Now I really did it :((

[Calliecake]

@missy , Whatever you decide the door will look pretty. How is your weather today? The snow squalls you had yesterday sounded crazy. We have only had a couple of them over the years. So glad you were in the house and not driving. It just started snowing here. It starting to warm up tomorrow. Hopefully the warm weather will head your way.

@marcy, Thinking of you. I hope you went out to lunch with some friends and your problem employee was quiet today.

Good Luck @PierreBear! There is no right or wrong decision, just what’s best for the two of you.

Oh @Austina , I loved your comment about it being another hot sunny day in Guatemala! Even with the rain it sounds like you are having a wonderful time. If you’re watching dolphins, it’s all good! Excited to hear about your day tomorrow. I hope you don’t mind that I’m living vicariously thru you this week @Austina! I feel like I should be paying for part of your vacation. You have brightened up a very cold week.

Beautiful Pictures @Tekate . Were you a baby when you got married??? You look so young! Such a sweet picture with your dad. I’m sorry about your brother, your sister and your dad. It’s so hard losing people we love. What a gorgeous view you have. I imagine it’s equally pretty in the summer. All of our husbands could get together and commiserate about their wives loving diamonds LOL. What a tale that would be! We are lucky we married great guys. Your soup looks delicious. I’m with @Austina and could live on soup and bread.

@Scandinavian , How is sweet F feeling now? Your poor little furbaby has been thru the ringer. It’s hard when you know they aren’t feeling well. Did you have a good weekend with your friends last weekend? I’ve had lots of coffee. I think I will avoid seeing the movie where everything freezes LOL. It could be my reality this week. The house has made lots of loud noises the past few days. They call them house bangs and the local new reports were telling people to expect them with this brutal cold. The joys of living in the midwest!

@Jimmianne , I hope everything has calmed down and your daughter is feeling better.

Hi @junebug17 , @Sandeek , and @av . I hope you are having a wonderful day.

 

[AV_]

@missy Today has a Tuesday feel to it - almost ,)
On life, I agree.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

Sandeek, yay for an early dismissal. I am delighted to hear you are feeling better. i can’t wait to see your rings. Good for you enjoying some retail therapy; sounds like you made a haul. Cute furbaby.

Callie, thank you again for thinking of me today. It truly helped me. I appreciate it.

Scandi, sorry to hear about your furbaby with an infection and dealing with such cold weather. Stay safe and warm. Hugs to you for crying for your furbaby. Thank you for the compliment on my photos; I have always enjoyed taking pictures. Good luck with your cooking. Marty had some reindeer when he was in Finland. My friend’s daughter punched him for it later though because they told her Marty ate Rudolph. Thank you for thinking of me; I appreciate it.

Missy, thank you for the wise words about change; good ones to live by. I thought that little circular cloud was cool looking. Do let me know what you find out on LED lights. Everyone at work are sure complaining about glare and that they are giving them a headache. Sorry you missed the moon and planets this morning. I was kind of excited about it so kept checking the clock from about 3:30 on; I can tell it now that it was a short night. But worth it. Love Greg’s beach shots. Very pretty. LOL on the wig meme. I like poolside best too. Thank you for the comforting words about my dad. I know all of us have loved ones we miss. Work was okay today; I kept to myself.

Junebug, thank you for thinking of me. I appreciate it. Did any of the cold and snow come your way?

Kate, thank you for your comforting words. My mom died 5 months before my dad and as you said holidays are especially difficult. I am sorry about your losses as well; they are all so hard for all of us. It is nice we can keep them close in memories and with photos. I love the picture of you and your dad and how awesome he was such a terrific grandfather. I watched my dad’s favorite TV show tonight - Wheel of Fortune. i thought that cloud was quite unique. That is cool John likes astronomy; are the stars good from your house? We have too much light around us but can get to dark skies in like 15 minutes. Love your gorgeous snow shots. Very pretty. i am delighted to hear your infection is improving. Your stories are great and you write very well. I enjoy reading about your days or adventures.

AV, that is good your research pays most of the time. i am always glad to offer information about what’s in the sky. Some guy at work hunted me down today to ask me some questions.

Austina, thank you - I did think of some good times today and that helped. I wasn’t quite as bad today as yesterday. Our furnace is holding up but i am fading fast since getting up so early. I’m with you on soup and crusty french bread; that is a great meal especially on cold days. Your tropical paradise sounds wonderful. How fun to watch dolphins swim by.

PierreBear, good to hear from you. Best wishes with your decision.

Take care. Tomorrow is finally Friday.
Marcy

 

[missy]

GM girls! Off to see Greg's doctor in a bit but just wanted to say good morning and happy Friday to you all.

@junebug17 stay warm. It's freezing (literally) out but supposed to hit the 50s/60s by Monday. Hope you have a nice weekend planned.

@Sandeek woohoo it's Friday! Have a wonderful day and a good weekend and sending you continued healing (((hugs))) and vibes. XO. And please hug your sweet pup from me too.

@Calliecake thank you for your good thoughts. Hope your day goes well too. It is very cold here today (for us at least) at 11 degrees actual temperature but not sure about the windchills. It is supposed to be in the 50s and 60s by Monday here. LOL not kidding. Hope it has warmed up by you and you can get those flowers at Trader Joe's today. And I hope you can find beautiful white flowers.

@AV_ yes it was a weird day for me yesterday as it felt almost like Friday. Funny it felt like Tuesday by you. Even after all these years each day has its own feel and rhythm. Sunday nights for instance always give me butterflies. Despite having finished school 30 years ago. Hope your Friday feels like a good day today and that you have a nice weekend planned.

@Tekate happy Friday. Any plans? Tell Chris it is going to feel like Spring come Monday. Finish that soup and get some ice cream and break out the shorts.

@marcy love the photos and it was worth getting up early for I agree. Doctor appointments not so worth getting up early for but I digress. Thanks for weighing in on the paint samples. Poolside brings lovely visuals. Both colors are so close it's hard to say there is a clear winner. Glad your furnace is holding. Yes I agree it's nice having memories to keep our loved ones in our hearts and close to us. Missing loved ones never really goes away but they are always with us in our hearts. Have a good day.

@Austina hope it is sunny and warm where you are today and that you are relaxing with sweet hubby. I love dolphins, and pelicans diving for fish and sea life in general... and what a wonderful experience.

@Jimmianne hope everyone is doing well and that you are enjoying your beautiful new bling. How is your DD doing? Thinking of you.

@canuk-gal hope you are having a good week and that all is well. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and hoping winter is going smoothly and that your family is doing well.

@Scandinavian how is your sweet fur baby doing today? Hope the UTI is resolved.


