Now I really did it :((

[rainwood]

Missy, fingers remain crossed for Bobby. It's so great your sister is a vet and close enough for your cats to be her patients. You know you're getting excellent care and VIP (Very Important Pet) status! I admire your ability to go to these adoption events and not come back with another kitty. I'm not sure I could resist!

Marcy, can I come to your house for breakfast? Yum, although I'd pass on the eggs. I like to cook them for other people, but am unable to eat them (force fed them as a toddler by either a well-meaning but clueless or just plain mean nanny). And the peach muffins sound tasty.

Jimmianne, sounds like you've become the queen of the tractors already. It must be nice to get the lawns mowed on such a large scale. There's something so satisfying about being able to look out and see the results of all that hard work! And I love your idea of a ring where you could change the position of the head. Time to apply for a patent!

I came to the island on Saturday for a few days. We had such beautiful weather on Friday and Saturday, sunny and almost 70 degrees. It's been such a rainy winter that seeing the sun shine instantly improves the day. I had some friends over for dinner and decided to try out a couple of new recipes on them. Halibut season just started so I made fish tacos. They were supposed to be grilled, but I did them inside because I don't have the grill set up yet. It's a recipe from Cook's Country/America's Test Kitchen where you're supposed to make your own chili powder from arbol chiles and chipotle peppers. I was just going to use regular chili powder, but didn't have any (how could that be??) but had some dried chiles I bought at the farmer's market and ground them up in the food processor. Just breathing the air when I took the lid off caused my nose to practically catch fire!! Turns out they were called super chiles and are pretty hot, but it cleared up my allergies for awhile.

And the recipe calls for grilled pineapple salsa, but it's mango season so I used mangos instead. And for a side, I did a Mexican cole slaw that had jicama and radishes along with both regular and red cabbage with a cilantro lime yogurt viniagrette as the dressing. Everything came out delicious! Because I'm trying to be gluten-free for the moment, I put my tacos in butter lettuce instead of tortillas. I'd heard of that before, but hadn't done it until recently because I really love flour tortillas. Using lettuce is really tasty though and you can eat more tacos without feeling stuffed. I think romaine works a little better, but the butter lettuce looks prettier on the platter! It felt good to do some real cooking again. It's hard to get really excited about cooking for one, and even harder to try out new things because there are usually so many leftovers. I sent some of the cole slaw home with my friends. But I have two new recipes now for Cinco de Mayo.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

 

[marcy]

Rainwood, come on by. I’ve got lots of peach muffins to share. That is too bad you were forced to eat eggs as a kid. I am not a big egg fan and I am very allergic to chicken so I try to avoid eggs but eat maybe one on the weekend. It sounds like your dinner turned out great and how fun to catch up with some friends. Marty loves very spicy food. Isn’t it nice when something clears up your allergies for awhile? When I can breathe out of both sides of my nose I am excited. The weather at the islands sounds fabulous this weekend.

We ordered in small pizza for lunch so easy dishes. I am thawing out 2 of our mini cheesecakes for later.

Marty is heading out Tuesday. Those rabbits will have to deal with me. Ha!

 

[junebug17]

Hi everyone!

Missy, I'm relieved that the testing didn't show any abnormalities but I'm sorry he's having these liver enzyme issues. He's in good hands and I'm hoping Bobby is back to good health really soon. Hugs to you, I know all this uncertainty is stressful and I'm sending lots of healing dust to sweet Bobby. He is such a beautiful boy Sorry you're having such a rough time giving him his meds, I hope the liquid works better for you. As for the puncture, I've had good luck using a little bacitracin (OTC antibiotic ointment) and covering it with a band-aid for a few days. Also applying a little rubbing alcohol. I know you have allergies to a lot of products so this might not work for you but just thought I'd suggest it.

And thanks for the supportive and kind words - you're right, the important thing is I have my health, that counts for a lot - and dh is healthy too…Things are a little challenging right now but I also have a lot to be grateful for so I'm just trying to stay as positive as I can…and yes, take one day at a time!

I hope Bobby was doing well enough today so that you and Greg could get out for a while - I hope the Adoption fair went well and I hope lots of animals found loving homes today.

Rainwood, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with home care - again, it's comforting and encouraging to hear from someone who has had to deal with this issue. I'm a bit worried because we hired a home health care aide for my mother when she first came home from the rehab center after her stroke and it went very badly, she really resented having a caregiver and carried on about it to the point where we cancelled the service. She has declined quite a bit since then so I don't think she'll be as resistant and honestly, I really have no choice so she's going to have to make the best of it lol. I'm going to have to leave the house on occasion to run errands and go to appointments and she shouldn't be left alone. It sounds like you were able to find competent and caring people to help you and I'm hoping I will be as fortunate.

Wow, so nice that you had such beautiful weather this weekend! And your fish tacos sound really delicious, as well as your side dishes…your post made my hungry! I'm so glad you had an enjoyable time cooking and having dinner with friends, sounds like a really good time.

Marcy, it kind of makes sense that the company would hire someone who is already in Atlanta. I'm glad you had a nice dinner with people you enjoy being with. It's terrible when it's the opposite. Wow, sounds like you had some pretty nasty weather there for a bit. Your peach muffins sound SO good! I hope your teddy has been released by now - it would be very hard for me to keep quiet haha. And yay for shopping! Sounds like you bought some great things, sometimes it's really fun to buy stuff . And I completely agree - there is NO way you could not buy that wallet! It's adorable and it's like it was made just for you. Dh and I watched the Masters and oh my gosh poor Jordan Spieth really blew up, it was painful to watch (but did make things a little more interesting, I know, I'm bad).

Jimmianne, I totally get what you mean by the blunt look of the square version of the setting so I think I'm changing my vote lol! Sounds like it's challenging to get the hang of operating the tractor but you're doing very well, good luck with it and be careful. I guess we all have issues with those pesky ants on occasion, they have somehow managed to find their way to the second floor bathroom of my house :roll eyes: Thanks for your good wishes and support, (((hugs)))

Scandinavian, love the pic of your doggie holding her leash, thanks for the laugh! So cute.

Sweet dreams to you all, see you soon!

 

[Scandinavian]

Good morning from Scandinavia,
Crazy here today, because our 4 year old is sick, so I went to work early because I have to go home yearly. So I'll come back to you girls in the evening! Just wanted to check in and say that the weekend was wonderful and that I'm so relieved that they did not find anything too wrong with Bobby, Missy. Jimmianne, sorry about Sam!
All my best to you all!
S

 

[MarionC]

June, I wonder why our Moms are so resistant to help. Is your Mom of the "old school" where she would not dream of having help? or was she less resistant to help when she was more independent? I am wondering if we, who welcome help like cleaners now, will decide at the point when we CANNOT do things, that we don't want help lol

Scandi, sorry to hear your baby is sick, and that hopefully will be better in no time. It seems to be a kid's job to pick up every bug, yes?
Especially when they go to school and bring it all home for Mommy and Daddy. Glad you can get out for a bit.
How go the decor plans???

Marcy, yes, I agree. You make us all hungry! That pizza and cheesecake part of your post was written in big invisible red letters for me.
Should we think up some mischief while Marty is away??? You know you have terrific resources for plots & plans here

Missy, how long before you and Greg get the bike out?
I'm glad that you're such an advocate for kitties everywhere and hope that the adoption events are very successful. I just had a crazy idea that you could have signs with adoption info on your bike - license tags or something. Actually it WAS a crazy idea - you & Greg in kitty suits AND a sign. haha Maybe there should be a kitty adoption bike event. Go TIgers!

