Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Chat with friends..

Saw the number of posts and thought we should move rooms..

With you all having much to do with Thanksgiving just around the corner and we Canadian thinking Christmas, mega gab going on so a new room is being decorated just for you!!!

Come sit and chat a spell..

Remember, any lurkers are welcome to join in..always room for more..

Strangers are just friends we've not yet met!!!!!

we moved from here..

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1228269/


Soon Thanksgiving will be over for many of you and along with we Canadians will be decorating for Santa.


Have heard from quite a few of us who are excited about the Christmas pressies going out..special wave to Santa Warren who provided us with our Christmas buddy's name and to Dianne for thinking of the idea..

And here we are, participants who have joined in...

Dianne
Betty
Bev
LindaKay
Laura
Mary
Suse
Thea
Debbie
Judy
Thunder
Crissy
Liz
Barb
Shirley
Janice
Susan


This message was edited Nov 16, 2011 5:46 PM

I have no great plans for Thanksgiving - not a holiday here. And I'm thankful most of the time anyway.

I did take the occasion to write thank you notes to two doctors.

Cooked a big batch of chicken legs and am cooking brown rice. I won't have to cook for the dogs for a couple of days.

While I'm giving thanks, I will offer my heartfelt thanks to all who are here, whether you post or lurk. You are all good friends for me and I am more appreciative than I could ever begin to express in words. The friendliness, love, compassion and commiseration get me through the rough times and further enhance the good times.

Happy Thanksgiving and hugs to all, katie

A reminder about the Christmas Swap - hope everyone is having fun with this.!

Betty you are so right wasn't it Will Rogers who used to say "Strangers are just friends we haven't met yet."?

Thanks for the new room Betty!

Somehow I don't think I could get grits pass my mouth but sure would be willing to try. I will have to look for some up here.

Grand day today but the temp is bottoming out now. Have lots of wood in as I am expecting a chilly night.

Be back in a bit!
Dianne

Just catching up finally!

Dianne, I can't begin to tell you how it warms my heart to hear how our Santa Warren is doing better!! Aww, please tell him I'm just smiling big time!! I can't believe it's cold weather and y'all have had that "S" stuff. It's been in the 80's here. The wind has been blowing and blowing here today though. I think it'ssuppose to be in the upper 40's tonight and tomorrow's hi in the 60's ... then this week-end will be back in the 80's. No wonder we can't get use to the cold. LOL

Debbie, wahoo to you girl!! I'm just so proud of you. You tell that family to suck it up and behave! I don't want to come up there!! LOL

Mary, oh wow ... you brought back memories of my trip to Orleans! I've got my glass from Pat's ... ☺ My last guide dog Kota did Bourbun Street with me. She was a champ. We went for the Jaz festival. WOW! I stuck my tootsies in a fountain there. Had a meal at a French restaurant. They actually brought water out to my girl in a bowl on a platter ... when I explained she couldn't have any table food. LOL

Okay, they're issuing tornado warnings for my area ... gotta power down .

Suse, you be careful..here they are calling for snow tomorrow and you have tornado warnings! Guess regardless of where you live there is something about the weather to be warry about. I got to meet KOTA..wonder if nowdays service dogs are allowed inside...believe they are here. I got a really bad headache while is NewOrleans..that and tummy ache..could it have been something I ate...hmmmm maybe not.

Katie, I'm with you, know without a doubt I'd not come across a more caring group of ladies if I went around and hand picked them..grateful for them as well...your doggies sure do eat well..not going to let Sailor read these posts or she'll be asking for home cooked meals..lol

Off for hot bath, tummy is not the best, something I did eat this afternoon..might stay home tomorrow, maybe Friday as well..

Dianne, you and Santa Warren got that fire going?

Hi all - been busy at work, and that's a good thing! I'm going to have to learn about pivot tables!

Betty - thanks for posting about Cedric's visits and the pics! Was great to see. Take care of that tummy of yours!
Sue - you take care please - tornadoes aren't anything to overlook..... as if you could!
Dianne - enjoy the fire! Wish we had a fireplace mmmmmm toasty!
awww thanks Katie - I'm thankful for all here too - our Thanksgiving was a month ago, in Canada.

