Now I really did it :((

[LLJsmom]

This is from one of our star parties at 9100 feet in dark Wyoming.

Wow......

Thanks for sharing Marcy.

 

[marcy]

Thanks LLJsmom. That was quite a night. Aurora was so bright we could see it at twilight. The colors and spikes came and went off and on all night.

 

[missy]

Good morning girls! Please share any of your Cyber Monday or Black Friday finds with us. Would love to hear all about any and all deals. Bling and non bling related.

This is from one of our star parties at 9100 feet in dark Wyoming.

Marcy, that is beautiful! I would be lost gazing into that beautiful sky if I lived near you Marcy. We don't see the stars here (not many) due to all the lights all around. How breathtaking. Thank you for sharing that photo!

My iPhone and iPad and Apple laptop were all working well yesterday and I hope yours were working well too Marcy. We didn't have to call Apple Care this time but I find them very helpful if we need them. Give them a call if you are still having issues...nothing to lose. Did you snag any Cyber Monday deals?

Darn half the Christmas lights not working but you do provide a unique holiday decoration point of view hehe.
Sorry Marty had trouble sleeping and hope he gets a better night tonight. How is the gym working out for him?

I imagine it was difficult being back to work after a very long weekend especially when much of your job is babysitting adult babies.Hope the rest of the work week goes more quickly and painlessly for you and that your employees do their jobs properly without much micromanaging necessary from you. I don't (yet) miss those days at all and even when I wake up at 4AM (like this morning) it isn't too bad knowing I don't have to concentrate and be sharp as people's health care depends on me. Nope I can just be a little bit lazy and tired if I didn't sleep well the night before. It's nice.

Thanks for asking about my hands. Seem to be improving fingers crossed. Though I am pretty much staying indoors most of the time and it is in the 50s here lol. Here's hoping I can survive the cold weather when it arrives.

About my med well it's a long story but I can get it though it is quite a bit more expensive now. Unfortunately the pharmacist messed up and unsealed my latest round of 90 pills and now they are insisting it is still good for a year even though it was unsealed and the bottles with the expiration thrown away and no clue what that date was.

Dimitri (one of the long-standing pharmacists there) himself assured me it was safe however and I am not happy this pharmacist who I never met before (weekend part time pharmacist according to Dimitri) who took each of the 3 bottles of 30 pills and combined them into one bottle thereby unsealing each bottle and destroying the label on each bottle that had the expiration date. It's a doxycycline so it does expire and become toxic as it degrades.

And I don't know if unsealing and opening each bottle removing the pills to one bigger bottle speeds up that expiration date. It should have been left sealed but they aren't taking it back as it was expensive and they aren't going to eat almost $300 and provide me with a new refill. Greg says just take this one first instead of the older still sealed bottles I have (as I stock up for emergencies due to the fickle and challenging nature of health insurance companies) which is probably what I will do.

Aren't you sorry you asked Marcy?

I have plans with a good friend today who recently returned to NY from her 3 month trip to Spain and I am very much looking forward to seeing her and catching up.

Have a lovely day girls!

 

[missy]

Oh I forgot I did some shopping this weekend as well and here are the 2 newest additions to my wardrobe. Both need to be altered (taken in a bit) by Greg.

I tried holding the excess material behind me in these photos to give you a better idea of how it will look when fitted to me properly. Both my favorite colors...bluelicious blues. Blue jacket and blue 60s pattern dress. Definitely keeping the dress and if I am keeping the jacket all depends on if Greg thinks he can properly alter it to my body. Right now it is more straight up and down and needs to be taken in at the waist and hips. I pulled it back at the waist in the back to see how it would look properly altered... I think it works.





Today I am expecting my new mittens (supposedly super warm mittens and I ordered 2 different pairs) and also my new antique diamond earrings. Hoping they are beautiful and that I love them.


Ok girls, your turn....anything interesting and new to share? I know a few of you have made special purchases so if you are kind enough to share you know we would love to hear all about it.

 

[PierreBear]

Started reading a good book yesterday. I usually go through the Pulitzer prize fiction list and pick them up at the library. The one I’m reading now is called All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I’m only 30ish pages in but the plot is very interesting and it’s not a complicated read. Anyone else cracking into a good book that they would recommend?

We are having some beautiful weather over here. 50 degrees F in the morning and most of the day it is in the 70s. How is it the fall/winter?! I’m not complaining and hope it stays this way until next week. It was confirmed that we are hosting a company party at our place next week. The backyard space is good for hosting many people but not well for indoors. Hopefully there won’t be rain or something that will allow people to be comfortable outdoors.

That’s it for now! Hope everyone is doing well. Have a great one!

@Austina – Way to find some festive cheer and hope the poinsettia lamps hit the spot. Must have been a time saver not to put up a tree this year. One of these days I need to find a wreath that is affordable and attractive. I always intend to look after Christmas and pick one up on sale but I get so tired of shopping etc that it hasn’t come into fruition yet.

