Onward October - Week 3

[dill]

Onward October - Week 3

Cross post Star!

I think this will be a good weekend to tackle the drawers and closets and make the clothhing change. I'm glad you mentioned that. I'll attempt to do the same, at least for the gkids.

[Rusty]

Onward October - Week 3

Good Saturday Morning, Everyone!

Witts/Corgi....welcome back! We missed you here. I laughed when I read about your five-year-old grandchild leaving the water running in the bathroom. I know it is much funnier to me than to you, though. Sounds like you've been busy...busy...busy...great to babysit clear-headed and AF, isn't it? I used to think Corgis were kind of silly looking dogs but I've changed my mind. A few people around here have them and they are very sweet, cute dogs. I hope your luck changs as far as breeding yours.

Lav-I think you did the best job you could with YB...trying to maintain a comfortable and happy home life for your kids and yourself despite his poor choices and erratic behavior. I am sure that if you can see he's a con artist, other people can, too. I think YB is still a very lonely, miserable guy whose past behavior will bite him in the butt someday when he needs family and friends the most. I am glad you share your experiences and wisdom with us.:l

Dill-I howled when I read that Tessa dragged the pumpkins in the back yard.:H Bite marks are very a propos for Halloween though. Thank you for the fascinating info. about the moon. Like you, I went to bed early and missed the moon....although it was way too cloudy here to see anything. Also, I agree with everyone here....you're a FANTASTIC teacher. You have a way of explaining things in a non-condescending and soothing way. I bet the kids at school miss you.

Star-your day yesterday sounded relaxing...and the soup.....delicious. Good luck rearranging the living room today, and making room for the winter clothes:H. I hear you when you say you're exhausted. You have a long commute, don't you? Driving wears me out and when I had a 3-hr. commute every day, I didn't want to go anywhere on my days off.

Yesterday, after the errands were done, I just crashed in front of a roaring fire, and watched "The Lovely Bones" on HBO. I enjoyed the book and the movie was pretty good, too. It was one of those dreary days where I woke up and I was tired ALL day...and no matter what I did, I couldn't snap out of it...so I thought, well maybe I need to rest, so I did.

Tomorrow morning at Rusty O'Clock, I leave for southern Illinois. I have to work in St. Louis on Tuesday so I am spending tomorrow with my friend, who is a federal attorney. We met through tragedy. When I was in graduate school, I dated her brother, who was a sweet and brilliant chemical engineer who was tops in his class (I have NO clue why he fell in love with me:H ) He was killed in a car accident in 1988, and I only 3 years ago met his sister for the first time. It took her 15 years to be able to move forward after his death, and tomorrow, we are traveling about 2.5 hours to see the house where they grew up, his grave, and the library named in his honor. I only see her once per year so tomorrow will really be special.

I am off to the gym, then a massage, then....I don't know what next. I guess I'll let the day evolve. I hope everyone has a lovely AF Saturday.

[Lavande]

Onward October - Week 3

Good morning friends,

No sun here so far, that's OK.
Just enjoying a lazy moment with some really good coffee.

There was a great view of the full moon last night, couldn't miss the thing - it was huge! Apparently the eclipse was a kind of non-event, not very visible. I actually slept very well last night despite the moon shine :H

Rusty, I hope you enjoy your meet-up with your friend. Sad story about her brother, must have been very difficult for you as well. The loss of a young life is always so tragic. I really believe the universe is giving us an opportunity to learn to be happy & grateful for each & every day we have

Dill, I have only picked up one pumpkin so far & the boys will not leave it alone either. Kids & dogs are only too happy to destroy your holiday decorations. After all, everything IS for them, right? :H

Star, YB texted me late yesterday afternoon. He was looking for help buying a new sport coat. Nothing fits him anymore, he's gained a lot of weight since he left here.
I went shopping with him, helped him pick out a new sport coat & said nothing when he ordered fried fish & French fries for dinner afterwards :H There is no teaching someone who doesn't want to learn!

I need to get in gear & do some things around here. Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Saturday!

Lav

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October - Week 3

Hey all...

Rusty, what a tragedy, how wonderful that you stay connected. The day you visit sounds as if it will be bittersweet, what a lovely way to honor him. Sometimes we just need a day to totally relax and rest. I would love to have a massage, achiness increases with this cool damp weather. Wishing you a safe and meaningful trip.

