Now I really did it :((

[MamaBee]

@Austina How exciting that your house is almost finished. It will be home to you and Colin before you know it! All your finishes are gorgeous.
It was too much sweetness for me but David loved it. Once I cut into it then it was wall to wall chocolate.

 

[MamaBee]

For some reason I couldn’t add more after I posted the cake photos..Weird..
Thank you for the birthday wishes for David..He had a great day..
@missy I hope your appointments went smoothly today. We have appointments at LabCorps tomorrow for our antibody tests. My husband thinks we should go ahead and get the vaccine now. I’m not convinced yet. I want to see what my numbers are. I also don’t want to postpone it and then get Covid. I really expect to get some kind of third booster. I half expect it to be something with a different delivery..
A friend of mine is stuck in Portugal with her husband for a week confined to their hotel room because they most likely got Covid on the plane getting there. Two days after they arrived they both got Covid. My friend said it feels like a really bad head cold..with congestion and runny nose. She emailed me so I couldn’t ask her which one she got. Her husband is autoimmune. It’s scary that they would go to Portugal with his condition. She said in hindsight that they should have had the second booster before they left. They were holding off until summer before they had to travel to Buffalo.
I’m not saying names but you have so much patience with a person on this board. You explain everything and try to reason with her. She frustrates me. She’s not a NIRDI TG..
@Slick1 I saw in another thread that you fell down the stairs. I hope you’re okay! You were a good momma protecting Bear.
@marcy The ice cream ball looks so delicious! That would make a great dessert. You could even make smaller individual portions if you have people over. I’m going to have to try that!
I LOVE apple pie..All this talk of dessert is making me crave something..Yum..
I bet your former boss is really missing you.
@springerspaniel I love your Easter bunny..I used to put Easter bunny and Christmas reindeer antler ears on Bailey. He hated when I did that but tolerated me. I really miss my fella.
@canuk-gal I made a Manicotti, Bolognese with meatballs, and pork ribs dinner for David‘s birthday in my Le Creuset Dutch ovens yesterday. I first braised the pork ribs in the oven for 2.5 hours at 275. They were so tender you could flake them off with a fork. I love those dutch ovens. I hope you’re enjoying your new pans. I’m loving my stainless steel pans again. The trick is to keep the flame lower..I do use Pam or oil so things don’t stick..I finally got the hang of using them.
@mrs-b How does your back feel? I hurt mine this morning and thought of you. It’s nothing like yours. I used my Le Creuset pots yesterday with too much leaning over. They are very heavy..After I took my walk today I turned and I felt a spasm in my lower back. It doesn’t take much. I hope yours is feeling better.
You‘re going to Hawaii, I think, in two weeks?
Your cluster earrings and ring are gorgeous. I love them..
@bling_dream19 I hope you are doing okay..xo

 

[missy]

Good afternoon girls! Happy terrific Tuesday!

@MamaBee I keep vacillating back and forth because no one can say if and when you will be able to get another booster after the second so if we do the second too soon we might be out of luck come autumn and winter when I feel we need it more. But hindsight is always 2020 and we do the best we can with the info we have at the time. Glad David had a happy birthday. Beautiful cake.Yummmmm. I am sorry about your friend. I don't think traveling is the safest idea now but of course there are those who have no choice and those who deem it safe so to each his/her own. We are still in pandemic mode and as long as we are I will continue being super careful. As careful as we can be seeing all these doctors.

My appointments went well. Doing some new tests for the first (new) doctor and he seems very nice. The second appointment was with my parathyroid specialist and she feels I can hold off on the bone meds for now. But agrees there is no clear cut answer. A very challenging decision.

@springerspaniel hope your first week at the new job is going very well! Hugs.

@Austina yay house progressing nicely. Glad you had a quiet peaceful Easter. We enjoyed hiking and it was lovely. Glad you got to enjoy part of your first hotdog since getting here. If you are ever in Brooklyn we will take you to Coney Island's Nathan. Best hot-dogs in the world. Truth. XOXO

@marcy hope you enjoyed a wonderful birthday celebration with your friend yesterday. And yay for nice weather. As for the wind I hear you. It's so windy here. Aww I missed the planets. Apple pie goes with everything. Especially vanilla ice cream haha. Hope you are enjoying a good day. Hugs.

@canuk-gal hope all is going well. XOXO

@mrs-b thinking of you. XOXO

@bling_dream19 big hugs. Hope you had a wonderful holiday and all is going according to plan.

@Slick1 I also read about your spill and hope you are A OK. Big hugs.

We had a good hike yesterday. Today in between doctor appointments we went to Costco and WF. A very efficient, productive and busy day. Have a wonderful evening girls. (((Hugs)))

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

@Austina that is great your house is almost done. Sweet!!! I bet those little balls of ice cream would be pretty easy to make and of course I’d have to test a few to make sure they tasted okay.