@marcy – Those timers are tricky! I know we set one to turn on the lights when we are out of town. One time DH got the times off by accident and it showed that the lights were on in the middle of the night when people should be sleeping. I bet it drew more attraction than our intention of not sticking out when we were out of town. I’m sure your Christmas lights look great!

Gorgeous photo of the star party. Looks like art I would buy or a journal I would write in!

@missy – enjoy seeing your friend today. Wow I’m sure she will have tons of stories to share for being in Spain for 3 months.

Once again, so talented that Greg can alter and tailor items. Props to him! You look great in your new outfit!

Hope you continue to find success with your medication and health challenges. Hang in there. You are strong!

 

[MarionC]

Marcy
Incredible!
More about this later!
Wow.

I went to my bone doctor yesterday and my osteoporosis has been reverse enough that I no longer have it! Back in the safe range. (osteopenia )
Well YAY took 3 years of shots.
But meanwhile I had an odd conversation while getting my prolia shot. Doc was trying to distract me so he asked about the horses,
I said I don't think of them, or dogs or cats, as different species, instead they are, to me, firstly regarded as "beings".
He disagreed! He said humans are beings, but animals don't have souls.
He's a pretty old dude and I guess...religious ?? Or something .
But I've been thinking about what he said a lot, and scratching my head.
I asked my horse if he has a soul be he grabbed the corner of my jacket and pulled me to him to snuggle.
I take that as a yes lol
Ttyl ...
I'm at the mall waiting for lengthy dd's kitty exam
So I might as well have a look around
I see Santa from here, but don't think I'll bug him about a Husband today : )
xx

 

[Austina]

Wow @marcy that photo is absolutely stunning, what a great shot.

Boo to having to go back to work and babysit a lot of overgrown whinging babies, how long until you can leave it all behind and join the ranks of us retirees?

A snood is a knitted tube that you pull over your head so it’s sits around your neck, and if required you can pull it up so it’s like a hood, I suppose it’s a combination of a scarf and a hood - snood

I think your Dr can’t possibly be an animal lover @Jimmianne, who could ever look in to their eyes and doubt they have a soul?

Have you decided on a setting yet, I’m living vicariously through you until I can order my bangle ?

Costco had some beautiful big door wreaths, and they weren’t particularly expensive, I think they were about £30 here, so maybe $30 there, might be worth a look @PierreBear. We’ve been to Costco in William Cannon drive several times when we’ve been over, it’s where we buy brisket. Adam said the weather’s been good, they had a barbecue over the weekend for Kim’s birthday.

Hope you had fun catching up with your friend today @missy I expect she had lots to tell you about having been away for so long. Love the dress, it looks great on you, and the jacket looks very stylish. Hopefully Greg can alter them for you.

Why on earth would the pharmacist open the packs, oy! :roll

Not much going on here, it’s cold and set to get colder brrrrrr!

I went to Pilates today and felt so tired as I woke every hour last night, no idea why, so I should sleep better tonight.

I forgot to mention we watched Collateral Beauty on Saturday, I don’t know if any of you have seen it? Will Smith, Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet, strange story, but we really enjoyed it.

Big wave to all the NRIDIs

 

[MarionC]

Thank you, Austina. Too bad Mr.Doctor is missing out on communing with animals.
I have a setting in the works with David Klass. Very simple solitaire. No cad yet, but will share when i get it.

I hope you sleep better tonight! It’s awful when you don't get a good night’s sleep.
My friend here reccomended that movie as well.

PierreB that was a great book! Glad you are reading it. Let me know what you think when you finish it. I just finished The Worst Bad Time. I could hardly put it down. About the dust bowl years. It might not sound fascinating but it was, and a real eye opener about the government as well. Things have always been “a mess” lol

I got my WF tennis bracelet back from my local bench this afternoon. One of the prongs broke off due to a casting “glitch” and I lost the diamond. Tony took out that link plus three more. It was always very droopy, but now it fits to perfection...finally!

Good night everyone. Stay warm and cozy.

 

[junebug17]

Hi everyone - oh boy, am I behind lol - I will do my best here...

Missy, I’m glad insurance will cover some of the expense of the drug, that’s good news. It’s a shame the pharmacist put the pills in one bottle, I can’t imagine why he would do that. Sorry this whole thing has caused you so much stress and worry and I hope you’re feeling better soon.

It’s great Loofy is up and running, she is definitely hanging in there. I’m so excited you’re going ahead with the renovations, it’s going to look fabulous! So happy that you found a quartz that you like. Wow, I love your new dress and jacket, they both look great on you! It’s awesome Greg can do the alterations, he is such a talented and handy guy.

Must be something about a holiday and TVs - we almost bought one at Costco this past weekend too lol! We decided to hold off and bring the one we have in SC back to NJ, and buy a new one for SC. So many TVs ha!

Marcy, so strange about the discounts for low credit scores, I don’t understand that reasoning. Too bad it didn’t work out for your sil. I’m glad you talked to Marty, it does help and I’m glad you feel better now. I am so sorry about your cracked fingers - I sympathize, I get that around my cuticles and nails during the winter and it’s pretty painful. I agree with avoiding getting them wet and constantly putting on lotion, that helps me too. I’m sorry your employees are being so difficult and I do hope the rest of the week goes better for you. I’m really impressed Marty was able to find the fuse in the string of lights. Those timers can be a real pain to set. Oh no to having to reset your phone, ugh, what a hassle. What an absolutely amazing picture of the night sky, so very beautiful!