Lav, you are right, there is no point in telling an adult how to eat. Nice of you to go shopping with him. I too admire you for creating a warm and loving home despite his moodiness and let's face it, selfishness. Good the two of you could go out for an afternoon of shopping and dinner. I went to an outlet mall yesterday and it was fun and crowded.

Dill, the pumpkin story was so cute, what a naughty doggy. Cleaned out several drawers and still have the closet to go....it feel good to get things organized. Nice to have the time. This was a good idea to take a long weekend.

The darkness is getting to me a little bit, I hate getting up in the am and not know what the heck time it is. The leaves are looking so beautiful, really colorful and it smells wonderful outside. I have bought some local apple cider and it is so delicious. I am making turkey today and can barely wait for all the good smells. Hope you have a great day.

[Lavande]

Onward October - Week 3

Good morning friends

45 degrees but sunny this morning! Feels pretty good to me :H

Star, living in cow country actually gives us better access to outlet shopping. It's only about 45 minutes to get to the Lancaster area:
Tanger Outlet Center | Pennsylvania Dutch Country | Lancaster, PA

One thing about that area though - I don't like to eat there. The PA Dutch eateries serve food laden with butter, milk & white flour, yuck. I don't want to sound mean but the locals up there are just plain obese
I also noticed how many people are still smoking outside the store & eateries. Grateful I'm not one of them any more.
I have reset the timer for the lights in the chicken house. I am supposed to provide 16 hours of daylight for optimal egg production. Nothing is helping the older girls at this point, they just need to 'retire'.

Today is definitely a crock pot kind of day. I'll toss in the last chunk of pork that's taking up room in my freezer & feed anyone who shows up today. I want to get back to trimming shrubs too.

Greetings to Dill, Rusty, Witts & anyone stopping in today!
Have a great AF Sunday one & all!

Lav

[dill]

Onward October - Week 3

Hello Friends,

Rusty, wow what a story! I hope today went well. It sounds as if it was quite an emotional journey.:l Thinking of you today (more than usual).

Star, I never got around to the drawer thing. I put my energy into washing some windows that had been long neglected. Lucky for me, I have all week to do the drawers. (retired) Don't let the darkness get to you. (I know, easier said than done!) Do what you need to do to stay upbeat. I actually try to embrace it. I get scented candles and try to enjoy the warmth of the candle light.

Lav, I live just 25 minutes from a Tanger Outlet! Love it! I thought today was a good crockpot day too, but Mr. D wanted me to put a chuck roast in the pressure cooker. I have been really enjoying the pressure cooker that I bought a few months ago at the Tanger Outlet Mall. So we had the roast, some mashed potatoes, peas and slaw. YUM.

[Rusty]

Onward October - Week 3

Hi Everybody,

I am safely snuggled in my hotel room after a delightful, perfect Autumn day. We went to the house where he grew up, the lake where he sailed, the library, his high school, the cemetery, and even the drive-in where he was a cook in high school. The sun was shining, it was warm....and I looked at every picture of him....and now have a deeper appreciation for him and his oldest sister. She has been the caretaker for him and her two younger sisters. Her mother was an active alcoholic until she died at 75...her mother was widowed when she was in early forties. What a hard life she has had. My gratitude list is long today.

Dill-thank you for thinking of me. Oooh, your dinner sounds like it was scrumptious...said the one carnivore to the other.:H

Star-sounds like you had a productive day with all your organizing. What a feeling of accomplishment. I, too, hate the early darkness...it affects my mood more than I ever thought it would.

Lav-I've been to the outlet mall you frequent. I used to be in your neck 'o the woods regularly.

Big hellos to Witts, Pap and any lurkers, hope you are having a peaceful evening.

[Lavande]

Onward October - Week 3

Good Monday morning kids

It's a chilly 45 degrees here at the moment but it will warm up. I'm holding out as long as possible & not turning on the heat until absolutely necessary :H

Rusty, glad to hear you enjoyed your day yesterday
It really is important to remember that everyone has a story that goes way beyond what you see at the moment. I used to enjoy hearing stories from patients about who they were & what they did when they were young. Sometimes it was a total surprise!

OK, I am not sure how my day is going yet but it is going to start with a trip to Curves.
Have a great AF Monday everyone!
Lav

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October - Week 3

Good morning to all...

Lav, I have had the heat on for the last week as it was in the 30s and it was COLD!! High 52 today, brrrrrrr. My turkey came out perfect and it was so comforting. I live by some Amish and I agree about their food. Farmer's fare, and so heavy. Many of the women are so fat, they don't have a chance with all the breads, noodles, pies, etc. I don't like feeling overstuffed, so stay away from the that stuff, although it sure is tasty. That greenhouse you had sounded so cool. I love plants but can't really have any in my house.

