

Missy - I'm very excited for you to be biking this weekend. Perhaps we can get a photo or two?? But not while you are moving! Concentrate on the road and no texting LOL

OV, I'm glad you don't have to see him in court and I hope it allows you to relax a little. I wish we could all be there with you, but I know I speak for everyone when I say we will be there in spirit. Wear a piece of bling that reminds you of us and look down at it when you need strength.

edit - oh shoot, OV I misread!

I am just now wading through the NIRDI adventures. I know what's happening, but I get what's-happening-to-whom mixed up!

 

[missy]

Jimmianne, I forgot to ask you how your dd is doing? Young love and breakup can be so challenging because they are much more innocent at that age and have had less experience at dealing with loss. I hope she is doing well.

 

[MarionC]

Jimmianne, I forgot to ask you how your dd is doing? Young love and breakup can be so challenging because they are much more innocent at that age and have had less experience at dealing with loss. I hope she is doing well.

Thanks, Missy. She seems well, but I've noticed her life is a bit more chaotic than usual. Speeding ticket, overdrafts, etc. But she is a smart girl and is keeping very busy with friends, making plans for every day.

 

[missy]

Jimmianne, I forgot to ask you how your dd is doing? Young love and breakup can be so challenging because they are much more innocent at that age and have had less experience at dealing with loss. I hope she is doing well.

Thanks, Missy. She seems well, but I've noticed her life is a bit more chaotic than usual. Speeding ticket, overdrafts, etc. But she is a smart girl and is keeping very busy with friends, making plans for every day.

Well she clearly takes after her mother (the being the smart girl part that is ) and if it helps please tell her the NIRDIs are thinking about her and wishing her well. In fact, since she is your daughter she would more than welcome to the GTG....just saying. A little bling and some sights and good home cooking might be just what she needs...

Of course by then I am sure she will be A-OK. But still the invite stands.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Callie, yes I am feeling better. I adapt fairly quickly whether I like it or not it another issue. Thank you for asking. I bet your summer was tough but as you said if you keep busy you get through it okay. It’s funny I had less trouble at our old house because it was smaller so didn’t feel so empty. I do have vacation time but am saving it for that 2-week family vacation. It sounds like they said Marty could come home once a quarter that doesn’t seem like much to me. I am sure my shopping would vastly increase if Marty were gone that long. Yes, the Killer Rabbits wanted “rump” roast last night.

Kristie, now you peaked my interest knowing that gems and diamonds are in plentiful supply in Singapore. You got that right the rabbits aren’t that sentimental. I like that you gave up something just so you wouldn’t have to see your ex in court. That was well worth it.

Missy, you are so right that just coming here and talking to my NIRDI friends has helped me out a lot. I generally am pretty strong and not subject to down spells but the last few years got the best of me. You ladies probably know more about me than pretty much anyone. I am sure we will figure out how to deal with Marty being gone for quite a while but I know I’ll miss him. There are far worse things in the world to deal with and I need to keep that in perspective. The Killer Rabbits were chewing on some of my Teddy Bear’s ears this morning. I am anxious to hear how your first bicycle road goes this season. I hope that red itchy spot gets better. I make a paste out of baking soda for itchy bug bites. It works well.

Jimmianne, I do need bunny repellant. I should look for some; that would be funny. I am sure life will settle down for your daughter soon. She probably still has a lot going on in her mind. How is Joy doing today?

Marty’s poker night lasted until about 1 am; I was out by midnight though. Shoved some ear plugs in and I didn’t hear a thing after that. Marty lost my “loan” so I didn’t get my 20% interest back.

Marty played golf this morning. We met for a drink at the 19th hole and then had lunch at Applebees. I had to do some work this afternoon that took about 90 minutes and decided to change my expiring password after I was done and locked myself out of all my work accounts. I had to call the IT on call guy to unlock it for me. I felt bad about disturbing him on the weekend. My luck if I left it alone I would get a call and not be able to check it or fix it.

I got most of my laundry done and have been reading today.

Tomorrow maybe I’ll have some mimosa for breakfast then get motivated enough to go to the grocery store.

Have a great weekend.
Marcy

 

[azstonie]

Marcy, the last couple of years were the hardest on me---you're not alone in that. Friendships are wonderful. Having my NIRDI friends, its been terrific. Can you take some long weekend trips when marty is in Singapore, space them out so you have fun visits to look forward to? Come see me and Bob any time you want. I'm not working, I have time to fritter and I know we'd have fun!!

Have you wanted to learn to knit, or quilt, or do stained glass? Very good for passing the time and you have the gratification of a completed project when its done.

Anyone want to go to a 3-day (weekend) jewelry-making seminar with me? They are usually in lovely locations. Think of the cool stacking rings we could make, pendants, bracelets. We'd be able to really maintain our jewels. I've seen these weekend courses listed in the back of Lapidary magazines.

Hahaha. I've had that wrong all thus time: Mimosas FIRST, *then* grocery store

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Marcy, I am glad you are feeling better and I hope somehow Marty doesn't have to be away for that long. You're right once every quarter doesn't sound like enough trips back home though it is quite a long flight. Anyway no matter what everything will work out. And we are always here for you too though I know that is no substitute for Marty's company. I think bling will be in order though should this trip happen and even if the trip doesn't happen. Bling no matter what.

Thanks for the baking soda tip. If it is just a bug bite I will be so relieved. Funny how I hope this is a bug bite when in the past that wasn't something I would hope for and now it is. Perspective is an interesting thing indeed Marcy.

Sorry you had to work yesterday for a while and also that you got locked out of your system. That has happened to Greg before and IT had to help him too. Thank goodness for support and don't worry about bothering them on the weekend. Stuff happens and you don't usually disturb them and I am sure they understand. Im glad you enjoyed reading this weekend and sorry Marty lost at poker but glad he got some golf in too. Enjoy that mimosa this morning!


Callie, enjoy the visit and dinner with your SIL today. I know you will be a huge comfort for her.

