Gloria de - My cable bill is also very high, but I don't intend to drop any of my channels either.  Like you, we very rarely ever go out to a restaurant, and we no longer travel or go to a theater.  So the TV is our entertainment, and I'm willing to pay extra for all those cable channels that we enjoy.

I picked lots of my frozen lemons this afternoon.  We're supposed to have another hard frost again tonight, so figured I'd better get out there and salvage as many as possible. I only cut into one of them, and it looks okay.   I'm sure there will be plenty of ruined ones, but also enough good ones to squeeze and save the juice for future use.

Marilyne, reading about your lemons made me think about our house we moved from in Ocala.  We had so many lemons and oranges last year that we gave most to the Salvation Army kitchen.  No lemons or orange trees here, I'm afraid.  Just getting too old to worry about planting trees. 

Marilyne and Gloria de,  My cable bill is very high also.  But, it does include my Internet Service.  The TV part is a lot higher.  I hear people mention that they can't find that much on the TV that they enjoy, but I sure can.  I like the Hallmark channels, the Food channel, and the TCM and other movie channels.  My  TV  goes just about all the time.  I also like to listen to the channels that just play music.  Especially when I am reading,  I like to have the music channels on. 

I feel the same as you.  It is my entertainment and I don't spend a lot of money on any other kind of pleasures.  I do take my family  out to  dinner once in a while, as a "thank you" for all they do for me.  And, that gives me a lot of pleasure, also.   

After all,  it's just money.   LOL 

Joy

Temp here is now at -5

Hi everyone on a beautiful 65 degree and so far sunny morning here in South Carolina.  We are to get up to 71 degrees around noon time. It was a very nice day here yesterday.  I watched my Alma Mater, Northwest Missouri State University win the Division II National Championship in football yesterday afternoon.  The game was being played in Kansas City, Kansas and it was extremely cold and the field was so covered with snow you couldn't even see the lines on the field. 

I did have a productive day yesterday as got the Christmas wrapping done and took one box to the Post Office.  There were only about 8 people ahead of me and it didn't take more than 8-10 minutes before I was waited on as there were three clerks working.  I also got my Christmas Letter prepared and emailed.  Yesterday afternoon I made more sausage muffins for Pat and also made the peanut clusters that are so easy and so good.  Pat made them last year and they are very good although very sweet.  I plan on sharing some of them with my neighbors as the recipe makes about 4 1/2 pounds of candy. 

I plan on a quiet day this afternoon.  I will go to Sunday School and Church but Pat will not be going as the gout isn't any better and her foot is swelling.  She plans on calling the doctor's office tomorrow.  I will bring home something for lunch then rest and watch football this afternoon.  One of the game this afternoon will be played in Chicago and I read that they expect it to be the coldest conditions in which a pro football game has ever been played. 

I agree about the cable bill.  Pat enjoys the Hallmark and movie channels and I enjoy the sports channels and the news channels so don't see us cutting back on what is available.  As others have said it is our main source of entertainment along with eating out once or twice a week. 

I will not make individual comments today as will soon have to leave for church.  I hope everyone has an enjoyable and warm Sunday.  I feel for you all in the extreme cold and bad weather conditions. 

Dot and I are back from church and OTB.  It is cold here - 17 degrees - but I am inside where it is warm.  Tom has gone to his church and when he gets back, he'll do some last minute Christmas ordering through his son, James, who has Amazon Prime  I have one birthday card to mail tomorrow - Tom's former MIL and she will get her Christmas card before she gets her birthday card because the Christmas cards went out yesterday.

I guess Christmastime is when I might miss driving because I can't just up and go shopping, even to Meijer, our nearby supermarket who has about anything I might need. 

Mary Ann

Looks like we may be getting a break from the cold temps.  Tomorrow they say high of 36.  Sure hope so.

Good morning and stay warm everyone!

It's 19 outside and 72 inside and I'm staying warm inside!

Someone mentioned a meat spread the other day and I think it was not Shirley from Kansas, but anyway, I ground up some left over steak, added mayo, ranch dressing (didn't want to use all of my mayo) and pickle relish.  Tasted kind of good.

Mary Ann

Good Sunday Afternoon, Everyone!

The extremely freezing cold snap has broken here,  so the temps inside my apartment are back up to normal... 

Starting day after tomorrow the temps are going to be up in the 30's and 40's until after the New Year.       

I sure hope that lasts,  as they are predicting a warmer Winter then Normal for us here on the East Coast.       (Finger's crossed!)

