Now I really did it :((

[PierreBear]

Good morning! I’m feeling a bit defeated today. Mystery box challenge was complete and I still got a good grade but feeling a bit down. Maybe it’s due to sleep since I get home so late. I did get shrimp!! So I made a pesto quinoa bowl with pan friend shrimp and roasted brussel sprouts as an appetizer. First time making pesto, solo, and I’m glad it turned out ok. Everyone liked that dish… well… until they found one of my hairs in it. Ughhh I’m so embarrassed and don’t know how it happens as we wear a hat in class. No one “ate it” and actually only the chef noticed it when they were taking the food away. I’m just embarrassed but a lot of point off for that one and I don’t disagree with it. But it still is hard for me to forget. So with the chicken I made coq au vin. I thought it tasted pretty good for doing it for the first time but the sauce wasn’t thick enough and I tried different ways to make it more stew like (flour and butter) but it wasn’t enough so I added in some quinoa since I had it left over from the dish, which bulked it up a bit. I know I’m being hard on myself but I think I’m the type of person who can answer questions on a cooking exam but actually executing in the kitchen is a different story. I still had fun though and will keep trying to get better! Thanks for listening and hope ya’ll have a great rest of the day!

@CJ2008 – We matched a movie called Solace that I just picked up from the library by chance. Pretty good movie for picking it off the shelf and taking a chance on it. Anthony Hopkins actually plays a good guy and he directed the film.

@Austina – I bet your garden is looking beautiful. You are such a good neighbor!

@missy – Yuck… I did a colonscopy when I was in my early 20s. I know, crazy. But I was concerned about hereditary issues and who doesn’t feel bloated/crampy once in awhile. I guess better to be safe than sorry but they just said it’s irritable bowel syndrome. Haha… who doesn’t have that too?!

@marcy – Sorry that your sister and BIL lost crops to hail. I wonder if there is weather insurance for farmers?

Good luck with communicating to the cleaners. Similar to you, we only communicate via text usually. We usually have a base rate and then tack on a tip but keep the “tip” portion in cash. I don’t always keep cash on hand so sometimes I wonder if I should just write the check for the full amount but then it might feel a big strange. Don’t know… going back to “tips just feel awkward” to me!

Yum to Dairy Queen and treating yourself to ice cream.

@Jimmianne – Nice of you to be a snail catcher and releaser!

@missy – Beautiful photo of you and your sister. So much likeness with the eyes and the smile… Adorable. Is she your older or younger sister? Ya’ll could be like twins to me!

@junebug17 – oohhh the mystery of why the chickens are in your yard… because of the bird feeder huh?

 

[Scandinavian]

Girls,

I don’t even know where to start. Soooo… lets just start by saying that I really have missed you, I’m back, and I’ll try to catch up, even if I have no idea how. LOL. You really do write a lot.

I hope you all are well? Please fill me in even if I don’t deserve it. I don’t have a chance to read all the pages that have developed in my house-children-dogs absence.

Nothing new here really, just trying to move into the “new” house. About 2 weeks from full completion now. Who knew I had so much clothes?? Feels like it will take weeks and weeks to get everything where it should go. So I have put my head in the sand a bit and focused on the children and the dogs. Mostly the dogs. LOL. The “keep your dog on a leash” season has started. But then I had the opportunity to go dog training mid week. Because some people I know where able to get an exemption from the leash thing from the county. So of course I went with them. And then a friend called the next week and said some people had cancelled and come on up to the mountains again?? So of course I did. LOL. So basically been with the dogs in the week days and the children in the weekend days. So no time for house or work or anything. LOL. But what is a girl to do?? I think this training has been really good for the puppy, he lost a lot of time developing when he got sick and had to rest for 2 months. So now he finally had the opportunity to realise that he is a bird dog. Fingers crossed he will be ready for a few competitions this fall. I really want to start him before he is 2 years old, so that he can win a “young dog” competition. After that, it is off to play with the grown ups and the rules are much stricter there.

I’ll post a few pictures from my phone for those of you who might not have seen them.

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Scandinavian]

Couldn't fint the chipmunk lol

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Welcome back @Scandinavian, the house is looking fantastic, you must be excited that it’s nearly all done. Aww to the pups in their little snow booties. Dottie is also supposed to be a bird dog, but we tried her with a bird wing (was supposed to bring out her instincts) and she walked off in disgust

Don’t be so hard on yourself @PierreBear , your food sounds delicious and one little hair won’t kill anyone You did really well making your dishes in the time allotted.

Glad DH’s foot is a little better @junebug17. Sounds like it’s on the mend.

It’s official, I’m putting your name forward for a sainthood @marcy . Your employees really like to push the limits. Hope you’ve had a stress free day at work today.

Hi @Jimmianne Hope you’ve been having a lovely day, any more escargot hunting?

Hi @CJ2008 is your poor toe feeling any better?

I hope your Drs visit went well today @missy and that it was helpful. Did he have any new suggestions or treatments? What a beautiful photo of you and your sister, you both look so happy.