Kristie, a jewelry making seminar sounds wonderful. You have already shown you are talented with creating jewelry and I think this is right up your alley! And may I be the first to volunteer to try your creations.

I agree completely with you Kristie about how wonderful friendships can be. With the right people friendships are one of the most special and important relationships right up there with your SO IMO. And you girls are so special to me. I mean one can have many friends but how many friends can you consider true friends? Friends that are there for you and you for them no matter what. Not just happy for you when you are happy but there for you when things are challenging supporting you emotionally the whole way. You are amazing women and good friends and I am so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you and biggest hugs to you all.

Ovi, thinking of you and sending more hugs and good thoughts your way. I hope you are getting much needed rest and also support from your friends and family who are local to you. We are here for you as always sweetheart.

Junebug enjoy a lovely Sunday!

Jimmianne, I already know you are enjoying the weekend with your beautifully set Joy. The more I think about it the more I feel this setting is meant to be at least for now and maybe forever unless something catches your eye. In any case you have your gorgeous Joy in a most lovely setting and she looks right at home there!

OK so today is the day. Excited, a bit apprehensive but ready to go. The pedal system is still the one question mark and concern I have as the best (i.e. supposedly safest and most secure) pedal system is the clipless system and the Shimano SPDs are clipless pedals. Anything short of clipless will not be as secure but I just cannot bring myself as of now to go to another clipless system but if the strap doesn't work for me I guess I can try another clipless (mile the Keo easy clipless) just not the Shimano SPD clip less.

Hope to see you NIRDIs later. Wish me luck!

 

[MarionC]

Marcy,

I know you are dealing well with it, but it sounds sad to be separated from Marty for a while and I'm sorry.
You may need a complicated bling project to go with that knitting AZ recommended. And you have us to fall back on and give you support and great ideas for getting in trouble!

 

[junebug17]

Hi NIRDIS!

Sorry to hear about the hives/bites - and am hoping that they at least have not gotten worse. I don't blame you for being concerned and I hope they just go away!

So excited about your bike ride today! Hope the weather cooperates, especially the wind (seems better today) and everything goes smoothly - I'm confident it will.

Thanks for the feedback on the 2 settings - I do like the different look of the first, it reminds me a little of that blue zircon ring from Oakgem. But I initially started out wanting a double halo soleste style ring, so I find myself drawn to the second.

And no, you didn't scare me off with the settings you posted! I love OTT settings haha! Zahra and madelise's rings are just beautiful. The whole issue of inspiration/copying is certainly a very polarizing one on PS. I've been impressed with the pieces David Klass has done.

One slight concern I have are the subtle inferences I read about Gabriel settings not being as high quality compared to others. But any Gabriel settings I've seen on PS look lovely and the owners seem happy with them. I definitely think I'm starting to over-think all of this, and I should just go with my gut and get what I like lol!

I truly appreciate all the feedback I've gotten from everyone!

Marcy, I just wanted to let you know I'm so sorry to hear about Marty's possible long stint in Singapore, and that you are so upset about it. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it somehow ends up not happening. But you know we will all support you and keep you company if it does! You sound like you are not quite as upset now, and a little more at peace with the possibility and I'm glad about that. I wish there was more I could say to comfort you, but please know I (and everyone else here) is always available to listen and to support you. I only wish we lived closer to that I could keep you company while Marty was away. I think we could have some fun!

Your pic made me laugh out loud Those bunnies are so mean lol!

Jimmianne, I'm so happy you set Joy and are enjoying her so much! She really does look great in that setting, and I agree that there doesn't seem to be any rush on resetting her.

Glad to hear your DD seems to be doing ok, break-ups are a painful transition and it sounds like she is hanging in and working through it.

Kristie, I'm with you on how wonderful it is to have the friendship and support of the people in this thread! I can honestly say the support, kindness, advice, and friendship extended to me from all of you has helped me tremendously and I'm so thankful and grateful for that.

Ovi, I'm thinking of you, and just want to echo missy's sentiments that although you are going through a very rough and stressful time right now, you will eventually get through to the other side, and all of this will be behind you and you will be peaceful and happy again. I know it's easier said than done and things are overwhelming right now, but please try to hang in, take one day at a time, and try to remind yourself that this too shall pass and you will soon be able to live a normal and happy life. ((((HUGS))))

I ended up having a nice day yesterday, although initially I didn't think I would lol! Without boring you all with a lot of details, I got together with a long-time friend and was a bit nervous about it - the last time we got together, I stayed with her at her condo and she made certain comments and treated me in a way that upset me and kinda hurt my feelings - I don't know, I feel she behaved kind of cool towards me and I just sensed an awkwardness between us that I didn't understand. I couldn't figure out if she was mad at me for something, or what. I guess I should have just spoken to her about it, but I was afraid she'd just say "oh no everything's fine" and I'd look silly. It upset me enough that I just didn't feel like speaking to her, or seeing her anytime soon. We ended up meeting and a friend of hers joined us (that I have met before, very nice woman) and things seemed to go better, my friend was more her old self was more pleasant to me. I don't know, maybe she's more comfortable with me if someone else is there? Dh suggested maybe she was upset about something else in her life during the previous visit - she did mention to me that she was feeling lonely. (She's recently divorced, she wanted the divorce and honestly was pretty happy to not be married anymore, but I think that has since worn off a little). If this awkwardness ever occurs again I will address it with her, who knows, maybe I inadvertently did something to anger her, in which case I'd want to know.

Well, I managed to write a book about that even though I didn't mean to lol! Thanks for listening - my day got even better because I got home early enough to watch the Masters with Dh and my daughter came over.

Ok, I better sign off for now and get something done around here - have a great afternoon everyone!