I hope that everyone is having a good day,  and will continue to do so. 

Hi MaryAnn ! 

Sandy

Hi everyone.  After a day when we got to the high 70's today will only be in the 40's.  We had rain all of last evening and it is raining again this morning.  Fortunately it is not cold enough to give us any ice.

We had a lovely Church service yesterday with "Lessons and Carol" being used with nice different reading and a lot of Sacred Christmas music.  It was a long service as it ran over about 15 minutes past our normal time.  Our Chancel Choir, the Bells and the primary age children's choir sang along with a several instrumental accompaniments. 

The only thing on the schedule for today is my Monday noon meeting.  We are having a briefer meeting today with a social occasion afterwards with finger foods. 

Mary Ann, you and Dot are brave to get out in -17 degree weather.

Joan, good to see you are going to get out of freezing temps today.

Sandy, I am sure you appreciate the warmer temps in your apartment.

Patricia, you are probably at a point of counting the hours until you can get your apartment fully cleaned and begin to move back in all your things. 

If you need a little uplift today be sure to watch this video that Lloyd sent me the link to:   http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=7lfaSmDxVZQ

Larry, Dot and I were not out in -17 degrees; there was a space between the - and 17 and I was setting the temperature apart from the rest of the sentence (- 17 degrees -).  So it was +17 degrees then and is +16 degrees now.  Dot has been outside because she stopped by with a plate of cookies, then went to the eye doctor across the road.  She has more ambition than I do because I only get out of the house when Tom has to take me some place.  I don't seem to get "cabin crazy".  Incidentally, the sun is shining even though it is almost noon and 16 degrees.  Brr.

Today Tom is going to order some things from Amazon, via James' Prime.  I told him about the experience of others and their disappointments so we will see if we get our things.  I don't like to order so late, but that doesn't bother Tom - with Prime!

I like our Transitional Minister and our informal services.  We are like "family" with 20 to 30 people attending our service in the chapel.  We usually have Orders of Worship but did not yesterday.  We sang some Christmas songs, choosing those we wanted to sing.  This minister was a Marine or Navy Chaplain as was our former minister.  They were friends because of their former occupations, but as different as night and day.  This minister is a Latino and has gone through a lot, according to his website, which takes him through 2011.  I am sure he was brought up Catholic, but his father either left or died when David was young and David left home.  He ended up in California and I don't know what brought him to Michigan, but he and our former minister worked together to form a UCC church for Latinos in another part of the city.  He has children and grandchildren in California.  His wife is from Puerto Rico.  All very different than what we have been used to for the last 140 years, but we can stand a change. 

Mary Ann

Mary Ann, I have used Amazon.com for many years and their delivery time is superb.  Prime makes it even better.   Never had a problem.

Joan, a couple of people in another folder had trouble with Prime but I'm not worried.  If something happens, we can always give the gift later.  Other people pointed out that Amazon and their carriers both have to hire subs at this time and they could have caused the problem.  One woman had her order cancelled but with no notification to her.  Things do happen.  I just wanted to alert Tom what could happen.

Mary Ann

Mary Ann - I've also used Amazon from the beginning of its existence, (this was before Prime), and I've never had a problem with delivery.  I now have Prime, and I usually get my package in one or two days. 

An interesting note about Amazon . . . my dil's sister is married to one of the original founders of Amazon.  When the company went "public" about 10 years ago, his founders stock was worth millions!  They are, of course, billionaires now, as are many thousands of other young couples here in Silicon Valley.  Getting into a "start up" company, at the beginning, insures your future . . . IF the idea is a success.  A good recent example is Uber.  I've heard that the originators of that idea are now billionaire's, and are all still only in their 20's and 30's.  Gives you a good idea of why young men and women, are flocking to California, from around the world and across this country.

Good morning from the Interior! It is still dark at 8:51 AM but staying warm, and we have or will gain three minutes of daylight over yesterday. They had the big Solstice celebration Saturday with street fairs, caroling, and some hot food booths but I was really disappointed. The actual solstice is the 21st and not the 17th and what were we actually celebrating? The fireworks were thumping, colors blazing but it was all celebrating commercialism and ease of use.

It is the same with President's Day and other smushed together and redesigned days. There is no meaning left, no relevance. No reason to celebrate anything. The Solstice and the increasing daylight and lessening of dark and colder weather, physical reality is worth celebrating. Celebrating the 17th, a Saturday means what, more shopping? Our June 21st. Solstice celebration is now called Conoco Phillips' Summer Solstice Celebration. What does that even mean? Are we celebrating an oil company's Solstice, more light to drill? Enough, ranting doesn't change anything.

