Good morning. We got back to son's house about 7:00 last night.  Will be going to my home as soon as someone is up and functioning well enough to take me.  So far...just dil and me having our first cups of coffee and tea.

Janie, prayers for Frankie...

More later when I don't have to "hunt and peck" on tablet.

Good morning everyone, late getting started today but I am retired and my  time belongs to me, right?

JOAN  now that Christmas is over and you do not have all the cooking to do your time will be yours except for your fur baby or appointments.

DON  so good to see you again. Sounds like you had a good Christmas and meal. We had a green Christmas here, too. Not often we have a fresh snow at Christmas

JENNY  I enjoyed all the food at my son's Christmas but just a little of every thing. There was a time I would have a plate full but I could have used a lunch plate and it still would not have been full.

AMY  the only snow we have here is a little pile left from the plow.

LLOYD  don't think I even got 5 hours sleep last night.

JANE  prayers for Frankie that nothing is seriously wrong for her. I know when I have to go for tests I get worried but so far every thing is OK. Waiting for word from family is a terrible feeling for me, too.

PHYLLIS  it is 40° here now and for a change it is sunny with a beautiful blue sky. Don't know if I will go out later or not. My son will be here in about an hour and I might walk out to his car with him.

CALLIE  glad you are back and will soon be home. Waiting to hear about your trip and the play.

Have a good day.

I'm here, just "fragmented". The lunch party yesterday went so well with my grown kids & spouses... they seemed to thoroughly enjoy all the memory foods & did eat hardy. My daughter came with a new iPad for me so set that up but so far don't have Friends on so more of "fragmented", my brain doesn't cope with laptop, cell & iPad being on the same wave length. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Christmas talk & presents and was as tickled at Janie's lottery win as if it was my own!!! And now I am praying that the call back for Frankie has proven nothing alarming....please, God!

We still have family gathering Sunday so after that.... I can slow down. Headache still hanging on so first thing I am going to do is make an appointment with the lady optometrist recommended by my doctor's nurse. Eyes really are giving me fits with poorly fit glasses the last few years. I am up & down steps like a normal person so feeling smug about this knee. Not TOO smug because that gets one in trouble, right? Gotta gas my little car today, have a dollar off per gallon & since nobody else needs gas, will blow it on about 8- 10 gallons for the Encore. All through the years I have bargain shopped for new Christmas decoration AFTER.... but will skip this year since I didn't put out many & know it is time to slow down, what goes up must come down & that isn't nearly as fun when each box must be hauled up & down those steps!  Wishing all a wonderful day. We have rain but much warmer than normal, 55 degrees at wake up time!

A good Saturday to all the Soda Shoppe friends.

I have not checked in for a couple days.  Have not been feeling real good, and I had to have some minor surgery yesterday and have been taking it real easy.

Nothing serious, just annoying.  I just need some rest. 

Sounds like everyone had a nice Christmas.  Mine was a quiet day spent just with my immediate family.  We do not have any little ones to share the day with, so basically, it is just another day.

Not sure when I will get to see the little great-grands ! 

Ginny, your Christmas crab dinner sounds unusual.  Not sure if you are familiar with our "Maryland Steamed blue crabs", but they are probably a lot different than the crabs you had.  We do not "boil" crabs....only steam them.  I know out on the Pacific coast they usually have Dungeness crabs, and I am not really sure what they are.  I will stick with our Maryland steamed crabs.  Of course, right now, no Maryland crabs, but lots of places still serve them, only they usually come from Louisiana this time of the year.  Sometime, when you have a few minutes. google "Maryland Steamed Blue Crabs and you can see what I am talking about.

Jane, sure will be thinking good thoughts for Frankie.  I know how concerned you are, and hope it turns out to be nothing.

I am being very lazy for the weekend.  Nothing I have to do, so I will be like Phyllis and snuggle up in my nice fleece cover.

Happy New Year to all !!!

Joy

We had a lovely Christmas this afternoon with Tom's son, James, and family.  The twins were very good, as they usually are.  A gift for the girls was a cupboard that my dad made for me when i was about five.  it had been repainted and looked very nice; the girls liked it very much. 

