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Post by ann1953 on Mar 16, 2020 11:26:59 GMT
This is a place for all those in their 50's & 60’s to get together and gab. Talk about what is on your mind be it the WW'er program, family, friends, or anything you'd like to share. The Lighter Side Cafe is open 24/7....First one here please use the copy/paste method to get us going. All like-minded people are always welcome here.
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Post by ann1953 on Mar 16, 2020 11:29:25 GMT
Good morning all. Happy to hear that you and DH really talked things out. Also pray that he makes the call on his own. At some point this week we will make a very short grocery run. Trying to decide which market to go to that will have all that we need. I must go over my list once again before venturing out. I remain away from people during all of this...only time we are outdoors is to walk LuLa.
Wishing y'all a healthy eating day. I need to reel myself in once again, as I strayed big time yesterday.....
Take care all and be safe!
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Post by suewms on Mar 16, 2020 14:54:12 GMT
Good Morning, WW Friends ~ Happy Monday!! Doesn't seem like a Monday, but my computer tells me it is. I enjoyed another great night's sleep and DH reported a vivid and entertaining dream, so we're doing well at our house. Yesterday we watched some early episodes of a show called "Deputy". We watched one episode early in their season and I liked the characters. Then for some reason, we let it slip by. Since we're keeping ourselves pretty much housebound it was a good time to check it out. There are 11 episodes - we had seen one - and we watched two more yesterday. So we have that in our 'back pocket' for entertainment. We also plan to look at Amazon Prime and see what their offerings are. Yesterday I got out for a short hood walk (thanks, Ann). It was only 10 minutes but it was enough, plus it was cold. I will try to make 2 trips around the complex today and add from there. My back is behaving well and that is encouraging. This morning I had decided to strip, deep clean and redecorate our bathroom. Right now I am waiting for the floor to dry, then I'll place fresh rugs and towels. It was green and now it will be pink and blue (very Spring-like). It doesn't take much to entertain me. Our Governor announced this morning that all bars and restaurants will be closing (except for carry outs) at 3 p.m. today. That should keep people pretty much at home. DH has gone to Kroger to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. I might make a quick Meijer run later, but I'll wait until he gets home and see what he was unable to find. I will miss St. Patrick's Day corned beef & cabbage, but it isn't a life or death situation. Pam ~ Glad to hear that you and your DH talked things out. I love it when we clear the air and everything feels right in our world again. Take care with your people exposure! Ann ~ I hear ya about the grocery run. DH offered to get anything I had on my list but it was all just "stuff" that we don't necessarily need right now, so why send him scampering all over Kroger looking for things? Judy ~ I do hope things are good with you. I know you worry about your kids. DH and I have decided we are very fortunate to have no one to take care of or worry about but ourselves. We did call a few loved ones yesterday just to check on them. Also I had said I was going to call our neighbor, Jeff, as he lives alone - and before I got the chance he popped out of his garage and talked with DH from his truck. I think this is an especially good time to take care of each other and reach out for those who may be alone, or just need a friend. With the technology, a simple phone call or text might make someone's day!! BBL. Make a great day!!
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Post by ann1953 on Mar 16, 2020 16:54:46 GMT
Happy to say that we made our 'grocery run' in record time. Lots of people out and about but it all went well. I think people are more tolerant or at least that's what we experienced. Just happy to be back home. Still no TP but we have plenty so no worries there. Sue it does feel good to sit and catch up on episodes and just enjoy kicking back with one another. Glad you got your walk in. We are about to leave for one now. I've called a few people that live in our complex just to see how there were doing. All is well...God is good Take care all.
