I've been so busy on the phone today I never even got dressed!  I'm trying to get things "in order" so my 3 kids can handle everything. I moved money over into a better "Jumbo CD" rate than what I put some in a few weeks ago. 4.8 this time. Sure better than the below 1% it was getting in the moneymarket account. Put the 3 kids on a co-owners instead of beneficiaries & the person at the bank kind of hemmed & hawed about "one could take it all & run" and I told him not to worry, not these kids, they all have more money than I do! We worked too hard to save money to have the government take more than what they tax out of it every year! Anyway, it's been a hard day on the phone all day & when talking my oxygen cuts off so feet are super swollen tonight. I didn't know compression sox squeezed the fluid up & out, I learn more from my kids than from the doctors!

Phyllis, do you think you would smell moth balls if you put them around in the attic?  I keep boxes of them on hand to toss any place we get critters that we don't want. I did hesitate putting them in the storage parts of the RV/motorhome but did, and never had any odor inside but the critters quit hanging out in the wheel wells. I buy them at the Dollar Tree so they've gone up to $1.25 now instead of $1. The cats seem to keep squirrels away, but we did have lots of them in the Kansas City area (Leawood). When were you in the hospital last? My memory is not keeping up these days.

Jane, you reminded me that I planned to bring up a large table decoration that I can put holly in this year because my "taller than the house" holly bush has red berries on it starting right now! The leaves are so shiny green. It needs a serious trim so I hope some neighbors will be wanting some branches for wreaths. We never had holly when I was growing up but had a whole hill full where we lived in England that a short cut to town ran through. They called it "the spinny". Without a refrigerator I walked to town about every day. Anyway, I planned to cut the greenery & put a new red candle in the center holder & give to a neighbor but with my 3 kids going to be here one evening next week to sign papers, I will use it as a centerpiece first!

Lloyd, glad you didn't get the candy bars but I did not know they went up that high! When we lived in England I think they were about 10cents a bar and cigarettes were 20cents a pack at the PX. Of course that was more than 66 years ago ...hahaha... By the way, the applesauce is much better for you than apple pie! That pie crust turns to sugar in your tummy, all breads & starches do, but complex carbs can be good for you. With potatoes you have to check which kind are good & bad, and there seems to be a lot of different opinions whether they are good or bad for regulating the sugar.

Amy, seems like yesterday you got that last pup. I've been wanting one so bad but can't do that while Tiger is still here. She already is feeling neglected with so many people being around. So sad she refuses to come out of hiding when the kids come over, and she has seen them all of her life!  The minute they go out to their cars she is at my side. Andy likes to get his rescue dogs older but I don't mind the training part. I told him he'd have to take it camping for me & he was thrilled. His wife doesn't want another one yet. Tiger is terrified of dogs as well as people so this may not happen. That is what dreams are for, isn't it?

I promised myself I'd get to bed early, no nap today. Sweet dreams & God Bless.

Oops, you slipped in, Rick! If you don't mind, turn out the lights, please?

OK --- Got the lights.  Anyone else, ---be careful.

Quietly turns lights on...starts coffee pot and kettle.

Good morning..

Raining here and has been for a few hours sure hope it doesn't freeze!!
No hanging laundry out but that's ok. Better make raisin bread  and pastry today. Not sure what else will get done.

Shirley, our next pup/dog will be a rescue. We have had rescues in the past and they make great dogs. One, our Damation/Dane was from the humane society and I went back after a while to say how pleased we were and how the dog settled in. The lady there thought I was in to give them a scolding about the dogsince Dals were suppose to be high strung. We took him clear across Canada camping and the kids in the camp ground loved him.

Jane, so nice to se your posts..

Phyllis, we both are fine here, thank you for asking. Kyle is  making another bird house and that keeps him busy. Me, I don't have to look for work as it always finds me....no matter how hard I try to run from it.

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Good Morning everyone, wel I have been up quite a while.was about 750 AM , Have taken and sent my vitias on off to VA via sadilight. I am going to try again to get the RV started, and take it to get it inspected and licened for another couple years. Nancy Is not in the mood to go traveing. so i May have to go by my self or fiend another compain to travel with me for company. I do not like to have a reado on,that is just noyoise to me. Male or female either way we have more places to sleep in the RV. Have a good day, and and a better tomorow.

Lloyd

Shirley, I was taken to the ER two weeks ago today (Saturday).  Luckily, this time they only kept me for a few hours.  They did some tests and x-rays, started me on antibiotics and sent me home.  I am doing better now and regaining my strength.  I hope to continue doing that so David will not have to do so much with taking care of me and the house and property.

Phyllis, happy to read you are feeling better..