Colin had another dental appt this morning, and I went to Pilates, other than that, didn’t do much else.

Busy day tomorrow though

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Jimmianne, that was something about Kate leaving the hospital on the same day she had the baby and was all dressed up including heels. I don’t know how I put up with my employees; I honestly am not that patient of a person. Wow you have lots of critters to deal with. I’m squeamish with that. I’d make Marty take care of them. I do have to kill spiders for him though. Yeah that your Iris are doing well.

Missy, I do appreciate how hard of life my sister and BIL have on the farm. They have 2 daughters who won’t likely ever want to come home and take over the family business. I often wonder how long they will continue to keep it up. Yes, you Brooklyn girls are tough. Good for you! I love watching thunderstorms except when they contain tornadoes or damaging hail. Lightning is awesome. I hope the specialist turns out to be worth his fee. I love the picture of you and your sister; you are both very beautiful. Nice picture of the Brooklynn Bridge and the guys on jet skis.

Junebug, sorry to hear your DH’s ankle is still swollen and sore. I am glad it is doing better. I love the lights at Christmas time too; I’d put lights up all over the place if I could. I guess I’ll work tomorrow but take off a day next week. I am at 232 hours of vacation and I can’t have more than 240 hours so I plan on using some before losing it. I am glad your neighbor will come and get his chickens. Too bad the bird feeder is attracting a crowd.

PierreBear, your dishes sound really good last night. I am sorry you had a mishap with your cooking challenge; but don’t beat yourself up - that happens to the best chefs. I know my BIL gets some reimbursement for crop losses but I am not sure how it works. Yes, the tipping on the side would be awkward. I should text those girls tonight I just feel bad about it. Funny thing is the new lady was going to start next week since Marty should be in town and he has to go back to LA next week. So do I push her back a week or two and have the regular girl clean and then tell her in person? Decisions, decisions. I was also thinking since Marty’s job is so iffy right now my luck is we’ll go with the new lady and he’ll have to find another job and we’ll need to find a cleaning lady that can come on the weekend.

Scandi, how exciting to be moving in 2 weeks to the new home. I can safely say when you move you realize you have way too much stuff. Your place looks awesome and the fur babies are so cute. I must say it doesn’t look like you with different “face”.

Austina, Saint Marcy - that’s a good one. Today involved quite a bit of babysitting but I found it amusing. I guess that’s how I tolerate it. I am glad you had a quiet day.

We had some snow last night but not enough to notice. The stupid wind was brutal again today. I had several meetings with employees today. One went well and then I had my meeting with my "woe is me the world is against me" employee. I got to the section about negativity, complaining, calling people names and she sets there with her arms crossed and wouldn't say a word. So I asked her do you like people complaining about you or calling you names. She still didn't answer. So I sat there and she finally said no. She then she had the nerve to say I participated in the conversation that triggered my knock it off speech last week. The last thing I gave her was a copy of her email that she started with "Obviously". I highlighted obviously and said I found this rude and snarky and I don't want to get another email like it. Then based on another complaint I had; I add to pull aside the new employee because he chews tobacco and has been well you know in to a cup in the room. That was my afternoon.

I stopped on the way home to eat supper and had a waffle with strawberries and whip cream on top. Yum.
Take care.
Marcy

 

[MarionC]

Wow, Marcy, how old is Ms.Crossed arms? Still in High School? And Mr. Inacup? You have your hands full. Sorry about your weather. As I recall, there is a Spring there every year, so I’m sorry there isn’t any evidence of it.

Only one snail yesterday, Austina, and I felt badly taking him to the river alone so I gave him a banana when I dropped him off.

Yesterday after breakfast I passed out on the couch from jetlag and was awakened from my coma by the gate bell. It was my French teacher on her way to visit a chateau and wondered if I wanted to tag along. Heck yes. Then WOW. If I didn’t know how much work it was I would have been green with envy. Like a fairy tale; a Canadian woman met a Frenchman at a party in Paris. They married, had two babies and inherited his family castle in the south of France. Sweet young couple.
Nice adventure within biking distance of my house, so I’ll go back for more photos.

 

[missy]

Junie that is excellent news about your dh's ankle swelling improving and may that be continuing today and hoping his ankle is back to A OK very soon. Hope you got your paperwork done yesterday but if not today is a good inside day for sure. Howling winds and torrential downpours. A perfect day to stay inside safe and cozy and warm. Thank you for always being here for me. (((Hugs))).

CJ hugs to you and all the fur babies. Hope the rest of your day went well yesterday.

PierreBear oh no I am sorry there was one of your hairs in your dish. Don't beat yourself up about it. I am glad you got shrimp and your pesto quinoa bowl with pan friend shrimp and roasted brussel sprouts sounds delicious (even with your hair-I mean it is *your* hair so no big deal right) Thank you for the lovely compliment re the photo with my sister. She is 27 months younger than me. I don't think we look *anything* alike truly. I look like my dad and she looks like my mom and though it didn't come through in this B&W pic. I have paler skin, lighter eyes and darker hair (or used to lol) and she has curlier lighter hair and a more olive though still pale complexion. Plus her nose is way cuter than mine. . Thank you for your good wishes and concern and always checking in on me. (((Hugs)))

Austina how did Colin's dental appointment go yesterday? Thank you for your lovely comments and warm thoughts. (((Hugs))). Below I will go into detail about my appointment yesterday.