 

[MarionC]

Junebug,

I just came in from mowing. Everyone will get bored with me because that's what my life will be about until next winter : P

I have two dear best friends. As we have gotten close over the years sometimes they have acted "off" and at first I thought I had done something, then over time realized that they were going through something totally unrelated to me. At first I didn't want to be friends with them anymore because they hurt my feelings, but then I realized that the closer we get the more our friends act like family! LOL

The funny thing is that with one of my friends I told her years later that she had hurt my feelings and she was horrified. So maybe your friend doesn't know she's upsetting you.
[[[hugs!]]]

Joy is in the safe because that is the only place I am "safe" from her while I am trying to get things done.

 

[Calliecake]

Missy, I hope you are having the time of your life riding today! I can't wait to hear all about it. Have the hive type bumps and redness gone. It kind of sounds like a spider bite.

Junebug, I also gone thru similar things with my friends and just like Jimmianne' mentioned it ended up having nothing to be do with me and was something they were going thru. It would have been better If I had just asked what was wrong. I'm glad things seemed better with your friend yesterday. True friends are worth trying to work things out with.

Jimmianne, Your comments about friends and family couldn't be more true. Your comments made me LOL. How many years have you lived on the farm? My summers are taken up with gardening. I need replace so many things this year that I am positive my whole summer will be spent watering. I spent the morning today being mad. My next door neighbor decided to burn a plant of this the other day right in the property line. I looked outside and where he started his fire was a good size evergreen of ours a couple feet in from the property line. Well it's always windy here. The whole side of the evergreen where his fire was is dead today. The other side looks perfect. The tree was fine before the fire. I am so ticked off. It's going to cost close to a $1,000 to remove the tree, buy a new one and have it planted. All because he wanted to burn his $20 plant. The evergreen was a good sized tree. It's going to take years for a new tree to grow. My husband wasn't to happy when I told him about it this morning. I'm sorry. I'll quit complaining now.

Marcy, I'm glad you are feeling better regarding the Singapore situation. Actually the once a quarter sounds pretty normal as far as large corporations sending there employees back home to visit family. One of my old bosses spent two years in China. His wife went for six months and came back becuase she was unhappy there. The company paid for him to come back home to visit very quarter or they would pay for the fly the spouse there. She never went back and he always flew home. I could handle 6 months but don't think I could agree to two years. The older I get the more I feel our time together is worth more to me. We made a lot of sacrifices thru the years with him traveling. I'm not sure if i would do it the same way if I had it all to do over.

Kristie, What are you doing today?

OV, I hope you are feeling better. We are all here to support you. You are not alone. Please know you are never alone in all of this.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Kristie, I am glad friends have helped you through your difficult times the past few years. I am sorry you had to go through them. I will keep in mind a quick trip to visit you as something to do – maybe during the big gem show? Ooh. I actually tried to make my own solitaire rings and studs once. I quickly decided that wasn’t in my skill set. I think they were called quick set; the settings had little baskets your gems set in and you bought pliers that bent over the prongs. I shot a lot of those little suckers right out of those baskets, mutilated the prongs, etc. I think Mimosa are a must before venturing to the grocery store. I know how to knit and crochet and should get my scarf out to work on again. Good idea!

Missy, I hope you just have a bug bite too. Perspective is everything. I think I’ll go buy the IT guys some cookies tomorrow. I was very grateful he helped me out. Marty was in charge of that department when he worked there so most of those guys are nice to me. You are so right about true friends; there are acquaintances and friends and sadly most people turn out not to be friends. You and the other NIRDI ladies are very supportive of each other and me. That is so refreshing. I will be anxious to hear how your bike ride went today.

Jimmianne, I am already more accepting of the possibility of Marty being gone for a few months at a time. I can just pretend he’s in the man cave! Of course I know you ladies will help me expand my bling collection. There are LOTS of colors of sapphires I don’t have yet. I also don’t have an oval diamond or an OEC. Thank you for offering to keep me company and help me get in trouble. Will you be wearing Joy when you are mowing? Remember to keep your eye on what you are doing instead of becoming mesmerized by the fire and scintillation flashing away from Joy! Old friends do become family.

Junebug, I am a big believer in going with what your gut tells you. I frequently go shopping for something and come home with something completely different (usually with a sapphire involved.) Thank you for your support about Marty being gone; I will be okay no matter what happens and I know you and the other NIRDIs will keep me company and help me through any rough times. Those bunnies are mean! Sorry about the awkwardness with your friend but maybe her recent divorce was weighing heavy on her mind last time and she wasn’t herself. I am glad things seemed better this time.

Callie, Marty set up drip system watering on our pots out front so I don’t have to water them. I love it! OMG to your neighbor killing your tree! Maybe ask him to replace it? How awful! I know exactly what you mean about making sacrifices over the years because your husband traveled. I completely understand the importance of spending time together as the years go by. I am kind of sappy about those close to me anymore too. I know you never get that time back and I think 2 years would be really hard to be apart as a couple. I am not looking forward to it for sure but I will face it with a smile.

I made waffles (mmm) for breakfast and meatloaf, baked potatoes and raw veggies for late lunch.

I finished a book today and have one more in this series.

Have a great Monday.
Marcy

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Junebug, did you see Grace's newsletter yesterday? She has some gemstone rings coming up in her May newsletter and I thought of you! You might want to email her now and ask about them because one of them might be your dream ring.

And you should get a double halo if that is what your heart wants. I agree completely with Marcy about listening to your gut. I always try to do that though sometimes I have difficulty making out what it and my heart are telling me lol. A double halo ring will also be unique because how many people have a double halo? I think it would look beautiful and I do like that second setting too.


Jimmianne, are you kidding? We could never be bored with anything about you. I love that you mow your farmland and have all these wonderful animals under your care. That you love old cuts and vintage stuff and are an artist and love to paint and create. You are complex and fascinating and never ever boring. I am but I am good with that.

I love how much you are enjoying Ms Joy. I am off to check out your thread for more pics and cannot wait to see her again. I need my Joy fix.

Callie, I'm glad you got some chores done yesterday and sorry you had your evening plans changed but I hope you have fun with the ladies on Tuesday. Thanks for your advice yesterday!