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Post by judy709 on Mar 16, 2020 20:36:39 GMT
Hey all,
well, I’m officially working from home for an indefinite time. This is such an unprecedented time, isn’t it? All restaurants are closed, all highway work is ceasing, no more gatherings of more than 20 and more or less every business closed. I’m all set up on my computer and we had a one hour conference call getting everyone ready to work from home while work continue and goes on. It is hard to focus on mundane work while this goes on. I was so anxious last night. Our state could be very hard hit but I’m hoping and praying that people stay home and keep this from spreading. I think the darn grocery stores are the wildest! Throngs of people and not a loaf of bread to be found last night at Stop n Shop! My son in NJ had to drive an hour to stock up on diapers, food, etc. He did a $400 order. Lol
Our DD meets with the government oversight group for preschools tomorrow with others in her field and will adhere to their rules. It’s a huge issue for everyone-especially those not collecting pay during this shutdown. DH and I are fortunate in working from home.
Pam, glad you and DH patched it up. I knew you would. 😍. Sue, stay healthy and have fun decorating! There is so much to watch on Prime. Ann, glad the errands are done. I think I am busier working at home than ever canceling this and that plus I feel I need to be sitting at the computer at the ready!
All for now!
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Post by suewms on Mar 16, 2020 21:01:27 GMT
Hi All ~ Well, another day, another press conference with the President and others. I am definitely glad to see the number of suggested gatherings reduced to 10! I wish they had done that in the beginning, but no one asked me. They are now telling us that self containment is the best way to not spread this ...... DUH!?!
Anyway, the bathroom is all done and looks and smells great! I also scrubbed the kitchen floor and shook out the rugs. DH came home from Kroger with four bags of groceries and got everything he wanted and more! Of course, he stocked us up on ice cream :-)
Judy ~ So glad you can work from home. I didn't know your DH could as well, but that is great news! Your DS should be stocked up for quite a while?? I spent a couple of days just cancelling everything on my calendar.
Ann ~ I just got back from a hood walk. I was going to go around twice today (20 min) but halfway around it started to rain, so I came home. There's always tomorrow. At least I stretched my legs.
They closed all our bars and restaurants today at 3 p.m. I do feel badly for those who had counted on the $$ from a big St. Patty's Day celebration. Our restaurant owner friends are sad for their employees, many of whom count on their tips. Everyone will hurt over this one. Just hope it is over sooner than later.
I am making a batch of Crack Chicken in my Instant Pot for supper (and it will yield leftovers for another supper). I am thinking of serving it with spaghetti squash.
BBL. Have a great evening!
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Post by ann1953 on Mar 16, 2020 23:35:11 GMT
Good evening friends. Just thought I'd pop back in. After shopping we came home and rested a bit...talked over a cup of coffee then walked miss LuLa. I did get 2 good hood walks in today. It helps keep me sane or as sane as I get! Supper was chicken mashed potato and carrots. We too have enough chicken for another go around. I think I'll freeze it as tomorrow we will have corned beef. I piked up some Swiss cheese and we have homemade sauerkraut that a friend of ours makes so we'll just have sandwiches. I'm not a fan of a boiled dinner and Carl can go either way. We shall also put on our green to make it more festive Judy I am so happy that both you and DH can work from home. I've never had to do that...but I know friends that have and they used to set a timer so that they didn't over do it. Just a thought that I feel like passing along. Hopefully DS is all stocked up for awhile! Praying for a good outcome for DD and her job. I can't wrap my head around all of this. To me it feels like we are all trapped in a Stephen King novel!!!!! I spoke with a gal that lives here in town. She used to go to weight watchers in Leominster and we'd always sit together. Anyway, Cathy is 84 and never lived through anything like this before! Her daughter cancelled and eye appointment and I know that Cathy has a doctor appointment at the end of this month in Worcester that she is thinking of cancelling as well. Can't say as I blame her! Sue yes at least you got out to stretch your legs. I think it's important weather permitting to get out there and just look around. Whenever I come back from a walk I feel refreshed and alive! Must be all that vitamin D that I am so lacking!!!!! LOL to DH stocking up on ice cream. A man's gotta eat That tickled my funny bone Thanks for that. Wow you now have a nice clean home. I did both bathrooms today as well. I dry mopped the floors also and ran the vac. Tomorrow I'll do more. Going to dry the last load of laundry, the sit down and relax. Sweet dreams and see y'all in the a.m.