Marcy yummm to waffle with strawberries and cream. OMG I am starving always after reading your posts haha. Sorry your employee misbehaved again yesterday. Is it just me or do you ever feel like smacking her upside her head? Haha yes I sometimes want to hit people who are unpleasant nasty and dense. Stupidity with a bad disposition is a deadly combination IMO. And OMG what is with that employee who chews tobacco at work. And spits it into a cup. OK not cool. Do it on your own time buddy boy. Sorry the winds were fierce yesterday but glad you didnt get much snow. Hope today goes well and yay only one more day till Mr. Marty arrives home. And thank you so much for reaching out to me yesterday. I really appreciate the comforting thoughts and caring more than I can express. (((Hugs)))

Jimmianne wow love those castle pics. Oh I spy a ginger kitty.

Scandi hi there and hugs. So exciting 2 more weeks woohoo. Love those photos thank you and the babies look so beautiful. Answered your email and hugs.

I saw the dermatologist specialist yesterday and he agrees with the diagnosis (though which one he cannot be sure until a biopsy is done) and since I am refusing steroid injections he is more limited in the treatment plans. We are trying two topicals first and seeing if that helps at all.

He was concerned about doing the biopsy on my eyebrow because he said he is not a plastic surgeon and while he is comfortable with scalp biopsies he is not comfortable to do it on my eyebrow so we would need a skilled plastic surgeon for that biopsy. What a hassle so we agreed for now to treat it this way and if it doesn't do anything he wants me to see a plastic surgeon for the eyebrow biopsy to differentiate if it is a scarring alopecia vs a non scarring one.

Honestly I am just not sure I will put myself through that if he starts insisting I might just decline. The appointment was exorbitant in cost (I mean easily a nice piece of bling) and I can only imagine how many thousands a plastic surgeon biopsy on my eyebrow would cost.

If I am going to lose all my hair and all my eyebrows then so be it. My immune system is attacking my hair follicles and that is one for sure fact. It is also a for sure fact that the immune system does what it wants and I will just have to go with the flow.

It does not serve this dermatologist hair specialist in any way to say to me there is no hope and the course it runs will be the course it runs no matter what. So of course he is going to suggest treatments etc but from all my research the treatments have dismal success rates and because I will not consider steroids for this (if it was life threatening of course I would but since it is not I will not at this time put myself through that and all the horrible potential side effects of such treatments) I am not suppressing my immune system so other treatments will be much less effective.

There are also PRP treatments (which consists of taking one's own blood and spinning it getting the plasma rich proteins and injecting it into the hair loss sites), biologic drug treatments, anti malarial treatments etc which he mentioned but that also seems extreme for the risk vs benefit ratio so we are trying the least invasive treatments first. He also gave me a slew of printouts of articles he has written or co written. He seems quite taken with himself I have to say.

He is Canadian and he said he left Canada because of the medical health care system. I LOL'd in my head there because I think the real reason he left Canada was probably because he could not charge the rates he charges in the USA. It is off putting though to even make an appointment with him you have to pay half and it is non refundable. I mean is that right? I made the follow up appointment in 2 months and had to pay for half of it to make that appointment. And when I made the consult appointment I paid for half in advance too. It feels predatory to me in some way. I mean we are dealing with desperate patients (let's face it women losing all their hair can feel desperate) and charge exorbitant fees and make them pay just to make an appointment and it feels wrong somehow. But it is what it is and no one is forcing anyone to see him. Just sharing my thoughts with you about him and my appointment with him.

But having said that he is the leading dermatologist in this area in the world. People travel here to NYC from all over the world just to see him so it's not like he isn't an expert and skilled in his field. Not saying that at all. But just being real. There is no cure and treatments are most usually ineffective. So to put myself through that well I just don't think it is the right course for me. I am more than happy to try the less invasive treatments however and I just am hoping and praying they can be successful. The big question right now is will I be able to tolerate the topicals. We will see.

Sorry for the long book but just sharing all my thoughts with you lovely ladies. Yesterday after my appointment Greg and I went home where Greg worked from home and I went out with my good friend M for a lovely afternoon of walking (perfect weather) and shopping . So it was a very enjoyable day after all even with the doctor appointment earlier. And just for you girls I took a bling shot or 2


M's ER that she still wears (no longer with her husband). I love this ring.
Couldn't capture the beauty of it in my pics though.



and while I was in the waiting room earlier I took a Bea pic. But of course I did.





Enjoy this Wednesday girls. It's rainy and windy and stormy here but I am staying comfy cozy at home today. Hope everyone has a lovely day.

 

[Scandinavian]

Hello and a very merry sunny day to you all!