I cannot believe your neighbor ruined your beautiful tree. Why in the world did he do that? What is wrong with him? I would be so pissed too. I never heard of that practice of burning plants and I can say I do not like that. How could he not realize the potential of the wind to blow it over to your property? Are you going to say anything? I certainly would and I would ask that he replace the tree. I would absolutely do this. Ugh it is sometimes so difficult dealing with neighbors. I am sorry he killed your tree.

Kristie, thank you too! And thank you for being my cheerleader yesterday. I love the enthusiasm of the NIRDIs cheering me on, thank you! Any plans for today or the week? Any Bubbles update yet? Sorry for asking all the time but I think we feel like it is part of our NIRDI family bling hehe.

Marcy, I bet the IT guys would love some cookies. That is so nice of you to do!
I am glad you are enjoying your books. You are a fast reader and I am the same way. I can devour many books within a week if I feel like it and often read more than one book at a time...do you ever read more than one book at a time? My mood dictates what I feel like reading and so that is why I do that occasionally. What is the book series you are currently reading? I am sure you already told us but I cannot remember.

Waffles sound delicious. Oh I would love some right now with vanilla ice cream on top. There you go again Marcy hehe. And we have no waffles or ice cream for that matter in sight. I am glad you enjoyed a yummy breakfast though and next time we would love pics. That way I can almost taste it haha.


Ovi, how are you doing this morning? I was away most of the day yesterday but did email you back last night and I will be around much of the day today. (((HUGS))).


Greg and I had a lovely first bike ride yesterday. The weather was sunny and beautiful and less windy. However it was an east wind so a cool ocean wind but thank goodness for Greg's heated vest. It worked like a charm and kept me relatively comfortable. I was heated on the front and back and without it yesterday I would have frozen with that east wind.

The pedal system I tried out yesterday was OK. It is a big flat pedal and Greg attached a red strap to hold me in and the pedal has nubby points that sort of hold onto my shoe/sneaker. Not sure what I think yet about it as it was difficult to get my foot out whenever we made stops so I might take those nubby points off the pedal and just try it with the strap. It is a work in progress to find the best pedal system for my situation.

The bike felt great and it was like I had never been away from it for 10 months! Can you believe 10 months have passed already? I am so grateful for being able to cycle again (as well as everything else I can do now) but a small part of me feels like crying because 10 months just lost like that if that makes sense...but that's a very small part of me and gratitude and appreciation outweigh any of the negative feelings.

We cycled 41 miles. I wanted to do 50 but Greg was adamant that was too much for our first cycle of the season so I cannot wait till next time because 50 is the goal. He is right of course because when we turned around and started heading back various body parts started hurting me from disuse that way and the last 10 miles or so were a bit painful. My wrists not being used to the cycling position after 10 months away and then other body parts that I will leave unnamed but you ladies can figure it out (a woman's unique body part)...still a bit sore there today haha. Well worth it though! Woohoo!!!

And thank you dearest NIRDIs for all your amazing encouragement and warm and unconditional support along the way. As Kristie wrote... I'm officially recovered and I'm back!
(((HUGS))) to all you lovely women. I love you all.

As promised to Jimmianne, here is the one pic we had taken during our ride. Here we are at around mile 32 I think. Look at the beautiful beach and ocean behind us. So peaceful. Check out my new red "bike" (really sneakers) shoes. Excuse Greg's silly expression. We only had one pic taken and I didn't see it till we got home. LOL. But there it is for you girls. Can you see the duct tape on the heated vest that is covering the wires hehe looks crazy but I don't care it is keeping me cozy and comfy.

I did take a solo pic of our Calfee though since he is so beautiful. I am attaching that as well.

Thank you for making my recovery so successful and enjoyable too!

 

[missy]

Ooh just got an email from our friends who are away in Ecuador. Not that this has anything to do with Ecuador LOL but check this out!

http://www.cnbc.com/id/102574639



Should I get us on this waiting list?


Window of the Meow Parlour
Kerima Greene | CNBC

It might be a dog-eat-dog world on Wall Street, but cats rule the day in one trendy New York neighborhood.

Meow Parlour is a new patisserie on the Lower East Side that allows visitors to pet and hold dozens of adoptable felines while sipping organic coffee, tea and "cat-shaped" cookies.

Four dollars for a half-hour buys time for cuddling and nuzzling resident cats that roam the compact space, complete with lounge areas, benches, pillows and toys.


Intrigued by the popularity of cat cafes in Paris and Tokyo, co-owner Christina Ha decided to launch the cat café last December, just around the corner from her existing bakery, Macaron Parlour Patisserie.

"My co-worker, Emilie Legrand, and I are obsessed with cats. We talk about them all day long. I own four, Pickle, Putty, Bobo and Mr. Socks. Since cats are such a big part of my life, it made sense to expand our bakery concept to include our feline friends. One day, Emilie and I just looked at each other and a light bulb went off," Ha said. "The next thing you know, Meow Parlour was born."

Think of it as the 'purr-fect' therapy for stressed-out office workers. There's even free WiFi so you can work while your furry companion cat naps on your lap.

"This is the purr-fect business opportunity. People would rather adopt a cat in a cafe than a shelter! Cats are definitely cleaner than most people, and you don't have to worry about mice running around, which is a huge meow in big cities like NYC," Diamond said.
Reservations have been sold out for months, and there is currently a two-month waiting list to visit. Despite Meow Parlour's success, Ha said there are currently no plans to expand or franchise.

But given the popularity of animal cafes overseas, Ha might soon change her mind. London's first owl and cocktail pop-up cafe sold out within minutes. Japan boasts dozens of cat, dog, parrot, rabbit, reptile, goat cafes. There's even an all-black cat cafe in Himeji and four penguin bars in Tokyo.

Perhaps the most unusual is in Seoul, South Korea, which claims the world's only sheep cafe.