@MamaBee David’s cake looks delicious. I practically had a sugar rush just looking at it. I still want apple pie. I gave my friend a hard time last night that she didn’t show up with a piece of apple pie for me. I felt better once I learned he made lemon meringue and pecan pie. It sure sounds like my old manager misses me and I was chatting with my new boss and we ended up in a conversation about my old job so I mentioned that and she said “their loss, our gain” so I guess I’m not on the chopping block yet. Your menu for David’s birthday dinner sounds quite delicious.

@missy that’s great your appointments went well. You can see the planets in the morning for months - Venus and Jupiter will be closest together at the end of this month. It was cloudy here at 5 am but I did look - then went back to bed. I did enjoy dinner with my friend last night. I have neglected meeting up with her too long. We plan on meeting again next month. I am with you on apple pie and vanilla ice cream. I am a chocaholic but I sure like vanilla ice cream and cake.

I had an appointment this morning with the periodontist. I got a good report card - except they wanted another X Ray. They referred me to an endodontist for an eval on a tooth that has bugged me for years. That gums aren’t coming back by that tooth and it looks like the root is dying and there is significant bone loss there. I’d bet a dollar they will say it needs a root canal. They won’t try to lengthen that broken tooth until my mouth looks healthy so I guess I’ll get that tooth fixed as well. It bugs me but not really causes me much pain. I am aware of it often but that’s it. Oh well.

I picked up groceries while I was out and about. I got 2 pounds of ground sirloin and Marty was going to grill burgers for us for lunch. He didn’t notice it was 2 pounds and made us 4 burgers out of it - wow they were awesome. I only ate half of mine and he only ate 2 instead of his usual 3 - but they were so much better as bigger and fatter burgers. Good to know.

I worked for about 3.5 hours today. I should go shopping for clothes - it cracked me up yesterday - Marty was making coffee while I was working on dishes and asked me ‘when are you going to buy clothes that fit you?” I added all of my way too big sweaters to the donate clothes bag. I still say wearing big, baggy clothes is way better than wearing clothes that are several sizes too small.

Off to fill out the paperwork for the endodontist appointment.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

David’s birthday dinner sounds lovely @MamaBee, I bet he loved his cake. I love my Le Creuset pans, I’ve even got some new boxed ones I‘m waiting to use. I hope they haven’t got damaged on their journey here. Thanks for the compliments on my design choices, I’m pretty pleased with most things considering they were all done long distance. FWIW, IF we need another booster, we’re going to wait till later in the year when we feel it’ll be more beneficial. I’m not overly keen on having too many vaccinations if I don’t need them.

Wow, sounds like you’ve lost a ton of weight @marcy and a shopping trip definitely sounds like it’s on the cards to get a new wardrobe. I’m not surprised your old boss misses you, good people are hard to find, and what a lovely compliment from your new boss. Phooey to the teeth problems, hope you can get it sorted out quickly.

So glad your appts went well @missy, and any day that includes a trip to Costco is a good day Yay for being able to get out and enjoy Mother Nature.

Poor Colin has been dealing with more banking issues, it’s never ending! We’re getting increasingly frustrated with both BA and the CC company. We‘ve finally got our refund on one of the tickets, and the CC company has closed the claim on the other saying it’s taken too long. The only reason it’s taken too long is because they’ve been dragging their heels Honestly, you couldn’t make this stuff up, why have they settled one and not the other?

Sending all the lovely NIRDIs big love and hugs

 

[springerspaniel]

I have an office with a window!

@marcy, you are an inspiration for me to lose some weight--everyone here at the new office is so fit, including the dogs (THE OFFICE ALLOWS DOGS!!!!) We shall see how it goes.

@mrs-b I owe you an email--hope your back is calming some and that you can enjoy your friend's visit!

@missy thanks so much for the text--I appreciated it. And I am glad your appointments went well so far.

Hi to all of the NIRDIS!!! Will catch up soon.

 

[missy]

GM girls and happy terrific Thursday!

@springerspaniel I am glad work is going well and no more migraines. That says it all. Next week is a crazy week for us and I am looking forward to it being over. LOL. I hate rushing our time away but for next week that would be appreciated.

@Austina yes a trip to Costco is always a good trip. As long as they have what we need. Oh no I am sorry about the continuing hassle you are experiencing with the banks. And I hope Colin can straighten it out with not as much a brouhaha as last time. Very stressful. Mother Nature has been cooperating and we had another lovely cycling day yesterday.

@marcy buying clothes that fit is always a plus. And I can think of no better reason than to fit your new healthier body. You go girl. But yes I agree wearing clothes that are too big is preferable to clothes that are too tight. And who knew about bigger fatter burgers. There is a joke in there somewhere lol. Thanks for the info about Venus and Jupiter. I will be on the lookout.