I started my day at the gym, always a good idea! And with a PT, I even get some workout done! PT’s are the sweetest! You can be as grumpy as you like and they are just sun-sun-sunshine no matter what you say! Smiling and being positive and complimenting my not-so-good from and bringing me water and protein shakes and coffee. LOL. Perfect workout buddies!

@missy, I’m not worried about your hair loss thing. I do understand how frustrating it must be. But you really do have a very nice head on your shoulders (quite literally, lol) so your head will look just as lovely with or without hair. Just look at Natalie Portman or Demi Moore. With your cheek bones, no one will notice anyway. I do understand why the specialist charges a high fee, same as with i.e. lawyers, I guess. Market based pricing. But still really annoying, especially the whole pay-to-get-appointment concept.

@Austina, my furbaby girl doesn’t like bird wings either. She is just like “that’s a toy for children – give me the really thing, thank you very much!”. Puppy however is happy to play with anything, lol. He is a boy… Thank you so much for the compliments re the house!!

@marcy, don’t think you ever mentioned that you work in a kindergarten… nor children’s’ day care centre… That mr tobacco though. I hate that smell in an office! And it sure does smell. Don’t think he is the type to wash his cup regularly… Yikes. You deserve ice cream every day and twice on Fridays. LOL not me in the pictures, just an unfortunate mountain soul. You will however see me with my head in my backpack on insta…

@Jimmianne, you sure are living – or at least observing – a fairytale! Inheriting a castle in France would be nice… daydreaming… not of the hard work… just of a tiny glass of white wine on the porch…

Sunny and warm here this week, come on over!

 

[missy]

@Scandinavian aww sweetie you’re too kind. I only wish I would like either of these beauties if/when I’m bald. But thank you for saying so. You’re a dear. If one who sees me through rose colored lenses. Love you

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Wow @Jimmianne what a fabulous place, and awww to the lovely ginger puss. How great it’s close to you so you can visit it often.

Good grief @marcy, it never stops. How dare she take that attitude with you, she really needs to get a dose of reality and grow up! I think the problem is these people have parents who tell them that nothing they do is wrong, how wonderful they are, and how much better they are than everybody else. They grow up believing it, and are totally incapable of dealing with life in the real word. They can’t believe that you’re not grateful for having them work for you.

I used to suffer from IBS @PierreBear, but treated it very successfully with slippery elm. I prefer to take natural remedies whenever possible.

I hope your neighbour has collected the chickens @junebug17 and that DH’s ankle is all better.

I’m feeling tired just thinking about going to the gym @Scandinavian , glad you enjoyed your workout.

I’m really hoping that the new meds bring about some good results @missy I think it’s always worth trying the least invasive course first. If it works, great, if it doesn’t, then at least you haven’t subjected yourself to something drastic. I’m keeping everything crossed. If I could give you some of my hair, you know I gladly would. Please try not to think of the worst case scenario, you’re a long way from that. {{{hugs}}}

Colin still has another 3 dental appts, but it’s all going great, thanks for asking.

We dropped Dottie off for a groom today, and upgraded her to the day spa treatment As well as the bath and clip, she had a pawdicure, which involved having balm applied to her pads, a Fresh as a daisy bandana, a liberal spritz of Eau de Puppy, and balm on her nose.

She looks bootiful



We went to the equivalent of Home Depot, Colin needed some strong garden bags and I got some plants for my tubs, so I’ll be planting my them up in a couple of days.

 

[missy]

I am a day early but I am not sure the birthday girl will be checking in here tomorrow as I know it will be a busy and fun day so just wanted to wish you a happy happy birthday for tomorrow dear @rainwood.



Here is a poem from me to you. Happy Birthday dear Rainwood.

Sweet Rainwood dear
It's been another year
Your birthday is here
Time flying by so fast
But you make each moment last

Sending you love today
And each and every day
Couldn't let this occasion go
Without telling you so
May all your dreams come true
Cause no one deserves it
more than you

Smart and funny and kind
You’re such a dear and a rare find
People like you
are few and far between
Your friendship is special
and all that it means
How lucky we are are
You are a true shining star

Enjoying adventures and living life
Taking each day in your stride
New fun places
and hobbies to explore
Traveling and experiencing
all that life has to offer
and so much more

Your encouragement and optimism
Shine through loud and clear
Including and sharing
Always inspiring and caring
Offering support and wisdom
And always making it fun
You're really quite awesome
Living life to the maximum

Bringing joy to all your friends
along the way
You are the very best
What is left to say
Wishing you a happy happy birthday
and sending you big hugs and much love
Happy birthday from the NIRDIs
May your year be filled
with joy, health and love

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

Jimmianne, Miss Crossed Arms is in her 40’s. She has a 9 year old that has temper tantrums and anger issues; I so wonder where she gets it from. She was pleasant today. We will see how long that lasts. What a fairy tale story and such a beautiful place. I am glad you tagged along with your French teacher.