CJ, yes, things kind of just fell into place for me with regard to the holidays! Glad you had an enjoyable weekend - and now it’s almost Wednesday! The weeks are flying by. Good for you for putting up some decorations. We were supposed to put up the tree over the weekend but just didn’t get around to it.

Scandi, good luck with the house, I really hope it’s finished by Christmas.

PierreBear, glad you had a nice weekend - the dish you made with dh sounds delicious. A fun thing to do together. Sorry about your swollen knuckle and I hope it goes down. Wow, you’re certainly having some lovely weather, that’s great - it’s getting colder here in NJ but it really hasn’t been too bad so far. We have a long way to go though lol.

Austina, your lamp sounds very pretty and an easy way to add some Christmas cheer. I can’t wait for you to get your bangle, it is such a beautiful piece and a great jewelry staple. Stay warm, and I hope you get a good night’s sleep.

Jimmianne, I’m thinking your doctor might be religious. Either that or he’s just a grouch haha. I remember being told in Catholic school that animals can’t go to heaven because they don’t have souls. I didn’t like hearing that then, and I don’t like it now lol. I’m so glad you got your bracelet fixed and are happier with it, yay. I cannot wait to see your new ring on your hand! I adore your new asscher, it’s a truly gorgeous diamond.

My lawyer forwarded me 3 estimates sent to him by the owners and advised me to pick the lowest unless I want to get my own estimates to see if I can find a lower price. I’m just going to go with their lowest estimate, it’s reasonable and I want to wrap this up, and the owners deserve to have heat.

Hi to all the nirdis, hope everyone is doing ok!

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Missy, that is good all of your Apple gear was working okay. I have only called Apple Care once and they were helpful. If I keep getting those popup ads I must just do that. At least the house only looks half decorated late at night. All the lights are on at dusk until about 10:30. Marty did sleep better and his work out was easier than he thought it would be. Thank you for asking. I am delighted to hear you don’t miss working and can sleep in when you want. Very nice. That’s great your hands are doing better. I hope that continues. I can’t believe that pharmacy pulled such an unprofessional stunt on you. I don’t blame you for worrying about getting open medicine bottles. Is that even legal? Heck no I’m not sorry I asked. I always want to know how things are going. I hope you had fun with your friends today. A 3 month trip to Spain would be awesome. I like both your new dress and jacket. I hope you love your new earrings and your mittens keep you warm.

PierreBear, I am on chapter 6 of the newest Jack Reacher book. I hope the weather holds for an outdoor party at your place next week. I use a timer on a light in our living room. I like having the light on when I come home in the dark. The timers for Christmas lights are great; I remember venturing out in the cold and snow to plug lights in then go back out to unplug them before going to bed. I hope your swollen knuckle gets better.

Jimmianne, that is awesome you are back in the safe range with osteoporosis. Good job shots! I don’t think your doctor has a lot of experience with animals. I am glad to hear you are going with a solitaire for Mildred. I can hardly wait. Woo hoo to getting your WF bracelet fixed and shortened so it fits better.

Austina, funny I don’t think about retiring but I could decide to quit tomorrow or years from now. I could adjust to being a retiree pretty easily. A snood sounds very handy. I should find myself a pattern. That would really help keep me warm. I can’t wait for you to get your WF bangle. Ooh. Shiny. Sorry to hear you didn’t sleep well. I hope you get a good night’s sleep tonight. I watched Collateral Beauty. It was a different story but I liked it.

Junebug, sorry to hear you have the problem with dry skin too. I decided to quit painting my nails for a while until I can get them kind of softened up again. I was kind of surprised Marty took the time to figure out the fuses; I figured any minute now we were heading out to buy different lights. Hopefully the heater gets fixed soon so you can be done with that. I’d go for the lowest reasonable price too.

Thank you for the compliments on my northern lights photo.

I dug out my 3 stone tsavorite ring today. It kind of looks like MM’s new ring. I should wear it more often, but most of my clothes are blue instead of green.

I actually kind of worked on my performance appraisals at work today. They are due in about 3 weeks. I wrote 4 of 6 of them. I can’t wait to see my employees self appraisals. Let’s hope they’ll be realistic.

Have a great Wednesday.
Marcy

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi NIRDIs! Just catching up with this page.

@marcy , lovely tsavorite. Evaluations. Eeew. Not fun from either side. I haven't had one in 10 years I just get reprimanded immediately for goofs. LOL! Not sure which is worse.

@junebug17 I would want it done and fixed soon too. Hope you're doing well.

@missy Love the outfit. Very you. Still can't get over Greg's skilzzz. I think using the non-dated meds first is a good idea. That Greg is also smart!!

@Jimmianne How awesome that your bracelet fits now. I'm super picky about the length of my bracelets and all is not right if it is too long. A bracelet is never short on me.