Both Tom and I took naps when we got back home and I'm ready for another but I'll wait until time for bed. 

I hope everyone had a nice day today.

Mary Ann

well It is time I bid you all sweet dreams and good night. well we got good rain to day. Is still light rain here light at the time, allow for a while we had very hard rain. we have a mettle roof steep slopes with good thick insulation. so if  you here rain or hail in the house it is hard down poor. we had some of that while ago. according to the weather guesser we are going to have some all night and tomorrow. I am going to bed and let it do what ever God wants it to do. see you all tomorrow.

Lloyd

Good morning everyone.

Had family stop in for a visit and exchange gifts. Will have more on Tue ,weather permitting. We are to get freezing rain starting later today and into tomorrow.
Today is a day of rest,which I am going to take advantage of. Lots of food in the fridge and I put a pot of baked beans on yesterday to have.

Jane, hope all is well there...

Lloyd, hope you had a good nights sleep.

Mary Ann, I laughed when you said you both needed a nap. We had two little ones here yesterday and it was fun to watch them.

Joy, hope you are feeling better . The holidays mix everyone one up.I have trouble remembering what day it is and must admit I will be glad when we are back on schedule.

Shirley, hope the Dr.s get to the bottom of all this for you. Maybe new glasses are the answer to stop your headaches??? 

Gloria,if we get the rain they are calling for I may need to get my kayak out!!

Enjoy your day everyone..

I'm here!  Put an extra blanket on the bed in the middle of the night and slept so well I went right through the alarm!  I have to get dressed and take Mickie for a short walk and then take my shower and go to church at 10.  I'll try to get back later.  Enjoy your day!

Good morning every one, a frosty 31° . Just listened to local weather, going to start raining this evening and all day tomorrow. Might be mixed with sleet and snow. Rather have all snow and no ice mixed in it. When I pulled up the shades and looked out every thing has a coating of frost. The cars all covered and white with frost. Yesterday when my son was here I went out with him when he left and I sat outside about an hour, felt like an early spring day instead of winter. Now tomorrow we will know it is winter with the storm coming in.

SHIRLEY  looks like you had a good Christmas with your family. When you mentioned your eyes made me realize I was having trouble reading here this morning. Then I took my glasses off and wow were they dirty, had to stop and clean them so now I can see good again. I have stopped putting my tree up. A small one in a bag all decorations and lights on it but still too much trouble to move things to get it in the window. Rather have my plants get the light.

JOY  good seeing you show up. Sorry you had some surgery, small or big it was still surgery. My little great grandson was at my son's home and he was so good and not wanting to open his gifts till after we had dinner. When I have a lazy day I stay in my fleece robe and lay on the couch with the TV on.

MARY ANN  so nice to see something like that cupboard your dad made you passed down over the years.

LLOYD  looks like the rain you had is headed this way starting tonight but mixed with snow and ice.

AMY  nothing as good as home made baked beans. In winter months my Mom made them every Saturday and boy they were so good. Baked slow in the oven all day. Love your fat cat.

JANE  wondered where you were.

Time for me to go make my breakfast.

Have a good day.

Good Morning everyone. It is 45º and mostly cloudy and headed for 53º today. I had a hard time getting to sleep even with my helper pill but 7.5 hours with bypapt on, but also it said showed bad leakage, dos that when I don't clean shave at night and I did not shave last night. so if you girls get a kiss this morning it will be scratchy one. have a good day. my internet was down this AM so had to re load it, think it is ok now.

Lloyd

I'm up and started getting ready for church, got part way dressed and called Dot to tell her I am not going to church today.  I'm tired.  Tom will go, I am sure, and I will try to get more sleep while he is gone. 

My dad would be so pleased to see the girls and the cupboard he made.  I figured he was their second-great-grandfather.  The girls were opening the doors and drawers and put things in and took things out.  Alicia said she knows where it will go; they have little wall space what with other furniture, but there is one space just made for the cupboard.  I hated to see it go because it was in use, but I'm happy to see how the girls took to it. 

Today is starting out dreary but no snow predicted.  I feel for the  young kids who got snow playthings for Christmas but cannot use them.  This may be one of our lighter years, however, January and February can be brutal.