Leaving you with a close up of the ice forming on the bay and the docks.




Have a fabulous Friday girls!

 

[Tekate]

@good morning everyone! I'm off to Costco in a bit. We have to drive 1 1/2 hour to get to our 'local' Costco! ha! but as we are now ancient ones we have the time!!!!

@missy hope you get good news at Greg's doctor's appt. We are at 3F right now.. our Salley dog went outside (as we always let her out as do all dog owners if possible).. and she ran around, did her morning constitutional and then started to come in stopped and lay down, I was concerned and knocked on the window then went out and she popped up and came in, but then she was shaking, it was so bizarre, I went and got one of her 'blankets' (otherwise known as my good beach towels that became hers) and she let me put it on her! that was something, then she said in her bed near us and looked/gazed/dazed? at the wall, I was shocked we pet her and I hugged her, that was approx. 2 minutes outside in probably minus F degree temperatures (wind chill factored in) then I started thinking about the deer, John said they have hoofs which helped but probably many died.

Missy I like the poolside for the door, not sure exactly why.. but which I imagine it in my mind with each door color on it seems to me the poolside works better, which means it works better for ME, maybe not you and Greg. u.

Stay inside today and yes we too up here in Maine are due for warmer weather, maybe high 40s, whooooo hoooo, tired on this freezing air.

Have a wonderful day and hope all goes well with Greg dear girl! xoxoxo

@Calliecake I think if a person isn't sure they want a child they know it. I used to say when one debates if they want a 2nd child it really comes down to being 51% sure and feel your family was not quite complete. If you feel a child is missing in your life then you should, if you are unsure then to me that may negate having one because judging from me I knew I wanted a kid. Just knew it.. 2nd one I was sure of also, pretty much. NO THIRD ONE, not ever ever.. You didnt ask for advice, so I am outta line, but having wrested with these types of things I was sure you MIGHT want to read what I learned, I also learned that love of nieces and nephews is almost the same, I learned that to be fufilled in life a child isn't the only way to gve love and guidance, but I learned for me that it is WHAT I WANTED to do in life. best of luck and knowing you as I do here you guys will make a decision that is best for you two and not anyone else xoxo

@Sandeek had a hard time getting your adorable dog outta my mind.. what a darn cutie! xoxox

@Austina have a warm and happy day, thanks for stopping in! I know on a cruise it's tough sometimes to get internet time as when you have time, often so does everyone else and the ship's internet S L O W S D O W N.... xoxo

@AV_ working invigorates and depletes all in the same day. I am lucky I have retired and can havew a good life, but I never regret any day I worked... enjoy xoxoxo

@marcy May today be a good day sweet lady, may you not freeze your butt off and may work not be a pain in the derrierre!!! seriously, you are a good daughter and have a good day xoxoxo

@Jimmianne did the visa thing work out? how's your weather? how's your daughter doing? how are YOU doing? xoxo

@junebug17 Stay warm! drink tea or coffee or a shot! j/k.. hope all is toasty and good in your area.. xoxoxo

@Calliecake how are you? how's your weather? is it getting warmer? I hope so.. xoxoxo

@Scandinavian your day is farther along, hope you are staying warm and all your kids, human and fur are warm and happy.

BBL maybe off to MA!

if I forgot someone, no worries, I don't even remember my husband sometimes

xoxoxo

 

[AV_]

@missy (Re. days & their feel) True enough - the week has its rhitm & I should have never given up keeping track of it (great invention, the week...) This being said, I am rather looking forward to working tomorrow: that thesis is starting to look good & my patience with it is running dry - I wanna see the rest & there is just one way to do it: write it first! The weather is breaking after a couple of weeks of no sun & some night rain - certainly nothing like the frozen Hell I hear of in your news!, - which means that the wild almond groves nearby are turning pink fast: I never miss this event.

@marcy Thank you for stars ! .) I never knew many by name & it is high time to catch up. (digressing: this sort of thing is called a 'star map' here: www - I am finding out that nobody knows how to draw these)

@Tekate Yes... to everything, including nieces & work...

 

[AV_]

you aren’t working. I’d send you a constellation book - does Missy have your contact info?

True this about working out a dream! I am not alone either - it appears to be the way of the trade (to each man his garden - walls, TBD)

Contact: ana.veler at Gmail

(This is a pen name so no harm in leaving it here - which I hope does comply with all rules that I may not know...)

 

[Scandinavian]

Hi!
F has started on antibiotics now, been to the vet again today. Hope it helps. Thank you for all your good wishes! Finally Friday!!! Skiing competition for the children tomorrow, hope it goes ok so that they are happy, lol.
DH home again, very happy with the new perfume he bought me.
So all things considered, a better day than yesterday.

Missy, I love both colours, but I think I prefer the one that is the most blue. Feel the other one is a bitt more sutle. And who needs that??? LOL. Hugs. Greg sick? Please send him my best! The ice photo looks like Icebear- Penguins. Always nice with a new species.

Marcy, I find comfort in knowing that Rudolf has a very nice life here, he roams free in the mountains his whole life. It's more like a mountain elk than a Bambi. I don't eat Bambi. Or Thumper. And (another) Rudolf almost ran over little furbaby T last fall, so I think he had it coming...

Kate, thank you. Yes, quite late here now. It is finally starting to warm up a bit. Just in time for tomorrow's skiing competition. Thankfully.

Callie, our house sometimes makes those sounds too! Especially when the temperature changes too fast. Sounds like we have the same weather (well, yours is colder), it is starting to get warmer here now too. Hope you are doing well, and have enjoyed a lot of online shopping to keep you warm.

Austina, your holiday sounds super nice! Wish I could be on a beach right now. Actually just sent a picture of a beach to a friend and suggested we hop on the first plane out of here, LOL.

Jimmianne, how are you? And the animals?

AV, how is the writing going? I bet that is one of the most annoying questions you know. LOL. Sorry but not sorry.

Hugs!

 

[junebug17]

@missy, yes, it is definitely frigid out there! Thankfully warmer weather is coming. I like both colors but I agree that Poolside is more blue, and I know you love the color blue so much. Either one will look pretty though! I think the kitties are trying to help you decide Yes, dd is still dating the same guy and things seem to be going well. That sign is too funny! Beautiful pics of the beach.

@Calliecake, I hate when I lose a long post! Not sure why it happens, grrr. Hope you're making out ok with this frigid weather and hopefully it will break soon. Unfortunately there's been a change of plans and dd won't be coming this weekend, but she'll be here next weekend.