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Post by ann1953 on Mar 17, 2020 11:13:47 GMT
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Woke up to a dusting of snow. No surprise there as we knew it was coming. Not going to amount to much, so I'm looking forward to a hood walk later on.
Wishing all as stress free of a day as possible.
Will CBL
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Post by judy709 on Mar 17, 2020 12:06:17 GMT
Hi all,
Im checking in early before I sign on for another day that brings who knows what! It is so eerily quiet out there and it does feel like a Robin Cook or Stephen King novel, Ann. The light snow falling cheers me and shows us that the world and Mother Nature will go in doing exactly as it always does.
I feel feel so badly for all the self employed people and others. Restaurant owners, those people having weddings and funerals, etc. I just received a sad cancellation for my friend’s daughter’s long planned wedding shower and I’m hoping that the late May wedding will carry on. I’m glad that Cortney, my hair stylist, had her baby a little early and is home safe and sound. What a strange time to be born and her newborn daughter will have a tale to tell all her life. Im also worried about two friends facing cancer surgeries and treatment this week - one is stage 3 and starting a long road - nearly 18 months of chemo, then surgery. My poor friend with two school aged kids. She’s so vulnerable. I’m trying to buy gift certificates in advance for hair and food for my favorite owner operated places.
In these wild and uncertain health and financial times, I am doubly thankful for our small network of good pals here in the cafe. None of us are used to feeling isolated - we are all very social- so this is very trying. Hang in friends, and thanks for all you do to cheer me and support weight loss and just listen.
Speaking of WW,I am going to do the virtual WW workshop. I need it! I had several slices of Entenmann’s raspberry Danish yesterday! I forgot how darn good they are and I now know they must be off limits! Lol
i went for a walk with my “kids” D&D yesterday and will bundle up and do the same today. We had coconut shrimp tempura with a cabbage slaw with nuts and some rice last night - one of our Hello Fresh meals. I'm so glad to have them right now. Tonight is a chicken mushroom with a little cheese, carrots and mashed potato dish. Not bad calorically. Lunch has been rye bread sandwiches (smallish bread) with ham ad one slice of cheese, mustard and lettuce & tomato. Two loaves of rye bread left in the whole store in the bakery aisle! Panic buying everywhere!
Ill bbl.
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Post by ann1953 on Mar 17, 2020 12:14:04 GMT
Judy I echo all of what you are saying. Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers. I know I am going to run out of my tealight candles that I light but oh well. When they are gone I'll picture them lit after prayers go up. The snow does look beautiful. Keep us posted on how you like the online meeting. Sending soothing hugs out to all
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Post by suewms on Mar 17, 2020 13:59:44 GMT
Good Morning, WW Friends ~
Happy St. Patrick's Day!! We have temps in the 30's as well, but at least no snow <LOL>
Ann ~ Thanks for the encouragement about getting out there for a walk. I used to think I had to have time for a marathon or else it wasn't worth it. I have adjusted that to "any movement is good". I will get out there today. Maybe I'll do one trip around this morning and the other one this afternoon. We'll see ....
Judy ~ Thanks for your thoughtful words. You are so right in so many ways. I also especially feel for the small businesses and their employees. I haven't experience the eerie quiet out there as I haven't left the house (except for a hood walk) since Sunday - and probably won't any time soon.
I am also especially grateful for this group and somewhere to "reach out and touch someone". I do fear that I will get very lonely during this time. I am used to being around people every day. I texted a couple of my teachers yesterday and have been in daily touch with my two co-workers. I plan to keep those lines open, as they are as "home alone" as I feel. Even though I have DH, I miss my girl time. I think right now it is especially important to reach out to each other. Then there are neighbors who live alone; and family members. DH called his brother (who lives alone) yesterday and they chatted for a while. He is not as self-contained as we are because he does income taxes and has people coming and going. That would bother me a great deal!! I would rather know when we clean and disinfect that only the two of us are here.