Mary Ann

It is a gray day here but another warm one.  Winter will return on Tues. so "they" say.

Great minds think alike, Amy.  Well....almost alike.  I am having Homestyle Pork and Beans with Leftover Pork Roast for today's dinner.  After all the rich food over the holidays a good old-fashioned dish of beans sounds so good to me.  I must go mix it up and get it ready to put in the oven for later.  Enjoy your pot of beans.  I haven't baked a good pot of Boston Baked Beans for many years and we used to love it with a meaty ham hock buried deep in it and that sweet, long simmered taste.  It was one of Tom's all-time favorites.

Hope the news about Frankie was good, Jane. 

Take care, All.

Back from having coffee with our friends. I knew this laddies Dad when he was married to a neighbour of mine years ago..she was saying he passed when he was in his 90's. I have been friends with the family for over 50 years!! Goodness time flies!

Phyliss, I did cheat and made the beans in the IP..so easy to do. Now I can warm them up in the oven on the cookstove..have some buns left that were made the other day.

Greetings all -apologies for being absent. Our oldest son has been here for a week and we took him to the airport yesterday and will pick him up in another week so can can stay with us his last week in Tucson.  Snow on the hills and the sun is shining.  It is too chilly to sit outside.   

Thought of all of you - here are the replies.

Jenny:  Prayers

Gloria: Don't mess with Gloria!    Good for you - make that helper do some work.   That is what she is being paid for - assisting. 

Jane:  Sweet gifts -sounds just great.

Don - Radioman:  Keep in touch. Very nice to see your note.

Phyllis:  We have tried the online grocery shopping several times and just pick it up in the designated spots.  It still has glitches but oh, how nice not to walk that concrete floor.

Shirley:  So sorry for your pain.  Could it be a sudden allergy? 

Hugs to all. 

Good evening, Hope you all had a good day. we did and Nancy is getting and feeling better. we had 2.5" of rain may GET SOME MORE TONIGHT and tomorrow.
Time to bid you all good night and sweet dreams.

Lloyd

Good morning everone, 33° and raining. Might have snow-ice mixed in before this is over and supposed to be like this till tomorrow. Talk about a blue Monday I think this would be one. I know I will be stuck inside again. I will be sitting in the lobby later with others who get together every day.

LLOYD  not nice when we have trouble sleeping, happens to me at times and I feel groggy all day from lack of sleep. Hope last night was better for you.

MARY ANN  at years we have had a lot of snow in March, too. Not nice when we are more than ready for spring.

PHYLLIS  still cannot beat the taste of home made beans. My pler son has been making them at times and always brings me some and I really enjoy them.

AMY  I think I mentioned that in the cold months my Mom would put beans in the old cook stove on Saturday mornings. Almost every Saturday night some of the family would come to play cards with my parents and end up with coffee beans and toast. I always thought the beans were what  they really came for.

CAROL  when I was working that is what I did, I worked and even if we talked and laughed we still were working. I remember one CNA I had when I first started getting help-a young one. she sat down and pulled out her iPad to start playing on it. I was shocked and tole her she was supposed to k, that is what she was getting paid for. I got a dirty look from her and she put it away. Some are great and always looking for something to do. I will be getting online later to order groceries delivered. Been very good so far.

LLOYD  gald you slept better and Nancy is feeling better.

Goodness no one posted since Lloyd last night. I must be early.

Have a good day.

Good morning everyone..

The rain started last night along with ice pellets. When the dogs were let out for their last time the step was icy so I sanded it . Not sure what the roads are like but just now here a vehicle so they may be ok. I need to take the van in for repairs this morning and will be doing the happy dance once it is fixed. Tis an awful sound coming from the left front. Will take the day as it comes after the appointment.

Gloria, your helpers forget that if not for you they wouldn't have a job. In a sense you are paying them to work and gosh to come in and sit is not what they are being paid for.

Carol ,are you still quilting?

Jane, hope all is well there..

Enjoy your day everyone.