Missy, yes I would pay serious money to Gibb’s slap some people. I guess I’ll have to keep it in my fantasy life though. I am glad I was able to keep you company for a bit yesterday, I’ve been thinking about you and just wanted to see how you were doing. Keeping you in my thoughts. I think it’s a good idea to have a plastic surgeon do the biopsy on your eyebrow if one becomes necessary. It is their specialty and I like Scandi said; in a free market the top notch people can charge those fees. Great bling pictures of Bea and M’s ring. Wonderful poen you wrote for Rainwood.

Scandi, your PT sounds quite pleasant. I did think of that joke about the lady who gets a PT for her birthday. She loves them the first day and of course by day 3 she’s about ready to kill them. I think you nailed it on the maturity level of my employees. I like your idea that I deserve ice cream every day. That sounds good right now too. It was sunny and warm here today too.

Austina, this girl’s self perception and self awareness is very skewed. She is like a Jekyll and Hyde, I have actually told her that before. She has the ability to be my best employee but also my work employee and it often happens on the same day. She just can’t shake her bitterness and anger at the world, Dottie looks all pretty after being pampered.

Happy Birthday Rainwood!

It was gorgeous here today. I wanted to be setting on the deck instead of working. My juveniles were pretty good today. I actually left work about 45 minutes early today and went back out later to meet a friend for dinner. We had a nice visit and delicious pizza. Marty’s new Apple watch showed up but I only opened the box and posed it with Buttons and Sharky because I decided my luck i’d drop the watch if I posed it with some of the bears playing with his new watch. He said “good call.” Ha Ha you can see my cluttered counter top in the background. I dug out my steam cleaner last night.

Have aa great Thursday.
Marcy

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Austina, Dottie is gorgeous.She is the most beautiful baby. And thank you so much for your comforting caring comments. I really appreciate that and hugs to you. No matter what I will make the best of it and enjoy my life as long as I am here to the best of my ability. It is all any of us can do. Not going to waste the amazing opportunity of being alive. It is a gift. Only 3 more dental appointments for Colin woohoo...light at the end of the proverbial tunnel for him. Sending him lots of good wishes and healthy teeth dust.

Marcy you are a dear and thank you. Means so much to me to know you are thinking of me and wishing me well. What is that toast..."Here's to those that wish us well...and all all the rest can go to he**" lolol. But yeah, that. Woohoo to leaving work 45 minutes early yeahhhhh. And even better your juveniles were behaving yesterday. Fess up Marcy, you laced their coffee with valium didn't you? Glad you enjoyed dinner with a friend last night and yay for Mr Marty returning home today. Oh please ask Marty to take a pic for us of his new Apple watch. Sounds so pretty. But not as pretty as Buttons and Sharky. They are precious little furbabies.

Rainwood happy happy happy birthday.

Have a wonderful day lovely NIRDIs.

 

[missy]

Leaving you with a photo from our security camera around 3AM this morning.

Caption reads: It's Getting Crowded In Here.




Plenty of food for everyone dear kitties!

 

[PierreBear]

Good morning! I’ve been knocking it out of the park on my medical appointments. Went to the dentist and the eye doctor this week. One of my worst nightmares is picking out sun glasses. Hard to find frames that fit my face and I don’t have a nose bridge where most sunglasses fit well. I have a couple narrowed down but it would be nice to get a new pair. The aviator type Ray Bands I have right now, the little temple arm is cracked and the metal pulls on my hair. So it’s just taped up at the back. Looks pretty ghetto but I just keep that pair in the car and don’t really care what it looks like but a new pair will be a wonderful upgrade.

Well DH is taking the day off today. So nice of him to get a break… he will meet me at work and then we will go swimming at our gym and go grab dinner together before he does the MS150 charity bike ride this weekend. I’ll be at the finish line volunteering on Sunday. Second time manning the tent so it should be a good time. Hope ya’ll have a great rest of the week and weekend!

@Scandinavian – Good luck with your move to the new house. Must feel nice to finally get to settle in! Enjoy and wonderful winter shots of the pups!

@Austina – Yes, I remember you sharing about all the successes you had with natural remedies. I don’t think I suffer from anything severe so luckily health is good right now. Appreciate the suggestion.

Hello Dottie! Woof… so trendy with her bandana on. Do you change that out to give her a different look?

Good luck with the planting/gardening! Glad Colin’s dental appointments are going well. How does he feel about the changes so far?

@marcy – Good luck with the cleaning lady and communicating the news. Hope it works out and may you figure out the best way to tell them. I would have to think that though it’s not the ideal news to hear that they shouldn’t be surprised. My person actually had to cancel last weekend and there was miscommunication on when she’s coming this week. So supposedly she is coming today.

Cute photo of posing the new watch with the animals!

@Jimmianne – Wow, what a beautiful place to live! Bonus to have the adorable cat hanging out in the sun as well!

@missy – Sorry… Big hugs. I wish I knew the perfect things to say about your dermatology situation. Hope you can tolerate the topicals. Hugs! Glad you were able to take time off of health worries and spend time with you friend M.

@rainwood – Happy birthday! How will you celebrate?! Enjoy!