@Tekate, lol to "on accident"! Made me laugh...and you're right, it's definitely "by accident" Neve sounds like such an adorable and bright kiddo. Really pretty pics of the snow, you have such a beautiful home and such lovely scenery. Hope your Costco outing went well and you didn't spend too much...although it's fun to spend money at Costco, there's always something to buy that you didn't realize you needed lol! Love the pic of you and your dad, so sweet. And I didn't know you lost a brother recently; I am so sorry for all the losses you've endured, hugs.

@marcy, your sunset is breathtakingly beautiful! Your early morning pics are lovely too. Hope you are doing ok, I understand what a sad time this is for you. Whenever I see a squirrel dangling from the bird feeder I'm reminded of your dad and his battle with the squirrels. My mother loved Wheel of Fortune too. It is very cold here, it got to about 11 and the real feel was -6. Brrr! It's going to warm up though soon, thank goodness. Sorry to hear people are struggling with the lights at work and I hope it gets straightened out somehow.

@Sandeek, can't wait to see your new AVR ring, very exciting! And I'm so glad you had fun shopping with your dd, it's wonderful to hear you out and about and enjoying yourself.

@av, thinking of you and glad to hear you enjoy your research and that it is going well! And how wonderful the weather is improving for you. Hopefully you can make that trip to the beach soon.

@Austina, your trip sounds fabulous! How fun to just get away, relax, and watch dolphins. And of course enjoy all kinds of delicious food. That's the best part lol!

@PierreBear, wishing you all the best as you work your way towards a decision you and your dh will be at peace with. Hugs, and hope you have a nice weekend.

@Scandinavian, Oh no to your furbaby still not feeling well, I do hope she gets better soon. And I hope your children have a great time at the skiing competion. Your dh is so sweet and thoughtful for bringing you perfume.

A bit of a busy week here...just appointments and errands...not a great week for those with this cold weather lol. DD's plans changed and she'll be here next weekend. Tommorrow dh and I are meeting my friend and her bf for lunch. Sunday will probably involve both golf and football...and food! Dh and ds are planning a Superbowl menu so chances are it won't be exactly healthy

Take care all! Xxx

 

[marcy]

 

[missy]

Happy Groundhog's day girls!!! One of our (Greg's and mine) favorite holidays!



Early Spring for all!!!



@junebug17 glad you accomplished errands and appointments and yes it was a cold week for that but that cold is (almost) over for now. Have fun with friends at lunch today and enjoy that Super Bowl menu tomorrow...it's only once a year so eat, enjoy and hope your team wins! And sorry DD won't be here this weekend but yay she is coming next weekend. Something to look forward to for sure! Thanks for sharing your paint opinions and yes the kitties are helping me too you're right. They are so helpful.

@Sandeek how are you doing? Hope you are enjoying a nice sleep and have a good weekend planned. Do you guys watch the super bowl? We don't but I know most people do. Thinking of you and sending continued healing vibes and hugs your way.

@Tekate thank you for sharing your thoughts about the paint and all the other decisions. It helps me formulate what I love best hearing everyone's thoughts about it. So sad about the deer. OMG sweet Salley was outside too long and she didn't realize it...that is scary. Thank goodness you were keeping a careful watch on her. This cold is deadly. Hope it is warming up by you as it is by us.

I learned that to be fufilled in life a child isn't the only way to gve love and guidance, but I learned for me that it is WHAT I WANTED to do in life.

Wise words, sage advice dear Kate the Great and I completely agree. There is so much love in this world and one can share and express that love in different ways with different people and having one's own kids is not the only way to feel fulfilled. I agree about what you write about the nieces and nephews. Relationships are all what you make them to be. You and the other party of course because relationships are a two way street. And we are all different and what fulfills one doesn't necessarily fulfill another. Viva la Difference!

That is a long drive to Costco...hope it went well yesterday Kate. We drive about 20-25 minutes to get to Costco and that feels long to me too so I cannot even think about 90 minutes back and 90 minutes there. We (Greg) go every week so I always hope to be within a 30 minute drive of my favorite store. Hahaha I don't even know what I would do if Costco went out of business.

@marcy haha love Snoopy. Snoopylicious. Hope your Friday went well and that you are sleeping in this morning.

@Calliecake hope you got a beautiful manicure and also accomplished what else you wanted to yesterday. Thank goodness the weather is becoming milder. Feels like Spring is in the air.

@AV_ oh it sounds so beautiful the almond groves turning pink...would love to see a photo if you take any when that event occurs. Enjoy working and writing today and yes I get how you feel. Wanting to accomplish all you want to accomplish while enjoying the process. But still wanting to see the finished result. I get it. Hope today is a good day.

@Jimmianne oh no to all those bills you have to sort. Sending you buckets of good wishes and hope it goes quickly going through all that mail. Sending you hugs and good thoughts.

@Scandinavian glad furb baby is on the mend and have fun skiing with the kids this weekend.Thanks for the paint feedback. Appreciate it. We still have to choose the main door front glass.

Appointment went OK yesterday. Thanks for all your good wishes for Greg. Here is Bubbalah patiently waiting with him for the doctor yesterday.




Have a great day girls! XOXO.

 

[Tekate]

@missy ooooh you know I love Bubalah! can NEVER get enough shots of that stone(s).. what a beast of lightness.. just uber love this ring and stone of yours.. thank you for sharing another photo dear girl, keep 'em coming! How's Greg's knee? I thought that is why you guys went to the physician, if i'm nosey, ignore me! they all do in my family when I'm tooo nosey. Is today groundhog day? I gotta check that out.. and watch the movie tonight maybe.. we have to go to the vet's today to get Salley's meds and some rice! braving the 7 degree weather but we should get up in the 20s but the chill factor will be much lower but we too will have up to 50s this week then down again.. As to the blue colors for your door, go with the one that makes you happy, if the lighter blue sings to you, get it girly! when I re-did my pool (that horrid experience) I couldn't decide what type and color to plaster the pool and what type of tile, the limestone around it was staying! so I set up tiles and colors and for months I couldn't make a decision, but I did and I loved it (finally).. how's the feral cats? did you say what you were doing this weekend? if so I missed it! hope for the best for winter's end. So, we do the Costco drive because we have the time BUT there is an Italian Restaurant in Danvers that is the BEST Italian restaurant I have ever gone to outside of Italy and we love to go there! also John wanted to go to some liquor store to stock on some whiskey or something, I sat in the car and waited because I don't drink and if I did it wouldn't be whiskey! so we are nefarious and cool !!! sorta.. or maybe just set in our ways..

We will walk Salley if it get's warmer but so far not yet!

sending hugs, love and good vibes to you, furbabies and of course the Greg.. xoxoxo to you all.