Good Morning everyone. well I had a bit better night and Nancy had a lot better one than she has in a long time, she is up dressed  for the day and in the kitchen Making a meat loaf. she is a good cook in every way. part of her life she was a cook for one of the dorms at the collage in warrensburg M O . they would at one time Have as many as 300 seated and before the noon meal feed 600 and before morning meal was fenished they were doing noon meal. the problem is she still wants to cook like we still have children at home. and it hard not to eat like I am still working hard out side instead of being a couch jockey. we had a skiff of snow last night,just enough to make the deck white but not enough to cover the grass. Is 32º and calling for high of 35º. Have a great day and a better tomorrow. Janes glad you are retired, Now do not quit just slow the pace and do with others just what you like.

Lloyd

Good Morning Everyfriend!  Yesterday I was retired...in every sense of the word.  I did next to nothing around the house.  I took Mickie for 3 walks - 2 long and 1 short and I watched TV last night.  I ate leftovers all day so I didn't even cook.  I did go to church so I was good.

Frankie and I have a project going and I tried to finish it up yesterday and I got stuck on the technical stuff.  So when she up and attem today she's going to call me and we're going to do a couple of errands and then she's coming here and finishing the technical stuff for me.  I have lots of reasons to be glad she's back in town.

As for her health, she still has to make an appointment with a specialist at Geisinger Medical Center and I'm not sure when that will be.  She's feeling much better but we all know that the appointment is necessary.  I appreciate all the prayers from my friends here.

MARY ANN, what a nice gift for the little girls to have a family thing.  And how nice of you to give it up.  I've often wished that I had some of the things my grandfather and my father made for me when I was growing up.  But they are all gone!

SHIRLEY, I sure hope you are feeling better, too!  And I hope you find the source soon!

AMY, I've received the fall-out from that rain, too.  Thank goodness it's not freezing here either but as GLORIA said, it started yesterday and is still here and is supposed to last all day today and into the night.  I too am glad it's not freezing but rain and clouds in the winter are so DREARY! 

I think I'll go get dressed so that when Frankie calls, I'll be ready.  I can always goof off AFTER I'm dressed!

I wish you all a lovely day!
Make it your own in every way!

GOOF OFF if you feel like it!

I am in to stay!! Got the vehicle fixed and it is so nice not to hear the clunk in the front end, turned out it was a sway bar link. Roads are a mess, freezing rain then rain, can't seem to make up its mind but a good place to be is off the roads and inside.
Now to go goof off.

Merry Monday,

Can you handle one more Christmas report?  The Wisconsin trip was great in every way (especially because I had absolutely no "issues" at any point!)

The Christmas show was very simply done - no "glitzy" sets or props - but costumes were great and it was obvious that the 6 gals and 6 guys in the Ensemble cast were each a professional level singer and dancer.

In addition to the several group numbers...
Miss Ellen was "featured" as a Hawaiian dancer in "Santa Takes Mrs. Claus Around The World In His Sleigh"; numbers were Christmas songs from various countries.
She danced (sort of "acrobatically") as "Raggedy Ann" in a number featuring music from "The Nutcracker" and sang a duet of "Winter Wonderland" in a beautifully done Victorian set of traditional Christmas ballads.
Then she was one of 4 "groupies" when "Elvis" sang "Blue Christmas".  He was interrupted by Santa and the groupies' attention turned to him.  That led to a "jazzy" version of "Santa Baby".  (I'm not sure Brother was too impressed by Sister flouncing around using her "Betty Boop" voice!  )

Our Air B&B condo was fantastic and I had an afternoon of quiet time while the rest of the family enjoyed an Activity Center with miniature golf, a zip line, rock climbing and all sorts of Arcade games.

After a late Christmas brunch, we all went to a movie.  The four "girls" saw the new version of "Little Women" (very good; I recommend it) and the two guys saw something with Adam Sandler. Our evening Christmas dinner was steak and baked potatoes in the condo. One of the girls from the cast, who wasn't able to go home, joined us.  Lots of fun listening to her and Ellen "telling tales" about their experiences.

Our weather was fantastic - didn't even need heavy coats!!   

#2 son/dil could not go because she had a hip replacement right after Thanksgiving.  So we gathered at their house yesterday for pizza and gift exchange with them.  Instead of hauling packages back and forth, Ellen's mom took pictures of the gifts they were giving family who went to WI and we looked at them on Christmas morning - then opened the packages when we got back to their house Friday night.