@Austina I saw that movie too. It was kinda sad. I had trouble with it. But it was definitely good. My DH is a big fan of Will Smith so he really enjoyed it.

@PierreBear Yes, I tried to read that book too. Could not get through more than a chapter. It's weird but I have issues reading sad stories unless it's a classic and I think I should read it because it would be good for me. My son is reading Frankenstein now, and I remember reading it my freshmen year in college. I didn't get the big deal about it, and I thought it was kinda boring. I'm rereading it now, and I hope to get much more out of it. This year I also reread To Kill a Mockingbird, and boy did I love that book the second time around. I was waaaaaaaaaay to immature and inexperienced with life to appreciate it properly 32 years ago. LOL!! Did you know that Harper Lee is a complete riot!? She is a total smart ass. I wish I could have known her.

I've been obsessed with make up lately, due to the discovery of how to apply makeup properly videos on YouTube. I've watched countless hours of these videos, went out and bought a ton of make up, and practiced on myself. Normally, I use make up about 1-2 times a year. I haven't bought make up in about 15 years. Anyway, after stocking up and learning to apply it, I realized that I likely will continue to abstain. Why? Because I think the removal process is just plain annoying. Takes way too long to get it all off. I'm so freaking lazy that I want to just leave it off until my successive showers removes it all naturally. Hate mascara cause it is too much trouble to take off. Anyway, I meant well. I wanted to be a grown up and look polished all the time. Yup, that's not happening.

Do Academy movies, I loved Wind River but a little brutal. Saw the Big Sick. I know it's gotten a lot of buzz. It's a good mushy love story. And I love anything that Holly Hunter does. She is so raw and honest. Love her. Remember Broadcast News? I LOOOOVED her in that movie. Any other recommendations?

 

[Scandinavian]

It's the most wonderful time of the year....
LOL
Today's: DH got the car out, and then went back inside to get me, because it was soooo icy outside today (read: high heels and ice - bad combination). Apparently, also winter tires (with spikes!) and ice - bad combination. So the car decided to do a little driving on its own. Into the neighbours rose bushes and shed. Great way to start the day, digging the car out of the bushes. And snow. And a big stone. Quite literally. Oh my. So I did what all girls do. Called my dad to come save us. Kind of upset DH I think, but then again, easier to be three when you are pushing a car through rose bushes.
LOL but not funny.
The part of the house that is more or less finished (the new part) is starting to look good. Will try to upload a picture from my phone.
Hugs!

 

[Scandinavian]

Marcy
Incredible!
More about this later!
Wow.

I went to my bone doctor yesterday and my osteoporosis has been reverse enough that I no longer have it! Back in the safe range. (osteopenia )
Well YAY took 3 years of shots.
But meanwhile I had an odd conversation while getting my prolia shot. Doc was trying to distract me so he asked about the horses,
I said I don't think of them, or dogs or cats, as different species, instead they are, to me, firstly regarded as "beings".
He disagreed! He said humans are beings, but animals don't have souls.
He's a pretty old dude and I guess...religious ?? Or something .
But I've been thinking about what he said a lot, and scratching my head.
I asked my horse if he has a soul be he grabbed the corner of my jacket and pulled me to him to snuggle.
I take that as a yes lol
Ttyl ...
I'm at the mall waiting for lengthy dd's kitty exam
So I might as well have a look around
I see Santa from here, but don't think I'll bug him about a Husband today : )
xx

Animals have souls. No question. And a personality. A friend of mine that is a "dog whisperer" is always telling me that dogs - by definition - can't have a "person"ality. Silly guy. My dogs are my babies, and they are more soulful than most people I know. He is starting to come around though. Last time my puppy didn't want to listen, he kept telling me that it's normal for "babies" to behave badly....
LOL
Don't marry that doctor...

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Junie, glad the furnace fiasco is finished (triple f no more) finally! You have been through so much sweetheart and I hope that you can relax and enjoy all the hard work you have been putting into this. I agree choosing the lowest estimate and being finished is the prudent thing to do. (((Hugs))).

Ha on the TV. Glad you are getting a new TV in SC and bringing the SC TV to NJ. Yes we tend to hold onto our TVs for a long time. Our Brooklyn TVs are all over 10 years old and the beach TVS are about 6 years old as we got new TVS there when we moved there. Truthfully what stopped me wasn't the money so much as the hassle of having to rebook everything up and connect it all the the TV. TIVO, Roku, internet etc. Fingers crossed all the TVs continue to work so we don't have to deal with that anytime soon.

Austina stay warm! Hope you slept better last night. Glad you enjoyed that movie Collateral Beauty. We have not seen it and it sounds good so will check it out. Is it on cable or in the theaters? Will wait till it comes to cable if it is not yet there. We don't enjoy going to the movie theaters around here. Too noisy too messy and too uncomfortable. Love being in the comfort of my own home able to pause when I want get drink and food when I want and go to the clean restroom when I want. Plus I can talk or have total quiet. Our choice entirely. And best thing of all? No sticky floors and no lines. Woohoo.
The Snood sounds so Good and warm and comfy. Love the snood.