@marcy the peanuts comic strip was my husbands favorite and the one you posted was hysterical, sort of the way I feel! so far I've been invited to my nieces wedding shower (another niece in CT who's FINALLY marrying her boyfriend after like 17 years together!) and we are going to Dominican republic then I go to Austin for my baby's shower, WHOOPS I mean my son's baby shower Whoops and Cara's.. (I am sometimes a meanie!! ) then we are driving out to Austin in April by way of Maryland for a 60th bday of John's sister, then to St Louis to see longtime friends) then to Austin for a month to see, love, kidnap (ha) Autumn, then back home, not going anywhere else except probaby Austin again at Christmas because John says he wants to spend Christmases (did I spell that right? probably not oh well).. with his granddaughter! in between there it's down to the city to see Christopher, Kate, Danny, Neve, sisters and soon baby brother! so I do not see any other big trips for me this year, that is waaay enough.. I go on and on and on and on, sorry Marcy. How are you? furnace still good? have a great day lady! xo

@junebug17 Hi Junie! do you like yoru daughter's BF? that goes a long way to making life easier for you! June, thank you so much for mentioning my baby bro! it's been hard, but also it's 'who's next?' me or my brother Joe? that's all that is left of the 4 of us.. I know that sounds selfish and I dont want Joe to die because he was my mom's baby.. so I just want to be around a bit for Autumn.. strange times, I never thought I would get to this age, I did, and I still feel 16! at times, most times I feel 60! thank you again June. have a wonderful day! xo

@AV_ Yup AV, love is love.. and work can be so fufilling, frustrating and fun! hope your day has gone well today.. are you guys cold at all? xo

@Scandinavian how did the races competition go with your kids? glad F is on antibiotic... hope yur weather improves, ours is stlll cold today but supposed to improve! have a great end to your day Scandi and here's to a fun and warmish Sunday! xoxoxo

@Jimmianne I missed where you said you had bills to pay I hate paying bills! Did you get the visa(s) yet? how's DD and DS? how are YOU!??? xoxoxo and have a warm day.

off to make some cookies.. why not? it's cold!

have a wonderful day everyone!

Kate

 

[AV_]

@Tekate Yes, the last week were cold-er - that is to say, barely over 10°C at noon and slightly below freezing at night. Gray. Rainy. Impossible scenario! Things got back to order today via allot of warm wind. Next week looks just great for a walk on the seaside! I need to send a draft our on Wednesday morning, then will take the day off instead of this weekend.

@Scandinavian That question is so annoying that no one ever asks any version, at all! - & the quiet is dead-ominous.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s! I am so far behind.

Missy, my friends husband was in NYC this week and being a Wyoming boy he thought it was really cold. He said he took a lot of taxis so he didn’t have to walk. I am glad to Greg’s doctor appointment went okay. Did you get your new medicine yet? Beautiful Bubbala looks good waiting at the doctor’s office.

Kate, I am sorry it is so cold there and hate to hear how it impacted your sweet furbaby. I think it’s moving out this weekend so I hope you warm up soon. I totally chuckled about your advice on having a third child; I was the third child and I heard often from my mom she never caught up again after having kid number 3; of course later in life she said she didn’t know what she’d do without me. So it all worked out in the end. I am with John on Peanuts being a favorite comic strip. My house has a lot of Snoopy’s in it. I love that little devilish side of you; I have that going on as well. I got tired for you just reading about all of your plans and travels for this year but what a great way to spend your time. Plus precious babies on the way. Sweet. I am pretty good thank you and luckily the furnace is holding. Mm to making cookies; what kind did you make?

AV, I bet you are very anxious to get your thesis done. My niece’s husband had an awful time getting his thesis done; he has a doctorate in some type of safety engineering and whatever topic he picked required some stats and numbers from the government - it took him many trips and hours in Washington which delayed his graduation about 2 years to get everything he needed. I recommend skymaps.com for current star maps. They are quite helpful.

Scandi, glad your Friday was a better day. I hope F is feeling better today. LOL that reindeer had it coming that tried to run over your little furbaby. That’s right. I don’t care for deer or antelope but elk is quite good.

Junebug, thank you for the comforting words. The squirrels battles do always bring a smile to my face. I am doing better. I am glad you are warming up soon. I went in Friday and only 1/2 of the ceiling lights were on; sadly my computer was in the dark so we found me a light to put up under my shelf and it works perfect. Darn that you have errands while it is so cold. Mine list is long today and I still have more to do. Your weekend plans sound nice.

Work was awful yesterday. The company execs are pushing for a 20% figure on annual appraisals as needs improvement. Really? It's all about saving money. If you don't want to give raises just level with people; don't play games. What a mess. I understand some of the directors and VP are fighting it but obviously it's an uphill fight. I wonder if they want people to quit or they plan on a big layoff and how easy would that be to say hey all these need improvements should go.

We planned on going out to supper last night to a spot about 10 miles north of town. Just as we were getting in to the car a friend of mine called me to ask if we wanted to join them for dinner at that same restaurant. Too funny. I said yes we were getting in the car to head that way right now. We drank our dessert and had a nice time.

I got up at 6:30 this morning and did get a lot of chores done already. I went to the bank, got gas, dropped off my constellation book to be copied, paid off our furniture and met my friend for jewelry shopping. A local mom and pop jewelry store (over priced but has some decent things) have a super bowl sale each year where everything is 50% off. My friend found a pair of 1/2 ctw lever backs that were marked down to $378; she bought them. I found an emerald band that I like. I don't plan on wearing it with my ering but as a RHR. It has very decent emeralds. The emeralds are about .07 ct each and the diamonds are about .03 each (they have 2 between each emerald). I just love how emeralds glow. There was another band I liked but the emeralds weren't as nice. I took Marty back with me since he can see tiny things better than I can. All the diamonds are yellow fluorescent.

Next I am writing letters to go out the Valentines to the family and that darn dining room table needs cleaned off.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[marcy]

Here are the earrings my friend got. She got a great deal on them

 

[AV_]

@marcy This Sky Map thing lets me point & ask for star names & whatnot - as if I were five! .) Just as well that the night is cloudy.

The new band ring looks beautifully made.

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

I hope Greg’s appt went well @missy and his knees are holding up. Bubbalah really holds her own in any environment, I’m pleased to say Bella is enjoying the sunshine and sparkling her socks off Did your boots arrive yet? Oh the irony of your snow boots being held up by the snow!!

@marcy how weird that your friends had the same idea about dinner last night, what’re the chances? Did you have a good meal? I your new band, it’s the perfect size to be very wearable, and wow, are those babies glowing.

