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All Things EARTH... part 2

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By CCHelp ,
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awhfy

awhfy

Posted
Posted (edited)
15 hours ago, Sailor_Sally said:

Happy holidays everybody ! Florida has been chilly but tomorrow and Wednesday are supposed to be ideal days .

We’re 68 today in Colorado & 50 for Christmas...strange weather!  


We’re off to our middle daughter’s house tonight after church for our Soup Extravaganza (everyone makes a crockpot of their favorite soup, I was told I’m making pasta fagiole cause everyone likes it), homemade French bread (by our 11 year old), cornbread muffins & trays (& trays) of treats. Low stress!

 

Merry Christmas all! Melody

Edited by awhfy
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Sailor_Sally

Sailor_Sally

Posted
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I am glad that the holidays are winding down. New Years Eve is an early dinner out and then home .We had a nice holidays but I am ready for the New Years .Any New Years Resolutions ?  I am going to continue the great purge and (I thought I would never say this but try to gain a few pounds ).

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purduemom1

purduemom1

Posted
Posted
54 minutes ago, Sailor_Sally said:

I am glad that the holidays are winding down. New Years Eve is an early dinner out and then home .We had a nice holidays but I am ready for the New Years .Any New Years Resolutions ?  I am going to continue the great purge and (I thought I would never say this but try to gain a few pounds ).

 

Hi Sally, I’d be more than happy to share a few of my pounds with you! How many would you like? 

 

Seriously, I too hope to continue “purging” but I don’t know what to do when I get to the hard to part with stuff. Kids aren’t interested in most of it. Then there is my DH who isn’t really on board with my downsizing😚.

 

Happy, healthy 2020 to all and may the new year bring everyone lots of smooth sailing!

Sharon

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awhfy

awhfy

Posted
Posted

Sally have you found a new place yet? Or just purging to be ready when you do find a place?

 

well, I got the results (unofficially) from my abdomen ct. it appears that my hiatal hernia (surgery exactly two years ago) has developed its own abdominal wall  hernia!  I’m having an endoscopy on 16 Jan & should know what the plan is shortly after that. From 2 different doctors, ooh, that’ll not be a fun surgery...yay 😩. My family doctor called me an over achiever 👍🏻  Sigh, the saga continues. I won’t do anything till after our MardiGras cruise!  Melody 

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MJC

MJC

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Happy New Year everyone! Wishing us all happy cruising in 2020. 🙂

 

I wore everything I took to FL, so I was very satisfied with my packing. Surprisingly, I wore my jeans in the evening for the first few days as it was only in the 60s at night. We had one beautiful day that happened to be when my sister could get away, so we took a long walk on the beach and talked ourselves silly. Mostly it was cloudy with a few showers here or there each day. I didn't wear the the other long pants and the black slightly dressy top (for in case we went out to dinner somewhere nice, which we didn't), but I did wear them for our flight home, and I was glad to have some pet-hair-free things to wear on the plane. Dogs, cats, horses... DH is allergic to all. I have to say I've never had a horse sneeze on me before, and it wasn't pleasant!

 

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. Melody, so sorry to hear about more surgery for you. 😞

 

 

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purduemom1

purduemom1

Posted
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Melody, I’m so sorry about your impending surgery. Hope the doctors can find a good solution for you. 

 

Margaret, sounds like your vacation in FL was a success and I hope you “soaked up” lots of nice weather to get you thru’ the not so nice weather in the north east.

 

I too wish everyone a happy and safe New Year’s celebration.

Sharon

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Anita Latte

Anita Latte

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Melody...very sorry to hear about you needing surgery. Hoping that nothing is bothering you for your Mardi Gras cruise.