DH has gone out to check things out in the world this morning. Since his restaurants are closed, conversation will be limited to what they can do through the drive-thru window, so no close contact. I have been putting the house in order and starting laundry. I have more to do, but plenty of time to do it.
DH made us a spectacular breakfast this morning that will last a long time. I took some sliced ham and cheesy mashed potatoes (from DH's VBF) out of the freezer for our St. Patrick's dinner. Last night's Crack Chicken (in the Instant Pot) was great and I put half in a container for the freezer. Much as I like to cook, eventually I will hit a wall and need a break so I plan to have several meals in the freezer by then. Next on my agenda will be showering and dressing, then a walk before lunch. Take care all!!
BBL. Make a great day!
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Post by ann1953 on Mar 17, 2020 14:29:10 GMT
Sue that is great that you are keeping in touch with your teacher friends and co-workers. It's important to do that. I have a few text buddies and emails and of course the cafe and a few other places that I post here. Will keep DBIL in my prayers. I also would not feel comfortable in his work situation. We mail our taxes to our tax guy as he is in Worcester and we don't like making that trip. Perhaps that is an option for him as well....just a thought. After my surgery I adapted my new normal that any walk was a good walk. It's better than sitting home Glad you are not beating yourself up. Some days I exceed my Garmin goal...other days I don't hit it...all in all it balances itself out. Right now Carl is outside getting the smoker ready for the corned beef. Pretty soon that's all I'll be smelling LOL. Just love it! I agree..it's always nice to have those 'already prepared meals' for those times when you declare that the kitchen if officially CLOSED lol. I like to cook, but appreciate the easy way out also. Here's to another good day.....will pop in later.
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Post by sunshinep396 on Mar 17, 2020 17:47:46 GMT
Hello my cyber-friends!
Yesterday morning I left home very early and shopped for perishables at Walmart and then Super 1 as soon as they opened. I was able to get everything on the list, even though the milk was a combination of 1/2 gal. of ff (now in the freezer), 1/2 gal. of unsweetened Almond milk and 1 gal. of organic ff, which cost more, but has a long shelf life. Walmart had lots of empty shelves, but Super 1 seemed a little better. DH took Jude to his PT appointment, but stayed in the pickup. I stopped by the hospice office, but did not go in. I had someone look up the info I need to complete my visit notes and dropped off my payroll.
I returned home to a call from DD3 saying DSIL had headache, cough & fever. He has tested positive for flu, thank God, and was given IV fluids and Tamiflu. DD is now trying to work from home with 2 little ones under foot. Her job does not translate well to WFH, but she is grateful her employer is supportive. Since she is pretty germaphobic, she doesn't feel comfortable sending the kids to daycare. Since she can't go to work for 2 weeks due to DSIL's flu, I told her by then, daycares may all close anyway. Things are changing hour to hour.
Father said the last public mass at 7:30 last evening, but I didn't go, since DH and I had already pledged no unnecessary travel. My hospice patient (neighbor) died and the funeral is tomorrow. I have messaged one of the daughters that, regretfully, I will not be able to attend. She said they aren't expecting many to come. I just got a notice that the choir will be singing, but I will not. There is no way to keep a distance in the choir loft and I feel this flies in the face of the bishop's order.
DH went for his wound care appointment this morning and has another in a week. I did not go with him and when he got back, he said I would not have been allowed to enter the office anyway. He is to elevate his foot and we have to change the dressing every other day. He will also have to wear a removable cast.