Thus endeth the saga of "Callie's Granddaughter's Big Gig". 

Now, of course, Domestic Duties call. 
"Get busy, Callie"!!!!

Wishing Everyfriend Everywhere an Enjoyable Day.

Loving the reports of everyone's holidays.... sorry my messages have been so full of whines & downers, in spite of ongoing head problems, learning to cope better & finding much to smile about.

Callie, such a joy to find a young person living her dreams and having the whole family going to great lengths to show support! I'll bet there wasn't another person in the group that had more family cheering them on. Proud to know all of you!

Mary Ann, had a warm feeling reading that you passed on that treasure to the twins... and in MY world, know that your father is not just touched but happy to know it will keep on being treasured. I hope it passes on more generations, maybe you need to make sure a photo of you and your father passes along with it??? 

Amy, glad you got the vehicle fixed, nothing worse than a "lump-lump" or growl to make one nervous. I'm waiting on snow but kind of relieved it didn't show up this week. Daughter should be back in St.Louis by now, they have been going full steam for more than a month, with their kids coming & them going.

When I get through here I will send Bubble a photo of a Christmas present from #1 son & wife... a throw of all my great grands.... don't know where I will put it but so cute I'm debating whether to hang someplace. Thinking...

So much more, I could talk all afternoon but know I do get carried away & will get a chance to say more.... later.....

Jane, I goofed off today....and if anyone says anything I will just say you told me too.
 
Callie, that sounds like great entertainment that you enjoyed.

Shirley, the sound is gone and it didn't hurt the pocket book too much so I am happy. We need snow to cover this ice here.limbs are groaning with the iced limbs. All in all it could have been worse so we are truly  blessed we didn't get what was called for.

Since I have goofed the day in  I might as well finish the goofing off in the hot tub..

SHAME ON ME.....I have been so lazy today.  I can hardly bring myself to do much of anything. 

Yesterday was a delightful day.  We picked up easy things for our meal together at our youngest son and DIL's home.  A spiral ham,  pre-made scollop potatoes, pre-made Mac and cheese, a bag of beautiful Brussel Sprouts, a veggie tray and some dinner rolls.  The four of us watched the first half of our Bronco Game, before the oldest son and family arrived about 3.  We all had a wonderful visit and everyone enjoyed the meal.  Before we knew it the time came that Bob and I needed to head for home.  We are still watching Lola Doodle as Dave and Family did not return from Arizona until nearly 10 PM.  THE Boston Family stayed at Brian's Home, as the Boston DIL is highly allergic to cats and can not stay here at our home😢😩.  They came by and picked a Bob up around 6:30 so he could drive them to the airport as we will keep Kurt's car here at our house as he will return over Presidents Day Weekend with college friends and they will all stay at his place in Vail and get some skiing in.

AMY, glad the van is fixed and there are no more sounds coming from it.  I do hope it was not too high of a cost to get it fixed!  Loved your BURP KITTY, 😂😂

GREAT to see your post DON. I sure miss not having more contact with you.....especially on the weekly Sunday Afternoons😢😢. HAPPY as can be to see you as Santa again💕💕

SHIRLEY, it was good to read that your family meals all went well also and everyone enjoyed the time together.  I certainly hope and pray that getting a eye exam and possibly new glasses will take care of the terrible headaches for you....some has to give soon....how much more can you take?

CALLIE, I enjoyed every word you posted about your weekend in Wisconsin.  It certainly sounded like everyone enjoyed the time together.  I am very happy that you were able to go and be a part of it.  Will Miss Ellen have any time off before she heads back to NYC? 

JANE, I do hope what ever medical issue Frankie is dealing with she will be able to get it taken care of soon.  Good thoughts and special prayers for her and all of you as it certainly does effect the family.  I do hope she was able to help finish your project today when she arrived. 

JOY, I have had crab steamed as well.....not sure I have had Blue a crab on the East Coast, but as I mentioned we caught them in Mississippi years ago when we lived there.  I have seen soft shelled crab on many menus but have only had them on the Easter Coast. 