Cya L8TR

Fire is going Betty! They filled up our oil tank yesterday for the first time in 6 mon..It was over $700.00 but when I looked back the price of fuel has only gone up 1 cent. We have infloor heating downstairs plus a hot water boiler system so have to have oil a few times a year. Since there are days in the winter the oil truck cannot make it in we have 4 large gas containers. I can go and fill them with oil and pour into the tank.

Betty I can't remember was it Bingo last night?

Good Fairy didn't come so off I go to clean the kitchen.
BBL
Dianne

Hello To All !

Computer acting funny ... so will try to reply to all quickly... Betty re: the stomachache... you gotta remember the French Quarter pretty much does stink in some places... LOL... I remember my Grandma telling me that.. .and so why oh WHY did I not ask Grandma... "How do you know?" LOL....
Hope your tummy feels better...
Sus... Must have been a fountain at City Park... Jazz Fest is the BEST one of all. I've now OD'd on Lisa See books... just finished my third....
Crissy - funny you mention a psychic... I told hubs we should do that ... they are all over the place... but he wouldn't 'give'... why did the deli close do you know?

Judy I'll have to bring you to Le Pav one day for a PB&J... Love your Negotiations with DH... yes sometimes you have to be smarter than they are .....although we are all smarter than our DH's (Don't read that part to Santa Warren).....

Debbie - Glad you are recovering albeit it is slow... Isn't it something we have the Grits Team (Deb, Katie, etc) and the "no grits" team (Lk, Betty, Judy).... I can take or leave them...but so interesting to me on how they are now almost a delicacy... even at Emerils... you could order the Shrimp & Grits.... "Steel cut"....
We'll have to mail Dianne some to see what team she joins....
Susan... I'll look into the PBJ tradition... seems like it was a traveling salesman back in the 1930s or so who missed the evening tradition with his little girl and so it became a tradition but must be more to it.... Hope you get a few travel days for the holidays... how is the job coming ?
Dianne... LOVED that movie The BIg Easy... seemed to really take on the ambience of some parts of the town... I do believe it came out right about the time I moved to Louisiana ? That would have been around 1987 or so...
Betty - I'll remember the Rock & Roll place when you visit.... you'll have to bring our other Rock N Rollers with you...

Well - back to the "grind"... thank goodness a short week. our internet has gone off twice... so let me "send" and I'll pop on later

Job's going fine.
Boss (Neil) had a car accident on Sunday am, and got stitches to his head, hand, and elbow - rolled the car into a ditch, avoiding an 18 wheeler. Neil hit some "black ice" and skidded. RCMP judged it an accident. Neil's home until the 24th. He's taking some heavy pain meds to get him through it. Says if hhadn't gone into a ditch he'd be dead now......... so glad he's alright and just needs some healing rest.......
Thanks Mary, for looking into the tradition - love to learn how things Become traditions, don't you?

Morning everyone. Coffee and warm banana bread there for the taking.

Susan I am so happy for you that your new job is working out well. While one might usually say when someone rolls their car 'how terrible' in this case I guess we say 'Thank Heavens that is all that happened".

Mary that is a neat tradition at the hotel. I love reading about and partaking in such events. My DH would be in seventh heaven with the PB&J sammies. That is his go to food when he is hungry or stressed.Just wandering the streets and listening to the music would give me quite a high.Very happy that you and DH got to have a weekend to yourselves. I just was looking for a true crime book that took place in the Quarter in New Orleans after Katrina. Once DH has finished with it I will pass it on to you. Of course DH has to read it first which could take a bit as his concentration level is not so great right now..lol

Yep pretty sure that The Big Easy was released in 1987. Maybe this is too personal a question Mary but what made you move to Louisiana?

Crissy do you know why the Deli man closed up shop? When does your mom have her operation?Sure hope they find the right spot the first time. Poor gal has been through enough pain.

Betty how are you feeling? Still getting a lot of pain? Your mentioning of the plates to use for giving away baked goodies at Christmas spurred me to get everything together to make my Heart Attack Shortbread cookies. In his wierd sense of humour DH said he could eat as many of my shortbreads as he wants this year since he is courting death already. It is just his way of coping with the looming issue, the elephant in the room sort of thing. Also brought out the light and dark Christmas Fruit cakes I made last year and resoaked their cheesecloth in brandy and white rum for the light cake. They taste very yummy.