I agree with Sue that social distancing will be hard. I am used to being around people and I enjoy it. I have decided that I will be phoning friends and relatives and enjoy catching up. Yesterday, I called an old work friend and learned she was to have knee surgery this morning. We had a good chat and I am waiting to hear how she did. DH and I called and talked with DD2 who lives alone in BTR. We will be texting daily to ensure she is okay. She has stocked up on necessities and is used to being isolated, since she works from home. She visited her BFF who lives in the greater NOLA area this past weekend, but they stayed home. She is isolating for 2 weeks because of that, so will not be coming to visit us during that time. Later in the evening I chatted with DSIS' VBF for over an hour. She lives alone and I will be checking on her frequently, too. She lives in a low-rent apartment where the janitorial services are sub-par, so I am concerned that she has to use a communal laundry. I wish her family would help her move to the family home here in our village, but the stepmother opposes this and her siblings refuse to rock the boat.
We are living in an unprecedented time. It will take years for our economy, and that of the world, to recover. Many businesses will not survive and I fear my little credit union may be one. My niece just opened a boutique in an area where her rent is probably high. While she also does mail-order, I am not sure the business will make it if this goes on for long. I do believe the closures of businesses are necessary, since Joe Citizen does not seem to understand the need for social isolation to slow the progress of this virus. Even people in healthcare professions do not seem to grasp the seriousness, as evidenced by DD1's boss and co-workers. I let my hospice supervisor know that I will not be coming to the office any time soon because of the infection risk and she is fine with that. It was decided that chaplain and volunteer services are suspended until further notice, so we don't need to attend team meetings or otherwise come to the office.
It sounds like all of you are being wise and coming up with ways to keep busy. This thread will be even more important to us! Stay well and hydrate!
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Post by ann1953 on Mar 17, 2020 19:03:15 GMT
Pam so happy to hear that DH went to the doctor for his wound. Also happy that you were able to pick up all groceries on your list. At some point I will have to go out for eye drops. Even with the plugs that my eye doctor inserted, my eyes still remain dry and itch. It never bothered me before, but now...with the virus...I'm trying to NOT touch my face! I have enough for a few days and then I'll replace them. By that time, LuLa will need her chew bones, so I'll get both at Walmart and call it a day. I'm also appalled by these people that are buying up essentials in outrageous quantities only to try to sell them at an inflated price. Someone was caught on Amazon selling hand sanitizer for 70.00 a bottle! He was caught and is now donating them...according to the information that I have. I would have thrown him in jail where he belongs!!!!! No tolerance for that type of thing. And don't get me started on the people that are taking this 'lightly'.....they don't realize that their carelessness will infect lots of innocent people. We were able to get in one short walk. Without the sunshine it felt much colder to me. I will go out once again before I call it quits for the day. The chili we are making smells great in the instant pot on crock pot mode. Also the corned beef smells wonderful in the smoker outside. We'll be all set with leftovers Take care all......I to so appreciate having a great place to come and vent
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Post by judy709 on Mar 17, 2020 19:24:32 GMT
Hi friends,
Well, unfortunately, we have a confirmed case I’d the virus with one of the staff members at my college. They won’t say who due to privacy issues, but I sure wish they would at least tell us where on campus they worked. The President said they have contacted everyone they were in contact with and since I wasn’t contacted, i guess I am okay, but who knows since they touched doorknobs, bathroom faucets, etc. What really falls me is that they are still expecting staff to work!! Thank goodness mymown boss made his own call for us to work from home. There are 40 of us.
pam, I’m glad your DSIL was tested and it’s not the virus. I agree that we are in for a long stretch. My DD is currently sheltering in place and her daycare is closed. She can only take kids whose parents are essential medical or public safety personnel. She has none of those. She hopes she can survive and that people won’t be looking for refunds. It’s a nightmare for so many. I hope we can all recover.
Ann, keep up the good hood walks. I finished putting the resin on my sea glass project today during my work lunch hour. It was a fun project. I’ll send pictures!
sue, you are rockin’ your new Instantpot! What’s in the crack chicken?
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