Today is my French lesson [then lunch with DD!].
I am like a cup with a hole in it. I pour in words and phrases daily and they go right out the holes. But I give myself a small pat on the back, as 10 months ago I spoke no French at all and now I sort of kind of get a few things. I think of David Sedaris' book - Me Speak Pretty Someday. yes.
Remember that old house I signed a contract for last August? We are closing in the next two weeks!
Remind me to never bank with Bank of America. I was assured that I could buy the property so it would not go into foreclosure. BUT They turned the whole thing into a short sale [foreclosure] because the mortgage holder lacked minor funds due to hidden fees. The real estate agent even dropped his fee to get this thing done. We just needed to get my neighbors out of their mess, and I feel certain BOA with their nick-picking & time wasting spent more than they made and made us all go through unnecessary hoops and hassle.
Sounds like a law firm...Hoops & Hassle.

Happy Monday to all "My" NIRDIs. "My NIRDIs", the sequel to "As the NIRDIs Turn"!
What is turning today?

 

[Scandinavian]

Reading you - my favourite newspaper - for lunch

Re decor plans: Bedroom inspiration picture:



Just ordered a new bed today, because threw out the old one on a whim last night.. so had to sleep on a matrass, so my DH "suggested" that I ordered a new one with short delivery time, lol. Just a standard looking "continental" one, no headboard, will wait for the new house for that LOL

EDIT: Missy, how is Bobby? Best wishes and hope he feels better!
Jimmianne: Who what where when how etc - house?? Sounds like an exiting story, please tell it (again) if you have the time

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Marcy, love that cute clutch you bought with Snoopy on it. Perfectly precious and fits with your theme.
Sorry Marty missed out on his Sunday tee time due to weather but yes he made the smart decision. I will never forget the time we were assaulted by hail (and rain and thunder and lighting) when out on our tandem in 2006 or 2007. It was NOT fun and also not safe. That hail hurts like heck and I had some bruises that lasted a long while even though we ran for cover immediately once the hail made itself known.

Yay for good purchases and saving money. 20% off the soup bowls... sweet. And yay to holding more soup. 10 oz is tiny for soup. Glad you upgraded those. But boo to cutting into your sapphire upgrade money and here's hoping you replenish that very soon!

I don't love violent shows so Hateful Eight sounds like something I should avoid though we just binge watched American Odyssey on Netflix and that was pretty violent. It was a decent series (not great though) and I just looked away at the violent parts. We finished season 1 in 2 days. Of course I was online much of that time being ADD and all. LOL.

Marcy, please save some of those mini cheesecakes and peach muffins for me. Pretty please.
Why is it that everything that tastes so darn yummy is so darn bad for my face. Pizza included.


Rainwood, I am so glad you got to go to your beach house these past few days and enjoyed beautiful weather.
Sunny days lift my mood too and it makes the world of difference. That is why I often dream about moving someplace where it is more sunny than not because let's face it the NE is just not sunny most of the time. Luck of the draw where one is born and I am reluctant to move away from my family and friends. We are such a small family anyway that leaving would be traumatic I think and we just couldn't move away from my parents while they are with us. Goodness knows they are never leaving this area.

Your fish taco variation on the Cook's Country recipe sounds delicious! I cannot have the taco shell either but I could have that butter lettuce or Romaine lettuce instead as the wrap. And I love mango salsa and homemade coleslaw too. Good going and I am pleased for you that it was such a delicious success! Greg loves Cook's Illustrated which I believe is part of the same company as America's Test Kitchen/Cooks Country.
Yay for new Cinco de Mayo recipes.
Greg and I sometimes use Cinco do Mayo as an excuse for bling buying for me. Ha perhaps this will be another blingy Cinco de Mayo for me.

LOL I was tempted to bring all the sweet dogs and cats home yesterday but while Bobby is not well I would not adopt anybody. Cannot risk introducing anything more germ wise to Bobby right now. OMG they were so cute yesterday and they had lots of dogs too. More on that below.


Junie, thank you. I am adding more pics of Bobby below- one taken last night and one early this morning predawn. He is a good looking boy and he knows it. Just like HRH Francesca. I guess we spoil them but isn't that the point? I mean they deserve all the best and all the love and care we can given them.

I am sorry how stubborn your mom can be (the older they get the worse it is and I fully expect we will all be somewhat difficult like that as we age though hoping we are not lol) and I am hoping she likes her new health care assistant so it won't be an issue at all for you or her. Thank you for your first aid recommendations.

I might have missed it but did you say you are going to the beach house for Memorial Day weekend? Can you believe we are practically there already.

Jimmianne, I still prefer the diagonal setting I think. It fits better IMO though I do like both of them and think you cannot go wrong. Especially with Tony making the setting. Wow I cannot believe how long it took for you to close on that old house. OMG and thank goodness you are done with that now. Now the fun begins.

You should be proud of all you have accomplished with learning French. Amazing! How is your accent. I know I am hopeless with that and if I spoke French it would be with my NY accent for sure. I bet you have mastered the accent. Enjoy lunch with your DD today and congrats on the closing. Hoops and Hassle LOL. I love Hoops and YoYo so not sure I like a law firm that reminds me of them but that would be a funny name. Haha.

Not sure when we are going out on the bike. It is late for us this year as we usually have a few rides under our belts by now. With my health issues and the weather not really cooperating it hasn't worked out this year yet. I am looking forward to going as the first ride of the year is always the hardest after many months of no outdoor cycling and would like to get that over with so we can begin to enjoy the cycling season but I am not rushing it. This year I do not feel a pressure to prove myself (to myself) and don't feel the need to break our previous record of the year before. Trying to remember if we did about 4200 miles last year I think or it could have been a bit more. Will have to check on that. But for some reason I don't feel the pressure I usually do to break the previous year's record so we can start when conditions are good and we feel like it. We also have lots of family things coming up the last few weeks in April and in some in May too which will make a weekend beach house trip impossible unfortunately but we cannot do anything about that. Dad's birthday, Passover, Mother's Day etc.

Oh my, I am sorry Sam got hurt and glad he is better now. So scary. Please hug and kiss him from his Aunt Missy and King Puff too please.



Scandinavian, I am sorry you sweet 4 year old is sick! Sending lots of healing dust your baby's way. And (((HUGS))).
Love your inspiration bedroom. Beautiful and just my taste.
Bobby seems to be doing OK thanks. He is eating his liquid med hidden in food and treats and so far so good. Sometimes he leaves some of the food over but he is getting most of the med and it is less traumatic for him this way. I ordered pill pockets for cats last night on Amazon and it should be here by tomorrow night and I will try putting the pill in that to see if that works well. But if not I will continue putting the liquid Flagyl on his food mixed with treats so we have options.


The adoptalooza yesterday was great. Huge turnout and so many animals got adopted.
The weather cooperated though a bit chilly it was sunny the whole day. Such precious rescues. Of course I wanted them all but managed to escape temptation. For now.
Sharing a couple of adoptalooza pics from yesterday. We only went for 2 hours because we didn't want to leave Bobby home alone for more time than that though he seemed fine. No taking chances. Sharing 2 pics of Bobby below. First one from yesterday when we got back and were hanging out on the couch and last one fresh from this morning in the pre dawn. Isn't he a sweet baby?


