Rick - 6.1 would have been a devastating quake, if the  epicenter had been on land, but fortunately, the one yesterday, struck 46 miles out in the Pacific Ocean.  Those who live in that coastal area, which is up North near the Oregon border felt it. (Eureka is the largest city up there.). As you said - the usual pictures of grocery stores, with items all over the floor.    We didn't feel anything, here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Don't know where the time has gone because I sure haven't done much.

Beverly, We didn't do any decorating inside, but our neighbors did some decorating outside.  So we have some pretty lighted candy canes and some lights among the azaleas.

We are finally getting some cold weather.  It was down into the 40s last night and in the 50s today.  It is colder in this area of Florida than it was in Ocala.

Marilyne, you're fortunate you have so many of your family close by.  I know you had a big family Christmas dinner at your son's  but will your daughters be home for Christmas?  We will be at Gigi's for Christmas dinner.

MaryPage, good to hear that all is going well for you.

Marsgal, hope you and Sue have a pleasant Christmas.  It will be hard for your sister after her recent loss.

Love reading all your posts and hoping everyone is having a good day.

I will be at my daughter's house for the next few days, and spend Christmas together.  Won't be able to have my computer, so will be out of touch for the duration.  I want all of you to have the best Christmas you can, staying safe, staying healthy and thinking good thoughts for each other!

Good morning once again!  Good to see a couple of messages here yesterday:  Looks like everyone is staying healthy, and looking forward to spending Christmas with someone they love. 

Joanne/Tome -  Glad you will be staying with your daughter, this Christmas..  hope you have a nice relaxing holiday with her, and that you are both well and free from the Covid scourge!

MarsGal - Same Christmas wishes going out to you, and your sister Sue.  It will be hard for her, so it's good that you will be there for support.

Jean -  Yes, both of our daughters will be here for Christmas.   Son and his family will come by on Christmas Eve, but always spend the day with dil's parents and siblings.  So nice that you have Gigi living so close to you, so doesn't involve a long drive for you and Larry.

Beverly -  I did enjoy looking at pictures of the twins . . . James and Beverly!   What an adorable twosome they are.  It will be so difficult for you this first Christmas without Chape.  So good that Donna lives close, and your other adult children, grands and gr-grands, have been to see you!  Your Great Grandson Keani, also brought you some joy!  My favorite baby age, is between 5 and 10 months.  They are so so much fun, once they are sitting up, then starting to crawl, and then pulling themselves up on their feet.

Mary Page -  Hope you're feeling better,  and that your ear is healing quickly?   Good that you have Chip there with you to help with the bandages, and anything else that you might need.   You mentioned that you likely would not be spending Christmas with any of the rest of your family this Christmas,  because of Covid.  It's a good thing you have that computer  activated devise, (can't remember what it's called?),  so you're family can send you lots of instant photos.

Well, time to get to all the many chores that are still to be done.  Last minute trip to the grocery store, and also to the Wild Bird Shop, here in town, so get some unique gifts.  I will return here to S&F  later, or tomorrow to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Good Afternoon,

Christmas plans changed.  #2 son tested Positive for Covid Tuesday morning.  As Ellen was unloading her luggage in OKC that afternoon, she got a text from her roomie in NYC that she (roomie) had also tested Positive/

E's Dad got home-testing kits for all of them and me at the pharmacy.  These had two tests to be taken within 24 hours of each other.  We have all tested Negative on both.

However, just to be safe, plans for Saturday are "on hold".  Obviously, #2 son/dil (she tested Negative and has felt okay) won't be participating whatever the rest of us do.
He said Tuesday that he felt like he had "the flu x 2" but I had a text from her this morning saying he had slept well last night, wasn't coughing as much and (quoting) "is wiping everything in the house down with disinfectant...literally everything!" (end quote)  I'm wondering if the dogs are hiding. 

You may remember that we didn't get to have an entire family Christmas last year because #1 son/family all had Covid after being exposed at Emily's graduation from Chiropractic College. I'm glad we're all in contact often enough that missing a major holiday isn't a major thing.

We'll make it up.

  Happy Holidays to Everyone!

Callie -  Merry Christmas to you and hope you have a nice Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tomorrow, in spite of your unfortunate circumstances.  So sorry that #2 son tested positive for Covid, and that Miss Ellen's roommate, is also positive.  I'm glad you are okay, and will be in isolation over Christmas.  In the message you posted in SS,  you said your son got the antibody infusion?    He is very fortunate, as they are not doing it here in Northern Cal.  Apparently it's very effective, so I don't know why they aren't giving it to all the Covid folks here who want it?  A few select people are getting it, I have heard?    If any of my loved ones get sick, I would want it to be available, but it's not.