@bling_dream19 lots of love and hugs to you and well wishes.

@mrs-b hope your appointments are going smoothly this week. Keeping you in my thoughts.

@Slick1 sending you lots of hugs and hoping all is going smoothly.

Hi everyone else. We had a good cycling day yesterday and omg the ice cream was out of this world. I had strawberry and some of the Guinness chocolate from Greg and Greg had Guinness chocolate and lion's mane. SO darn delicious. OMG.

Jimmy added a strawberry for me. Sweet.



We plan on cycling again today, yay.
To all my sweet girlfriends here....Enjoy a sweet Thursday XOXO.

 

[mrs-b]

@missy - that ice cream looks wonderful!!

Rough day yesterday. Had my manometry, but could only do one of two tests. I have permanently swollen tonsils, a very small opening in my throat due to decades of acidic burning and muscle stricture, and a severely deviated septum. Having Crohn's, one tends to lose one's gag reflex (or you'd be throwing up all the time) so, altho I figured this would hurt due to the above mentioned issues, I thought I'd be able to tough it out and be one of those people the nurse talked about who "sails through the tests!" Well, the first one took three tries because my throat was just so tight, but in the end she got it done. By this stage, tho, my throat was bleeding, it had clenched tight, and it was swollen. So the second test was more difficult, despite it using a thinner probe. This time, the tube - being thinner, more flexible, and ergo more difficult to direct towards the correct target - ie down my throat - ended up sliding into my sinus - multiple times. Well THAT sure hurt like...like....well, let's just say it rhymes with 'other trucker'. We tried a second time (remember, this was attempt FIVE to put something up my nose, down my throat and into my stomach) and I spontaneously gagged - which I didn't even think I was capable of any more. Normally, when I have ENT appts, my ENT will always say "Wow - you didn't even react to that!" Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt like (as stated above) - but just that I don't gag. Well, this time - gag city! My throat closed over and I couldn't breathe. She whipped it out right away and tried the other nostril a second time (third attempt for this test, 6 attempts in total). She kept getting to the same spot and being unable to proceed, so this time she gave it an oh-so-gentle push and....I threw up. Yay. So that was awesome. We had to call off the second half of the test and if I decide I want it, it will have to be a probe with a capsule on it which will need to stay in for 2 days instead of one. (I'm guessing that's what you had, Missy?). That version is inserted while under twilight sedation, so they'll be able to put it in, but the capsule on the end tends to irritate people with esophageal spasm (which is what I have due to Crohn's) and can cause all sorts of issues. Esophageal spasm hurts like (see above - but it rhymes with 'brother mucker') - and going through that with something lodged in my esophagus means it wouldn't be able to unspasm, and that's just not something I think I could tolerate for 2 days. Esophageal spasm is more commonly confused with heart attack, so that gives you some idea.

So there we are - half the tests done, other half uncertain. Spent the evening with something that felt like the worst ever case of tonsilitis! Ok today, tho.

And that was my day yesterday. Very tired today, but gorgeous weather, so Tim and I will go for a short walk in a bit.

Got a letter from MA Gov jury duty folks saying I am now exempt from jury duty - so there's that.

@missy - would like to have a phone chat with you. Next week, maybe? I'm totally pooped right now and still have more med tests tomorrow, but if you have any time on, maybe, Monday?

@springerspaniel - you have an office! Yaaaay!

@Austina - your banking issues sound like a major pain in the proverbial. I hope they resolve very soon.

@marcy - your burgers sound delicious. I love - and I mean LOVE - burgers! I'm glad work is going well, even tho this sounds nothing like retirement to me!

@Slick1 - you fell down the stairs?? Are you ok?? I'm thinking of you and hoping you're alright.

@MamaBee - I'm glad I had the second booster, for what that's worth. I have no immune system to speak of, but I haven't had covid, and I thank the vaccine 100% for that. I'm in and out of hospitals all the time (5 appts this week, for instance), so all things being equal, I think I would definitely have had it by now. I also catch more than my fair share of planes, AND have a lot of guests who arrive here on planes. Yet...nope. A friend of mine in NY caught it and is currently in hospital until (in his words) the grey lifts. He's been *very* ill. Anything to avoid that. My back is still very twitchy with shooting nerve pain, so Hawaii is still iffy. I really don't know if I want to risk it. I hope your back is feeling 100% very soon.

@canuk-gal - what brand of pans did you get? I'm currently buying Hexclad, which I really like and which I complement with my Le Creuset. The combination seems to hit all bases.