Marcy, love your 3 stone tsavorite...it's a favorite and greenlicious! Sounds like you got a lot done at work yesterday doing your work performance appraisals. I am doubtful that your employees self appraisals will be realistic but hey maybe we will al be surprised. Are you having a work holiday party?

Jimmianne I'm with Scandi...don't marry that doctor! Ugh of course animals have souls. This doctor however sounds like he is missing something important inside of him. Glad your bracelet fits now yay! Speaking of bling any asscher updates? My earrings are delayed. Gotta love USPS. Sent 2 day priority mail but it's been over 3 days now. LOL what can you do. Just hoping it doesn't get lost! Great news about your osteoporosis being reversed woohoo!

PierreBear oh that book sounds familiar and I will go check it out. I really love reading and haven't done much of it for a long while now. I tend to go in spurts and I have been in a dry spell re books and would like to get back into it. So funny that now when I am retired I feel like I am not getting anything accomplished! I am feeling like a winter slug lol. One good book I read not too long ago is “Girl in the Dark,” by Anna Lyndsey. It chronicles her rare condition photosensitive seborrhoeic dermatitis, and her life trapped in a “box of darkness". I think that might have been the last book I read. Scary book because it's a true story.

Greg recommends a few books offhand as I just asked him. He's a big reader and reads lots of books often more than one at a time. Me too or at least used to be me too.
Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
The Big Lie by Dinesh D'Souza
1984 by George Orwell -read it again! (Greg's recommendation) Eerily applies to today
The Bell Curve (1993) nonfiction. About IQ and ethnicity

LLJsmom I am so not a makeup person and I am with you. Taking it off is a pain in the you know what. I do like to wear eye makeup if I am doing something special but just to be out and about no thanks. Yesterday I got together with my good friend who also doesn't wear any makeup and I just thought it was so easy being with her and she doesn't judge me based on how I look and vice versa. Not saying women who wear makeup judge those who don't at all but just saying some do. LOL. Anyway I still have marks on my face from that awful dermatologist and I didn't even bother covering them yesterday as I knew my friend is cool with me just being me warts and all!

How are the kids doing? Are they excited about the holidays and being off from school? How is your dh doing and your parents? Hope all is going well.

Scandi yay cannot wait for house photos! Hope your family fur babies and non fur babies are all doing well. Holiday hugs!

It was great seeing my friend yesterday. I also got to check out her Caesarstone (White Blizzard I think) island and countertops. We have very similar taste. Antiseptic. Hahahaha.

She loved Spain so much she's going back in February for 49 days! She was in a spanish program as she wants to become fluent in Spanish but she really already is IMO. We spoke in spanish for a bit yesterday and I was cheered to see I didn't forget it all. She said I did really well. But she was just being generous.

Anyway I am so happy for her that she is loving retirement and her life because her dh moved back to his country over a year ago and she really isn't in contact with him anymore so that situation sucks. But she is doing exactly what she had planned to do during her retirement and that is travel to countries for months at a time and enjoy her life to the fullest. And while she imagined doing it with her dh she is doing it on her own and loving it. I love her and her strength and courage and just her joie de vivre. She is an inspiration. (I will miss her this winter very much though)!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday! And I didn't forget about a very special NIRDI...who I will share a poem for in my next post. (((HUGS))) to everyone.

 

[missy]

Happy Birthday to our Kristie!!!!


It is our very dear girlfriend's birthday today
The NIRDI who always has something smart,funny and witty to say

She is helpful and loving and generous and wise
And she always enjoys NIRDI bling and NIRDI pies

So today on her special day of all days
We come together to say hey Kristie hey

You know we love and cherish you so much
You are our dear NIRDI girl with the sweetest touch

You live far away so we cannot reach out and touch you boohoo
So for right now our virtual hugs and kisses will have to do

May things always go smoothly
May this year be the best with only good things truly
May all your loved ones be happy with lots to enjoy
and may you all have much health, love, and joy

Kristie we love you and cherish you too
Please know that and know we are always here for you

So on this most auspicious day
the day you were born woohoo
Wishing you the most happy birthday
Hoping all your wishes come true

wishing you the most happiest years
Full of happiness and health
for you and your dears

So please enjoy your birthday today
And know the NIRDIs are here to stay
We are sending happy birthday wishes galore
Hope the day is everything you could hope and wish for
and so very much more

We love you Kristie!

 

[junebug17]

Hey there nirdis -

Missy, so glad you had such a good time getting together with your friend yesterday. I’m sorry her retirement years didn’t turn out exactly as expected but she sounds like a strong and courageous woman, and it’s great that she is happy with her life and is doing all the things she loves. Lol to a tv weekend! I agree, it’s a major hassle setting up TVs these days, I keep thinking with all the technology available it should be a lot easier to do. Love your poem for Kristie! Beautifully said and I totally agree!