Hope we hear from others today,  and that everyone is feeling well? Wishing a Merry Christmas to all who look in! 

The weather has warmed some here in our area.  Supposed to get a high of 70° and low tonight in the 60s.  We had a few really cold days earlier this week.

Every year we buy from Sunnyland Farms chocolate, caramel pecan clusters that are especially bagged for the holidays in case someone drops off a gift we have something to give in return.  And Larry likes to have something for the service people at Christmas.  We didn't do any inside  Christmas decorations this year but a neighbor brought us a cute little Christmas tree along with some candy.  Another neighbor brought some delicious looking jellies.

Gigi says her Chocolate cake just came out of the oven and now she is starting on deviled eggs.  She had turkey for Thanksgiving so decided to have ham for tomorrow.  My one little contribution will be coleslaw.

My grandson in Maryland had all the family over to his house for Thanksgiving and he fried a turkey.  They all said it was good.  I've never had a fried turkey so will just take their word for it. 😁

Callie, our family has been so fortunate so far.  None of us have gotten Covid so far.  We are all vaccinated and boosters but a lot of people are getting that new variant regardless.  Larry has a few relations in Miss. and Ohio that have been sick or hospitalized but I don't think they were vaccinated.  We never have a good restaurant meal anymore, and I sure do miss going to a good Italian restaurant for some veal piccata.  Will this pandemic ever be over?

Maryland, have a wonderful Christmas with your family.  Let the daughters do all the cooking and you and AJ just relax and enjoy it.

Patricia, I know you will miss being with your friends at Christmas.  I remember reading about your get togethers before this awful Covid was around.

Jackie are you still able to meet with your church groups.  I've read some bad news about the new variant there in Great Britain but don't know if it is in your area.

MaryPage, hope you and Chip have a nice Christmas.  You mentioned in an earlier post concerning Chip's diabetes problem.  I hope all is well with him now.

Sandy, Will you be with your family at Christmas or are you all having to stay isolated.  Rammel, I enjoy seeing your occasional posts.

I haven't heard anything about Joy in such a long time.  Does anyone hear from her?  Don't want to leave anyone out but my memory isn't what it used to be.  Hoping you all have a wonderful holiday with friends and family, if possible.

  Party is ON for tomorrow.

Miss Ellen was very concerned that she could infect everyone because of her roomie.  She took the "takes-longer-to-analyze" test and was Negative andnow feels comfortable getting together.

#2 son called yesterday.  He felt better and sounded pretty good.  He was to have the antibody infusion this morning.
 No report on that. They have to drive to the opposite side of OKC to get it. Guess he was lucky because the doctor only made the arrangements yesterday.
#1 son (or, probably, one of The Grands) is going to try and set up Facetime or Zoom or one of those "everyone can talk" things so we can share fun virtually tomorrow.

I'd put off baking cookies so need to get in the kitchen and Get Busy!

  Wishing a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas to each Baiter and Tackler.

To those who celebrate tonight and to those who, for one reason or another, don't, I wish you peace and send my thanks for being friends. And Happy New Year, too.

Jackie -  Good to see you here .. .  it's been a while since you've posted in Bait & Tackle.  I hope things are going well for you, and that you're looking forward to a nice, peaceful Christmas.  Please return soon . . . I missed you, and others have asked about you.

I've been watching for a post from you, Jackie, all over Friends.... and this one is beautiful. I do wish I remembered anything about PSP and had a new version I could understand. I've bought several since that first one that Glenn Curtiss had me try & it took everyone in the PSP department to help me set it up, but I never could understand how to set up the work space or whatever it's called with the later versions. Hope you've just been busy and all's well.

Merry Christmas!

Beautiful, Jackie.  Beautiful!

Wishing everyone a super Holiday!

Just listened to our televised 3.pm Queens speech, i have nothing but admiration for her, i am so proud of her...

It's a beautiful Christmas morning here.  It rained all night, and is still raining,  which is a much needed gift for all of us in California.   
We had a houseful of family  last night, and it was so nice to see everyone together.  Our older daughter and granddaughter are staying here, and Sandy will return later this morning and we will open presents.

Merry Christmas to all who have posted a greeting here this morning, and to those who will be looking in later.  I sincerely hope that you all will have a nice Christmas.

Jackie -  I would like to have heard Queen Elizabeth's Christmas speech. I plan to look for it online if possible.  I am in awe, as to how she has handle the controversies brought on by her son Andrew, and her grandson, Harry . . . all during the time that Prince Philip, was dying.  She keeps calm, and carries on.  A true class act!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I spent a lovely Christmas Eve at Donna's with Donna, Mike, Michael and Jennifer. My first Christmas without Chape in 65 years.    We will be getting together again later today and I'll be talking and Face Timing with the rest of the family up north.