Fingers crossed the ABs have kicked in and little F is responding well @Scandanavian Anne, who is looking after Dottie this time, sent me a video of her running around in the snow wagging her tail. How did the munchkins do in the competition?

To the unhealthy eating @junebug17 I feel like I’ve eaten my own body weight since we got on the ship. What a shame DD had to change her plans, but at least you’ll get to see her next weekend.

Do you have bootees for Salley @Tekate ? When we had our OESs they were so furry, they’d have snowball feet and legs, and we used to put their feet in warm water to thaw them out.



I hope you managed to sort out all your paperwork @Jimmianne .

Glad to hear it’s not been as cold @AV_ , we have snow at home, more than I thought. I checked our outside camera and was surprised by how much

Hope you’re safe and warm @Calliecake .

Leaving you with a photo of our view yesterday in Costa Maya, it’s been hot and sticky here today in Cozumel. We’re on our way to Cuba now, sea day tomorrow.

 

[marcy]

AV, hopefully you’ll get clear skies soon. Thank you, I was just cleaning my new ring and the prongs didn’t catch on the microfiber cloth which made me think ooh this wasn’t sloped together somewhere.

Austina, of course Bella is sparkling like crazy, it’s such a gorgeous diamond. The view is beautiful but ugh to hot and sticky. Our dinner was quite good last night. We all had steak of some kind, with wine and this place has a fabulous dessert. They make balls of vanilla ice cream and roll it in crushed Oreos then serve is with chocolate sauce. We always get that. Thank you, this band will be easy to wear and it is lively enough I can wear it by itself. I usually get buyers remorse but other than spending money after our flooring and furniture I don’t feel bad at all.

 

[marcy]

I forgot to tell you ladies Marty called me a name tonight. Remember that puzzle from hell I got him for Christmas? Well a friend of mine gave me a Snoopy puzzle for Christmas that has 100 pieces. I got it done in no time tonight so I told him see I’m so much better at puzzles than he is because I got my Christmas puzzle done in one night.

 

[Calliecake]

@missy, I hope Greg is feeling well today and you enjoyed the day together. Did your boots arrive today? The boots will probably arrive on Monday just in time for the heat wave. Don’t worry it probably get really cold again in a week. You weren’t kidding when you said some of the artificial florals and greens look exactly like real flowers and greens.

@PierreBear , I think the message Kate left for me earlier was for you. Sometimes when we know exactly what you want, things work out differently. It doesn’t mean we won’t be happy. I hope you are having a good weekend.

@junebug , It will be interesting to hear what your Super Bowl meal will be LOL. You will have a great time no matter what is on the menu. I’m sorry you didn’t get to spend time with your DD this weekend. You’ll have fun with her next weekend.

@Tekate , You have one busy year ahead of you. How sweet John said he wants to spent Christmas with Granddaughter. Autumn already has him wrapped around her finger. How is Chris enjoying his job and being in New York? Has he found an apartment? Is Neve excited about her soon to be baby brother? I spent the day with my family going over the baby shower details, making party favors and making flower arrangements so we could figure out what my niece wants. It turned out to be much easier than I thought it would be. We had such a fun time. I managed to burn myself with a glue gun LOL.

@marcy, Love the jewelry pictures. The diamond emerald ring and earrings are gorgeous. The ring looks beautiful on you. The company you work for is playing games. If people quit, the company doesn’t have to give severance packages.

@Austina , This sounds like one great vacation. I’m glad Bella is sparkling her socks off. She truly is a beauty! What kind of dog is an OES? What an adorable fur baby.

@av, I walk by the seaside sounds wonderful.

@Jimmianne I hope all is well with you.

@Scandinavian , I hope everyone enjoyed their dinner tonight. Did your children have a fun time skiing today?

 

[missy]

GM girls!

@junebug17 enjoy Super Bowl Sunday with dh. And hope you are having a good weekend and enjoying the change in temps. I am. Yesterday though it didn't get out of the 30s felt positively balmy to me lol and I wore my light leather jacket. Woohoo Spring is coming.

@Sandeek hope you and your lovely family have a great Super Bowl Sunday. Enjoy, have fun and (((hugs))) from me and my furry crew.

@Tekate hi there, hope you are having a lovely weekend. Greg did not go for a knee eval. Sorry I don't want to be secretive but he has asked me to not share the details so I cannot but as far as I know we are not going back to HSS for his knees til at least next autumn hopefully. If it starts hurting him more than I guess we will have to but Friday's appointment was something else and he is going to be home for the week recuperating. Thanks for caring and you're a sweetheart.

That makes sense to go to Costco and do a few other things in the area. Makes that trip even more worthwhile though driving to Costco no matter how far is always worth it. LOVE italian food especially like the wonderful restaurant you are describing. Yummmm. Glad you got to pick up some liquor too. Costco, eating out and liquor. Sounds like an eventful day.

What cookies did you end up baking? You had me at cookies . Hugs to Salley and hoping it is warmer today and you can all walk with her and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Something I do love about winter is the crispness in the air and the sharpness of the sky and the glorious sunrises and sunsets. Winter is full of beauty albeit cold and harsh at times.

@marcy beautiful bling photos. Sorry work was a mess the other day and the execs might just get what they wished for if they keep on treating people poorly. Of course perhaps some of the employees aren't up to par and maybe they figure they don't have much to lose. Anyway sorry you are dealing with such a mess. What a fun evening having the impromptu dinner with friends. Spontaneity at its finest. Glad you got lots of chores done already. Have a wonderful Sunday. Enquiring minds want to know...what was the name Marty called you? Genius? Smarty pants? Clever cookie?

@Austina love the photos. Sweet that Bella is enjoying the sunshine and vacation. Bubbalah sends her love to both you and Bella. She owes her home to you both. Nope the boots are nowhere to be found. The tracking ended Jan 30th and I think they are lost. If they are it isn't meant to be as this is the second year in a row I couldn't get them. Last year I ordered them (different place) and they ran out of my size and I didn't get notification til 2 weeks later. LOL @canuk-gal I might just have to wait for you to visit me and bring them from Canada. Speaking of Sharon, I am thinking of you and sending (((hugs))) and love your way. Hope all is well by you.

@AV_ hope weekend writing is going well. And hope you are also enjoying a lovely weekend.

@Calliecake glad the artificial flowers did not disappoint. Might be the perfect solution for you and your niece. Lovely combo of fresh and artificial. Hope you have a good Sunday and enjoyed your Saturday.

@Jimmianne (((hugs))).

@PierreBear more (((hugs))) and good thoughts being sent your way.

@Scandinavian hope you all had a wonderful time skiing.