Marcy, good for you for getting to those reports, you got a lot accomplished - I have a terrible tendency to put things off until the last minute and then I end up having a panic attack. It makes no sense lol. Such a good feeling to be well on your way to completing an unpleasant task. It’s pretty amazing Marty found that fuse - I decorate the bannister with garland and lights and one string has been out for years, I could never find the problem and am always too lazy to switch the string out. Maybe this year is the year lol. LOVE your tsavorite ring, such a gorgeous shade of green and I love it with the round sidestones. And yes, very similar to MM’s ring! Thanks for the eye candy, this thread needs more bling pics!

LLJsmom, I hear you on make-up being a pain to take off. I wear a little make-up when I’m in the mood to put it on; usually when I’m going someplace special. I’ll put in a little more effort to cover up my dark circles haha. I always wear tinted moisturizer because it’s basically just putting lotion on and washes off easily, gives me a little coverage, and smooths out my complexion. Sometimes I wear a little eye make-up and a touch of lipstick, makes me look less tired. Depends on how I’m feeling on that particular day and what I’m doing. It really doesn’t make that much of a difference in my appearance. I don’t bother if I’m just running errands and things like that.

Scandi, oh no to getting stuck in the ice and snow! I hate ice so much. I’m glad nobody got hurt but what a terrible way to start the day. I’m glad your dad could help out, I’m sure it got you out of those rose bushes a lot faster. I’m still sending positive vibes that the house is done by Christmas.

Jimmianne, I forgot to tell you how happy I am that your osteoporosis has been reversed! Fantastic!

Kristie, wishing you a very Happy Birthday, and I hope you have a wonderful day!


Thanks for the good thoughts about the furnace, still not sure about this process, hopefully the owners will just agree with the one I chose.

some Christmas presents have been trickling in so I’m going to spend a little time wrapping today. I feel like I waste a lot of time, I really do need to be more organized and on top of things, instead of scrambling around at the last minute.

Have a good Wednesday everyone!

 

[Scandinavian]

Happy Birthday Kristie !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

 

[Scandinavian]

Let there be light...



Still a door missing, but no worries. Lights are good LOL. This is the "fireplace livingroom" as we say here. I.e. not dining room. And not living room. But where you drink hot chocolate by the fire. Or perhaps a glass of wine...

 

[PierreBear]

@Jimmianne – Way to go on reversing osteoporosis. Sorry that it took shots to get there though. How do you maintain it? Eat plenty of yogurt and up the calcium intake or do you still have to continue shots?

Exciting to know that you picked out a setting. Can’t wait to see the new ring!

@Austina – Haven’t heard of Collateral Beauty but those are some famous names playing in the film. Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you have a better night of sleep soon.

I appreciate the tip on the wreaths. Will check it out at SAMs since I don’t have a membership to Costco but I would think it would be similar enough.

@junebug17 – Good luck to you wrapping up that last item to get the furnace resolved. You are amazing!

@marcy – Hello beautiful ring! What a lively color.

@LLJsmom – Thanks for sharing about your reading style. I used to have a bad habit that even though it was a borrowed book from a library, I just had to “read/skim” it instead of just saying, not for me! I guess I felt guilty that someone put in so much effort and I can’t even acknowledge their talents. Now, I give it a good few chapters. It has to grab me or it doesn’t. OOhhhh and I can’t follow books that have too many characters that might require me to draw a tree diagram just to keep the relationships straight. I don’t care how good the book is but if I wanted to work that hard, I might as well be reading non-fiction.

I don’t think I’ve re-read a book before. Have to give it a try to see if extra years on my life will impact my perspective etc. Thanks for the new idea!

Good luck with your makeup adventures. I had to replace some of my stuff recently (it lasted a good 5 years before I ran out). I tried a few new colors but it didn’t feel like me and went back to my old shades. Hahaha… this girl can’t learn new tricks. I have one bag that holds my makeup and if it doesn’t fit, then I don’t need it is my philosophy. Hope you share what you have learned with us!!

@Scandinavian – Yikes I wouldn’t know how to drive in that weather. Glad that you were safe!

The floors and the lights look amazing. So classy! Well done!

@missy – Thanks for the book recommendation. Wow… 1984… I might still have my copy from back in the day! Glad you had a blast with your friend.

Happy Birthday Kristie!!!!

 

[PierreBear]

We played with sugar and isomalt (similar to sugar but doesn't brown as quickly) today and made this piece. The blue is made by adding food coloring. We also practiced pulling the sugar and making ribbons. Not good to eat but fun to look at and play with? Would never try this at home so had fun in a class room setting. Hope ya'll enjoy the photo!



Well since @LLJsmom shared about her obsession, I guess I'll mention what's been occupying my mind. I really want to learn how to doodle and sketch. I'm not artistic or really creative but I'm hoping I can get better at it by copying/mimicking other designs I've seen. I doodled this the other day but didn't come up with the idea. I am a cactus lover though and saw this morning that one of them is sprouting up a new baby!!! Anyhow, anyone else doodles/sketches and have recommendations on pens/pencils to use? I have no idea what I'm doing but I'll have to say that I'm enjoying doing something textile and being away from a screen.



EDIT... sorry these photos are huge!

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Wowser @PierreBear that’s really impressive, working with spun sugar is pretty messy, best to do it in someone else’s kitchen I’ve no advice on the doodling, other than to keep at it, I can’t even draw stick people Adam says it’s pretty warm there so hopefully the weekend should be fine for your get together.