 

[junebug17]

Hi Nirdis!

Missy, your poem for Rainwood is just beautiful! I understand your feelings about the more invasive treatments but at least now you know what your options are, and I do hope you see some improvement with what you're trying now. (((Hugs))). Keeping you in my thoughts and hoping you can find comfort and peace in the good things in life in spite of the worry. I'm so glad you had a nice time with your friend. Love her ring, and Bea looks as stunning as ever. what a lovely pic of you and your sister, you are both such beautiful women.

PB, please try not to be upset about the hair! Focus on the great job you did, it is very hard to put a meal together under such difficult circumstances and you rose to the challenge! I am so impressed. The food you made sounds SO delicious. Congratulations on seeing it through and for getting a good grade And yes, apparently chickens really like birdseed.

Scandi, so nice to hear you are moving into the new portion of your house! It's a lot of work so don't be hard on yourself, and just take your time with it. You have a lot going on with work, the children, and the doggies! Glad your puppy is doing well with the training. LOVE the cozy fireplace and comfy couch, so beautiful. And your furbabies are adorable Lol to PTs being happy no matter how miserable the client is

Marcy, yes, might as well take advantage of those vacation days! Wow, your employee really can be difficult, I can't believe she displayed such a bad attitude during the meeting. And omg to the guy with the tobacco, what in the world? Your lights and crystal bowl look so pretty. Glad Marty's watch arrived safe and sound and lol to that picture! So nice to hear you're having such good weather.

Jimmianne, what a picturesque and beautiful place! That castle is amazing. So glad you are close to such a pretty spot and can visit it easily.

Austina, glad Colin's appointments are going ok, but I feel for him and I'm wishing him well with all these visits. Aw, Dottie looks so precious! You can tell just by the pic that she is the sweetest thing ever, love her. Hope the weather is continuing to be good for you and you're enjoying your gardening.

Happy Birthday Rainwood! Hope you're enjoying the day!

Dh's ankle is ok, still swollen but not that painful - the thing bothering him the most is the spot where the golf ball hit him, there's an abrasion there and I think it's just really irritated. He's keeping it covered and using ointment and antiseptic on it. Poor guy has a colonoscopy today as well. And the chickens are still here, getting upset and stressed about it - the guy came over at night once and couldn't find them and hasn't been back - I called him again yesterday and left a message. They've been here for a week now.

Take care all xox!

 

[missy]

@junebug17, Good luck to your DH on his colonoscopy today. And sending more healing vibes to his ankle and abrasion. Hugs.

 

[junebug17]

@junebug17, Good luck to your DH on his colonoscopy today. And sending more healing vibes to his ankle and abrasion. Hugs.

Thank you Missy!

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

I’m at your employee @marcy, I thought she was in her 20’s the way she acts. Goodness, you do wonder if her daughter’s behaviour is a reflection of her, or whether her daughter’s behaviour is causing her to act that way at work. Either way, she’s behaving unprofessionally and needed the talking too.

Sounds like you had a good time with your friend and yum to pizza. I expect Marty can’t wait to get back to play with his watch

I also have problems with sunglasses @PierreBear I think I have a wonky face because I’ve had 3 pairs that have all broken in the same place Mr PB is certainly a glutton for punishment, does the 150 signify 150 miles ? Enjoy your swim and meal out tonight.

Colin’s very pleased with the dental work, it’s made a huge difference

Hope DHs colonoscopy went went today, not pleasant but a necessary evil, sending good thoughts for the all clear.

I think the chickens prefer your place @junebug17 , that’s why they were hiding from their owner!

Such a thoughtful poem for Rainwood @missy, I’m sure she appreciates it so much.

I’m so pleased that you’re keeping such a positive attitude to life and your struggles, I know there’s no alternative but to carry on, but I do believe it really helps one cope with life’s adversities.

So lovely to see the kitties enjoying your hospitality at the beach house, they really do enjoy the 5* treatment and of course there can never be too many pictures of Bea.

Hope you’re having a lovely birthday @rainwood and enjoying your special day.

It’s still bright, but quite cold here at the moment, so back to soup Thursday, French onion with a cheesy crouton.

Hope you’re all having a good day

 

[rainwood]

@missy Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday poem!!! I'm very touched. And thanks to all of you for the birthday wishes!!

The weather is glorious so I will be heading out to enjoy the sunshine today. And it turns out I share a birthday with Melania Trump. I'd much rather be me, even on my worst day.

Hope everyone is doing well.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

Missy, that is what makes you such a wonderful and happy person is making the best of things and enjoying life. You are an All Star - knocking those curve balls out of the park. Your toast is so true - the rest aren’t worth worrying about. I’ll try to get a picture of Marty’s new watch. I am sure he’ll be playing with it tomorrow. Looks like the ferals are making themselves at home. Sweet. Are you heading to the beach this weekend?