Today we might take a lovely walk around the neighborhood if Greg is up to it. Yesterday we went and returned my dress at Saks. I have too many evening dresses so yay for eliminating that one. Now I only have to choose among 3 for the gala. But to make that easy they are all mine so not returning any more.

Have a wonderful day and for all those who enjoy football enjoy this evening.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

Callie, good point about a severance package. Seems like they didn’t give the employees they let got 2 years ago more than 3 weeks though. Sounds like you had a nice time planning the baby shower; I am sorry you burned yourself though. Thank you (about the ring and earrings). I am very pleased with my ring. Even Marty says it is really nice; he is usually indifferent.

Missy, isn’t it funny how warm 30 degrees feels after a cold snap? When it gets that low in the fall we are all bundling up. I am concerned about the mess at work but there isn’t much I can do about it but ride it out and see what happens. Retirement looks better all the time. I was busy today too; I am looking forward to resting up at work tomorrow. You did not correctly guess the name Marty called me. I like your suggestions way better. Did you guys go for a lovely walk? Good idea to return the dress since you have 3 other ones to consider. You’ll be beautiful no matter which one you end up wearing.

We got up about 7 this morning. I even made pancakes for breakfast. We did our grocery shopping and decided to make tacos for lunch. Since I had to brown some hamburger anyway I cooked 2 pounds and made my mini pizzas for the freezer after we were done with lunch. That worked well too since I only had to clean up the kitchen once that way.

I am almost done with the laundry and hopefully will be able to relax the rest of the day. It was just one chore after another this weekend.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[missy]

GM girls! Off for my mammogram and ultrasound today but just wanted to say hello and hope everyone enjoyed a lovely weekend. Happy Monday.

@marcy yumm to breakfast pancakes and tacos for lunch. And sweet for only having to clean the kitchen once yesterday. With 4 kitties you can imagine how often I am cleaning the kitchen lol. Today is going to be wonderful weather wise and tomorrow too so besides today's appointment I am looking forward to these 2 days. We enjoyed a lovely walk yesterday afternoon and it was pretty mild out weather wise as well. This February weather does not suck so far and hoping that continues.

Sorry about work and hoping this week is a better week and yes retirement is pretty sweet...just saying. Sending you good thoughts for a smooth work week. And (((hugs))).

@Sandeek hope you had a good weekend and are feeling well and hope your Monday is off to a good start. (((Hugs))).

Hi to everyone else and have a good Monday.

 

[missy]

Thinking of all my dear NIRDIs who are going through challenges right now. And sending big (((hugs))) and much love and bucketloads of healing dust.

 

[Scandinavian]

Good morning girls!

Good luck at the doctors @missy, really hope everything checks out OK! Like that Confucius quote. I'll try to think that way today, boring day at work with tons of things to do. You did really good returning one dress. I never have the heart to do that, and sometimes it really is necessary. I think the closet is shrinking... Maybe got it's inspiration from how my clothes shrank during Christmas.. Bad clothes! I'm very excited about your new door! I think it will look amazing!!! I just love a colour on the door that makes it stand out a little. Our mountain cabin has dark brown walls, white windows, and a red door. At least the colour makes us able to find the door when we are showeling snow away from it in winter, LOL. A white door is very easy to hit with the shovel, as I have previously discovered by accident...

The skiing competition was fun, and quite the work-out, LOL. The children always want me to run up the hills with them, so I keep stressing across the tracks to meet them at the beginning of all the little hills, and as they are getting stronger and faster, this is going to become quite the challenge in the years to come... LOL.

F is starting to get better. I'm very thankful, I was a bit worried about her.

@marcy, you are making me hungry! Taco lunch sounds perfect right about now. But all the chores do sound a little chore'y... The ring looks marvellous! Makes me realise I don't think I have shared one of my Christmas presents with you? I'll share in a separate post from my phone.

@Calliecake, you made me laugh. I burned my self on the stove. Skiing was good! No first places, LOL, but the children had a good time and they did OK and got a small "trophy" so all smiles . I on the other hand. I think I might have pulled something in my leg from all the running.... LOL. Must-run-more... The dinner was a success I think. Our friends have a 6 months baby and they still stayed til after midnight, so I hope that implies that they were enjoying themselves . But oh-my-g. Had forgotten how much "work" the little ones can be. LOL

@Tekate, cookies sounds like a very good idea today! about - 20 C here today (- 4 F(?)). Skiing went well, but I think I need to exercise more... LOL. The children always ask me to run with them for the toughest part of the track. And as they are getting bigger and better at skiing, and I can't actually run in the track but is reduced to humping along in the "ditch", I need a new plan and soon. LOL.

@Austina, that picture of Dottie made my day! Such a totally sweet sweet girl! You can just see her joy of life! We also always do the booties for the dogs if the snow is "warm" enough to make snowballs, lol.

Hugs!

 

[Tekate]

Good afternoon ladies of the Nirdi!

@missy I made chocolate chip cookies, John's favorite, I love them too and they LOVE MY HIPS.. it's love-fest here! I'm due in April for a mammogram.. do you get the new 3D one? I would be so because I think it's going to be standard soon enough. Yesterday morning I made buckwheat pancakes, I love buckweat pancakes, when I was a kid you could buy Aunt Jemima Buckwheats and I suppose my dad must have liked them because he was Pancake Man! but today there is no Aunt Jemima buckwheats, nope it's Hodgson Mill and it's tres expensive!!! but I am worth it! my mom used to make breakfast for dinner once in a blue moon and it was always french toast and bacon, I was in heaven... Meds here yet? it's nice here in Maine so I would bet it's even nicer in the city.

@marcy why so many layoffs at your company? it's so traumatic for people left behind, my son lived thru 4 layoffs at Walmart b4 getting his job in the NYC. All those layoffs were instrumental in giving him a bad attitude, dislike of management and a "I hate this place because they made an old guy of 55 retire or get laid off".. I can see the bottom feeders being let go as they bring EVERYONE down. Tacos! there is nothing like a good taco to make my day sing... hope your Monday is starting out great! oh and I'm sure Marty called you "Marcy the Magnificant" or "Marcy the winner"!

@Scandinavian aw your kids sound great... best years when they really love Mom and want to do things with her. Enjoy.. Babies... yup, they are sooo adorable and soooo much work.. I am sure your friends were having a great time with you and family.. oh and my clothes shank a lot too during the holidays! eeek... spring is coming tho... hope your monday went happy and well!