@bling_dream19 - thinking of you, always. ox

Love to everyone! <3

 

[springerspaniel]

@mrs-b your story also brings the term "cork soaker" to mind (there is a funny SNL skit around the term--if you need a chuckle and you have a moment, check it out!)
Sorry you have had such a lousy time with the manometry, but once again, your optimism and terrific attitude seem to be quite evident!!

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies


OMG @mrs-b what a torturous time you had. It sounds absolutely horrendous, I’m so sorry you had to go through it. I’m the total opposite, I have such a strong gag reflex, I even have to be careful brushing my teeth so I don’t hurl. I hope you don’t have to go through this again soon, because I’m sure the memory of it, will linger a long time.

To an office with a window @springerspaniel, I hope after all the angst of the last few weeks, your first week in your new job is proving less stressful.

Glad you were able to get out and cycle @missy, it’s been a little cooler here, though still very warm. Yum for starting ice cream season again, I look forward to the photos. Yep, the banks are the gift that just keep on giving! Thank goodness Colin knows what he’s doing, because I pity anyone who doesn’t, they’re a nightmare.

We went up to the house yesterday to meet the lady quoting for shades, she did a final measure up and we’ve now ordered. We had a good look round and made a list of all the things that need fixing. Some of them they’ve marked up for fixing, but there were lots of things they hadn’t. Surprise, surprise, the floor outlet is in, and yep, it’s the wrong one Light’s are still in the wrong places, and fortunately we’ve found the design notes which states where the fans were supposed to be.

We had to make another call to the CC company this morning, and asked to speak to their complaints department about the way they’ve handled our dispute. We’re not holding our breaths that we’re going to get anywhere with it. I also had to call my mobile phone provider in the UK. Despite cancelling my contract in February, and receiving the STAC for my new provider, they’ve sent a bill for service I haven’t had. They expect me to pay, despite having cancelled, and thank goodness I took a screen shot when I cancelled. It clearly states I had nil balance, and they provided a STAC to give to my NEW provider. Oy, why are people so incompetent?

I can’t believe this week is nearly over, the time is just rushing by.

Sending big love and hugs to you all

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

NIRDI shout out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woke up to white out snow. It won't last but we are all very TIRED of this weather. Earlier this week places in the city got up to 22cms of heavy wet snow! But we didn't--glad I don't live by the airport!!!!!! I'm going to swap my winter tires tomorrow regardless. It is predicted to 16C this week so reasonable temps.

Work was reasonable this week--just too many days. I am only built to work two days...LOL. My jeweller sent me some drawings for a new setting for my emerald. It will be a bezel. But that is far as I've gotten.

@mrs-b I am very sorry you went through hell with the testing. The pans I bought are the latest rendition of Greenpans from WS. So far they are wonderful. I plan to take care of them.

@marcy I like fat burgers also. And I only use ground sirloin.

@missy I am living vicariously through your cycling!!

@MamaBee hope things are good in your neck of the woods and that your family is doing well.

@springerspaniel a office window with a view!! YES!!!

@Austina more $$ nightmares? Bumbling boobies.

Keep well and safe folks!!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Austina]

Happy FriYay lovelies

We tried out a restaurant today that we were going to try a few weeks back when we had all the issues with the missing money. The location was lovely, beautiful scenery (vinyard) the food was OK, not amazing, but good, and we’d go back and take our friends when they come.

We called in to the house first, and the front landscaping has been done, what a difference it makes! The plumbers were there, and we saw them take our bath in, looks like they had the rest of the taps with them and the shower fittings.

Called in to see the sales consultant, she’s saying end of May for closing, as they’re waiting on the a/c units, and more wood to finish off the flooring.

Wishing all the lovely NIRDIs a great weekend.

 

[mrs-b]

@canuk-gal - SNOW??? Oh for goodness sake! I'm wishing you warm weather and spring breezes - RIGHT. NOW! I seriously could not stand your weather.

@Austina - looks wonderful! What size is your lot? It will be lovely when the street has all been completed and all the landscaping done; it's going to be so pretty!

@springerspaniel - I watched the SNL skit. Oh man. Sometimes I think that whole show is populated by 10 year old boys! Made me laugh.

Had my 6 monthly cancer check today, after having to cancel last week. Came back all clear. Just trying to make it to 5 years, at which point I'll be considered to be 'cured'. Not sure I believe being 'cured from cancer' is a real thing, as it seems to me it can raise its ugly head at any given moment. But at 5 years I go from 6 monthly check ups to annual, and that alone would be nice. I am beyond tired of being poked and prodded.

Looking forward to the weekend and this week of drs appts being done. nothing to speak of next week - and that's a mercy.

Love to you all and wishing you all a wonderful, relaxing weekend! (@marcy - stop working and take the weekend off!!)

NIRDI shout out!