Jackie - So good to see you posting again!

Merry Christmas to all.

Jackie, I've admired the Queen most of my life, even before she was Queen. My sister had a  pen-pal that lived in England during the war that would send rolled up magazines & news, much about what Princess Elizabeth and her sister were doing to help the efforts. All thru the years she remained totally dedicated to her responsibilities and never once slipped up. My heart goes out to her for the unhappiness Andrew has caused, but in her defense, she has not hidden from the truth. Frankly, I would hesitate to think what my own sons would do if given all the temptations offered the Royals. Personally, I think Harry was justified in not wanting his wife tormented by the news media like his mother was. Maybe in time he will be able to put aside those fears and allow his family and himself to come home. Should be a means to jail the people with cameras that take the sneaky photos & invade private space. Just my thoughts on the subject!

Hope everyone had a pleasant Christmas.  I saw a picture of the Queen giving her address.  I have so much admiration for her.

We had a lovely Christmas dinner with our daughter and son-in-law.  Came home and watched the Downton Abby movie on PBS and really enjoyed it.

Callie, I'm trying to do catch up & notice your son had an infusion... I mentioned to MY son this week, after getting my test results back for antibodies... that "if any of the family got Covid & dangerously ill maybe I could donate some of my antibodies". I don't know how this works but since they (antibodies) have lasted more than a year I am feeling pretty smug about being good to go. I understand I may not be protected against the many versions, but my theory is that I had every kind of sick you can imagine during that 2 & 1/2 weeks so maybe I'm good for all versions?  I'd like to think they have a way to use my blood & my doctor insists I'm not anemic at this time (have been all my life). But nobody seems to know anything about anything.   Glad your son is doing well.

Did you see that is the Queen's fav show, Jean?

Shirley, Don't think son had his antibodies tested. "They" (infusion nurses) told him it was unlikely but possible that he could get Covid again and, if he did, he could have another infusion. He's lots better - mainly dealing with low energy. However, that could be because he is still considered "in recovery" from that back surgery.

Changing subjects:  I've discovered "ActionKid: on YouTube who does videoed walks through NYC and have enjoyed seeing the various places where Miss Ellen goes. He's walked past the front of the store where she works on a couple of them.
 The most recent one went past the side windows of "her" store     I texted her the link and she replied that she had done those windows! I thought she just sold clothes!  She's coming over tomorrow and I'll get "the whole story".

Sleep well, Everyfriend and have pleasant dreams.
 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas. Donna, Michael and spouses spent the afternoon and evening with me. I received an interesting Christmas gift...an Alexa Echo. Since I'm living alone now (and I don't have the best balance, etc.} if I should fall or need emergency help of any kind, I can say "Alexa, call Michael, Donna or 911" and it makes the call. It also does other things, like remind me of appointments. Donna does my grocery shopping. Whenever I think of something I need, I tell it to add it to my shopping list! The list goes to Donna's e-mail. Technology has come so far it's scary! 

We've been having wonderful weather the past few days and I understand it's going to be warm next week.

Good morning everyone! I hope everyone had a nice Christmas weekend.

Dinner at with my sister and her friend on Saturday was nice. Dodie  brought her homemade mashed potatoes, and made the gravy. Additionally she brought a variety of desserts, shrimp w/cocktail sauce, the cranberry sauce, and also brought along a small container of homemade peanut butter and a Lindt bar for Sue and me. Oh, and she brought the Champaign. Sue made roast carrots, corn casserole, and of course, the roast chicken (a 7 pounder) and stuffing. No green bean casserole this year.

While there, another of Sue's friends called to let her know that her grandson (age 7) got sick and tested positive for COVID (one of those home test kits). The family was visiting from the DC area. Sue had been invited to join them on Christmas Eve but she, luckily, decided to decline the invite thus saving us from having to quarantine ourselves. I left a little early and got home just before it started raining. When Dodie left, she ended up driving on Route 81 in rain pouring so hard she had trouble seeing. She was pretty shaken up by the time she got home. I am glad she made it home. Route 81 is terrifying enough in good weather between here and Carlisle, let alone in conditions that bad. Been there, done that several times over the years when I was working.

Not much going on here. Cold (33F) and not getting much warmer today.

I checked in on the Duluth Harbor Cam and discover they are in the middle of a gale force snow storm. Most of the lake traffic is hunkered down for the duration. It is also snow and blowing in Port Huron and Marine City. The Sault Saint Marie locks seem to have missed the fun this morning, but they got their snow a day or so ago. Here, we are expecting a little snow or rain, but barely. A while ago, when I looked out the window the moon was trying to peek through the clouds. It looked green. Green?