Meanwhile back at Meow Parlour, the lengthy wait list has not scared off one hopeful visitor, Laure Woods, who believes she has a sure-fire way to score a reservation with her daughter, Lexi.

"I'll just stare at the window for an hour or two. Maybe by then one of the cats will open the door and let me inside," she said.

 

[MarionC]

Callie, this is my 14th summer on the farm. Talk about lost years! It's like a dream. I went from a third of an acre in a development to this "Maggie's Farm". I always say that I retired to a life of hard labor. : ) True, but it's wonderful. There is quite a bit to my story of my dear husband, but I won't go into that here. Sufficient to say that I bought the farm myself to house my horses. It was a hay field in a ring of woods and had nothing but a falling down barn with a well and electric pole. So, 14 years of building, landscaping and maintenance. A labor of love & my lifetime adventure.

Instead of building a regular house, I built two tiny houses, one for my then teenage daughter who has since moved to town. Now I am on my third tenant - a lovely young man with a 5 year old daughter. They are not close by so I rarely see them, but I do love having them here. He is a custom furniture maker and we met last year doing the local studio tour. My first tenants, who were amazing people, left to go to graduate school and want to come back and build on the farm. I love them and hope they do!

so - a long way around to my question, Callie. What kind of gardening do you do? Do you plant any food? I want to hear all about this garden that you live in...

 

[MarionC]

Missy, that's wonderful! Yes, lets go LOL

 

[MarionC]

and don't forget that old gardening tip...

 

[missy]

and don't forget that old gardening tip...

Haha that's a tough one...we always plant them so much closer. The heat generated saves so much in gas and electric.

Did you girls see this?
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/new-additions/5-88ct-pear-shape-diamond-ring-gia-g-si2#.VSvB_17b9BU

 

[MarionC]

Missy, I am not allowed to look at things like that.

ps. good point about cat planting!

 

[junebug17]

Missy, I'm so glad you had a good time cycling yesterday! It must have felt really good to be back in the saddle again, so to speak! 41 miles - That's fantastic! I know it's been a long and difficult journey, and I know you are still struggling with other issues, but in terms of your injury you have made it through to the other side. I really am so happy to see you functioning so well. Love the pic of you and Greg, you both look great!

Hmm, yes, I did see that newsletter and you're right, there might be something there for me lol! I emailed Grace about an antique cushion and didn't hear back, but I'll give it another shot today and if not I'll call. Big stone + halo = happy junebug heehee

And hubba hubba to that pear!!

Oh I love the idea of a cat cafe, I would go! What a nice way for the cats to at least have some human contact and interaction, even if they're not adopted right away. The only problem is I know I'd leave with a kitty and dh would not be amused loll

Calliecake, I can't believe your neighbor did that!!! I am so sorry, how absolutely frustrating. My goodness, he should at least pay part of the expenses to replace the tree.

Marcy, hope you had a good Monday, and a good day at work. Oh, and congratulations on your raise and promotion!

Callie, jimmianne, and marcy - thanks for the comments about my friend, could very well have been something unrelated to me but if it ever happens again I'm going to talk to her about it.

Hope you're all having a nice evening!

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Missy, I love the picture of you and Greg. I am so glad you had a great time yesterday. I can't believe you were able to ride so many miles. Nothing like easing into it haha! Did you feel okay today? Thank you for making me laugh last night!

Jimmianne, Your farm sounds beautiful and so peaceful. Did you build the houses right away or did you just start off with the land? Did you have horses growing up? You know you really have me curious. Can we talk about this at our get together?

I really got into landscaping and gardening about 20 years ago and even more so when we built the house we live in now. 5 years ago my yard was beautiful. Now it makes me sad. We had to replace much of the front yard landscaping last year. It looks terrible this year and just didn't do well. I'm sure it is going to have to be replaced. I also have about 77 evergreens I need to replace in the back yard and two trees will need to be removed due to a disease that affects pear and crab apple trees. I have many pear and crab trees and I have been told that there is a good chance more of them will get the disease. It's been hard because I love the trees and will not be able to plant the same type of tree because of the disease. I had a huge gorgeous pear tree that had to be removed two years ago. I think the large pear in the front yard is going to have to be cut down this year. The evergreens go all around the patio and I have boxwoods planted in front of the evergreens. I also have about 65 rose knockout's in the backyard and many potted plants on the patio. They looked great the first 10 years but the last couple winters and summers have not been kind to them. I wanted to replace the roses with hydranga plants and boxwoods in front of the hydrangeas this year but now that I have all the evergreens to replace that is looking pretty doubtful. My husband is also not thrilled with what this is all costing because we won't retire here and he is planning on retiring in a few years. I'm also not really looking forward to having to water everything everyday all summer long. It's always a pain the first year when you plant new landscaping. It's a lot of work. I told my husband a couple weeks ago that when we retire I want a house with woods in the back yard and I will just have some potted plants. I could have purchased a beautiful OEC with what we have spent the past few years in landscaping.

Marcy, How was your day at work today? When will Marty know if he has to go to Singapore?

Junebug, Are you leaning toward a double halo? What have you decided on the diamond you were considering! What days will you be with your mom this week? Has your husband been traveling much for work? My neighbor won't offer to pay for the evergreen. I'm tempted to leave it this year. The side that faces my home looks good. The side faces get his home is dead! I was beyond mad on Saturday. The tree looked beautiful before he started the fire. I live in a town of pyro's. They seriously live to start fires!

Kristie, Any word on Bubbles? My dad called this morning! I have thought of you 100 times today! Okay, maybe it was more like a thousand haha!

OV, I hope you are doing well today! I have been thinking of you so much the past few days.

 

[marcy]

Happy Monday!