Enjoy this Monday girls and hope this is a good week for everyone!

 

[Scandinavian]

Hello
I'm so far behind I have no idea where to begin.. lol.

Dinner at the restaurant was very nice! The owner / head chef was walking past when I was trying to take pictures, so I said something about how nice blabla, and he stopped to talk for like 10 min and by the time he left I forgot about the pictures. Sorry

Birthday dinner for my friend / at our friends on Saturday was also perfect She had even made the birthday cake herself to be sure that it was gluten free because she did not trust the bakery. Nice of her.

Our little one is a bit better now. Hope he can go to the kindergarten tomorrow... (Bad mother)

I wish I could go vegan like you Missy, but I just get so hungry... I need a lot of protein to function properly and don't get too hungry (and eat a lot of crap..) and I have no idea how I would ever get enough protein without fish and meat. So I try to make sure that we eat organic food, and that all the animals have had a happy-run-free-and-enjoy-the-sun life. Not ideal, but that is where I am right now. It's difficult to get fresh fish where we are living, but at the summerhouse and the seaside cottage, the fish is very fresh At home, I try to tell the children that the fish is just as good when it is frozen.. I'm not really a big fish fan, but we try to eat fish a couple of times a week. I often call scallops, shrimps, crab, crayfish etc for fish.. you get the idea, lol.

Re decor, I will keep the blue kitchen cabinet idea. I just have to try it out, I was talking to a friend on Saturday, and she knows me really well. She pointed out that I will always regret it if I do not try the blue colour, and always wonder what it would look like. So one blue kitchen to go, please, lol. We can always have it repainted if it is a total disaster, it is made in solid wood so no worries.

Talking about sinks for the kitchen: I also love the huge farm sink versions! We have one now, actually, but that one is from Ikea. So we need a new one If any of you have any suggestions, please share!

Junebug, thank you for your support re the colours. I need it. So scary.
I think you are doing a very good job caring for all your family members! You are keeping your nose above the water, and that is all that counts!! And please do not worry about getting older. You are not old in any way shape or form! You are a true sweetheart and you (obviously, as your nose is still above water in spite of a lot of water) have a lot of energy! Maybe your children could help out a little? Turn the burden around so to speak? I know from experience that being 20ish is not the time when you are necessarily most focused on helping others, because life can be hard enough as it is, but I also think maybe then it is good to have something else to focus on than yourself.. (I'm putting my nose in everybody's business, sorry, I mean well even if I'm trampling around like an elephant).

Rainwood, I totally understand what you mean about liking the eclectic minimalistic look without too many things. My grandmother had so many little trinkets that I felt that I might drown a few years ago. So I talked her into throwing away most of them, convinced her it was the only way she could keep buying new ones, lol. For our "new" house, the plan is that the room should be big enough to "tolerate" a bit of furniture without looking overwhelmed. We shall see...

Marcy, the dinner at the restaurant was a 10 course adventure. Just had to tell you that Thank you for the Curby story, you made me laugh, sorry.. Maybe you should by a fox to scare the rabbits a bit... Construction work is bad at all hours of the day and should be punishable before 9 in the morning.. !

Funny you should mention Silestone counters Missy, we have been considering that material for the kitchen sink. We have it in black in our mountain cabin, it really is impossible to stain/brake/etc. Bobby is so beautiful btw, the eyes are so alive.

Jimmianne, LOL police bear! I hate ants. We had a lot of them at our seaside cabin - they had their morning and evening hike right across the dining table when we bought the place - before we fixed everything (as in now brand new). I think it is really cool that you drive a tractor! Thank you for the sun screen recommendation. I use a lot of sun screen and I'm always looking for new ones to try out. Right now I love this one http://www.pcaskin.com/daily-care-products/broad-spectrum-spf/weightless-protection-broad-spectrum-spf-45-3.html But there is probably something scare in this one also, but for my skin it works perfectly - read: no break outs.

Peach muffins sounds like a true dream come true Marcy. I might be moving soon...

Jimmianne, I like the left side version of the ring best. Probably because it feels "safer" and I'm not a big risk taker when it comes to jewlery. For me, it is easier to visualise how it will turn out compared to the other which might be more artistic?

The adoptalooza sounds like a wonderful idea Missy, you are a good girl (wife) to not take home a lot of cats

Marcy, sorry about your sapphire upgrade money, but Snoopy is very cute! Tell Marty we're happy he did not get the job, because then you would have to move and would have less time for talking to us.

Rainwood, your Island in the sun sounds wonderful! Mangos are so tasty! I'm gluten free to (not by choice) and we have taco's the same way! All taco is good taco, LOL. I know the problems with leftovers - not - we always eat everything. Maybe that's the problem.. Re eggs, I like eggs but I hate playing the piano. I wanted to stop a few good years before my mother would let me (because my great grandmother bought me a piano so she was afraid that she would be sad if I stopped playing).

Missy, sounds like a lot of family things in April. But May will come soon

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Junebug, very good idea to focus on one day at a time and yes be kind to yourself. I hope you do find a care giver that both you and your mom really like. A lot of them I’ve met here are really nice. They have peach muffins at Perkins and we always go there with a crowd after the astronomy meeting. They are huge there so I made civilized portion sized for me. I am very anxious to get my Snoopy wallet. Marty got the shipping notice today. Yes Jordan Spieth did really blow it yesterday and I am sure he was very unhappy. It did make the Masters more interesting. Oh no for ants on the second floor of your house.

Scandinavian, I hope your 4 year old is feeling better tonight. Yea for ordering a new bed. It sounds like you had a couple of nice dinners with your friends. The 10 course dinner sounds really fun. That is a lot of food. Your friend has a point that you’d always wonder about your blue kitchen if you didn’t try it. I think it will look great. I was just telling Marty tonight while I was doing dishes if we ever replaced our sink I want one large one. Sadly the double sinks are different lengths so it wouldn’t fit our countertop. No problem laughing at my curby story - I get teased a lot about it. It doesn’t bother me. I’ll save a peach muffin for you too.

Jimmianne, I know my mom was very stubborn thinking she could do everything she always did. She was very withdrawn and depressed the last few years but wouldn’t ask for help. Good idea to help me plan mischief while Marty is gone. He claims he is taking all of his rabbits on his trip. I hope you learned something new in French class today and I know you enjoyed lunch with your DD. That is great you are closing on that house and property in a few weeks. What a headache and hassle with BOA - I am glad it got resolved.

Missy, getting pelted with hail is painful. My mom had lots of flowers and we’d all run out and either move or cover her plants when it starting hailing. Such adventures. The 10 oz soup bowls are 9” wide but the lip is easily over an inch of it. Marty make himself a big salad and can’t get it in there. Poor design. I’ve got plenty of muffins and cheesecakes so come on by. The Teddies would be thrilled. Sounds like you saw lots of cute cats and dogs yesterday. They are all very cute in your pictures. It seems to me like you got up to about 4500 miles. We found a notebook in my dad’s shop - he kept track of how many miles he did on snow machines and also how many miles they drove on their annual vacations. Very cool to see that total. I am glad to hear Bobby is eating some and doing okay. Poor little kitty.

Poor Marty didn’t sleep last night he was very wasted when I got up. I thought he was at the gym so I disarm the alarm remotely and you hear this big beep, come to the kitchen and flip on the lights, get ice out of the door - make all sorts of noise. He’d moved to one of the other bedrooms sometime last night.