 

[MamaBee]

Wow.. @mrs-b It looks like we both can’t sleep tonight..I’m happy your six month checkup was all clear. I went through that with my Melanoma diagnosis. Mine was so close to not being cured..I sweated out each recheck visit. That was 31 years ago. You definitely need to do something fun next week..

 

[missy]

Happy Caturday Saturday girls! Somehow I forgot to read and post yesterday so hope everyone had a happy FriYAY!

@mrs-b best news possible! So happy for you!!! As for a call let's see how the week goes. It's sort of a crazy week for us with medical appointments daily. I would love to catch up though so if we cannot make it work next week we can try for the week afterwards or even on the weekend. And ugh about what happened at your appointment. I had the tube down my throat and through my nose and it was uncomfortable to say the least. No capsule though. I am sorry you had to endure that and hope next time will go much more smoothly. In the meantime woohoo you are done with those tests for now and best possible news ever so huge relief my sweet friend!

@canuk-gal wishing you warm sunny spring weather! No more snow!
XOXO.

@Austina the house is looking great! Finally everything falling into place! Hugs.

@MamaBee you and Greg share that diagnosis and he is still checked every 3-4 months. Thyroid cancer, melanoma and a fm history of cancer. Monitoring hopefully is key to catching anything early and curing it. His younger brother also had Thyroid cancer and his youngest had prostate cancer. His mom died of MM. I am glad you are keeping up with check ups. And great news on your latest results. I cannot imagine I will be anywhere close but so pleased you got such great results! Did S get his back yet? XOXO

@bling_dream19 keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the week went smoothly and you are enjoying a terrific weekend. Biggest hugs.

@Slick1 happy weekend! Hope the family is well and all is going swimmingly. Big hugs to you and Bear,

@rainwood I am super impressed and cannot wait to read it! Mazel Tov and biggest hugs.

@springerspaniel woohoo one week down and you are settling in and enjoying the work. It's been long journey and you deserve happiness and joy where you spend much of the day and finally it has come to fruition. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. XOXO

@marcy you deserve the weekend off and I hope you enjoy. Our astronomy friend A has been keeping us posted on Venus (rises at 5:20AM), Mars to its right, Jupiter, Saturn all in a line on teh ecliptic. He said it is a once in a 1000 year alignment we can see with out naked eye...I have to check that out! Between you and A we have all the info we need about the stars and planets in the sky. XOXO


Hi everyone else. It's been a whirlwind of cycling, ice cream and furry babies. All my favorite things to do with my sweet DH. Today is another cycling day but then not sure because weather is getting colder and next week is a crazy busy week. Not sure we will have time for much else but appointments. Hope everyone enjoys a super Caturday Saturday and big hugs to my sweet friends here. XOXO.

In honor of Caturday Saturday leaving you with Pespi enjoying our (umm I mean her haha) yard.
She's so purrrrrty.






And our ice cream. So yummmmmmy.
They're spoiling us with huge portions and on the house again.
I am not complaining.




Enjoy a sweet Caturday Saturday lovely ladies.

 

[MamaBee]

Hi everyone! Busy day in Maryland. Yesterday I drove my car taking David with me..S drove his car. He’s made too many close calls driving that I refuse to let him drive us here. There wasn’t an argument about it. I think he knows he’s a bad driver. I got sick of telling him not to drive with one finger and to keep his eyes on the road. The last straw was Thursday when he was looking at his phone for directions when driving and didn’t see the car in front of him was stopped. The car flashed a warning on the windshield and the car stopped on its own…. I feel like I got whiplash. I’m fine but that did it. I did yell at him then but as usual things went back to normal. When we got to the garden center I told him I was driving back. Yesterday I told him I was driving my own car to Maryland with David. He could come with me or drive his car. He drove his car..so two cars to come here. David seemed relieved. He prefers his dad but even he knows he’s better off with me driving. Somehow we are still okay..He doesn’t seem mad at me. I would rather him be mad at me
than we’re dead.
@missy S got over 10,000. Each of our doctors has a different opinion as to whether we should get the vaccine. His doctor said if we mainly keep to ourselves and stay away from everyone..don’t go to food shop, etc..he could hold off getting it. Otherwise he should get it. My doctor said my numbers were pretty high so she’s comfortable with me waiting 2-3 months. We’re going to wait.
Have a nice day everyone..

 

[missy]

GM girls and happy big and small dog Sunday!



@MamaBee that's fantastic and see? You were concerned about not mounting an immune response. You and S have a terrific immune response! And I am glad you are waiting for now. I think that's wise given the info we know at this time.

Hi everyone else. Hope a good weekend is being enjoyed by my sweet NIRDI friends. We had a good cycling day and today looks like we might cycle too. Starting Monday every day we have medical appointments in person so it's a busy week. Hope everyone is doing well and has a happy Sunday. XOXO.