GOOD MORNING EVERYFRIEND!

It's cool and raining here.  We're having freezing temps overnight but by the time I'm ready to look again, the temps are out of the freezing zone.

Frankie doesn't work this weekend so I don't have Cooper but they are coming over later so I can help her order some stuff she found on line for her mother for Christmas.

Cathy put Spotify on my phone and now I can have Christmas Carols wherever I am at any time I want them.  Right now, Perry Como is serenading me!  He's one of my all-time favorites.  You get to pick 4 of your favorites and then they throw in other singers in the same category so you get a real treat!  I love it!

I have my wreaths up and my dining table decorated for Christmas.  I'm getting there.

I sat down last night to watch "Mannix" while I ate my supper and I have great sound but no picture.  My son (who sold and repaired TV for most of his life) came over to see if he could get it back for me and he said it's gone forever!  He also said he has a couple of used sets in the store and he'd check them out today and maybe bring me a different one today or tomorrow.  If it's not one thing it's another!

I also lost my email on my computer.  I had it when I went to bed my last night at my sister's and I didn't have it in the morning.  The TV was "one thing" and this is "another".  Cathy tried to find my email and then told me I'd have to call the place where I got my laptop!  So that's on today's agenda.

PHYLLIS, I'm so glad to hear that you are "on the mend".  Keep on keeping on!  We need to have you here!

AMY, if you get ice, would you please keep it on your side of the border?  I have enough worries about Frankie and everyone else traveling in bad weather!  Especially if they're doing it for me!

I'm off to do a load of laundry that I brought home from my travels.  And I'm wearing a Christmas sweat shirt to accomplish my chores today!

I wish you all a good day...better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow!

Jane, I agree with you on the ice. I don't mind, can put up with the snow but really dislike the ice.........unless I have skates on. To spin around like a button on an outhouse door is not fun in a vehicle.

Amy, - My Uncle had a Dalmatian (Frosty) who was a very "family" dog. His only problem was that he would NOT let anyone take anything out or away from the house. Not even the garbage collectors. He had to be held inside on collection days. As a mid teenager (me) Frosty was big enough to knock me over.

BTW - If I smell that raisin bread from here I'll be on my way. That would go good with the coffee you started.

Rick Dalmations got a bad name after back yard breeders  started when 101 Dalmations came out. Buddy was not high stung, he was laid back and loved to get up on my lap while I was watching tv (he weighed 105 lbs)  and go to sleep.

Rick, raisin bread is done,out of the oven thankfully . I thought we may lose power with the high winds but so far so good!! Will put a loaf in the hidey hole....if you were closer you would have a loaf..just as my neighbour will when it is cool enough to run over to them.

This place has NOT been busy today!  Everyfriend must be taking naps while they're staying in out of the cold weather! 

Frankie didn't make it over here today so she's coming tomorrow.  A friend called and wanted her to do something so she did that instead of showing up here. 

I'm getting ready to head for the haystack pretty soon.  I'm really tired.  I listened to Mannix on the TV and it wasn't much fun.  I remembered that my son would not be over here because he had a family trip to see a show in NYC today.  Maybe tomorrow.  I did tell him there was no rush.  But I put in a busy day today and I'm ready to throw in the towel or whatever the thing is we do when we're ready to collapse for the day.  I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a happy tomorrow and may God bless us, every one!

JaneS,
Unfortunately our numbers are getting fewer and fewer. Between that and those not feeling well, the posts have dwindled. Me of few words is not a big help.  Everyone should spread the word, and URL (address) to neighbors, relatives, and friends.

But for now - Goodnight,

Good morning everyone.

Light snow falling with a temp of 24° at the moment. I slept in....wow..haven't done that for a while.

 A day of rest here, have leftovers from last night which were tasty and will make again.....so easy  to make also! Will post the changes I would make next time.

Jane, Patricia is having puter problems at the moment.

Better get ready  to meet the day.

Enjoy your day and stay safe.
 

well shirley, I will try to do better do not hit me again pease I will try to do better. I am in good shape on blod sugar. this Morning was just 143. my one shot of Insle every night at bedtime, Is 16 ?MIls. but Life is not much fnun anymore, when famley and frinds take advatage. good to have all you good frends here in S&F's. well I am ready to go eat somenthing nurshing for morning meal, and tune the preacher in Live on TV.

Lloyd

I only spend a short time on the computer each day....mostly checking email and my bank activity and S&F.  When I am not feeling well I probably won't be online at all.  Sorry, but that is what my life is like these day.  Most of time I don't have anything to say, anyway. 

Today all I have to say is......it is a cloudy and chilly day in my part of NC.