Work continues to live up to it’s name. I was short 2 employees today and of course one of them NEVER has their work done in time, then it’s some family emergency and everyone else has to do it for her. The other girl got picked for jury duty.

Marty made tacos for supper. They were so tasty I ate 3 of them instead of my usual 2. I have enough left for 3 lunches too. Sweet.

Have a great evening and Tuesday.
Marcy

 

[Scandinavian]

Good morning from Scandinavia

Back at work as always, but today its a good thing, because it means that our youngest is in the kindergarten again He was ok this morning (I think..) but I keep jumping every time the phone rings because I think they are going to call to ask me to pick him up.. Oh well. I'll probably bee sick soon too, the children catch everything and then I get sick also. Its starting to get better, so I have probably had every kind of flu out there and so I'm starting to be immun.
Bought a new coffee machine yesterday, because the other one broke, and I'm not willing to survive without coffee.. So I just bought a small Nespresso version on the way home - problem solved

The sun it up today - a beautiful day! What am I doing inside???? Should be out there in the sun. But we're taking Friday off for a last skiing trip before the snow is gone, so I will have to work today

S

 

[missy]

Good morning girls! It is a rainy dreary morning here which is par for the course (hahaha Marcy par ) because today is a doctor's day for me.

Marcy, yay your Snoopy wallet has shipped! We just received our bicycle art shoes I ordered last week. Matching shoes (not exactly the same however) for Greg and me hahaha. He was good with that. Are we one of those I love you shmoopy No I love you shmoopy couples? LOL. Anyway we just got them delivered last night and Greg put his on immediately so cute. I haven't yet taken pics but here's a pic from the website. Cute no? I just need Greg to make mine comfortable in the back as it feels like it is rubbing against my achilles heel. My feet are super sensitive and I am sure that comes as a surprise to no one here LOL.

I am not a sneaker person at all but when I saw these I couldn't resist. They were made by artists from all over and are limited editions. Our bicycle shoe was made by a MA based artist Alix. Here's the description.

There’s nothing like the feeling of riding your bike on a deserted city block, deep into the night—it feels like the world is yours. That’s the inspiration behind Night Ride, the BucketFeet shoe designed by Alix Marson, a Cambridge, MA based artist

Romantic right?

Men's version:
The men's version is lace up whereas the women's version is a slip on shoe/sneaker.








Women's version:













I'm sorry Marty didn't sleep well last night. How lucky you have another bedroom he can retreat to so as not to disturb you. Sorry 2 of your employees were out yesterday Marcy and I sure hope today is a smoother and easier day at work. Glad you enjoyed tacos for dinner and have enough leftover for 3 lunches. That *is* sweet. Hoping Marty is feeling better and that today is a good day.

Scandinavian, so glad your 4 yo is almost all better and well enough to go to school. How much fun you have a last hurrah for the season ski weekend planned. Well worth working harder right now to take Friday off and sending lots of well dust your way so you don't catch what your son had. Enjoy your sunny days!


Callie, enjoy that manicure and pedicure and hoping you find shoes for your nieces wedding very soon. TTYL.

Kristie, how did yesterday's shower door installation go? I conked out before I could ask you. Hoping it all went smoothly.

Hey Junie, thinking of you.
And LLJsmom too. Tax season just a few more days though I am sure you have people who filed extensions but hopefully the hectic rush is almost over.

Good morning Jimmianne. How was lunch with your DD yesterday? Any asscher updates for us?

Hi Rainwood, hoping you are enjoying your week and thinking of you.


Have a good day girls. I have an appointment with David today and am not looking forward to it for a few reasons. He never returned my 2 messages to him. One via nurse and one via email so I am discouraged about that and feeling badly he ignored me like I am getting to be too much of a problem. Makes me sad and also a bit scared feeling I don't have him by my side with my derm issues. And second of all concerned just because I have run out of treatment options it seems...

OK hoping you all have a lovely day!

 

[Scandinavian]

Marcy, forgot to say that I really hope your work day will be better today!

Missy, I do not think your doctor is sick of you. I simply think that he is feeling like he does not do a good enough job and does not have the right answers for you, and so he behaves like a man and puts his head in the sand - correction - not man - ostrich. No worries beautiful. You will work it out somehow. The road can be confusing and annoying, but it is still a road! Sending you lots and lots of good luck Wibes!

 

[MarionC]

I had the best day yesterday!
My French lesson was fun as my instructor suggested we continue the non-language conversation outside the classroom. He is a total history buff and we easily get off topic because I find European history so fascinating.
Then with DD - I was miserable & not knowing what to say because I think she does not want me taking up even a half-day of her one-on-one time with FI in France. So I explained my thoughts, got positive reassurance and ended up having an excellent time with her.
When I got home, all my Amazon orders had arrived - new art pen, turquoise ink, oil pastels, & a big watercolor sketch book.
Then I was contacted & visited by a new horse sitter and she turned out to be very competent. Like my regular sitter, this is all she does for a living.[My regular sitter is in Italy half of June, and with a 40 year-old horse I have to be very choosy about who takes on the care here.] As Missy knows, if a OTT good sitter can't come, I don't travel.
I wore Joy yesterday - is she a good luck charm?
Now today rainy with the farrier coming to trim hooves.

Love the Snoopy wallet! and the bike shoes. Are we having a fashion trend of *CUTE*?!

 

[junebug17]

Hi everyone!

Missy, love the pic from the adoption fair, very happy that a lot of animals were adopted - It is so nice that you and Greg lend your support to these events. I'm happy to hear that Bobby seems to be feeling ok and I so hope he continues doing well - I love his little pink nose I'm glad to hear the liquid medicine is working better for you (and Bobby!), less traumatic for sure.

Yes, we're going to the beach Memorial Day weekend - but it won't exactly be relaxing - we're hosting dh's family. I know we bought the house to be able to accommodate more guests so it seems dumb for me to say that I'm not really looking forward to it, but in my slight defense it's a lot of people - there will be a total of 13 of us. I'm sure it will be fine once I'm there but I guess with everything else going on it's just hard for me to be up for entertaining that many people. In hindsight I wish I had told dh to hold off on doing something like this right now, but these arrangements were made before my mother was coming to live with us and he's been so wonderful about the whole situation with my mother that I felt the least I could do is be supportive of this reunion.

Love the new sneakers, they're great! I sympathize with how they rub your heel, I have that problem a lot with shoes as well and I hope you can break them in so that they're more comfortable.

I hope your derm appointment goes well - sorry to hear David never got back to you, I know it helps to feel like you have an ally in dealing with your skin issues. I'm hoping he is supportive today and makes you feel that he is on your side.

Scandinavian, glad your little one is feeling better. I love your inspiration bedroom pic, really lovely I think you are making the right call on the blue cabinets, you seem to really like them and as you said you can always change them later on. I couldn't survive without coffee either so I completely understand buying a new coffee maker immediately. Right now my son is living at home and I'm sure he'll give me a hand with my mother, and I know my husband will as well. But they both work so I will be the one with my mother most of the time by myself and that's why I feel I'm going to need some extra help. So glad to hear you are getting away this weekend for some final skiing! I'm sending lots of healthy good thoughts to you that you don't come down with what your son had!