 

Mars Gal - I looked at the Duluth Harbor cam, and it actually made me shiver. Nobody out for a walk today!    There is one cam that I enjoy looking at during the Winter months.  I think it's, Two Harbors Boat Launch?  I looked at it earlier , but it's just a snowy blur!  When the weather calms down, it's fun to watch the ice fishermen, arriving in their pick-up trucks, and setting up their ice shacks, out on the frozen lake. 
Glad that your sister had you, and her friend Dodie, there with her for Christmas dinner.  Looks like it was a nice tasty meal -  good idea to have a roast chicken instead of turkey, when there are only a few people.  It's impossible to find a small turkey anymore.

Beverly -  The Alexa Echo, sounds wonderful!  What a great gift for someone who lives alone. That should give you a secure feeling, knowing that Alexa, is always there to help, under any and all circumstances.    I've enjoyed looking at the pictures you've posted in Photos Old and New, of Beverly, James and Keani.  Looking forward to more!  ❤️

Callie -  Good to see that your son is doing so much better since his antibody  infusion.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, they are not going the infusion here in California.     Reason they are giving, is that they (the medical community),  "are not set up for it".  Not sure what that means, but I'm thinking maybe they can't do it in the hospitals, and have to have a separate clinic?  It worries me, because if one of my loved ones got sick from Covid, I would want them to be able to get the infusion if needed. 

I enjoyed reading all the posts about every one's holiday celebrations‼️

Our Christmas with Dave and the family was very special.  We had our traditional live Dungeness Crab Fest Christmas Eve.  It broke my heart to see the four of them on the couch with out Michele as Dave read the Night Before Christmas 😩

Over all we spoke of Michele often🥰  Dave did a very thoughtful job in the gifts he purchased for the children 🥰.

#3 Son Mark, Megan and Jonah joined us Christmas afternoon and three hours later the Boston Crew arrived.  We had a PRIME prime rib dinner that was fabulous 🥰🥰

We thought we were going to have breakfast time together yesterday, but the Boston Family were worried about the big snow storm causing unsafe roads so headed to Vail at 5:30 AM.  The rest of enjoyed more time and we came home exhausted and fell into our RECHARGERS (aka, recliners) ‼️

Hope all of you are taking it easy and recovering from the festivities.

Have a good night of rest.  Back to physical therapy again tomorrow 🤪

Jenny

Marilyne, this morning I watched a clip of a couple of nuts out in the still strong wind trying to ride the surf near the lighthouse at Duluth Harbor. What nuts! No sooner were they up on their boards than they were toppled over.

MarsGal - I looked at the Lighthouse Cam, a couple of times this morning, but was too late for the "surfers".  Those large floating pieces of ice, look like they could hit and kill someone, if they are dumb enough to be out on the water!  Also, wet suits are great here in California, but I can't imagine them keeping canal surfers warm in that freezing water?!    I'm sure they didn't stay in the water long, and just hope they are okay?   Incidentally - I can imagine my brother pulling a stunt like that when he was a young surfer.  He and his friends traveled the world and surfed on all beaches, fast moving rivers, etc.  I don't know if they ever thought about icy canals in Michigan, but wouldn't be surprised!   

Jenny - So sorry that you are still in so much shoulder pain.  Physical therapy, sounds like a painful slow process - but I guess the point is to keep all those muscles and tendons, flexible, while you heal?  I can imagine that it was heartbreaking, to watch Dave, read "The Night Before Christmas", with the four of them sitting there without Michele.   I'm glad you also had a chance to celebrate with the rest of your family.  I'm sure everyone is excited about the expected new baby!  When is the date of arrival?

Hope all my Senior Friends, have recovered from Christmas, and ready to face The New Year?  We used to watch the Waterford Crystal Ball, commemorating the New Year in Times Square, but neither of us could stay awake last year.  I'll give it another try this year! 

Marsgal and Marilyne,  Thank you for mentioning the Duluth Harbor cam!  I'd gotten so interested in the Streamtime (Port Huron, Algonac, etc.) that I forgot all about Duluth Harbor.  Had the link at the very end of my Webcam list and have now moved it up under Streamtime.

Enjoyed a delightful 3 hour visit with Miss Ellen yesterday.  She flew back today.
She had video on her phone taken while she was an extra on "...Mrs. Maisel". They were filming in Carnegie Hall and the extras who were "the audience" were sent up to the first balcony while some shots were done on the stage.  It looked as if they were seated all across the center and around the corner to the side.  I think she said there were about 300 in the group.  While they were waiting, they started doing The Wave.  She said the director and other staff member, including some from Carnegie Hall, began laughing and enjoying the sight. None of the lead characters were there for this filming.

Now, how many people do you suppose have done The Wave in THE Carnegie Hall?