 

[marcy]

It's done! That's a full couch not the love seat.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Had a great day cycling! Chilly but sunny! People were out in shorts and tanks....LOL. Saw the usual suspects/friends. Glad they've made it through the winter......

Fixing Sunday supper; prime rib, scalloped potatoes, asparagus and roasted cauliflower, rosemary bread. Happy Sunday folks!!

@marcy your afghan is gorgeous! The color!!!!! Talented lady!!

cheers--Sharon

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

@Austina I have lost quite a bit of weight but not sure how much. Easily 4 clothing sizes though. I did buy 4 tops that fit me on Friday. Then I proceeded to dry them on medium (I usually use low on cotton clothes) but they didn’t shrink or enough to notice anyway. I am so sorry you and Colin are still dealing with banking / credit card / cell phone issues. Your house is looking fabulous! Wow what a difference landscaping makes, too.

@springerspaniel how cool your office allows dogs. I do enjoy lifting and plan on going for walks in the few months (days) when it’s nice. I definitely enjoy needing smaller sized clothing! Yay for no migraines.

@missy I hope things go well for you with this busy week. LOL to a joke being in there somewhere about bigger, fatter burgers but it’s so true! I hope you catch the morning planets. The moon is scooting by them for the next few days. Your ice cream looks delicious. I have a few bites most nights just to say I can still eat ice cream. Nice your astronomy friend is keeping you posted as well. It was cloudy there this morning but I looked.

@mrs-b those test sound awful! Sorry you had to go through that. I hope you are feeling better from that by now. Yay for no more jury duty. I am with you on burgers; I’d eat them every day. Woo hoo your cancer check came back clear.

@canuk-gal glad to hear you didn’t get much snow and are ready to swap out your winter tires. I use all season so don’t bother but I have done that in the past. The northern part of our state really got slammed with a blizzard and lots of snow yesterday. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who prefers ground sirloin. I must pick up 3 pounds a week from the only place in town that has it anymore. Sounds like you are having nice weather. Thank you about the afghan. I have 2 seven ounce skeins left of that yarn and hope to pick up another skein or 2 and maybe make myself a vest out of it. Blue is my favorite color.

@MamaBee I am glad you all made it safely to Maryland. Sorry your husband is no fun to ride with in a car.

I’ve been busy. Marty continues to laugh at how much I am working. I didn’t put in much time on Friday but ran some errands, got my hair cut and bought 4 new tops that fit. Yesterday we had our eye appointments and that took several hours to get both of us tested and pick out and order new glasses. It was so stinking windy Marty had to hold on to my arm so I didn’t go flying off. We stopped at the hardware store and decided to stay home the rest of the day. I finished my knitting project while binge watching TV. I got laundry done today plus my lifting.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[mrs-b]

It's done! That's a full couch not the love seat.

WOW!!

 

[marcy]

 

[missy]

GM girls and happy marvelous Monday!

@marcy wow that blue afghan is beautiful! Bluetiful! I LOVE it! What a lucky friend! I keep forgetting to look in the sky in the morning darn. Tomorrow will be raining but I will try again the next day. Glad you got laundry and lifting done. I did "lifting" yesterday too. Haha not the kind of lifting you do though but I try my best. As for working and laughing yeah...laughing all the way to the bank lol. XOXO

@canuk-gal yay for cycling! It's been chilly here too but that doesn't stop us or our ice cream habits either haha. We are going cycling later after Greg's dental appointment this morning. Hopefully. Hope you enjoy a terrific Monday. Hugs

@bling_dream19 have a great day and big hugs my sweet friend.

@Slick1 have a good week XOXO.

@Austina hope more good news is on the way and the bank situation is straightened out by now. Hugs.

@MamaBee hope you had a great weekend and are off to a good week. Hugs.

@mrs-b hope all is going smoothly. I just got one of my stool tests back and looks like I have EPI. Oh joy. One day at a time right? Since this week is so busy I am waiting to contact the gastro because I do not have the energy to deal with yet another issue. But this might explain the calcium challenges. It would be so nice to get "normal" results for once. I know you get it. Hope you have a good Monday and we will figure out a time to chat soon. XOXO.

@springerspaniel have a wonderful second week at your new job. Sending you lots of good job vibes and hugs.

Hi everyone else. We had a great cycling day yesterday albeit a bit chilly. Today is even chillier but tomorrow brings rain so I will take the chilly winds today. Did that stop us from ice cream? Heck no. LOL. Leaving you with our ice cream of the day. Enjoy a marvelous Monday lovely ladies. Big hugs and lots of love.





I enjoyed vanilla and strawberry and Greg had bourbon cherry coffee (with real cherries)...it was really yummy.



Sweet Monday all!