The house is looking lovely @Scandinavian, can’t wait to see it all finished and furnished. Yikes to the driving mishap, hope there wasn’t too much damage. I thought the winter tyres were supposed to prevent slipping and sliding in icy conditions.

I’m sure the new owners are as keen as you to get the furnace sorted @junebug17 so fingers crossed it’ll be done once and for all. I think you’re pretty organised already if you’ve got presents to wrap

The film was a bit strange @LLJsmom but it was interesting not being quite sure if things were as they seemed. I don’t usually like films like that, but it was well acted which I think made the difference for me.

Your tsavorite is stunning @marcy , such a crisp vibrant colour, do you wear it much?

I like the Jack Reacher novels too, just can’t reconcile Tom Cruise with the character, not tall or rugged enough.

I’ll measure my snood tomorrow, it’s basically a rectangle that you sew together to make a tube, so would be easy to knit.

Your house must look lovely with all your Christmas lights on, do your neighbours go all out too? We used to, but don’t bother now, too lazy to get them all out and pa k them away every year. I know where Adam lives, people get companies in to come and decorate the outside of their homes

Yay @Jimmianne that’s great news about the osteoporosis, do you take calcium tablets now to keep your levels up?

So glad you got your bracelet fixed, I like to wear mine pretty snug too, don’t like it rattling around my wrist.

What a great poem @missy

What a shame your friend and her DH have gone their separate ways, people so look forward to retirement and spending time together, that it’s sad it hasn’t worked out for them. Great that you could checkout the quartz and see the effect in situ. Always easier to visualise how something will look in the proper setting rather than a sample, or standing upright in a yard.

Make up - I’m too vain not to wear it every day, and goodness knows I need all the help I can get Taking it off is just part of my bedtime routine, like brushing my teeth.

Hope you’re having a lovely birthday Kristie, and wishing you nothing but good things.



It was 4 degrees this morning when we took Dottie out , winter has well and truly arrived!

 

[azstonie]

Thank you for the birthday wishes, FAB NIRDI Babes!!!

It feels like yesterday I turned 50, which I HATED, and now that is biting me hard because this is my last year of the 50s Its true, I just keep getting OLDER AND OLDER but I can't complain too much because hey, I'm vertical! But the march of time is tough. I used to say I would never get a facelift because you don't look better, your just look weird, but I can see how people in a weak moment get the plastic surgery.

Bob and I went out for pizza at lunch to celebrate. I wanted to go to a Chicago style pizza place but alas it didn't serve lunch, so tried a different place. It was a solid B grade. Acceptable. I had a really good iced tea (it IS Arizona ), Passport Green Tea and Pomegranate. Delicious. No artificial sweeteners or anything bad for you. I got a few things, including the new bio on Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac, for you youngsters) "Gold Dust Woman." I love a good music bio Apparently doing more than 1 place at a time is too hard for Bob, he is taking a nap with his headache. We went to the pizza place, Walgreens, and a bakery so I could get a cupcake for my birthday The bakery is inefficiently run and full of elderly snowbirds choosing baked goods and tons of counter help who couldn't figure out how to get things moving along, sooooooo you know how men are: As we leave, Bob states: This is why I come here once a year.

Suffice it to say, I did get my red velvet cupcake

I'm awaiting a rose gold 2 mm pink sapphire stacker that I bought over on Preloved from hathalove. My pressie to MOI. When it comes, I will share pics. It is the start of a stacker project.

Finn/Maggie News: Finn had a super rough night this week. It followed a day in which he refused to eat, he did not drink, and he got really shaky and fragile and then he was anxious too, poor little boy. Then the next morning, back to his old Westie self: Cheery, sunshine-y, fun and playful. Ate his breakfast, lunch, dinner and drank his water. Maggie NEVER misses a meal; its against policy After going 7 days without any aggression toward Finn, last night she went for him and Bob got in between them (Finn was sleeping and did not hear her coming) and scruffed her (Immobilized her by the neck). She squealed like a stuck pig and Bob would not release so she managed to twist her head and bite him on the wrist. She did not break the skin, that girl has great bite inhibition, but she took the skin on his wrist in between her teeth and twisted it something awful. Bob is a trooper. I'm trying everything I can think of to break her of the noise phobia/aggression (she goes after Finn when he is sleeping and making dreaming sounds).