LK what have you and your DH been up to this week? Did you go on any day trips? How is your dad these days? Which makes me think about your fingers - any progress with them?

Laura how is your little man making out at school now? Any changes you can see? Have you set up a Communication book with his teacher? I swore by them as the kid knew parents were in touch with the teacher every day. Plus the book can contain positives which can be read over on days things were not so good. Any update on your DB?

Katie when will you pickup your new to you van? Love the siren as an added feature. *Grin* Glad Tony is working a little harder for you after your chat. Sometimes the chat just needs to happen every few months.

Judy love your negotiating skills!!! The wood stove looks very familiar. Is your ash pan a pullout at the bottom of the box?

Stormy needs out now as he pokes his head into this room while crossing his back legs. Enjoy your day eveeryone!
Dianne

Morning everyone! Thanks for breakfast! That fruitcake sure sounds good. Not too many around here like them, and a good one is hard to find.
LOL at stormy crossing his legs!

Susan, so sorry to hear about your Boss. Hope he is not too much pain! What is a pivot table?

Mary, sounds like you had a great time on your trip! I can't imagine a hot tub on the roof?

Todd and I went to San Antonio last week end for a car show, and I hit the craft stores, hobby lobby, and Michael's. And this week end we are going to San Angelo for my back Dr. Just a routine follow up appointment, but then we will got to Outback Steakhouse for dinner, and of course more shopping!
Thanks for asking, fingers are about the same, still swollen, and stiff, but the Dr.s have done all they can, so I have learned to type, and sew using other fingers. I just need to be careful, and not bang them against anything, cause that really hurts! My Dad is doing good, but he he is upset that he can't come to Texas for the winter. He does not like the snow and cold weather. When it snows, he is stuck in the house, and becomes very grumpy. He will sit in front of the window, and just say, "I don't know"! We have all told him, I can't watch him, as I need a hip replacement and another knee replacement, which I am going to put off as long as possible. Not looking forward to either of them!

Morning all,
Snow on the roof tops, perhaps that is all we will have..thanks for coffee and banana bread, yummy in the tummy.. Dianne can I have another slice..no? Got to share, I understand, will make muffins in a bit!

Will be home for the day, dizzy as can be..already I've had breakfast, in my nighty, covered up on the couch..hopefully it shall pass..in the scheme of things, a minor inconvenience ..

LindaKay, did you find anything special at hobby lobby? New store in Buffalo was awesome and as it was opening week lots of sales. I was able to find 2" and 3" brushes
that I cannot find here so stocked up..now to get back to painting..with Christmas projects soon behind me I can put the sewing machine away and paint.

Sorry to hear the doctors can do no more for you...must be terribly difficult to adjust. Ahh poor dad, difficult when they get to that age and don't fully understand how much energy it takes to look after them and that their children are babes and find it hard as well.

Dianne, heart attack cookies?? They sound delicious..you do a lot of baking, such yummy goodies. I'm only good at making pies..think the wording on the plates is what enticed me to give them as gifts..sure do hope they have more at the Christmas tree store. Wow on the oil..winter sure is costly, I'm lucky I'm on equal billing, $280 for heat/hydro then add in $140 a month for plowing..prefer to pay for 4 months of plowing vs each time Andrew comes to plow, most times I gain, odd winter he does. Do you have someone who comes to do your drive, I believe it's a long one? Hard to believe we are already settling in for winter


Susan, that is terrible about your boss but the Lord was watching over I'm for sure..lucky man! What are pivot tables?

Mary, you make me want to go in my box of photo's to see if I can find those of my visits to new Orleans..I love to step dance so I loved every little restaurant that has the fiddles going. Lol. Must feel humdrum this week being back to reality.

Going to go see if I've muffin mix, Dianne has made me hungry... Not much energy or time needed to bake some up.

Good morning,

I am on a new routine for now. DS got a new job, working at local fruit factory. SO, in order for me to get downstairs, I have to come down when he gets up. SO, praying this job works out for him and he doesn't have to work at the bar anymore.