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Oh no @missy, I’m sorry you’ve got something else to contend with now. You really can’t catch a break at all. I’m glad you were able to get out and enjoy the weather and ice cream yesterday. It looks lovely and bright there, even though it was chilly.

Wow @marcy, it’s turned out beautifully and looks really great. You’ve done a really good job there. What’s the next project? I had to at your description, I had visions of Marty stopping you blowing away like a balloon. Glad you got some new tops that fit.

Yum @canuk-gal your dinner sounds delish!

Good news on your antibodies @MamaBee, FWIW, I think it’s worth waiting till later in the year too. OMG no wonder you took 2 cars, I’d be a nervous wreck too.

The best news @mrs-b, you must be so relieved. The plot is just over three quarters of an acre, more than we wanted, but it was one of the smaller ones.

Glad the first week is over @springerspaniel, hope you continue to enjoy your new job.

Adam wanted to see the house yesterday, so we were able to get in and look round. All the taps and shower fittings are in, grouting finished, mirrors over the vanities installed. All we’re waiting on now are the a/c units, front door needs varnishing and door furniture, lights need moving, and the fireplace needs painting. Then it’s just touch ups to be done. They’re still saying end of May, but we hope they’re just being cautious.

Big love and hugs to you all

 

[mrs-b]

@Austina - I would LOVE a lot that size. Ours is .47, and it's smaller than we wanted but all we could get at the time. Frankly, given what's happening with real estate prices right now, I'm just glad we have a house! A house in David's neighborhood in California was just listed for $1.2m. I follow real estate there (and almost everywhere - it's a passion of mine!) very closely - and I'm *sure* it was under listed by about 500k to try to whip up interest. But - boy - did it ever! They had 400 people through the house, they got 60 offers, and the winning offer...(wait for this lunacy)...was...2.5 million. Cash. No contingencies. I'm sorry - what?? David's is a nicer house and has 2 bathrooms (this one only had one, which is a *big* drawback) but otherwise similar except for his being in rather nicer condition with much newer bathrooms and kitchen - so we're guessing his is worth at least that much or more. We bought our house here in MA 7 years ago and have, granted, spent about 200k on it. But latest estimates are all about double what we paid for it, so we're pretty happy with that. I worry for young people trying to get into the market - I mean - HOW?? And, shockingly, Australia is actually worse. 'Started homes' are over 500k, even when they're an hour or more out from the city, and Tim and I are fully aware that we'll be looking at spending $2m easily when we go home. And that's for something nice in the area where I grew up - 1.5-2 hours out of the city. We're hoping for something on at least 1/2 an acre, but we'll see. We'll probably be looking for something like this, which is on .57 of an acre, which we could do up pretty comprehensively:

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-blackheath-139080595

Anyway, as you can see - expensive, and 2 hours from downtown Sydney.

@marcy - your afghan is GORGEOUS. I'd love to knit something like that - and probably could, so long as it had no pattern and you gave me 5 years or so! And thank you for the star map - it's lovely and very interesting. How did your haircut go? I find it's always a bit of a lottery! I'm getting my hair cut on Wednesday - here's hoping it goes ok.

@missy - vanilla and strawberry - a woman after my own heart! And - EPI?? You've got to be kidding. Seriously. Who did you offend?? You're going to have to work so hard to keep your nutrients and your calories up. Please keep that in mind - I don't want you to fade away! You're too precious!! I'm glad you and Greg are able to get out and cycling again, rainy days notwithstanding. It's GORGEOUS here in MA not having to wear coats any more! It's so much quicker to get dressed in the morning, when you can bypass tights, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, coats.... And the days are getting nice and long; it's 7.51 pm right now, and it's not completely dark yet. The birds start chirping around 5am these days and it's getting light by 5.30. I LOVE daylight, so this makes me so happy.

Love to everyone and I hope you're all doing well and enjoying spring! Thank you for your kind wishes re my cancer check. Over the hurdle for the next 6 months and hoping for a little smooth sailing. I figure I'm due!

Hugs to all! oxo

 

[MamaBee]