Larry, I have to tell you after our chocolate back and forth, that I had visions of all these gray-haired women in wheelchairs or using rollators and walkers, squeaking and thumping up and down the halls swiping bags to empty them of chocolate. Of course, they all wore sturdy black shoes and those floral dresses popular sixty years ago!   

One other thing is Anchorage in the midst of a rain forest, and wet, cold climate is nothing like Fairbanks, dry cold and in the Arctic. A couple of weeks back in minus 15, folks, myself included, were wearing sweatshirts in jackets or sweaters in unzipped hoodies.

You need humidity to make snow and a dry climate rarely has humidity or snow. The weather required causing that snow is one we are not used to or prepared for. Alaska encompasses 6,601,700 square miles and four separate climatic and geographical zones.

Patricia, I'm glad some people fought to keep July 4 and Veteran's Day on their actual dates.  I agree with you that by putting the so-called holiday on Friday or Monday was strictly for adding a day to the weekend and/or additional shopping.  They've ruined Thanksgiving Day by having the Black Friday sales, especially when they start on Thanksgiving Day.

Tom and I have just done our Christmas shopping at Amazon.  Some things are not in stock but most are.  Since we're having our Christmas on Monday, the day after Christmas, we can have an additional Christmas in January.  From me, everyone got money, but Tom, Annie, James, Alicia and I will have a separate Christmas.  I have no idea where, but we'll have it either here or in Holland.  The one on Monday will include Terry's family and Tim's daughter.  With the family scattered now, and all with in-laws, and with Norm gone, we are not going to have our "traditional" Christmas Eve gathering.  Norm forgot that we started on Christmas Eve when he and his first wife were divorced and her family got together Christmas Day as we all did before the divorce.  "Traditional" was Norm's term.

I am listening to Christmas music on the Music Channel on my TV and some of the younger, newer singers have no expression in their singing.  I think I could do better.

Mary Ann

Mary Ann, I have only had one problem with Amazon and it was MY fault, not theirs.  I called the 800 number and they put it all right for me..

Joan, the big thing with the order I mentioned was that Amazon cancelled the order and did not notify the person ordering the merchandise.  We ordered anyway.

Mary Ann

I have had only one issue with Amazon in 2015 where they sent me a second book order three separate times, two paperbacks and a hardback. The problem was that return shipping that I would have been charged for was half the total price of the order. So I never returned any and accepted the costs. The third time this happened, I burned up the wires and was promised a refund which I received on my card within two days of the allotted ten.

I always ask for a copy of any conversation or service text be emailed to me so I can go back and spot any problems.

I have spent the last four days cleaning inside the cupboards and fridge, washing clothes, baseboards, and floors. I know I am paying for a deep clean, but he does charge by the hour.

MaryAnn, I'm waiting for a singular, commercial sponsored and commercial named holiday that uses a 90 day period filled with shopping adverts, similar to a political campaign, to celebrate everything!?!

Angel, they will send you a return label prepaid if you ask for it. 

Back then they asked for shipping charges. After I went to a few people there, they said keep the books and they refunded all the purchase prices. This past spring with a bad computer, I did get a prepaid shipping label and off it went.

Patricia, a great idea to have all the holidays lumped together, then we could have peace from ads the rest of the year!

It is now 13 degrees but starting tomorrow (Tuesday), at least through Monday, we will be in the mid-30s all week!  We'll be having a heat wave!

Mary Ann

MaryAnn, wouldn't the advertisers love that? 

Anytime you see a Grinch, it is very likely they spent time in retail!

Your holiday plans sound nice! Do you think Tom could swing by my place and pick me up?  You could tell folks I am a sixth cousin on the distaff side? 

My middle potluck is Christmas afternoon here at one pm. I suspect they will want me to serve or do clean up. I haven't signed the list for bringing anything or for cleanup and I have already gotten emails that ask for my plans. I plan to hide out here at home but don't advertise the fact.

The first one is for tomorrow night and it is "Bring a dish from your childhood celebration." I plan on sweet potatoes with syrup and marshmallows if I go but know better than to eat any. The last one is a post-Christmas tea on the 27th and I signed up for cucumber sandwiches which I've never made.

Then there is New Years and I've already told everyone I'm staying home! 