PierreBear, small world - you had knocking it out of the park in your post after me typing that above for Missy. We are all starting to think alike sometimes. Good deal you are doing well with your medical appointments. I hate glasses that snag your hair. Tell your DH good luck with his bike ride this weekend. I still haven’t texted my cleaning ladies - I told Marty now I am waiting to see if they contact me first. What I’ve decided to say is Marty and I don’t feel having our house cleaned on the weekend is working out for any of us. Then I’ll say you are both busy and have to frequently change your schedules which means we have to alter our plans so we have decided to try something else. I feel that isn’t too rude but conveys they contributed to our decision. I don’t have a problem with someone changing what day they can clean but constantly doing it at the last minute without notice got old. I hope your cleaning lady did come today.

Junebug, your poor husband, a swollen ankle, the spot from the golf ball and having a colonoscopy. Tell him good luck with his colonoscopy. He deserves a big drink tonight. Marty got hit in the ear once right on the spot where they cut off a cancer spot and grafted skin over it. It was sore and bled quit a bit; but it did heal up okay. I hope your neighbor rounds up his herd.

Austina, my employee has been there for 8 years and her daughter is 9 so I’d say the daughter is learning from mom. She has had plenty challenges and heartache in her life but has a lot to be thankful now. She just can’t let go of her anger and bitterness over the past. Marty would gladly join you in a bowl of onion soup. It’s one of his favorites.

Rainwood, enjoy the sunshine.

The weather stripping on our garage door has been ripped off going up about 4 feet since last fall. When it’s windy (which is most of the time) the door won’t close because it detects something moving down there. Marty tapes it up with duck tape which holds for a while until it rips open again. This morning it was ripped open and the door wouldn’t close so I taped it up in spots and got the door to close and decided I’m calling a repairman to fix this. They are coming tomorrow. Woo hoo! Marty was so busy all day so he never answered me if he could could be here tomorrow morning when they come, so I ended up taking tomorrow off. Marty finally sent me a text when he got to the airport and said “I was going to fix it” to which my smart arse response “well your duck tape is almost gone”. It will be nice to get it fixed.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[missy]

Good morning girls! It's Friday woohoo
For Marcy



Rainwood, hope you had a wonderful day and so pleased the weather cooperated for you! (((Hugs))).

Junie how did the colonoscopy go for your dh? How is his ankle doing?

Austina thank you for your kind words. Yumm to soup Thursday. That sounded delicious. So glad Colin is pleased with his dental work so far. Wonderful.

PB yay for new sunglasses that fit. And so pleased your dh got to take the day off yesterday. Good luck to him this weekend. You're a good wife to be volunteering at the finishing line waiting for him.

Marcy sorry the duct tape for the weather stripping didn't work and hope the repairpeople can fix it. Yay that you took the day off today even if Marty can be there for the repair people. You deserve a day off. Any weekend plans? Hope you and Marty enjoy your time together. I am sure you are glad he is home at least for a while. We are not heading to the beach this weekend. Not the best weekend. Some rain today and tomorrow and Sunday is windy. Plus I have an endocrinologist appointment first thing Monday AM so easier to be here. Thanks for your kind comments. (((Hugs))).

Hello Sharon, how's the weather by you? Hope Spring has stuck!

Hi there CJ, any plans for the weekend?

Have a wonderful Friday ladies!

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

Missy, what a great way to start my day - with Snoopy! Thanks. It does sound like a good idea to stay in town this weekend. I hope you get to go visit some cute kiddies.

Marty got to the airport in Denver last night at about 9, so I thought I'd wait up for him. I used my stalking app about 10:30 to find he was still in the Denver area eating. I decided I couldn't wait that long so went to bed about 11. I was aware he made it home sometime after midnight but went right back to sleep.

This morning I slept in until 7:30. I goofed off and watched a few things on the DVR. The repairman should be here soon (I hope anyway) and then we are going out for lunch. Marty heads back to LA on Monday morning so it will be a short weekend. I have no idea if we are going to Denver tomorrow; it's nice enough to play golf which would appeal to Marty more than taking me jewelry shopping.

My nephew's wife does amazing miniatures in clay so I sent her pictures of the original Killer Rabbit this morning taken from all angles asking her to make me a miniature Killer Rabbit. I am going to give it to Marty for our anniversary in June. I am very excited to see what she does with it.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[canuk-gal]

Leaving you with a photo from our security camera around 3AM this morning.

Caption reads: It's Getting Crowded In Here.




Plenty of food for everyone dear kitties!

Standing room only!!!!!!!!!!

 

[marcy]

Sharon, that is a always a sign of a good place to eat - standing room only.

 

[canuk-gal]

Sharon, that is a always a sign of a good place to eat - standing room only.

lol ya they are getting take out!

 

[junebug17]

Hey everyone!

Missy, dh didn't have any problems with the procedure but they did remove a very small polyp and he'll get the results next week - and has to have another one done in 5 years. His ankle is still swollen but definitely going down and not that painful. Thank you for thinking of him

Love the pic of the ferals, so sweet. And what perfect Snoopy pics for Marcy! Wishing you a very enjoyable weekend with your sweet dh!