Take care, All. 

Good Morning Everyfriend!  It's a up to 48º here right now but it's going to hit a low of 24 at some point today.

My son just left and I now have a TV that works.  It came out of their bedroom.  He said it's only temporary but they won't miss it until he sees what he has in the back of the store that works. 

RICK, a lot of the people who used to post regularly in the SODA SHOPPE now do that over in Norm's Bait.  I don't go over there because way back when Norm was still around that that was just starting up, I posted over there and I was told to bug off.  So I did and I do.  Sometimes I go read just so I can see what old friends are doing but I NEVER post over there! 

I'm going to have to get off here and find my church service because I'm not going there today.  Our priest is ill and we're not having a full service so I'm going to try to get a full service from another church on line! 

I wish you all a good day...better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow!

I misread the temp.  It's only 36 out there!

I'm here.... just got back from church & McDonald's. Says 38 but feels like 34, & it felt colder than that out in the wind with my coat flapping open.  I'm not getting the hang of this portable oxygen, first got it on to go to church, using the straps to wear like a back pack... oops, all connected but forgot to turn it on. Well, that stinks, had to take off, turn it on & pack it on again.... well, dummy, coat doesn't fit OVER the back pack so had to off & attach all over again.

Jane, glad you got your world up & running. I hate it when my ROUTINE gets off track. TV is a big part of that routine!  I keep it on GRIT or ME most of the time to stay away from the news media & politics. Saw a new western the other day & wondered if Lloyd caught it. I hardly pay attention to the story line but the scenery is my kind of world. I am starting to put names I heard all my life with faces, I didn't watch movies as a kid. I have been surprised how many Westerns that Vera Miles was in & so many with John Wayne. She was from Wichita & went to school with my friend's husband (& many of the guys Cas knew). She sure was pretty.

I need to run the little Hoover, the feet of these chairs look like they are wearing cat hair sox....

Amy, one of the neighbors had a dalmatian that was very good with all the neighbor kids until one day one of the kids crawled into it doghouse with it & it bit the kid. Of course it caused a lot of uproar & they got rid of the dog, they weren't the type people to fence it in or even show affection for it. Sorry, I like the critters more than some people. 

Phyllis, I keep my laptop sitting on the same table as the iPadPro that the kids text on & my Fitbit is assigned to. I do not do banking online, kids tell me mine is secure but I prefer phone calls to them & then go sign whatever papers are necessary. My kids laugh & know I'm still in charge of ME & whatever I do. 2 of the 3 knock themselves out trying to help but the youngest is the quiet one & shows up once a week to visit, always answers my text or phone calls almost immediately & will be there to do whatever I want & better than I ask or expect. I'm lucky, I really think I am, to get this much warning about my last days. Not everyone gets to plan (& I do not hold any doctors to an exact time), but I can tell the difference each day/week. I don't doubt some of my muscle loss & strength has disappeared because I've gotten lazy, I really have, so makes me able to do less. I had a pang when Amy mentioned twirling on the ice skates, mine are still sharpened & ready to glide~~ I was on my roller skates less than a year ago, got a nice spot in the basement to twirl~~ Will have to hang them up now because the feet & legs are swelling so big. I do blame most of my problems on the bad case of Covid over 2 years ago, never did get back like before & do not think it age related!

I'm going to call my son to see what time he plans to come pick up leaves. He insists he will bring what he needs instead of getting out MY equipment. I want to make sure he fills the bags small enough that I can get them to the street & don't have to have anyone do that for me. Don't want to waste time waiting on him because my eyes are trying to slam shut.

Shirley, I am sure there is some adjusting to do with your oxygen but thankfully it is helping you.
I like animals also more than some people , the child did the tresspassing and the dog gets the blame....something wrong there. Some people should have to take a test first before they have animals or even kids!!

well It it Is time to bid you all good night and sweet dreams. Shirley and amy I am with you both, It Is espaceitly bad when what was a close friend gets gready and sets you up for a setback and steels from you. ben there and done that, done to us, whet we have is God will take care of it, and even as it hurt now, when god calls our # we can not take it with us, But I would have rather chose whome we left it to. as far as $$ & cents, Nancy and I are In pretty good shape. She is a pinney pincher so she Keeps me in Line for the most part. and we are not high roolers by no means, but do have a good amout in edeward jones safe accounts, not riskey places on the stock market. I know you can hit a good lick,but could also loose a big hit also. we will just keeping on being slow and easy. and may have some to leave to our thrie surving childern. we lost our odelest son with amtrack train crach, at a bliend crossing. and no amount of $$$$$ can fix that hurt.