Missy, I do read more than one book at a time. The series I am reading is by WEB Griffin and it’s called A Presidential Agent. The series has 7 books. Good books a jigsaw puzzles; I can leave them alone. When I taught I had about 60 online students each semester and usually a campus class 2 nights a week plus worked 40 hours; that is what I did between semesters was read a book. I never had time when classes were going. I don’t see how I used to work 2 jobs; I did it for 21 years. I am delighted to hear your ride was nice and fun. Sweet to hear the vest worked well for you; ocean breezes are very chilly. Wow for riding over 40 miles. Yes, you are BACK and getting there in 10 months is amazing. Woo hoo! You and Greg look very happy out on the bicycle trail again.

Jimmianne, that is great you’ve been on your farm 14 years. You definitely picked a labor of love moving there. I think having 2 small houses is fabulous a fabulous idea and how wonderful you can rent the other one out. What a great place for a man with his young daughter to live. She probably really enjoys your horses.

Junebug, I hope Grace gets back to you. That pear looks huge; I could see it in the little thumbnail photo. Work was busy again today but not bad. Thank you; I was very surprised to get a raise and promotion. I agree if your friend acts different the next time around you it wouldn’t hurt to tell her how you feel and see what she says. Good friends are worth keeping.

Callie, your yard sounds huge and gorgeous. It obviously would be a lot of work for you. Landscaping is certainly very expensive. I hate to hear you lost so many trees to disease. Our old house had cottonwood trees blow in (cotton bearing ones) and they grew like weeds but what a mess with cotton and pods. Our yard looked like we had a few inches of snow everywhere. Marty was going to talk to his boss this week about Singapore; I don’t know when they’ll make the decision. He more often than not doesn’t end up going some of the places they talk about going to for projects.

We had grilled steak and corn on the cob for supper. Marty was excited to eat real corn on the cob now that his braces are off. It was surprisingly good corn for the first of the season. I also liked no dishes (other than plates, glasses and silverware).

Marty is at the driving range tonight. I made up a handout for the astronomy program Friday. I dug out my notes from chapter 33 when I was teaching, redid a handout on galaxies and I’m ready to go.

Have a great day tomorrow.
Marcy / Curby

 

[missy]

Good morning NIRDIs!

Orsi wanted me to make sure and say HI from her to everyone here. She misses you all and will visit here soon. So a big hello and hugs from Orsi to all the NIRDI girls.

Marcy/Curby, somehow I completely missed you were promoted and got a raise at work! Woohoo!!!! So happy for you!!! Way to go!!!

I was thinking Singapore is a pretty nice place to visit. Very clean, very safe and lots to do. A friend of mine lived there for a while and loved it. So if Marty does go you should consider taking a long vacation there. Of course I am hoping the best case scenario works out where if he has to go it is only for a few weeks but no matter what I know you will make it work. You are very resourceful Marcy and that is a great way to be.

Thanks for the info re the book series you are reading. I am going to check it out. Always looking for good recommendations. I am about to start a memoir called "Girl in the Dark". A depressing book so not for everyone about a woman with a serious disease that prevents her from going outside and she cannot tolerate the light in any way. Sunlight but also artificial light. Just a little light read for me haha. And I also have "Still Alice" on my list of books I want to read. I don't know why I am drawn to depressing stories.

Good job with your newsletter. I swear you get so much done all the time. When I grow up I want to be like you! Btw do you have a preference as to the name we call you? Marcy or Curby or something else? Please tell us because we want to use the name you like best.

Callie, I love that you enjoy your gardening so much and I hear you on how expensive it all is. I agree with Marcy-your yard sounds huge and gorgeous and that adds up when replanting for sure. I am so sorry you lost so many trees and that is crazy expensive. Greg also loves to garden and we also lost our whole backyard and side yards due to Sandy and had to replant everything including the grass but we do not have as many trees as you do. And knowing another bad storm can take it all out again. Sometimes I am not happy thinking about all the money spent and then re-spent but it is worth it if we can afford to make it look pretty IMO. I can see how that OEC would be awesome on your hand while planting though (just saying ) . You never know when just the right OEC will pop up...

How is your sweet baby doing after torturing her with that bath last night? Poor dear! I am glad for the most part that we don't have to bathe our cats. That would be a nightmare. It is challenging enough cutting their nails.

Junebug, omg that pear is so gorgeous. I wish I could have attached it here in a larger pic but Grace has her pics copyright protected so that was the best I could do though I did include the link for those interested. I am not even the biggest pear fan (but now I am because of this ring) but if I had a spare 90+K around I would make that baby mine.

What have you decided about the yellow AVC? I keep thinking of all your choices and it is a difficult one. So much gorgeous bling to choose from and once again I am wishing we had unlimited funds. And I keep thinking about that blue zircon ring (from Oak Gem I think?) that you showed us many pages ago. I LOVE that ring but know you already have blue and don't need another. If I were able to buy another ring that is the one I would get for me. OK as usual I am no help in this decision you are making, sorry! I get caught up with all the wonderful choices. I hope Grace has an amazing gemstone ring for you in her next newsletter. Remember to contact her before it comes out so you can have first dibs if there is anything you are interested in... I wish I could swap all my modern jewelry for vintage jewelry.

Haha, I told my mom about the cat cafe and the first thing she said to me is you don't need any more cats LOL. This is from a woman who has 6!!! cats because they took in a pregnant stray and found homes for all her babies but 2 so they kept the 2 kittens and the momma in addition to the 3 they already have. Yeah, so not taking advice from my parents on animals hehe. They also rescue any strays they can and take them to get neutered and spayed and try finding them homes. They have the softest spot for all strays and if they weren't up there in years I think they would rescue another dog since their beloved Tara died last year. She was a stray found in Bed Stuy (tough neighborhood in Brooklyn) starving and abused and they took her in had her taken care of medically and kept her. That was over 10 years ago. She was the sweetest dog. Sugar sweet. We all miss her.