Today will wait for a call from doc on the blood work. Can't wait til this ordeal is over. Monday I go to vascular to get the clot checked and pray it is gone!

Katie, the thing to do around here is refurbish the old ambulances. The "kids" use them for carrying band equipment and I think one of our schools in the area has one for a type of supply transportation. Some use for "service calls" with equipment like Refridgeration repair. They are very roomy.

Mary....I have Whirlygig....do I send it to you??

Be back in a bit...
Grabbing that banana bread while its still warm!!! Yuimmmm


Debbie

Oh Betty, feel better!!! HOpe you didn't pick up a big stateside.

Dianne little man is not doing well at all in school may not go onto next grade.
DB doing better more tests to be done. And looking into family history which is tricky.
Betty snuggle up and rest. Hope you are not coming down with a bug.
LK do not blame you for putting off the surgerys. Sounds like car show and shopping were alot of fun.
Susan sorry about your boss.
Grits YUK.....no matter what I put on them they do not taste good.
Mary sounds like your weekend was a blast....just what you and DH needed.
Barb how are you doing??????
Crissy oh no the deli closed.
Waving to all.
Need more coffee.

Sorry to hear your not feeling well Betty, but please don't burn the muffins! Did you take your blood pressure meds? That can make you dizzy.

Debbie, sure hope he enjoys the work..am sure bar scene isn't the best for your young man..praying all the results come back in your favor..

Been around a lot of people recently who are sick, Kyle was over Tuesday night and gabbed while Ann and I lost at bingo and said he'd not been feeling well so lots of chances for local bug..not sick/sick now like I was during the night, just dizzy when moving around.

LindaKay, only a tinge of brown around the edges..3 apple/spice and 3 carrot so help yourselves..smells yummy!

Laura, are the teachers coming up with any idea of what is making him so nhappy and not doing well? Does he open up to you at all? Sure must be a worry! Let's hope your brother gets some answers.. Guess you are sewing like crazy?

I will take apple/spice muffin....yum
The only solution so far just keep working with him at home.?
Sewing like crazy....DB has a girlfriend with 2 girls and am trying to knock out xmas quilts.
raining here

Do you make them full size?? They will be thrilled to get them

I am now at the point of adding sides to the inserts I made, already bed size length, need width..almost tempted to add 5" charm row on eacdph side along with plain borders but not sure if it would take away from the design..

My 3rd quilt needs all the embellishments so as I sit here today might do a panel or so between calls and naps

Again, can't tell you how much I enjoy this one step quilting..I'm impressed..

Jeff e-mailed me asking again for ideas for Christmas..you know I couldn't think of a thing other than a bunch of thread and sewing needles..am sure that impressed him..wonder if he can get a Joann's Fabric money card for me..must email him and tell him so. Lol
Oops telephone just rang, our wood is ready for pick up!!

Good morning,

Chilly today - I'm wearing a sweatshirt with my shorts. I'll pass on the coffee and banana bread - I just fit into a pair of shorts I couldn't zip up a week ago. I've been sleeping hard with strange dreams - last night's involved an ex-BF and ex-BIL. Not really nightmares but not pleasant either. However, I am now up and almost ready to work.

I tell people that Tony and I compete over who is more grateful for the other. It's the best kind of relationship. I'm lucky that I only have to act like a boss about one a decade - and then for only about a minute.

Time to start putting my kitchen back together.

I will probably get the ambulance in January or February. This is our great weather time so I'm in no hurry to leave again. The seller has access to a place when the van can be left safely until I can come up for it.

My arm is much better since the cortisone shot. Sometimes things like this seem to be like a flu bug. They happen, then they pass.

crissy - do you need the hubby shovel? Anyone else? I'd be lost without Tony but I don't think I'd want to be married to him - or anyone else for that matter.

Close call on that accident. Remind me of a time I was side-swiped by a big rig when there was nothing but space to my right. Very scarey and totally lucky.

Hope I can wake up.

hugs, katie

OK, I did it. Made a roast, braised, put in crockpot with beef broth, mushrooms and a bit of garlic. OMG, it smells so good. DH might be happy...hasn't had a roast in over 2 1/2 months!!!

I even loaded the dishwasher. Slow and steady, but I did it.