Lloyd

Hey there, all you Everyfriends!  It's been a long, busy day and I got a lot of stuff done.  I'm decorated for Christmas except for one thing.  I still have to hang my flags and I think I'll have Cathy do that tomorrow. 

It was cold and windy today but I went out and took my walk and I didn't freeze!  I made a casserole.  I had some left over chicken that I had taken out of the freezer and I decided I'd start with that.  I added some little pasta sea shells already cooked and some other stuff, put some cheese and fried onions on top and OH WOW!  was it every good!  I probably won't ever make it again because I don't remember what all was in it but I'm going to enjoy getting rid of this one!  I think I'll call it the IDKW (I don't know what) casserole!

Now I'm heading for the haystack because I have to be up early to meet Cooper tomorrow morning!  I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a happy tomorrow.  And may God bless us, every one!

Good Morning to anyfriend who shows later this morning.  I have to get ready to meet Cooper today and then I have to get ready to meet Cathy to do a bit of shopping.  I don't think we're going until early afternoon but I have to work on my list!  I NEED to get some Christmas shopping done!  First on my list is the the two kids in Oklahoma.  And I don't have a clue!

Right now it's 20º out there!  That's BRRRRRR!  I'm not looking forward to our walks today!  But having a demanding doggie around makes us do some things we'd avoid if the doggie wasn't so demanding.  I guess that's good for me.  It keeps me moving and it makes me do stuff I wouldn't do if he wasn't so demanding.  That sounds like I'm repeating myself but I'm not going to fix it!  You all can sort it out!

I'm off to begin my day!  I wish you all a good one...better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow!

Good morning ...

Stars shining  brightly this morning with a temp of 24.

We are also off Christmas shopping this morning. List is made and stops are mapped out then home.Furkids will be coming with us for the trip.

Jane ,have fun shopping with Cathy.

Better get my city clothes on...

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Good Morning everyone, It Is mostlycloudy and 36º now.Looks Like the sun Is trying to come out. well we are going to have barbequied ribs fo late noon meal today.we have had them in the deep freze for a while so Nancy has them out and thawed in the micerwave and manareted. takes about 5 hours for it to soak in. we have a frinch fry cutter and i have bee ordred to cut them. I was going to make my japino caseroole but Nancy said No that would bee too much spice things. and you all know you are the boss even tho we men are supposed th be the head of the house hold.that has changed when they let you ladies have wemons Lib.HA HA.

Lloyd.

Lloyd, --- Wait till it's time to fix the roof 

Lloyd, when my husband died I became head of household, boss, and chief cook and bottle washer and chief financial officer.   Don't think you have much to complain about.  Just teasing you. 

Can I add my 2¢?  When my gr-mother died we discovered that the big house she & her husband built with HER inheritance from her gr-father.... was divided equally among her & their 5 kids BECAUSE HER HUSBAND didn't leave a will, her name was not on the deed. Her uncle was the probate judge so she got to pretend she owned the house from the time her husband died in 1937 until she died 35 years later.

For all those years she didn't get a dime from railroad retirement because he just turned 65 (he was hit by a train) and didn't file for it (she lived to 96). Someone realized she never got a pension or social security so they filed for SS for her for last few years. The kids paid her bills as long as she lived & each one received their portion of the estate when she died. Missouri was the state and I do think things may have changed since then, but everyone better do their own research!

Lloyd, for MY sake and for anyone that helps me, I PAY for their services and then not disappointed when they don't do what I hoped they would. I pay my kids what I would have to pay anyone else & usually a little more because I trust them not to cheat me. SO one that has been doing a job can't claim anything extra in the end, they share equally. I don't promise anyone anything but just pay as I go, when I do anything for someone I do it without expecting them to return the favor. I have been disappointed people are not as honest as we hope.

All that said, my husband absolutely refused to let me work, my job was to take care of him, kids, the house & food, etc. He didn't wash dishes or clothes but he could repair the appliances & anything needed. We both earned what is here today and I am still working hard to keep it out of the government's hands to give away. Our kids worked their way thru college, earned scholarships as well as jobs. They have paid their kids way and they are doing okay, but I hope to leave these kids the college money we didn't have back then. 

Many years ago the family that lived next door, it was the lady's uncle's house and they took care of him until he died.  When he died THEY didn't get the house, it was divided equally among the nieces & nephews who never did a thing for him. The house had to be sold & they didn't get anything for all the work they did taking care of him & the property all those years. It made a big impression on me as well as what happened to my grandmother.