I never commented about your friend issue but I want to say I agree with all the other NIRDIs who have commented. I always try bringing up anything if I feel there is something to discuss even if unpleasant. Sometimes it is nothing but other times it is helpful to know what it is that is an issue so you can address it and move forward in the relationship. Most of the time however it has nothing to do with you and all about them but even then you can help with support and comfort with whatever it is they are dealing with so I find it always positive to bring things out in the open. Though I understand some things are better left unsaid occasionally.

Jimmianne, your farm is a dream come true and I am so happy you made it happen. One day, if you feel like sharing, I would love to hear the story of how it came to be and how you made this dream come true. I know it is hard work but a labor of love for you and it keeps you young! Do you ride horses? How about your children? One day when I can get over the flying thing I would LOVE to visit you and your farm. I keep telling Greg when we are both retired I will start flying again. It's easy when I push it ahead like that but one day I know that day will be here and then I have to just get over that fear. Anyway, I would love to hear as much as you want to share about your farm and your life before the farm.

I am glad you have nice people you are renting the other house to. It is nice to have someone there since you do have a lot of privacy and not a lot of neighbors around. Though that does sound lovely too especially when dealing with neighbors who are nosy and intrusive.

As for not being allowed to look at more bling I have to override that. One can never look at too much beautiful bling. Looking is free yanno... though you certainly don't need to as you have your JOY to satiate those bling desires that is for sure.

If you girls are serious I will make reservations at the cat cafe for when you visit. I definitely plan on going there at least once if not many (hehe) times.

Kristie, we are missing you here even though we get to talk offline. We still miss your presence here my dear...hope the rest of your day went well yesterday and do you have new glasses to show us?

And how is Finnie boy and sweet Maggie doing? Is Finn finished with his massage and acupuncture treatments? Has Maggie started having them yet?


Yesterday I made my bling purchase for my upcoming August (50th!) birthday. I am a bit sad because now I cannot continue (ah but you know I will keep looking lol) my search for a bling gift but I am happy with the purchase. I bought the cushion/oec dangles from Grace as some of you already know.
http://jewelsbygrace.smugmug.com/Earrings/110ctw-Cushion-and-Old/

Grace said she was sending it out to me Wed for Friday delivery as soon as they cut the wires to fit my ears so the dangles falls at the bottom of my earlobe. Hope Greg measured me right. Anyway of course I will post pics as soon as I can but we all know earring pics on the ears can be a challenge in itself but I will try the best I can so I can share this with all of you.

I have a dermatologist appt this morning so a little nervous as I am not sure there is anything left for him/me to do with the exception of trying Accutane which I am not sure I am ready to do. The main issue is still the red/irritated area around the Perioral region which fortunately I can cover for the most part with makeup. The bumps have diminished but yes they still rear their ugly heads now and then and after the bike ride the area was way more irritated and still is so now. I am not sure Accutane will help this issue and I will see what David thinks. Every time I go I think there's another good chunk of $$$ I could have put towards bling. Which I wouldn't mind as much if we could really just quiet this problem down.

Thank you for sharing my excitement over my first cycling ride since the accident. It makes me happy knowing you are all truly happy for me and I hope you aren't all tired of my hugs because I am sending more (((HUGS))) your way! To the NIRDIs and the NIRDI furbabies too!

 

[MarionC]

Missy, I can't believe 41 miles is a normal amount! I expected you to say 10! Welcome back to your cycling life.
Yes, looking is free - - - but leads to ... buying?
- - - I always think of Ulysses having his men tie him to the mast so he can listen to the sirens' song without being seduced into going with them. haha
and by the way...you already promised to go in on that pink diamond, so don't even think about the pear
Meanwhile I am very excited about your anniversary gift.

Junebug, Any contact with Grace yet? Eagerly waiting here to get the details.

Marcy - "Curby" LOL
I totally missed the raise and promotion. Congratulations!

Callie, I know what you're going through. The last two winters have been brutal on the trees, and at year 14 my landscaping is looking tired. I know your yard is going to be beautiful when it's updated and it will give you so much pleasure. You could perhaps take some before & after shots for us??

AZ - I've lost track of you! At least what you are doing at this very moment Sending hugs.

OV - hope you are well and waiting to hear from you.

 

[junebug17]

Omigosh missy, I was just oogling those earrings a few days ago! They're basically perfect lol! Oh I am so excited for you, they are absolutely gorgeous!

I'm with you on the blue zircon ring, it really is beautiful, and honestly it seems like a reasonable price as well…maybe it could be a little extra something for your 50th? I'm just teasing (sort of ), the earrings are a fabulous way to mark a milestone birthday and I know they are going to look beautiful on you.

I sent Grace an email today about the rings, so we'll see what happens. If I don't hear back soon I'll just call. Don't know the protocol on something like this, but it doesn't hurt to ask! If these rings don't pan out I think I'm going to go with the AVC and double halo setting.

I would be up for the kitty cafe!

Good luck with your appointment today…I've been sensing you didn't want to focus on your skin, so I haven't been asking but I've been wondering how it's doing. I'm sorry to hear it hasn't cleared up better for you, but sounds like it hasn't gotten worse at least?

thanks for commenting on the thing with my friend…yeah, in hindsight I should have brought it up with her because I ended up being very upset about it. I don't know, it was just weird, at the time I thought maybe I was imagining things.

Jimmianne, your farm sounds like a beautiful place. I love horses, they are such special creatures.

Calliecake, sorry to hear you're having issues with your landscaping, I know it's a lot of work and expense.

Yeah, I think I'd just leave the tree for now, as long as you can look at the pretty side of it! Let him look at what he's done for a while. Ugh, I'm so annoyed for you.

Kristie, thinking of you, and hoping everything is ok.

 

[MarionC]

I had a thought about the half-burned tree. Sometimes they come back and fill in again!
and I love the idea of making the neighbor look at the bad side for a while

 

[azstonie]

www.1stdibs.com/id-j_478242/?utm_source=contact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=trg

Okay NIRDIs.

I like this band---the sapphires look purpley to me which is good, rather have purpley ones than too pink but hard to say until in IRL what color/hue they are.