@Calliecake Hola Callie girl!!! Thank you so much for asking about Chris, he's starting in earnest this week to look for a place, last week he just learned how to use the subways in the city! he seems happy and for that I am happy.. oh and Neve! she told me that she was going to be 'a BEST BIG SISTER, better than her sisters" that kid is so funny, and so serious, and so lovely, I'm so lucky to have her in my life. thank you for mentioning her, she is a pistol too! Aw Callie, sorry about the burn and I hope to heck I don't have to make a thing for the shower - me? glue gun? uh oh.. no.. we shall see, Cara's SIL sent ony evites so I can keep track of who and how many.. they are in charge of decoratons, me? I'm in charge of enough food, we are doing finger foods and cupcakes and one cake.. and booze, I forgot what we were doing but I think just a white and red wine, it's from 2-5 on 3/10 or 11 whichever is the Sunday, so we aren't doing a dinner but little sandwiches or rollups and a chauceterie(?) try and olive etc.. not sure if chips goes with that? I dunno I so stink at this stuff.

@Jimmianne how are you and things? wedding and daughter going Aok? when are you going back to France? hope you are well and happy lady..

@AV_ what is on your schedule for the week? have a good one too btw!

@junebug17 what did you eat for superbowl? I missed it, we were watching a movie (What lies beneath) and we missed the whole shebang. I did make stuffed peppers tho! I read that the whole show was boring and the game dragged, sounds normal to me! I used to be a NE fan till footballgate.

@Austina Hello lady! it's 50 here in Maine today whooo hoooo... but I dream of a blue caribbean..it's so beautiful.. Oh, Salley has booties but she will not walk with them, she just WILL NOT..they really bother her, so if its too cold we just don't walk her far, like down the driveway.. oh Bella, Bella the beautiful.. I'm sure you are having rainbows everywhere Austina.. love Bella!! love Dottie too! beautiful dog austina.. just beautiful.

Well did I ever tell you guys about my aunt? Nope? well I have an Aunt, Mary, she is my mother's sister, she is 5 years older than I am. She 71 and I'm 66. She is a college instructor and lives in PA with her S/O Elva. Tons of stories on my aunt Mary, I would never ever say we were close because the reality was that she was very close with my sister, both she and Gen were (are) teachers and I was a coder, I was soooo different, and Mary spent our early year telling me what to do, and acting more like an aunt than someone 5 years older, but it turned out that my mom and grandmother wanted her to be this way. My aunt was 20 years younger than my mom, same parents though. My mother had a sister and a brother that died in infancy, in the 1930s, and when Mary was born in 1947 it turned out that she had RH negative positive reaction. My mother's brother and sister who died were 6 mos and 18 months, my aunt was born with the same problem as her older brother and sister and my aunt's blood was totally tranfused 4X and that is what saved her from dying, somehow the complete new blood eradicted the antibodies that were in her blood. This RH factor problem today is nothing, a woman just get's a shot, but before the 1950s babies died. It doesn't affect the first child so there was no problem with my Mom. So my aunt was another genius and she and my sister were sympatico and very similar, me - Rebel Rebel .. but since my sister has died Mary and I have grown a bit closer, so on Friday she emailed me that she was going into the hospital saturday for tests, she had 'big edema' and 'severe shortness of breath' - my aunt is also a conspiracy theorist believer and she and her girlfriend (whom I love dearly) both have weird thoughts, I'm totally logical. So I tried texting Mary yesterday and called and left a message, her G/F texts me back and says, "Mary will text you tomrrow. It's all in God's hands now" sooooo I am very concerned BUT I do know these 2 ladies like to overdo everything, like maybe my aunt has something wrong and now it segues to God is going to make a decision. My aunt is smart, and she has her MS from NYU, she is a good person, but this little quirk of seeing the end of the world in runes on the beach in Delaware doesn't do much for good old logical me. So long story, the short story is, I've not heard from her yet but I hope she texts or calls and I'm waiting to hear what is going on, it's entirely possible she has some heart issues because she has smoked for 63 years, that could cause some problems.. so I am concerned but not alarmed yet, I hate going nuts for nothing.. it's troublesome for sure. my family is all nutzoid any way.

Chris hopefully will find a place this week or next.. we have little planned this week, but next week we start getting ready for the vacations etc. baby.. etc. etc.

Have a wonderful week Our Lady's of the Nirdi! we deserve it!

xoxoxo Kate

 

[PierreBear]

Hello! Hope everyone had a “super” weekend whether ya’ll watched the game or not. I was perfectly fine not watching the game and had a quiet evening as DH was out of town for work. Thanks again to everyone letting me share big life events and the counseling event was comfortable though it wasn’t a big “ahh hahhh” moment yet and more of an intro. So far so good though. On another note, still working with our insurance company on our water issue. They are getting another structural engineer to come out for a second opinion. I guess that’s a good thing but we will still see on what they end up wanting to cover. Hope to have better news to share soon…. Oh actually, finding a new way to communicate with my mom overseas. Sending her a picture every day and she’s doing the same. Ok hope ya’ll have a great Monday and rest of the week!

@missy – Good luck with the mammogram and ultrasound! Thanks for checking in with me and the well wishes.

@marcy – Oh my goodness, your new bling is beautiful! Sorry to hear that work has been challenging and it seems like management is just playing games. Not a comfortable environment and hope you are staying positive.

@Calliecake – Thanks for the encouragement. I’m generally confident with what I want, which is the no children route. However, since we don’t have an obvious physical disability/what we should be doing instead, it is hard to be confident. We are happy the way things are now to be honest and just doing the due diligence to use all resources.

@Austina – Dogs in the snow?! Adorable!

@junebug17 – Appreciate the well wishes on making a decision. Decision has generally been made about not having kids in our future but still wanting open ears/heart to hear other guidance and wisdom!

@Tekate – You are not out of line at all and appreciate you sharing your own life experiences. I’m always open to hearing other people’s thoughts so thank you for taking the time to write it. I’m not a confident person in so many areas of my life. However, I do seem to have clarity about not having kids in my life but still hoping to be able to tell people about it without shame/guilt/etc. Thanks again for rooting for us!

 

[missy]

Good afternoon ladies!

@Tekate yes my meds have arrived woohoo. Now I am scared to start the new dose. Mammo and Ultrasound went well and I am good, thank you for asking. Dense breast tissue but A OK. I think it is the 3D mammo but LOL I am not positive. It rotates as it is taking the images so does that mean it's 3D? It's at Columbia Radiology so I am hoping they have the latest technology. I have been going there for more than a decade and the same radiologist always reads my mammo and ultrasound. Dr. Marc Brown. I think he's pretty good and the techs are all so nice. The tech today was going on and on about my Playtime Stuart Weitzman boots. I have to admit they are pretty awesome boots lol.