Rusty, what a lovely and sad day....it is true, everyone has a story, some more sad then others. Seems like alcohol effects everyone in some way, but growing up with alcoholic parent would be the worst. Hope you are doing well.

Dill, I did not get closets done, but more drawers and cabinets, with big bags of garbage. So, will master the closet today. It is so great to get this done, I am making a new tradition for myself, a long weekend to fall clean.

Off to begin my day, fueled by a little coffee.

[dill]

Onward October - Week 3

Hello Friends, kind of a late check in for me. No school today so I had gson with me all day. We busied ourselves with a pie pumpkin, cooking it and scraping the meat out of the shell. Tomorrow we bake a pie!

I got some drawers changed over from summer to winter clothes today Star. You have been an inspiration!

Hi Rusty and Lav, hope you both had good productive AF days.

Sorry this is so short. See you tomorrow!

[Rusty]

Onward October - Week 3

Good Evening, Dear Threadmates,

After a day split between working and $hopping for a new winter coat and some new leggings, I have crashed in my hotel room, oddly tired and horribly nauseated. I guess the long drive yesterday caught up with me. Nothing that a good night's sleep can't cure.. Yes, Dill, it was a good productive day.

Dill-how cool that you had the vision to make the beginnings of a pumpkin pie today. You sure are creative with your grandkids.

Lav-the HR Manager who works for one of my clients lives in Mechanicsburg, and his mother loved to make him Shoo Fly pie. The pie got its name for being so sweet it attracted only chunky eaters and flies. My friend loved to make Amish bread and I tried a piece of it once and felt like I swallowed a bowling ball. No thanks!

Star-good job on filling up those garbage bags with unwanted stuff. I love that feeling that I have extra room in my dresser drawers.

Thinking good thoughts of our friends who are MIA: Cyn, Pap, Witts and guests, hope you are having a lovely Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October - Week 3

Good morning everybody...

It is really cold, freeze warnings, I am really happy I did get my winter stuff out yesterday, and my closet is organized!!! Winter clothing today. We even have a chance of some snow soon, either tonight or tomorrow. A bit much. Saw the movie Gravity in 3D, it was a really interesting movie, not for the faint of heart, with all the outer space activity. A thumbs up in case anyone is interested. I am ready to go back to work, it was a good four days off, a lot was accomplished, fun was had, and I rested too.

Rusty, hope you feel better this morning. I have had shoo fly pie as a kid, and loved it.

Dill, what a fun activity for you and your grandson.

Lav, enjoying a coffee right now and trying to wake up. Bet you are doing the same.

Hello to all, have a terrific Tuesday.

[Lavande]

Onward October - Week 3

Morning friends,

Yep, sitting with some good coffee right now Star
I may end up having to break down & turn on the heat tonight. My daughter & granddaughter will be staying over, I have to be nice :H
I will at least drag in some of that nice firewood that was delivered recently!

Rusty, hope you are feeling OK today!
The viruses are busy this time of year
My son-in-law's sister-in-law was just in the hospital with viral meningitis. She was pretty sick & is still having B/P problems, 42 years old. Take care of yourself & drink lots of fluids!!!

Dill, I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to do a gluten free, dairy free Thanksgiving & Christmas. It's a challenge but I think I can do it :H
I have to experiment with GF pie crusts so I can make a pumpkin pie too! Hope yours is fabulous.

Greetings to cyn, papmom, witts & any lurkers!
OK, gotta get this day going. Have a terrific AF Tuesday one & all!

Lav

[Lavande]

Onward October - Week 3

Good Wednesday morning friends!

It's 6 am & dark out. I'm getting ready to go watch my grandsons for the day. I'll be bringing them here later

Cold out, had to break down & turn the heat on yesterday. The chilly rain got to me
Had the season's first fire in the fireplace last evening too!

Wishing everyone a great AF Wednesday!
Lav

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October - Week 3

Good morning...

Lav, it IS cold!!! I had a hard time yesterday adjusting to the feeling of being cold. I think what I need is to bring some tea to work and sip on that to stay warm. Another cold day in store for us today, and rain I think. Enough of the weather report. Have you been researching any good new websites on mindfulness or positive thinking? Your challenge to have a glutenfree dairy free holiday season will be interesting. Keep me updated as you find recipes.

Hello to Dill, Rusty, pap, witts, cyn, and all.