Time out to brag.... anyone see the people lined up next to the new plane Boeing just rolled out in California?  MY GRANDAUGHTER (aerospace engineer) is one of the 2 females in that line up. Her sister is the one to help get the MAX back in the air. These girls & they have 2 brothers doing great things, are my daughter's kids. So many people, men & women, gave her grief for being a working mother.... but she didn't short change those kids one bit!   

Guess it's okay to talk about anything in here, don't mean to offend anyone but at this stage of my life I am being more outspoken. Hey, I was always a mouth BUT kept it under control in public!

That must be the end to this!  I've been doing odds & ends & back to the computer so now I gotta shut up. One last observation.... we are all so lucky in here for many different reasons. Each one has special joys, kids that show up at the right time, Amy & Kyle keep projects moving like Cas & I did. I think it's a blessing when anyone has a kid living with them. I had one friend in particular growing up that had everything, her parents & grandparents on both sides super wealthy by world wide standards.... but money didn't make her happy, she lived her whole life feeling deprived. She loved coming to my house because no matter what my parents were doing, if they were home they would sit & visit with my friends. I was a lucky kid, my parents loved us and we knew it. Mom always told us that "our kids could get what they wanted when grown, bigger & better than what we can give them, BUT they can't buy a brother or sister that is taught to love them." 

And this is the end if anyone is still reading.... my therapy session for the year!
   

Good Morning EVERYFRIEND‼️

I am STILL hosting this awful BUG.  Coughing like crazy....sinus head pressure and just over all feeling terrible.  It was two weeks today this whole thing started😩😩. I do not think I have ever had something hang on like this😩‼️

We did go to our grandsons 4th birthday party on Saturday.  Surprisingly enough we both felt pretty good.....and they insisted we come IF we were able and not worry about exposing anyone to our bug, as everyone there has had it or still has it....  It was so much fun.  They had it at their home....the place was all decorated in a construction theme and it was done very nicely.  Mom Megan made and decorated the cake.  I am so proud of her.....none of this buying a fancy cake for her boy..... we really enjoyed meeting their friends.  Her two best friends that she met in the neighborhood, were delightful.  One is French and the other is Austrian.  Their kiddos are all about the same age.  There were three babies there almost exactly the same age...all within a couple of weeks.  Our Baby Leon turned 6 months on the 2nd.  I can not believe he is already this  age.  He is already scouching around on the belly and can move with his feet in the little walker.  He weighs 18 pounds and cut his first tooth this past week. 

JANE....whom ever told you to BUG OFF in Norm's group should be ashamed of themselves.....this makes me sad as we all have so much to contribute and I for one missed you when you left the group‼️

PHYLLIS, I am sorry to read you have not been feeling too well.  It sure is great to see your posts when you can make it in. 

SHIRLEY, this wearing oxygen is indeed a whole new thing to deal with.  A few posts ago you mentioned that you wanted to try to wash your cannula?  Did they not give you extra cannulas and hoses?  They should have!  I know you need it and it is important but I know how restraining it can be.  I am sorry but I had to chuckle at your description of trying to get ready to leave for church with having to take it back off to put coat on🤪🤪🤪

JANE, you know I love reading all about your goings on each day.  Between you and AMY, I get to hear all about cooking and doing this and that.....you gals run circles around me🤪🤪‼️‼️‼️ I hope one day I can again be more involved and accomplish some of the normal things I used to enjoy doing so much🥰🥰

No one commented on my post about our JOAN'S grandson....I thought sure some of you would remember little, now BIG, FINLAY. HE grew up so quickly, like all of our kiddos have. 

LLOYD.....I really enjoy your posts and the trials and tribulations that you and Nancy deal with.  Sometimes life can be so cruel.....but we MUST do our best to get through and not let the awful things get us down. 

I wish you ALL a good day.  I am so thankful to have all of you in my daily life. 

Jenny

I'm doing this on my phone and it's not easy. My computer is in the shop and I might not be back here until I get my computer back. I don't know what to do with my hands!

We had a good shopping day but it wore me to a frazzle!  And I might even go again tomorrow because I forgot some stuff today.

Sleep well and wake rested. I will miss you all until I can get back. Good night and good morning!!

Good morning..

I did pop in and read after we got back from town but boy I was
 too tuckered to type! Slept like a log last night and thought I could sleep in this morning but that wasn't to be. We managed to get most of the gifts for the kids..now to wrap them. A trip to Costco  for groceries that I can't get here  then lunch at Swiss Chalet then home. Today I take the van in for an oil change then home to work and tidy up in here. May do some baking....will see.

Jane you will likely be crocheting with your hands.

Shirley, way to go for your Granddaughter!! What a accomplishment she has been involved in actually  for both girls.

Better get ready for the day.

Enjoy your day and stay safe.