Anyhoo, here is my question for you guys: Is buying a full eternity band a waste of money?

meaning, the stones that are on the sides and the back of your finger, so what/who cares? It also seems like those would be the ones to get chipped and dinged AND it doesn't seem comfortable to me having the stones all the way around. I think the "half eternity" is what the jewelry biz calls what I'm looking for?

I like the band up top but I'd rather not pay for stones/workmanship where it would be likely to get damaged and be uncomfortable.

Please tell me what your experiences/thoughts are!!!

 

[missy]

Aww thank you Junebug! I hope they look as beautiful on my ears.
Let us know what Grace says. My fingers are crossed for you!

You are very sensitive and intuitive. I didn't want to talk about my face and thank you so much for getting that Junebug. Thankfully it is relatively stable and not as bad as it had been a few months ago. That is my greatest fear right now that I will have an outbreak like I did in the autumn through winter where I really looked horrible.

David saw me today and was pleased and feels I have improved since he saw me 5 weeks ago (albeit slowly) and thinks I will continue to improve on the Oracea and wants to hold off on giving me Accutane right now due to the possible severe side effects. He said we have it in our back pocket if we need it and he promised me if I get worse he will get me in the next day and start me with Accutane. So basically I am trusting him enough to listen to him. He compared it to the Indiana Jones movie where Indiana Jones had to go off the cliff trusting there was a bridge there (or something like that as my memory of that movie is rusty so when David was making the analogy I got the gist of it lol). I have to trust David that the bridge will materialize.

OK I am done talking about my face again. He's not sure what the hives on my arms are but he isn't concerned. Not sure if it is a bug bite or just a hive though it has lasted a long while for a hive.

Jimmianne, haha your point is well taken and you are correct mademoiselle. Looking certainly does lead to buying hehe. I need to be careful seriously (perhaps I need to be tied to that mast along with Ulysses lol) because I felt sort of guilty even wanting those earrings for my birthday. I am working only 2 days a week and that is after 8 months of not working at all and well I am feeling unworthy of any jewelry purchases due to these facts. Sooo even if I fall in love with another piece of jewelry I must have the strength to just say NO.

HA, David said the same thing re the bike riding. He was like 5-10 miles would have been good your first day back haha. 5 miles, is he kidding? 5-10 miles isn't even worth getting the bike ready for IMO. A lot goes into getting our tandem ready to make sure it is road ready. No, a minimum of 40 miles is the very least we can do to make it a good day and of course my goal is 75 miles because we were doing that most days but I know it drives Greg crazy when I start setting goals like that. He just wants to enjoy the bike with me without all these goals. Can I help that I am very goal oriented? Do I need a 12 step program for cycle holics?

Seriously though I am going to just live in the moment and enjoy whatever cycling we get to do weather and energy permitting. Grateful to be back cycling!

Jimmianne, I just have to say I LOVE the new pics of JOY. Gorgeous. Thank you so much for taking them and we wouldn't hate it if you took another few dozen of her.


Kristie, No a full eternity is the WAY to GO IMO. I only like full eternities. No worrying about spinning and showing the stones. FULL ETERNITY is my vote. All the way! I will say though that some people prefer half eternities for the reasons you stated. Personally though they don't work for me because I would have to keep making sure the stones were showing and my bands tend to spin and I also like symmetry so I prefer full eternities for that reason.
That band you linked us to on First Dibs is very pretty!

Did you get those new cool sunglasses? Any pics?

*Roombie update, he is OK!!! A bit dented but OK! Jimmianne and Kristie know but for everyone else I did a bad thing yesterday. and accidentally dented Roombie when he went under my elliptical as I was working out. My fault completely. I was on the phone, working out with music playing and did not hear Roombie as he came into the room and well what happened next was not pretty. I heard a crunch and felt very very sick that I hurt sweet Roombie. But he is good as new and in fact he showed me today by going a full 2 hours without needing a charge. Go Roombie Go!


Callie, have fun today with your SIL and your BIL's gf.
Ovi, hoping your day went well and that you are home relaxing.
Marcy hope your day is going smoothly.

 

[azstonie]

LOL, re full eternity versus half eternity: Just as a I suspected: More is MORE

One thing is holding me off, well two really:
1. See the space in between the diamonds and the sapphs? Shouldn't the stones touch? Should they not? Maybe IRL you don't see the spaces as I do in the pics. Anybody?
2. If I spend this money and Bob and his bro DON"T get the estate settled by the end of August, I'll be out of $ for the GTG.

Missy, I think my glasses are gonna be cool: Octagons, TRUE octagons (not squished into rectangle-ish octagons) with Lindberg chassis of green temples with shine (I know shiny sounds too much but IRL they looked very good) and a gold bridge. I'm going to have the optician insert a couple of that spinel melee I showed awhile back into one lens in an upper or lower outer corner Why the heck not, I've been wondering what to do with it and I'll still have 20 left, haha.

They had a great selection of Maui Jim. I'm telling you, I'm sick and tired of spending @$700 to replace the lenses in sunglasses, it makes me think of wearing soft contact lenses again but I'm so danged lazy anymore...

 

[missy]

Hmm I see what you are saying Kristie. The stones don't appear to be uniformly spaced. Can you call the vendor to see how apparent this is IRL? It could also be the perspective of the photo i.e. the view the picture was taken from might be causing an optical illusion? I would call them and investigate.

As for the GTG I hear you. I will have no $$$ to spend either probably. If you find something you love now go for it because you can never predict when something you really love comes your way again.

And yes, I love what you wrote. More is MORE.


Ooh your octagon glasses are going to be so cool!
I LOVE your spinel melee addition. Cannot wait to see it.
As for Maui Jim I think they replace the lenses at a nominal fee. I never took them up on it but I believe that is the case. Oh I forgot you are talking about Rx lenses. Never mind. Though I wonder if they don't offer a good discount if you own their frames and want to replace lenses because they are scratched.