BP, good for you for staying on top of appointments, so easy to let them slide. I hope you find sunglasses you like. Swimming and dinner with dh sounds wonderful. Have a good time at the charity bike ride, and good luck to dh, really nice of him to participate in it!

Marcy, I hope you're enjoying having a day off, you deserve it. Lol to your response to Marty, that was a good one! I still say it's a shame we don't live closer, Marty and dh could go golfing and you and I could go to Denver! Dh is playing golf this Saturday, swollen ankle be darned haha. I think what you are planning to say to the cleaning ladies is perfect. Great idea to have your nephew's wife make a killer rabbit clay miniature, that would be an awesome gift for Marty. Our anniversary is in June too. Have a nice lunch with Marty.

Austina, yum to french onion soup! Love it. And thanks for the good thoughts for dh. Yes, these chickens seem quite at home in my backyard

Rainwood, so glad the weather was beautfiul for you! Hope you enjoyed your day.

Hi there Sharon!

Thanks to everyone for their good thoughts for dh, he is plugging along and doing pretty well. I think he's glad this week is over lol!

Hope everyone is having a great Friday, <3

 

[marcy]

Sharon, they need kitty bags for their take outs.

Junebug, that's good to hear your DH's ankle is not as swollen as before. I hope the results come back negative on his polyp. I am totally enjoying my day off. Thank you. That would be great if our husbands could play golf and we could go jewelry shopping. One time Marty was playing golf at one of the courses near Denver and I was at the cash register checking out when he called me. I accused him of having a app on his phone that sent him an alert because I was using my debit card at a jewelry store. What day is your anniversary in June? Ours is the 29th. It will be 27 years this summer.

The garage door looks great. I guess I only needed them to replace the strip on right side but that's what happens when the wife gets tired of waiting for the husband to handle a chore.

Marty has been on the phone most of the day so we didn't get out to lunch until after 1 but it was fun. He will probably be working tonight and maybe tomorrow which of course means Marcy no jewelry shopping this weekend but that just means I'll have more money saved when I do get to Denver. I might run to the mall and see if one of the jewelry stores has a friction back that fits on my ACA stud. I want new jewelry so bad I might buy something there. I could do something like gold hoops (of which I currently have none). That would be fun.

One of my cleaning ladies (the better cleaner) sent me a text asking if I wanted her to clean tomorrow. Marty told me to tell her no that we have plans this weekend. He suggested we not tell them just yet we are doing something different.

It is gorgeous outside today. Woo hoo. Spring has arrived. It's probably not here to stay but at least it's paying us a visit.

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Junie wonderful news about your dh's ankle getting better albeit slowly and fingers crossed the polyp is benign. Greg also has to go every five years for his colonoscopy because of polyps. This aging thing is sort of a pain in the butt. Haha pain in the butt.

I sent Marcy another Snoopy while Greg and I were enjoying a rainy stroll yesterday afternoon.



Marcy I love that miniature idea for Marty's gift for your anniversary. How talented is your nephew's wife and what a great gift. Yay for sleeping in yesterday morning and love that stalking app. Glad the repair went well and that you and Marty got to lunch albeit a little later than usual. I think you need little gold hoops. They're the perfect easy accessory. Sassy and sweet and timeless. Hope you enjoy gorgeous weather all weekend.

It's supposed to hit 90 here by mid week. Too fast too fast.

So yesterday afternoon during our lovely rainy stroll (just misting so not enough for an umbrella but just enough to make me look like I stuck my finger in an electric socket with the way the rain frizzed my hair lol) I couldn't resist and I bought the same parasol I bought a couple of months ago in purple. So now I have a teal and a purple parasol from this company. UV and so pretty. I am going to keep the purple one at the beach.



I found out while we were strolling through our neighborhood yesterday that my favorite health food store is closing this Sunday. I only found out because we stopped in so I could pick up Brazil nuts and asked one of the guys there about a product (they are very informative there) and he said their last day is Sunday. They have been in the neighborhood since 1971. I am sad and also disappointed they didnt let everyone know sooner. Seems so hushed and rushed and strange. He said it's a long answer as to why but basically comes down to money. The rents are super high where we live and I guess lots of mom and pop stores are closing more and more and it makes me sad. Even though their prices were higher than ordering some of their stuff online at Amazon etc I always got it from them if they had it. So I will miss them and hope they all find good jobs.

Not sure what is on the agenda today. Greg already did the laundry and has left for Costco so I am going to start my workout soon so we can get going before too late today. Have a great Caturday Saturday ladies and hugs.

 

[missy]

Forgot to say my niece (and her two teammates) won first place in the Drawing category for Elementary school in the Visual Arts Olympics.
My sister says it is a big deal. I am not surprised as my sister and mom and dad are all very artistically talented. I don't have that talent sadly. If I didn't look just like my dad and have his same sense of humor I would be thinking I am adopted. Seriously. Oh wait no I have my mom's autoimmune problem genetics. No chance of being adopted.

Anyway woohoo to my sweet niece. I'm super proud of her.
Talented, smart and kind. My sister and BIL are doing something right for sure.