@missy I’m upset that you can’t have a test that comes out normal. It’s just not fair. I’m so upset for you. I’m happy you still find joy in cycling, the kitties, and your Greg. It would be great if one day the doctor said..Oh..It’s this one condition causing all your conditions..…Have a pill and they’ll all go away..I wish..
I’m so anxious to hear how many antibodies you and Greg have. I’m totally shocked that ours are so high. S had his last vaccine a little over five months ago. Mine was seven and a half months ago. I want to get David tested too. He’s not eligible for a vaccine..but I want to know anyway.
@mrs-b I was reading your post about scoping your throat. It sounds absolutely horrific. You’re another person that finds joy in spite of all the stuff you have to put up with..
@canuk-gal It sounds like you had a good day to go cycling!
Your dinner sounded delicious! I’m happy you are enjoying your new pans..lol..The simple things in life are the best. Of course, bling is also one of the best..Did you get your opal back yet from the jeweler?
@marcy Your afghan came out so pretty..How long did it take you to make it?
@bling_dream19 I hope you are still doing well..and whatever you have happening that causes you stress is gone.
@Austina What did Adam think of the house when he saw it? You have such a nice son and daughter-in-law to welcome you into their home until it was finished. I can’t imagine it would take until the end of May before it’s done.
@springerspaniel It sounds like you are settling into your new job. That’s so great that you have a window in your office.
Hi to everyone else..
S’s former employer is having a dinner for him because he retired. Great…They’re giving a super spreader event. I found out Sunday morning before we were going back to Pennsylvania that at least 20 people will be attending. They won’t be wearing masks of course..I told him that was dangerous..so I stayed behind with David in Maryland. We’ll be here until May 4th..We’re having work done on the outside of the house here to prepare it to sell. It will probably take until the end of summer to get it all done. The house is 118 years old. The siding is getting soft in places so sections have to be cut out..special boards cut and planed to be exactly like the siding from 1904. It’s laborious and very expensive to do..It’s not like we can just get all new siding that’s precut..We are only allowed to have the sections cut out and cut by hand..Since the man charges by the hour and not by project..I will need paddles to bring me back after my heart stops from seeing the bill. S isn’t worried about it..He feels it is what it is..There’s also work to be done inside the house..but I won’t let him in until we leave. He can use the bathroom but he has to wear a mask..I keep the storm door locked so he can’t just walk in. I’m planning on painting my kitchen cabinets starting tomorrow if I can get out to pick up paint. Life’s busy at the moment.
S arrived in New Jersey after driving the two hours home from here today. Then he has to drive back to Pennsylvania. I’m worried about him driving home safely. Am I too picky that he drives with one finger??
Have a good evening girls..xoxo

 

[canuk-gal]

Hello:

Lovely temps today that I popped out for lunch on the hospital patio. Overcast but warm. My DH went to the driving range. LOL. Oh the life of leisure.

@missy I just want the medicine universe to tilt in your favor!!!!! Hoping the test was wrong.

@Austina things are moving along! Hope your home it is to your satisfaction and standards.

@mrs-b yes, loving the early light mornings and light evenings. Took a stroll after supper last night and it was wonderful. Not getting to work in darkness and cold is a GREAT mental health benefit! And our prices here for homes are also outrageous. Seems to be all the world news these days...

@MamaBee when with my DH, I prefer to drive. And so does my son when we are together. Nuff said.

NIRDI shout out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think tomorrow might be heck at work.......

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

@MamaBee I love my pans!!!!! It IS the simple things that matter. Since I spend a lot of time cooking, I need good products. And home repairs are often like custom jewellery creations, nothing easy and cheap. I'm sure you'll do well on the sale. And I am hoping for the opal ring to be ready by weeks end.

Stay safe and well. While it is nice to have a celebration in your DH honor, I would be tentative and careful. I worry about "stuff".

cheers--Sharon

 

[missy]

GM girls! Very busy day but wanted to wish you all a happy and healthy Tuesday. I will come back later if I can to update you. In the meantime big hugs and lots of love and thank you so much for the well wishes. Love you. XOXO.

Leaving you with sweet Jenny who was quite excited to see us yesterday as we were cycling by....they had been away for two weeks and it was a happy reunion for us all.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

@missy glad you and Greg still got to go cycling and have ice cream in spite of the rain and chilly weather. Sorry about your test results.

@Austina lol - I am sure Marty and I looked strange with him hold on to my arm. It sounds like they are making a lot of progress on your place. Those finishing touches do take a long time. I hope you get in before expected though.

@mrs-b the real estate market is certainly up and hopping lately. It’s a seller’s market but the problem is replacing what you sell it higher too. Anything around here under 250K sells pretty much before it hits the market. The stitch I used on the afghan is a rib so it’s pretty easy. I am doing double seed stitch on the new one I started. My haircut went well. I found a cut that is wash and wear and looks good (IMO) on me so I just get it shaped and trimmed every 2 months. Good luck with your haircut. Sounds like your weather is quite lovely there. Enjoy!

@MamaBee the afghan took me about 5 weeks. Good luck getting your house ready to sell.

@canuk-gal nice to spend some time on the patio at work. It is near 60 here today with only a breeze - a chilly breeze but not bad for here. That’s great you are enjoying your new pans.

Thank you all for the kind words on the afghan. I started an ivory one yesterday with a different pattern stitch.

I worked several hours yesterday and today, did some house stuff and ran errands. It’s been busy.

Take care.
Marcy