Yummmm to Choco chip cookies. I am not surprised you and John (and your hips) love them. I (and my hips) love them too and if you add Peanut Butter I'd be drooling right about now. And girl you deserve those expensive buckwheat pancakes. Yes you do. OK I am starving now after reading and writing all about this food.

Glad you are enjoying lovely weather and it is pretty sweet here too. Tomorrow supposed to hit the 60s. That's a bit crazy but I will take it.

Oh no I hope your aunt is OK. Sending you and her good thoughts. Fingers and toes crossed for a good outcome. And good luck to Chris and finding a nice place.
(((Hugs))).

@Scandinavian yay for F feeling better. So relieved for all of you. Glad you enjoyed skiing. Yes I love refreshing and painting and just getting new decor. It's fun. Is the cabin coming along nicely I hope? Sorry forgot to respond about your visit here. Just let me know the dates and we will do our best to make it work. XO.

@PierreBear thanks for checking in and glad all is going as well as can be expected. You know our story...we were quite clear from the get go about not wanting kids. Me even more so than Greg but he was completely on board with not having them. And we have no regrets. Not sure that helps you because we are all different but you should not have any guilt about your decision no matter what it ends up being. This is *your* and your DH's life and no one else's and it is no one else's business what you decide. (((Hugs))).

@Sandeek sending you continued healing vibes and big (((HUGS))) and I am thinking about you.

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Despite yesterday being a sea day, we were really busy, going from activity to activity.

We arrived in Cuba today, and went on a tour. It ‘could’ be a beautiful place, they’re recovering from hurricane damage, beautiful buildings falling in to wrack and ruin, such a shame, but they don’t have the money to repair them.

Glad your tests went well @missy, and give Greg a big hug and wish him well. Good news that the meds have finally arrived, let’s hope you can tolerate a higher dose and they do some good.

The photo is our previous dog, Harry (or Hairy Harry as we referred to him) who was an Old English Sheepdog @Calliecake . He was our third, a rescue who came to us at 8 months old, and lived to be nearly 12. Poor sweet old boy, I miss him because he was a real character .

Glad the munchkins enjoyed their race @Scandinavian, it’s easy to forget what hard work small children are

I hope you’ve heard from your aunt @Tekate and that everything is ok with her. My father would always say “don’t buy me a birthday/Christmas present, I’ll be dead soon”! He lived to be over 90!

Argh to the insurance company still diddling around @PierreBear , I hope the second engineer comes up with something positive. Please, please don’t ever feel you have to justify any decision you make, to other people. You know I didn’t want to have children, and Colin was fine with that, and I’m sure we’d have been very happy. I just want to say that I’ve realised that we are not our parents, and that was initially influencing my thinking. Of course now, I can’t imagine my life without Adam, but had to put up with a lot of comments about being selfish only having one child blah blah blah. You’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t!

Hopefully you managed to finally relax @marcy . I didn’t initially see the photo of your friends earrings, they’re lovely and a great price.

Did you enjoy the super bowl @junebug17 they had a big party on the ship for it, lots of food and a sweepstake? We didn’t go, as it’s not something we follow, but lots of people on board were excited about it.

Big wave to @Sandeek @AV_ hope all is well with you.

We’re all packed up ready for tomorrow, we’re having breakfast in our cabin at 7am, as it’s less of a rush, then we’ll leave the ship at 9am to head for the airport. Should arrive in Austin just after 4pm.

 

[junebug17]

@missy, glad your appointment today went well. Sending good thoughts to Greg and I hope he is feeling ok. Pretty pic of bubbalah! That Calvin and Hobbes cartoon is so cute. Ugh, sorry your boots haven't shown up yet and I hope you get them soon. I really like that Confucius quote, very wise words, and very true. Good news that your meds finally arrived and I hope you can tolerate them. I totally get that now that they're here you're nervous about taking them! Couldn't they have taken just a little longer? This warmer weather is great, isn't it? What a nice break from those frigid temps.

@marcy, that Snoopy comic is just too funny...and I can relate all too well to it LOL. I'm sorry about the situation at work and can see why you'd be upset about it. How funny your friends wanted to meet at the same restaurant you were planning on going to! That worked out well. I really love your new emerald and diamond band! The emeralds really pop and the design is so pretty. Looks lovely on you You deserve some bling after doing all those errands lol I love the earrings your friend got too; I would love a pair just like them.

@Tekate, I almost spit out my coffee when I read "my baby" LOL - if I ever have a grandchild I'm going to feel the same way haha. My dd's boyfriend seems like a nice guy. We've spent some time with him and he's personable and likable. He treats dd well and seems supportive of her too. I hear you on getting older, I'm not always thrilled about it but what can we do? Just enjoy ourselves while we still can and distract ourselves with things like bling and babies What Lies Beneath is a good movie, very well done and the kind of movie I like, haven't seen it in a while and will have to watch it again. Yeah, not a NE fan either after all the shenanigans. Yes, boring Superbowl but a good excuse to sit around for 3 hours and eat lol. I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt and I hope you've gotten some more info about the situation by now.

@av, glad the rain and chilly weather has cleared up and things are warming up for you. It will be nice to have a day off during the week and I hope you enjoy yourself.

@Austina, I'll bet Bella is blinding in that tropical sunshine! Beautiful view of Costa Maya Must have been interesting seeing Cuba, a shame they don't have the funds to rebuild from the hurricane. Sounds like you had a great time on the ship, and I'm wishing you a safe and smooth journey to Austin.

@Calliecake, getting ready for the shower with your family sounds like it was a lot of fun. Sorry about the burn, I've done that too and it hurts! Has it warmed up for you yet?

@Scandinavian, so glad to hear your furbaby is recovering! And yes, it sounds like you worked as hard as the children at the competition! I'm glad they had such a good time.

@PierreBear, sending you lots of good thoughts that you can work through your feelings and reach a place where you feel completely comfortable and at peace with sharing your decision with others. And fingers crossed the engineer can figure something out and get to the bottom of this! So sorry this has dragged on. What a great idea for keeping in touch with your mother! I think you'll both have a great time sharing pics with each other.

Hi @Jimmianne, @Sandeek, and @canuk-gal!

Had a nice Sunday, dh and I met ds and we went to one of the cafes by his apartment for breakfast. He lives in a really cute downtown area with lots of shops and restaurants. It was mild so lots of people out and about. Later Ds came over to the house to watch the game. We ended up having potato skins, french fries, chicken tenders, buffalo wings, and dh and ds had burgers and I had cheese quesadillas. Omg we all have food hangovers today Talk about carb loading. And I wonder why I'm not losing weight haha!