Jimmianne, in my mother's case I think it's more that she wasn't comfortable with a stranger in the house and wasn't interested in having a companion, which this caregiver tried to be. And yes, she is definitely old school! I'm sure it's very difficult for a person to give up their independence and acknowledge that they need help and have to rely on others; I do wonder how I'll handle it if/when the time comes. Congratulations on the closing, must feel good to finally have it settled, I'm so sorry it turned into such a long and drawn-out process. So glad you had such a great day! The french lesson sounds like it was fun. It's wonderful that you shared your feelings with dd and she was able to reassure you - such a good example of how beneficial it is to share our feelings with others. I'm glad to hear you wore Joy, she is so beautiful and I'm sure it was great to watch her sparkle. I haven't been wearing rings very much lately but I wore my OEC yesterday and it made me happy lol. I'm going to start wearing my rings more, they seem to cheer me up.

I'm really happy you found a good horse sitter, it must be a huge relief to you! And have fun with your new art supplies! I've been feeling a faint urge to paint recently and I'm going to give it a try and see what happens.

Marcy, thanks for your support, it's encouraging that you've met nice home health aides and I'm really hoping I can find someone who can be a support system for me. I'm sorry your mother had such a rough time those last few years - I think my mother is depressed too and she is becoming more withdrawn as well. Hard to see it happen but at the same time it's also hard to change it.

I felt so badly for Jordan Speith! Can you imagine how hard it was for him to have to put the green jacket on Danny Willet? But he's very young and very talented so I'm sure he will win a lot more tournaments throughout his career.

Sorry for the issues with your employees, it seems like it's always something at work for you lately. Here's hoping the rest of the week goes more smoothly for you.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Scandinavian, I hope your little one is doing better tonight. Yay for a sunny day and looking forward to Friday.

Missy, I think it’s cute you and Greg are going to having nearly matching shoes. Nothing wrong with being a shmoopy couple. Those are absolutely awesome shoes. They are perfect for you guys. Did you ever see Naked Gun 33 1/3? We use a line from there a lot. “This is our hill and these are our beans”. It’s just kind of silly. Marty did get some sleep and took of for his 2 conventions today. Our guest rooms are on the opposite side of the house so it makes it nice is we have company or one of us can’t sleep. I hope your derm appointment went well and you cleared up why he didn’t get back to you. How is Bobby today? There is a thread about a lady who has a small engagement ring and some rude comments she’s received about it. When I upgraded my ering to a 1/2 carat AGS0 and got a new wedding set my MIL saw it and said “We couldn’t afford anything nice until our 25th anniversary”. Of course I was thrilled with my shiny new diamond and ring but that’s my MIL for you.

Jimmianne, I am glad you had a wonderful day yesterday. How cool to have a lovely conversation with your French teacher about Europe. I am delighted you and your DD had a heart to heart talk and you came home feeling relieved and reassured. Good deal. Then you get home your treasures arrived from Amazon. What a deal and Joy came out to brighten your day. Sweet. Marty spent his time on the plan drawing with his Apple pencil. He is really enjoying it for sketching.

Junebug, I hope the family reunion at the beach house ends up being fun. I usually dread big get togethers at our house too but then I usually end up enjoying myself. Glad to hear your enjoyed your OEC yesterday and it cheered you up. Your beautiful rings will hopefully always brighten your day. Yes it is so hard to see our mom’s withdraw. You mentioned before you mom will talk a little bit more to other people. My mom was like that too. Sadly there isn’t much we can do to change it just continue to be there and talk to them. I am sure Jordan Spieth will win more tournaments. I saw one picture of him putting the jacket on Willett and he didn’t look real happy. My employees are decent and care but I just don’t have one that excels.

As I mentioned Marty was heading out today and I locked up his cell phone this morning. He’d left it by the bed and the alarm kept going off. I kept hitting the home button and since he opens it with his thumb print it locked him out and then he couldn’t remember the numeric code to open it. He finally remembered it which saved my life I am sure.

Work was awful today. Sorry to complain about it again. I ended up working until about 7. Two of my employees didn’t finish their work that we would be going over in the morning so that means reports wouldn’t pull correctly and we would need to do a lot of things by hand. So I stayed and finished their days for them. It took me about 70 minutes total. I am faster than they are but honestly they both have been their long enough they have no excuse to be so slow.

I impatiently waited to do my updates for tomorrow, I am about 4th in that chain and had to wait for those ahead of me to do their work first.

I always tell my boss if I’m quitting I am taking my work bears with me. When I got ready to leave I had on my coat, had my purse, lunch kit and the 2 bears over my arms. I went and said “see ya”. He laughed.

Turns out that department they didn’t give me was a good thing. What a mess that department is right now. I am sure with time it will get better but that’s a few months out.

Have a great evening and day tomorrow.
Marcy

 

[Scandinavian]

Good late morning from Scandinavia

I got a Stockfleeths coffee (large soy latte extra warm to go please ) on my way to work today - yippi LOL.
The little things in life can be nice too. I will try to be a good girl and do my job efficiently today. Have been not so good lately, to many distractions and extra work with the house project. They say that they are coming with the timber on Monday 25, so only 2 weeks to go now before we can see some real progress. And I look forward to the trip to Grand Canaria a little too much, so I keep buying summer dresses, lol, how many can you use during a long weekend?? Well, so far I think 10? Breakfast for 4 days, dinner for 3 days, lunch for 3 days. A girl can not be seen in the same thing twice now can she??? LOL LOL LOL. Luckily my dresses don't take too much space in the suitcases, they fold up nicely (I hope). I love to dress up in something other than work clothes, and I don't often have the opportunity, so I'm going to make the most of it. I told the couple that we are going with that I needed 10 new dresses, and the man just looked terrified because his wife looked so pleased with the idea, lol. I'm not really buying a lot of new dresses, just a couple. I have quite enough white summer dresses as it is.. Sorry for the ranting. I'm in a good mood today. I bought this one on Friday, what do you think? http://us.maje.com/en/spring-collection/rimani/E16RIMANI.html?dwvar_E16RIMANI_color=0101#start=7 It is allowed not to like it! The skirt is a bit more full in real life I think. (I shop too much, I know, but its soon summer and it is so nice outside with a bit of sun )

Missy, the shoes are adorable and I really like the quote I think the shoes are a good match without being too much. Just don't top it off with matching "barbeque suits" as we call them here, LOL. A "barbeque suit" is basically a 80s version of a sweatpants+matching jumper in some artificial material that is semi shiny - do you know the kind I mean? Here, some of the people who like to go camping in caravans (using them as stationary cabins mostly) like to barbeque in this kind of clothes - and after a few TV shows from such camping sites, the "suit" became famous, LOL. Back to the point: Based on experience from watching TV, I do not think the look would suit you and Greg. So please drop the matching barbeque suits! LOL.

The shoes look comfortable, but I too have very sensitive feet, I normally put a Compedee bandaid on my feet when I have new shoes. (I like ballerinas from Chole and Repetto, they are soft If you have not tried them, I really recommend them.
https://www.net-a-porter.com/no/en/product/642254/chloe/lauren-suede-ballet-flats
http://www.repetto.com/en/shoes/women/ballerinas/cendrillon.html)

Missy, how did your appointment go yesterday? I hope the dermatologist was nice!?