Shane is home from his first day, and seemed to enjoy it. Fingers crossed!!!

Betty, do you have any pain in your ears....or ringing? Could have fluid build up in there, I get dizzy when my sinus are involved. YOU be careful!

Blizzard here, can't see across the street, so glad I was home..thinking I might stay home tomorrow as well..

Debbie, big celebration, clapping my hands for you..omg they will be on top of the world eating that meal! Just don't try and do too much or you will be stepping backwards.

Greg said he would drop in on his way home, haven't seen him in a few weeks, between his schedule and my being gone on weekends sooo will be nice, besides he's always asking for chili and chicken soup from Christmas tree store so hell be pleased with the 5 packages I got him..not very smart, should have put them in his Christmas sock.

Katie, wonderful that you are losing weight, just don't lose too much..I've seen women who lose so much weight they actually look I'll. Katie, about 5 years ago a trucker came off the side ramp, didn't see Suzanne and I, but not for Suzanne's excellent driving skills we'd not be here..funny, I was nervous in a car, sice that accident I'm no longer nervous..guess I decided that if I made it through that I'd make it through anything. Lol
Glad that the seller can keep the van for you, you sure woulnt want to have to make another trip so soon after getting back.

Hi all !!! I have been nursing a bad head and chest cold for a week now but think I can get out to go see Scotty tomorrow. Saying prayers for all and hope I got my buddie something they will like. If I didn't do good just let me know with a dmail and I will send something else. I haven't been keeping up with you guys so am at a loss. LOVE BEV
A night shot.

Bev, rest assured that whatever you send will be received with love!! Not to worry.

Sorry to hear you've been under the weather! Give Scotty a hug for me will you. How is your sister doing? It was your sister who was I'll right? Might be wrong, could have been your neighbor..sure hope they are all keeping an eye out for you

Omg I'm looking at the news...please everyone can you check in to let us know you are ok

Betty no snow here as of yet. It is all south of here about an hour as of now.

Kyle just came in, spent an hour, all excited, was able to travel up the road bu snow machine..too ccute, all I heard was how it felt,sounded etc.

Greg dropped in shortly after, looked tired, said he's putting in double days doing quotes for the ship lines..he'll be glad to have them behind him.

Now I'm ready to call it a night..

Glad the snow is missing you Debbie..how did supper go? All impressed?

My boss is in a lot of pain and taking Painkillers - drives to the Dr to get them...... silly man shouldn't be driving!
He'll be back in the office next Thurs.

Pivot Tables are in MS Excel - take a range of figures (sales for the 4 quarters of a year, f'instance) and match them for percentages, by month, by salesperson and you can make all kinds of comparisons.
I haven't even looked at Pivot Tables since 2003, and I forget Everything.
Other things in Excel are Validations, and Lists. I'm relearning Excel.........

Hello To All !

Wow Susan everyone asked about pivot tables and I was picturing something completely different ! LOL.... Well love the PBJ tradition although it is not as old as I wished.... here is the link:
http://www.lepavillon.com/tradition.htm
Glad your boss is okay !
Betty - YES does feel a bit like "Back to reality"... Pies?.... give me any ideas on how to make the perfect pumpkin pie... that's on my list for this weekend. LOL
LK - yes the pool and hot tub were on the roof. very neat ! So sad your fingers are not back to normal yet... I LOVE Outback too. They have "Buy $100 in Gift cards get $20 FREE" .... I can get Dad a GC but not for that much...so trying to figure out how to spend so I can keep the $20 lol....
Laura - well if they keep little man back a grade it will be fine... I'm sure... he might just need a different teacher...
Debbie - SO PROUD of you gal ! I love some roast so please send me a plate. Did you finish reading Whirligig and did you like it ? ((HUGS))
Trying to remember who is to get it next... is it Thea? Hasn't Susan asked for it ? There should be a copy #2 out there circulating as well......
Bev - so glad you are up to visiting Scotty and so glad to "see" you today. What are those daylilies? those look a bit like ours...
Dianne... Yes would love to read the book when Santa Warren finishes it... I'm not in a hurry started reading a new book today (an old one I used to love). Please send Shortbread cookies with the Book LOL. Oh no question too personal my friend.... I suppose I moved to Louisiana for a Boy. Graduated High School Ft. Walton Beach, FL '83, College Hattiesburg Mississippi '86 and was dating a Louisiana Boy.... when My new company asked where I wanted to locate I listed New Orleans and was sent there and then to Baton Rouge.... 24 yrs ago or so... Broke up with the boy about a year later....