Come along, Patricia, the more the merrier.  And as for any potluck you don't want to attend, tell them you are having Christmas with your long-lost sixth cousin in Michigan!!!

Mary Ann

Hi everyone.  We had a very chilly and damp day yesterday with the temperatures in the 40's.  It looks like today will also be in the 40's with no chance of further rain today.  Pat was able to get an appointment with the PA at our Primary Care Doctor's Office for 10 am today.  Her toe apparently is feeling just a little bit better but the side of her foot is still swollen and hot.  There is nothing else on the schedule for today.  We had a nice little party after our meeting yesterday.  The dish I had taken full of peanut clusters came home empty and several asked for the recipe.  I did fry chicken last evening for our dinner and that was a first for me and I sure made a greasy mess on the stove.  I told Pat that in the future I would be preparing chicken baked or in the crock pot and when she wants fried chicken I will get it and bring it home, which I often do. 

Mary Ann, even 17 above zero is cold but glad that wasn't a minus.  I totally misread your posting.  I will be very surprised if you don't get your items from Amazon on time.  I did read that the drivers are on such a tight schedule they have only 2 minutes between houses/deliveries.  I guess that is why they run to the door.  I did notice on one of the trucks there was a second person to do the running.  It sounds like you have a very interesting minister with an interesting background.  The not receiving notice of a cancelled order sounds like a third party was involved and they didn't get the notice out. 

Marilyne, some people are in the right place at the right time such as your dil's sister and her husband starting with Amazon.  There have been amazing success stores revolving around the Internet.  Does the man still work for Amazon?

Patricia, I loved your description of the gray-haired women going up and down the halls in search of chocolate.  It is a humorous mental picture.  Alaska certainly is huge.  Only a couple of times have I had to pay return shipping for an Amazon order and that was because there was no problem with the item ordered and I had made the mistake or didn't like what I got.  I have also received credit very quickly.  Like you I usually copy and save in my Last Pass program any chats I have with companies.  It sounds like you have an ample number of Christmas party opportunities. 

Good morning from the Interior!

Where my house is clean except for a few minor spots around the baseboards and Farrah has been her usual warrior self I almost wonder if we do have unseen enemies as she certainly runs a tight ship, all the while growling in a very brasso profundo!

One odd thing she does is she will come by and lick your arm or leg on exposed skin in a quick fast movement. Where the majority of cats would purr and rub against you to mark you, she does a lick like a canine. She has never shown many basic cat behaviors.

MaryAnn, thank you! And I appreciate Tom making a quick Uber trip all the way from Michigan at any time to rescue me from a dreaded buffet! 

Larry, living here and without close family, there are lots of activities and friends feel the need to invite you to their family affairs or many single women will have lunches, teas or other holiday festivities. I am simply a little burnt out from this whole past fall and looking to hide out awhile.

Tis 48 degrees at 11:15 a.m. and snow is melting.  YIPPPEEEEE

Sun is out. But still so cold for me. Saying it will go to 29 today. After 5 days for 7 deg days and 9 below nights. 29 sounds good enough to head out.  Spent all day yesterday getting my car jumped. $55. getting it over to where got the battery. As mine just a year old they put a new 5 year one in. Not tried it yet but it had better start.
  Glasses not back in yet. Lets hope these O.K after changing 3 times.I would never have gotten use to the way I had them first made.

Going to turn off all Tech stuff for a while to day. Get some other things done.  Need the Mall but it is a mad house there. They say cars lined up just to pull in from the Interstate
We had 40 accidents in my area in last 4 day of that Ice cold weather.  I don't Christmas shop and so can wait until next week.

We are all the way up to 31 degrees at 5:15 pm, a nice change from 15+ degrees of the last few days.  The sun has been shining and we had a little new snow so things look beautiful.

Tom did our Christmas ordering from Amazon last night and one thing has already been delivered.  They must have a supplier near here; I know everything doesn't come from their main office.

I took a nap a while ago and when I work up there was a cat beside me.  He left the bed when I did.  I think if I could get a soft chair or cushion beside me in this room, Kendrick might join me here, but there is no place to put any piece of furniture.  The room is a mess but a computer work station takes most of the room and it is a big work station.  Tom would like to get rid of it and I really don't need it since I use a laptop - on my lap!

The water and air temps at Grand Haven are getting closer to each other.  I do think it looks a bit like ice at the shore where the water is more shallow than further out.  Only four degrees separate the two temperatures with the water being the warmer.  And it is windy today - in Grand Rapids as well as in Grand Haven.

Mary Ann