Jimmianne, your day sounds just wonderful! Wish all days were like that one! And I *do* think that French teacher of yours really like you I started smiling from you not traveling if you can't find a good horse sitter. I'm like that too with my dog. We schedule all our vacations around when we can find the best babysitter for her - only three people are considered "good enough" so it takes some planning, lol. But I love horses! I used to practice dressage and show jumping (right expression?) when I was younger, for something like 10-12 years I was quite good, now I'm probably horrible, lol. But I'll come and babysit them any time I'm very happy you had a good talk with your DD!

June, I'm glad to hear that your son will be helping out a bit. And regardless of how much help you have from family, I think it is a really good idea (essential and necessary also) to get some extra help! I think it will allow you to continue to lead *your* life, and not just be concerned and worried and feeling guilty every time you need / want to do something that takes you away from the house. Also, I think it will be good for your mother when she gets used to the idea. I must be boring to "just sit there" so she should be pleased to have someone around!! Here, most people can not afford that kind of help. The government offers a few hours per week of "home nurse care" to those who really need it, but mostly people are stuck in a nursing home when they are not able to live alone in their home any more. (Nursing homes are free of charge once you really need to be there). However, someone my parents knew had 4 nurses living in 4 apartments in the house full time, his legs were paralyzed after a stroke or something like that and he needed help 24/7 so he hired 4 nurses and was very happy that he could stay at home

I love big parties at our house, but maybe not if it is all family..

Marcy, you are wonderful! I always laugh at your stories! My DH is so attached to his phone (work mails) that he would have had a heart attack if I locked it. I did threaten to put it on the grill once... lol... but as it was my birthday and the clock was approaching midnight, I think a court would have acquitted me... I hear you re slow employees / co workers. So annoying. The only thing that is perhaps more annoying is when someone does it really quick just to be able to be finished, and then the quality is so hopeless that you have to do everything all over again. MILs can be difficult. I'm very grateful that my DH has a good relationship with my family. I plan to be the best MIL in the world if/when I get the chance. I'll buy good presents and be very quiet But that was a bit rute of her to not say anything nice about your ring! And such things are really important to a person and has a lot of feelings attached, so she should have known better.

Missy, how are things working out at work with the new office etc?

Hope you will all have a wonderful day!

 

[missy]

Good morning girls! I am running quite late this morning b/w Bobby being finicky with his food (I think adding the liquid med to his food is not a good idea anymore as he has figured it out lol) and just so much to do this morning. Wanted to say good morning however and share my updates with you and catch up with what is going on with you girls.

Junie, I totally get how you feel about hosting your dh's family and yes that is a large number of people to have staying at your beach house. But I know ultimately you will enjoy it though yes it might be a bit hectic and stressful while you are planning and getting ready for it. However I think you will end up having a good time with everyone. And never doubt it for a second-that you are a supportive and loving wife! (((HUGS))).

Jimmianne, so glad you found a wonderful horse sitter! And glad that you are enjoying your French lessons so much and yay for a good DD lunch the other day. All good things to hear and I am happy for you.


Marcy, phooey on your MIL and YAY on your upgrade. Of course I know that no matter the size of the diamond it is the love and devotion and caring of the SO that matters. But we do enjoy our diamonds don't we.

I am so sorry work was awful yesterday (another bear or should I say killer rabbit of a day ) and that you had to stay late in addition. Please never worry about venting here. That's what this thread was made for remember? I hope today is a better day and that your employees start doing their jobs correctly and stop making extra work for you. Glad you didn't get that other department position OMG what a pain that would have been for sure.


Scandinavian, thank you so much for that blister bandage recommendation. That is something like what Greg was going to make for me on my shoes and perhaps I will order your rec instead. There are so many choices and that is what put me a bit behind this AM trying to research them lol. I haven't ordered anything yet because I am paralyzed with indecision. LOL. Even a small thing like this.

Haha I never wear sweatpants in public! Or even sneakers for that matter so these shoes should be interesting to wear. I am more often dressed less casually but that is just my style. I abhor sweatpants in public. Just a pet peeve of mine.

Love that you are getting all these new dresses for your trip and you can never have too many. Just look in my closet haha. Love those ballet flats you linked us to. I have lots of ballet flats in my shoe wardrobe as well. Just not sure how comfortably I can wear them after my accident but I will see soon enough. I love how feminine and smart looking they are. I also have sensitive feet and that is a problem with shoes. I either wear my SW boots or sandals or ballet flats but have not really worn the ballet flats since my accident as they are not as supportive but hoping this season I will be able to wear them comfortably.


OK update from yesterday. David was actually pleased with my skin but I guess I am more critical than he is about my skin. He said if I ever need an appointment not already scheduled to call his office manager who knows we are friends (his word not mine!) and she will get me in next day. Color me skeptical but we shall see. Anyway he doesn't like Accutane for me at all and wants me to start topical Retin-A but to dilute it with 3 parts my moisturizer and 1 part Retin-A. Problem is my health insurance company is not making this easy so waiting a week or so to see if the pre-authorization is successful or not. What a pain and I am tempted to buy it from a Canadian pharmacy but Greg wants me to see if this process in the USA goes through. I am frustrated with our crappy insurance plan especially because my dh's firm is self insured but uses Cigna as the gate keeper.

Also David said continue the Carafate before the Oracea and I asked him if he thought it was a good idea to take Oracea qod to see if that keeps my skin in check and he liked that idea. We will see if that is sufficient because I would like to take the minimum dose due to the sxs I am experiencing though none of us sure if it is a side effect of the med or not.

Anyway that is my quick update. Thank you all for your continued support and love and right back at ya. (((HUGS))).

 

[MarionC]

Marcy, Marty's Apple pencil - what is that?! I will look it up.

Re: you, your ring and your MIL. What is it about them? lol When I showed my Mother mine, she said "what a cute little thing" .
But perhaps they had lost the ability to see beyond size. My current 0.60 is so pretty just the size she is.
One thing I love to do is compliment women on their diamonds. Sometimes they just say thank - but often I will get a close-up view with the whole story. Our secret bling sisters. If someone compliments mine I often hand it over for them to try on. At the orthodontist I trade rings for a bit with the assistant while I am in the chair.
There is an older woman in my social group who has very small diamonds, but they are so beautiful you can get diamond fever from 10 feet away. I always think how lovely that someone loved her enough to buy her the best.

I started to realize the my new asscher setting looks a little like a spaceship. I've been drawing designs for the side view that are more UFO-like

Scandi, you are making me laugh with your talk of the barbecue suits. I think that is EXACTLY what Missy & Greg need - right Missy?
oh! I did dressage as well and was passionate for about the same amount of time. My dressage horse is standing around getting fat. As my bone density decreased I became less bold and he is too huge to fall from with good outcome, so he is retired. You can come ride anytime! His name is Je Ne Sais Quoi, but I call him Pom : )

June, I do think wearing our rings cheers things up. Let's make a pact to wear our bling and let it remind us that the sunny side of life is the place to be.
Will you post photos? and share the sunlight?
Everyone? I would love to see some bling photos here. maybe with a little background story?

I just read that one of the ways of being happy is to recall a happy time : )

Here is Joy saying hi [next to the first OEC Grace sent]. It was beautiful but not quirky & somehow did not reach my heart. Moody Joy made me so happy. I need to take her on a field trip with a camera.

first try [when Missy told me to take my time. I thought I should love it because it was a pretty stone, but I didn't feel a thing]:

Joy [when I saw her photo on the website I asked Grace - does she really look like that?!?! and Grace laughed] The stone looks different every time you take a photo, and I had to take about 200 shots before I understood how to get it to express it's performance a little:


Missy, there we go posting at the same time again! I'm glad David thinks things are looking better. I started back on the lowest dose of the same thing and got a little too enthusiastic. Used it three days in a row and got burned, so the dilution and very slow going sounds good. Yes, I do not see you as a sweatpants & old sneakers girl. There ought to be a law again baggy sweat pants. YOU could wear them well, but in general they do not look too nice when you see people wearing them in public. Happy Day, Queen Bee!