I'll pop back in a bit DH just got home.... ((HUGS))
Mary

Hi..
I hope and pray you all are doing better then me...phone rang this morning, ( I so hate early phone calls) I lost my cuz David. He passed last night.
I'll be heading to the North...

David was still pretty young, in the 50's. From what I can gather, he had a massive heart attack! What can i say, my friends, I sure can use an Armwrap about now. I've been on the phone with his Sister, Marie. She's hanging in there, but seriously needs to have a blab session...sigh, all my phones are now re-charging, lol, omg, of course all the batteries go at once.

So My Thanksgiving Prayer/Wish to all is Thank You for being My Friends, don't know what I'd do without you.
May you Love each and everyone who touches your heart..


Big secret, I'm afraid!! So I'll embrace in this one moment to tell you, Please always remember that while I Wrap My Arms Around You, whispering/singing I LOVE YOU and Thank You for always being here!!


Got to go, kids are coming home...
I'll be back soon.

we are here Judy so please don't be afraid!!!! ....BIG HUGE ARM WRAPS and I love you !!!!!!

OH Judy Judy ... HUGE (((ARMWRAPS)))) for you my dear.... I know you will be the ROCK Your family needs at this time but so very difficult... My love to you my dear....

More (((((((((((((arm wraps))))))))))) coming your way Judy! So sorry to hear the sad news. Did he have any kids?

Even more (((((armwraps))))) coming your way Judy. I am so sorry to read of the passing of your cousin at such a young age. Please know I will be right there with you as you make this journey.

what can i say my sister always have arms wrapped around you!
sorry for your loss condolences to the family.
will talk soon.

((((((((Judy))))))))))) Gentle arm wraps to you and your family - We're always here for you, no matter what!


On another note:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWrrvQ_3-40&feature=colike
This is an AWESOME Christmas song! Now, if we could all get the message out to the stores.......

Hugs to you Judy so sorry for your loss.

Morning! Well Laura it looks like the 2 of us are the early birds this morning. Still warm from the oven Banana and Cranberry loaf, help yourself please.
D

I am working early today ....Y'all have a good one :)

Morning, can picture us all around Judy giving armwraps..Judy condolences for your loss..difficult for sure...with all the loss you've experienced this year and changes in your life, no wonder you are worried! heart breaks for you..Steve and family will be there to get you through it all......

Liz, waving, what have you and my Kenny been up to, I imagine Kenny up to no good..sitting here smiling at what a character he is

Thea, Dianne, do you have this winter brew ha ha going on? Sitting here trying to decide if I shall go to work today..hate taking 2 days off but I tell myself I worked from home so not really a day off, roads are in terrible shape, infact I'm hearing the plow out front , besides I'm still not feeling myself..what to do what to do?

Oh Dianne, I'm moving to your neck of the woods so I can enjoy your morning goodies.
Starting to put my Christmas box together, must get it out shortly before the Christmas mailing rush starts. Maybe I can find something nice at Markham Craft show to put in??
Dianne can you believe it's Toronto Santa Claus parade in Toronto Sunday? Time passing so quickly

Mary/LindaKay, love Outback as well, food sure is spicy though..not sure why the outback wasn't successful in Barrie, closed after 2 years, wouldn't you know it would have been right across the street, could have had some lunches...sure hope Mary that you get your gift card. Lol

Susan, I was thinking multi use tables,top pivoted to perhaps a game table. Lol. Wrong!
Not sure this old brain could handle the new knowledge. Hope your boss realizes how lucky he is and takes proper measures like rest, not drive etc.

Emailed Jeff last night, was sewing and had to clean inner worlds so put a little sewing machine vacuum...now for him to find it. Lol. Do you who sew have one, are they useful?

Enjoy your day Thunder, hope it's a sunshine one..of course it is, you are in sunny Florida..taking first flight out!