CAROL, good to see your post.  It has been a bit too cool down your way recently, hasn't it?  We enjoyed a few very nice days here with mid to upper 60's then another cold front came through and dropped about 4 to 5 inches on us Saturday and it has been VERY cold!  I wanted to get out today but I just do not want to deal with the snow, so I am staying in!  Happy your son has been there visiting you.  Glad he will be coming back!

PHYLLIS, nice to see your post as well....the pork and beans sure sounds yummy. 

I have lost this,post twice, but thankfully I kept saving it....I hope I did not leave anyone,out.

Have a great evening, EVERYFRIEND.

Jenny

Hello, Everyfriend!  It's been another lazy day around here.  Frankie and I did our errands and then headed here to get warm and dry.  I really do detest rainy days in the winter.  They are so weary!

We finished the project and now we wait for the results!  It took Frankie about 5 minutes to do what I'd been wrestling with for over an hour yesterday.  Today's kids are so computer savvy and they don't even think twice about it.  It's just there!

I'm glad all seems to be going well or getting better with all of you and I pray that continues.  I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a happy tomorrow! And may God bless us, every one!

Jenny,  Ellen flew back to NYC today.  I think she already has her work hours scheduled for the rest of the week.  She now works at Flywheel, an exercise place with bicycles.  They had put her on "vacation leave".  She also has 20 days of Jury Duty.  That will be a new experience!!!
BTW,  we were in The Dells for 5 days - not just a weekend.  Add on 2 1/2 days travel time (flying and driving) plus spending the night before we left and the night we got home with son/family....and I was away from home for almost 8 days.

Unfortunately,  I came home with what seems to be the old-fashioned pinkeye in one eye.  Fortunately, it didn't "hit" until we were on the way home - since I didn't have the right eye drops with me and wouldn't have been able to do hot compresses, etc.  It looks awful but I can tell it's a little bit better.  All indications are that I just have to "wait it out".  Fortunately,  I don't have any place I need to go this week.  I'd planned ahead so have food. 
Did laundry today and started putting away Christmas things bit by bit.

Sleep well, Everyfriend and have pleasant dreams. 

For Shirley

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?topic=11.msg166951#msg166951

Shirley you and the part of your family you are showing are very nice looking, a bunch to be proud of for sure. 32º and clear here calling for 39º sunny today. another resales night so I am up and heading to the couch the TV and I hope a nap until Nancy wakes up. I have a appointment for exercise at 9:am. hope to help my shortness of breath. wish me luck.

Lloyd

Good morning everyone...

Lightly snowing here this morning which is a blessing, This new snow will stick to the ice and make walking not so treacherous!

Family coming today and we are not sure when so will put a IP of cabbage roll soup on to be ready. Have lots of other goodies for dessert .
Will take Kyle out for his coffee this morning, because of road conditions yesterday I just scurried home but I did pick him up a Timmies to have.

Can you believe 2020 is upon us? Do you remember all the hype and fear when we reached 2000? How times have changed and not necessarily for the better in some thing.

Lloyd, luck and prayers for you today that all works out well.

Jane,I am so amazed at the kids and their savvy with computers etc. Best of all is the time you spent with Frankie.

Callie, hope your eye is feeling better.

Jenny,have fun with Doodle!! 

Guess I had better get ready to meet the day..

Enjoy your day everyone..

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I had overnight company last night.  Frankie decided to spend the night last night.  I think she's a bit worried about her appointment later this week and was seeking company.  I'm glad I was available. 

Also, I clean forgot to comment on my "proxy granddaughter's" successful stage adventure.  CALLIE, you must be so proud of her!  She sounds like a very special person.  She's taking charge of her life and making it turn out the way she wants it to turn out!  I'm glad I can be a part of that in some small way!  Also, I hope your eye is much better today!  I've never had pinkeye myself but I've treated it for one of my kids growing up.  No fun!

LLOYD, good luck on the new treatment.  Exercise is good for all of us.  Mickie helps me get mine.  She needs several walks a day and I'm elected to go with her.  Keeps me out of trouble!

It's almost time for the boinger and Frankie's doggie is telling me he's getting hungry.  Mickie is a "waiter" but Cooper isn't! 

I wish you all a lovely day!
Make it your own in every way!

P.S.  Goofing off is good!  It really takes talent!