 

[Scandinavian]

Jimmianne, Je Ne Sais Quoi - brilliant!

Missy, tretinoin can be really strong. I have not tried that brand, but have used others. Please be careful or you will end up flaking really bad. Gradually is the trick I think..

 

[missy]

Scandinavian thanks. If I ever get it I will be super careful. I'm terrified of flaring my perioral dermatitis.

Jimmianne your wish (for some bling pics) is my command. First one while in David's exam room lol. Making good use of my waiting time.
Second one from another time while in the car as a passenger no worries!


Third a gratuitous pic. Not of bling (exactly) but of my most precious and dear possession.


And just to comment on casual wear for a moment...not true about me never being in public in my very casual attire because when going to PT during my leg recovery I was quite casually dressed.
Good times. Good now that it's over!!!

 

[missy]

Haha do you remember how I went to my first appointment with the HSS surgeon Dr Wellman with my casual navy blue dress? That's my type of casual. Lol.

And speaking of happy memories...

 

[MarionC]

OMG these are wonderful photos.
Bea

I was hoping I would get to see her here today : )
and Greg with the ring box [and bow tie!]. please this is so good.
I got a burst of happiness from your pictures.

 

[Scandinavian]

Careful what you wish for... This is the bling I'm wearing today



My bag of coffee modelling, lol:



It is a "copy" of a necklace that I had when I first met my husband, the original necklace is not real, but he remembered that I loved the look, and that I used to wear it when we met, so he got me one with diamonds (They are a little different, because the first one is princess cut, and these are set as hearts, but he could not resist, lol).

 

[missy]

OMG these are wonderful photos.
Bea

I was hoping I would get to see her here today : )
and Greg with the ring box [and bow tie!]. please this is so good.
I got a burst of happiness from your pictures.

Awww Jimmianne, you have made me all faklempt at your sweet words. Thank you.

You are right about looking at photos of good times and happy memories can make us happy. Makes me wish we took more pics lol.

I love seeing Joy in all her radiant beauty and old world charm. <3

Scandinavian, such a lovely feminine necklace and so romantic of your dh. LOVE it.

The nurse from David's office just called me and got the med approved. I should have it tomorrow evening hopefully. Don't worry Scandinavian, I will be very cautious. My skin is extremely fragile and I am going to tread lightly here!
Jimmianne, how is your topical med application going?

 

[rainwood]

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. I just didn't feel up to it. Nina's death has hit me hard and brought back a lot about my husband's as well, and I haven't felt like doing much the last few days, including posting. This is the part I recognize from before - that I know they're dead, but I'm just realizing now that they're gone and what that means. This is what my psychiatrist friend says is the true grieving process, and it's something I have to experience so I can move forward. When I went through this before, I made a three-day rule. I had to get out and get moving after three days and this is day four so that's what I'm trying to do. It will get better, I know that, but it doesn't make things better right now.

Missy, I'm glad the derm has a strategy and wants to make sure you get in quickly if needed. Let's hope his office keeps that in mind when you need to call. Maybe he'd rather have you come in than to do e-mail. It's inefficient for you, but they usually don't think about that. I too loved seeing Bea out and about! So beautiful. But you're right about the real treasure.

Jimmianne, it's so nice to see Joy out as well. She appears to be aptly named. And there is an emotional lift that comes from looking at beautiful things like diamonds and art. And it sounds like your French lessons are fun and entertaining in their own way. Good for you!

Junebug, it's hard having that much family at one time but your beach house is so beautiful you can hope they'll be out and about, and doing their own thin most of the time. And it's a wonderful thing to have this family reunion for your DH which you'll just have to keep in mind if it gets challenging. And I hope they are good houseguests as that makes life easier. Telling people what you need them to do or not do is key. I always think people will instinctively know, but that can lead to disappointment and frustration so now I just tell them, and everything goes much better.

Scandinavia, your house will be so glamorous, just like you in your new dresses on vacation! And your necklaces are so beautiful and unique. What a great husband! And congratulations on the new Nespresso machine. I have one that makes the best lattes with just a push of a button. I treat myself almost every morning.

Marcy, it sounds like work is just ganging up on you. Having to do your job and everyone else's gets very old, very fast. Your work bears need to whip them into shape if your boss chooses not to!

That's all for now. Just typing this made me feel better. Thanks, everyone!

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Scandinavian, they will be working on your house. How exciting. You can’t have too many dresses to go on vacation. Of course! I am glad I can provide you with a laugh or two. That is very important in life. I am sure you’d be acquitted for grilling your husband’s phone. Good one. Funny thing about my employees I kind of wish I hadn’t helped one of them. One of them thanked me right away and the other one never said a single word and if I hadn’t done that work last night she would have been delayed about 2 hours getting her tasks done today. That is great your DH gets along with your family. Another one of my favorite MIL stories is when they lived here in town and had their house up for sale. It sat on the market over a year. We had supper with them one night and a friend of mine joined us for a drink. My friend was talking about her and her boy friend looking for a house and my MIL looked at her and said “we have a house for sale but you probably can’t afford it.” I love your heart pendant. That is fabulous.

Missy, rats that Bobby figured out you were slipping his medicine in his food. He is a little better today. We were cat sitting one time and had to give one of the cats some goop for hair balls. They told us to put a big dap of it on the cats paw and he’d lick it off. The first time Marty did it the cat just shock it off it paw and it made a big splat all of the wall. Cat 1 - Marty 0. Yes we do enjoy our diamonds. Today was slightly better and less hectic at work and I left at 5 so that was progress. I think pajama bottoms or lounging pants are far worse in public than sweatpants. I see ladies in the grocery store with them on all the time. I am glad to hear David thinks you are doing well and they approved the new medicine. I hope it works well for you. Beautiful pictures of Bea and great pictures of Greg and I remember the pictures of you with your leg all wrapped up.

Jimmianne, did you hunt up the Apple pencil? It only works with the new iPad but it’s really nice. You can write with it like taking notes and some of the programs will convert it to text. But Marty wanted it for sketching and drawing. Your .60 diamond sounds perfect. LOL at “what a cute little thing.” I honestly prefer smaller sized stones and jewelry. It’s not that larger isn’t pretty they just aren’t my style. My 1/2 carat was easily as gorgeous of a diamond as my ACA. It was an E and really a sparkler. I am always checking out other people’s jewelry and I am sure you aren’t surprised I compliment people when I see something pretty. A UFO design for you asscher sounds great - literally out of this world, right? Great idea to recall happy memories. Beautiful pictures of Joy. She is such a stunning diamond.

Rainwood, I am so sorry about Nina and how it brought fresh memories of losing your husband. Sometimes I know you feel like it just happened. I am starting to think those painful times / and days will always come back but I like your philosophy of 3 days. I find I get really really angry sometimes too not just always sad. Hugs to you! I think it’s good to just get it out there and posting here certainly helps. I think my team would prefer to deal with me than my boss. He doesn’t suffer mediocre performances well.