Its great reading in the thread what you're all up to. Great Northern Lights pic, and I love the green light play on your hand from that Tsav ring Marcy---Jimmianne, I saw the lights quite a few times when I lived in Anchorage and they are spectacular and otherwordly yet comforting at the same time (all your problems are insignificant against the magic and wonder of it). If you're super lucky, you also get the sounds that can accompany it, which are freaky and more like frequencies rather than tones/notes. Rainy, great piano strings jewelry, I've never seen that before! I told Finn you asked after him and he smiled----you have the canine juju, Rainy Missy, love the epic poem! If you get tired of retirement, maybe lyrics???? Greeting cards??? Nice dresses, btw. I wish Greg was here to show me how to thread my new Janome. I'll have to try YouTube for that. PierreBear, I love your culinary miniblog. So fun. Rainy also has had professional culinary training and she showed me the right way to use knives when she was here. You were right, Rainy, index finger on the top of the blade provides more direct, controllable pressure. Jimmianne, will David Klass be setting your stunning new asscher? I think he is an AMAZING jeweler/bench and his fish hook prongs are just as wonderful as Leon Mege's, IMHO. Scandi, men are the same the world over, my DH hates it when I call in for additional troops I believe in handling problems as quickly as possible. He believes in handling problems with no outside interference or presence. My way costs money, his way is free LLJs, I too am going through a period of interest in makeup and pretty nails! When I taught high school, those girls kept my makeup updated and on trend, they were so good with it. Now I need the help that makeup brings and I have to go to Nordie's and find a makeup consultant who is at least middle aged and throw myself on their mercy. Somehow my eyebrows are getting too light, dammit, and I decided they needed a little help so I bought a clinique brow pencil in soft blonde and the makeup consultant gave me a ton of tiny brushes to use after you put the pencil on. It looks good, natural BUT NOT bwahahaha. I've been using Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with sunscreen OR Clinique CC cream, Lancome HD mascara and Clinique Tinted Superbalm in Currant, that is a really good color for almost all skin tones, FYI. I freaking hate taking it off at night but its easier now that I use Garnier Micellar Water/Sensitive Skin-Fragrance Free with cotton pads. Junie, hi and thank you! Are you DONE with the estate at this point? When you posted about the furnace, I thought: Being an estate executor, the GIFT THAT KEEPS ON SCREWING WITH YOU. Bob and I never had more strife than when he was his late mother's executor. Also re furnaces and escrow closing, in Anchorage we knew the furnace for our house was on its last legs when we listed it for sale; we expected our buyer's home inspector to see this and raise the issue. He did not. So Bob and I bought a home owner's policy for the house, 2 years, because we wanted this eventuality (and any other) covered so we would never have to hear about it. Worked out great. When we sell this house, which I hope is SOON, we will buy a year's policy on it for the same reason. Austina, please give Dottie a giant hug from her OLD Auntie Kristie,

 

[LLJsmom]

Happy Birthday @azstonie Huge hugs to you. !!!

 

[MarionC]

AZ!!! Your day!!! Happy Birthday; many returns of the day, love and bling too!

PierreB, love that doodle. I enjoy using a fountain pen, then running a bead of water around rhe outer edges with a small brush to make the ink bleed into the paper, makes “shadows”.
also Inktense Color Pencils are super fun...they are water soluble as well.

Scandi, you’ve outdone yourself on that room. I remember when you were trying to decide what kind of chandeliers...you’ve nailed it! What a perfect place for NIRDI hot chocolate party.

Missy, boo to still waiting for your earrings. Can’t wait to see them on, so i hope you are lining up you dh photographer for some ear shots.

Marcy, that is a beautiful ring. I don't remember it. You should wear it all the time, green clothing or not.

 

[azstonie]

Okay! My self-pressie arrived: Its the eternity rose gold/pink sapphire 2 mm band (I paired it with another purchase this year, plat/sapphire eternity band. Thanks to Missy for pushing me to get the eternity, I am totally won over on them.) I bought this in Preloved from hathalove and its so sparkly and perfect. LOVE IT!

 

[azstonie]

Had to try it with my diamond ruby band. Doesn't work. Okay.

 

[azstonie]

Just having fun now. The saphh/diamond band is also from Preloved last year. Gabriel & Co. I had it sized and when they polished, the jeweler polished off ALL THE PRETTY ENGRAVING

 

[azstonie]

Marcy, wear Tsavvie with navy blue or black, TRES CHIC!

 

[MarionC]

AZ
When you treat yourself you do a really good job! Very pretty. Hatha is such a sweet person, what a nice “transfer” between you two.
That color is delicious. Enjoy in good health

 

[springerspaniel]

Happy Birthday Kristie! I'm just a couple of years behind you and I also once thought plastic surgery was a silly idea, but now I completely understand the Golden Girls episode when Blanche looks at herself in a hand mirror when she is lying on her back and decides that is the best way to present herself! I'm so sorry that Finn had a bad time and that Maggie went after him. I love your stacking rings--very elegant. And that ruby and diamond band--ooo la la.

Marcy-I love tsavorites and yours just glows! Speaking of glowing, we got to see the Northern Lights this summer in Iceland but nothing like your photo. Re: your meds and insurance--that just sucks.

Scandi-thanks for the updates on your house. Those lights are really beautiful. Hi to F and T.

PierreBear-I would never have guessed that sculpture was spun sugar. I should think about taking up a hobby...

Jimmianne-I never knew that you could reverse osteoporosis. Congratulations!

Missy-you look so elegant in that jacket and dress. But you always look so elegant, even in bike shorts! What material is the jacket?

Austina-hello to Dottie the one and only Spinone.

Hello to CJ, Junebug, Rainwood and LLJs and anyone I might have missed!