Work wasn’t as bad today as it has been. I also actually took an hour lunch and watched the company’s ATM for about 40 minutes. I left at 5 too. Ha!

I did have a rough night. I had to buy my food, clean my food and then cook my food. I cooked a burger and put it in a toasted english muffin. I made myself a plate of little tomatoes and cucumbers.

After I got the dishes done I ran back out and got gas. I could plan on getting it on my way to work but I know me - I won’t get up 10 minutes early to take care of it then.

That darn white 4 letter word is in the forecast again. From Friday night through Monday some models are predicting up to 20 inches of snow. The temps are going to be low 30’s though so hopefully a lot of it melts. Aak!

Have a great evening and day tomorrow.
Marcy

 

[marcy]

So here are some pictures and my stories:

The heart diamond I bought as a solitaire and wore as a RHR. My ering had a .15 ct diamond. I had them mount the diamond in a YG cathedral mounting and bought a 1/2 ctw YG band and wore them as my wedding rings for a few months but decided I wanted a nicer diamond.

Then I got the E 1/2 ct round diamond which originally was in a matching set with embedded PC stones. I missed my diamond band so moved to the 3 stone ering and 1/2 ctw band.

After a while I decided I wanted a larger center diamond and they didn't have any AGS0 so I bought a G GIA XXX. It simply wasn't as nice of a diamond. I traded it in within 4 months and the only AGS0 they had in stock that I liked was a G 1.01 carat.

The only reason I bought my ACA was I wanted to use some of my inheritance from my parents for a nice piece of jewelry. It was going to be a killer sapphire RHR but Marty suggested I buy a new diamond ring so I'd wear it every day. I wanted to get a F because my maiden name started with F. I was looking at 1.25 carat diamonds and Marty told me why bother to only go up 1/4 of a carat - I'd never notice it.

 

[missy]

Rainwood, (((HUGS))). I have been thinking of you these past few days and also of Nina and Michael. I am so sorry you are having a rough time. The grieving process is painful and challenging and I can only imagine the ache in your heart and head right now. I wish I was there so I could just give you a real life in person hug. We are all here for you however we can be though. Even if just to listen. I know we all grieve in our own personal ways but for me talking about it helps. (Obviously or there would never have been a NIRDI thread I guess). I am glad you know there will be a light at the end of this long dark tunnel and that you see a better tomorrow but I know in the meantime how much you are hurting. I am so sorry and I will be keeping you in my thoughts and sending lots of love and virtual hugs your way.

I know we are all familiar with the Rainbow Bridge poem but when I am missing my sweet fur babies reading it makes me feel just a bit better so if it's OK and I hope you don't mind I am sharing it here again.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

And I hope it's OK but sharing just another two poems. Reading these sad but beautiful poems makes me feel sad but somehow better if that makes sense and I hope even if just for a moment it makes you feel a little bit better too as you are grieving and missing your sweet dear Nina.

THE LAST BATTLE (aka If It Should Be) – Author Unknown

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes,
Please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We’ve been so close – we two – these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

MY FOREVER FRIEND

I know that it must be different,
now that I am no longer there.
I realize how much I was loved
and how all of you did care.

I know it will be hard at first
when you look around for me.
Expecting to find me in my bed
or beside my favorite tree.

Someday you will begin to see
although it’ll take some time,
the happy times you shared with me,
the memories are yours and mine.

I’ll remember you, my friends,
and how much you meant to me.
So please don’t grieve and don’t be sad,
it was just my time to leave.

Thinking of you and Nina and Michael too. (((Hugs))) and Love to you dear Rainwood.

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Marcy, I am loving all the beautiful bling and stories that go along with it.
I am glad work was better yesterday and I hope today is an even better day. Love those bling happy socks.
And I loe how meaningful the bling is for you too. Between Marty and the memory of your parents they are very sweet memories and I am sure makes you happy every time you look at your beautiful bling and remember the happiness.

Bobby spit out the pill from the pill pocket food we were trying this morning. It seems as if he has outwitted us yet again. Just spoke with my sister and she would like us to try getting the meds in him for at least another week. But he is starting to have a food aversion so not sure what we are going to do. She said if we can't we can't and she did give him that 2 week antibiotic injection just in case but it is not as good as the Flagyl we are supposed to be giving him for the next 7 days. I feel like we are failing him but I also don't think continuing to torture him is good for his health either and now our most voracious eater is starting not to eat and to actively avoid mealtimes so I am not happy about that. Is it the illness or the forcing of the meds on him. I don't know and right now just clearing my head and not forcing the morning med on him again.

My ankle was all swollen yesterday when I got home. It's always something but OK it just is and I have to just get over it. I also had a minor toenail procedure yesterday at work. My girlfriend who is a podiatrist had to cut away at that left toenail again. Of course it is the toenail on the leg with the metal plates so you know I am always concerned about infection there. I never had any toenail issues till my accident and I cannot help but think somehow they are related. She said it will most likely be an ongoing issue for the rest of my life but that it shouldn't be a big deal. All I can think is sandal season is here but my toes are not looking pretty.

Scandinavian, hope your morning went well today. Looking forward to your updates.

Kristie, yay for shower being finished and cannot wait for that kitchen backsplash to be complete next Tuesday. You are almost done finally woohoo.

Jimmianne, thank you for starting the happy memories bling idea and hope some of the NIRDIs will continue it or perhaps you will start a thread in the Show Me the Bling Section and you can call it Happy Bling Memories...

Callie, Hi there honey. Glad yesterday was a fun day for you. You deserve many more fun days with all you have gone through the last 4 months.

LLJSmom, hello there. Coming out of tax season soon. Miss you.

Junie, sweetheart, hope your week is going smoothly and that your mom is doing well. It is supposed to be a nice weather weekend this weekend.


Greg went to the beach house yesterday and took some more pics of the basement as he was putting together the rest of the dust collection system but I haven't looked at those pics yet. I might post some later if I have the chance.

Have a good day girls. Love you.


ETA Posting a few pics from Greg's day yesterday.

 

[MarionC]

Missy, those poems break my heart and make me understand what Rainwood is going through. Over time we forget the full impact of loss, thank goodness.

I have a dog so old & weak in the rear that he can't stand up unless he is moving. We all just kind of stay out of his way lol. He is deaf and wanders off - Issy has learned to go find him for me and bring him home.
Previously having an old dog seemed like a curse, but now I find it amazing and an honor. In the past I would try to disconnect my feelings because I knew what comes next, but with this guy - he is getting the royal treatment and much love. He has such enthusiasm for life! I "throw" the frisbee from about 4" away and when he catches it I go wild - and his eyes light up and he wags his tail, so happy. He is such a great teacher.

Those bike shoes are too nice for the barbeque suits I know you and Greg are considering now. I think you should save those shoes and find something more "suitable" in terms of footwear. No, I cannot see either of you in PJ bottoms at the Met : (

Thank you, Ms.Curby for the morning eye candy AND the story.[and those SOCKS!!!] I'm sorry Marty isn't there to help cook and drive you to work in the snow. When does he get back? Is there time for a NIRDI party in his mancave before he returns?! : )

Rainwood, you sound so wise, getting out even if you don't feel like it. I am sorry grieving for Nina is having you flash back on your DH. Grief is so complex. It's just a total pain in the behind, but reflects so much love.
I am here for you, we are here for you, please vent away, write it all.

More later.Good Morning everyone, goddesses all you are.