 

I went dress shopping the other day. Mom and I went shopping for a bit and went into Ulta and Sephora too...so I came home all inspired to play with the makeup that I already own and to go through my wardrobe to see if I fit into anything that would be worthy of a formal night. I didn't have anything fun for formal night but we had seen a lot of fun dresses in Macys...so back out we went and I found this beauty:

 

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/dkny-sequin-mesh-fit-flare-dress?ID=9676042&CategoryID=5449#fn=BRAND%3DDKNY

 

It's not a perfect Earth dress by any means but funny enough...the black is kind of dull...and the navy is kind of warm...so it isn't as awful as you might think color-wise. The fit is fabulous and so...it's a winner. The armholes are perfect...which is odd to say but that is a problem area for me...and there is virtually no bra showing at all in the fit of this dress on me. So yay!!

 

Plus, it works perfectly with my black Vibram V-soul shoes which are my "formal" cruise shoes. LOL.

 

So I'm all set for formal night for our Harmony cruise in February. I just need to decide if I'm going to wear this fun dress twice or not. I could wish it were plainer so that I could change up the accessories for the two nights? but I LOVE the flash of sparkle on the navy sequence...so, just might have to wear it twice and not care...KWIM?

 

There was another dress though...I must have tried on about 25-30 dresses. Definitely fit and flare is ME. Sheath is an AWFUL silhouette on me...works for Mom though...and Margaret and Laurie...but wow, this body needs the fit and flare. Funny how that is. Anyway this is the other dress that was a winner:

 

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/tommy-hilfiger-velvet-flocked-shadow-floral-scuba-dress?ID=10174584&CategoryID=5449&swatchColor=Spruce%2FBlack#fn=BRAND%3DTommy Hilfiger

 

This dress is more Earthy...the green is fab. Mom and I decided that the navy sparkle was more party...and the green with velvet appliqué was more champagne. I may just watch the price on that green dress. I wasn't able to really test out the proper size in the store...it was one size too big...

 

We don't really have New Year's Resolutions...we're trying to get away from that thought process. DH and I started working out already...working on our ultimate plan which will culminate in climbing Kilimanjaro with backpacking nights in Denali (no climbing) and other hiking/backpacking related milestones along our 3 year plan...as well as the Flowrider plans...kayaking, paddle boarding, etc. along the way.

 

Also...we're pretty sure we're going to move in August. It's not definite...and we are very much enjoying the fitness center here at our apt complex...one of the nicest ones we've ever had...so that may hold sway depending on how much they want to hike up our rent for renewal. There's so much growth around us...the going rate for our current floor plan can be $200 more than what we are currently paying...so... So meanwhile, we will continue with our downsizing...that will start up again after the holidays...after Mom and Dad head home after DS heads back to London.

 

DH and I have started doing spin classes. We have a fitness on demand room...a huge tv and you can play all sorts of different fitness classes. We have given the spin classes a try and they are really good. Really hard...and I can't really do it the full class...I end up having to just stay in the seated position and stop all the different body positions...but the intervals are excellent and I know I'm getting a good workout. It's challenging and sort of fun? The way the class is done is good...and the instructions for the changes is very good...the instructor voice is excellent and not annoying...and the class screen follows whatever path you choose...we've done a Scotland road and Alligator Alley. And I figured out how to adjust my seat so my rear end doesn't hurt so much...so bonus there.

 

Happy New Year to everyone! Hope everyone has a safe and joyous evening! We went to eat at Animal Kingdom Lodge for brunch and then to Disney Springs for a bit. Now we'll be in for the count and then tomorrow is DH's birthday. DS leaves Jan 2 but we aren't talking about that yet.

 

Cheers to all! A virtual *clink* with the champagne glasses!

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awhfy

awhfy

Posted
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Anita, love the blue dress!  I agree with Sally, the green is pretty but the velvet would make it too warm in Caribbean. Happy bday to your hubby
 

‘’Sally, good excuse for a new laptop!

 

this is what we did New Years Eve. Happy 2020 to everyone. Melody

 

ps I’m not letting anything disturb our MardiGras cruise (it’s Les’s bucket list trip)

7A3258B7-4BB3-479E-8170-ACC2442008B4.jpeg

74FCC57E-A07F-47AD-B683-AE47F184350B.jpeg

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laurspag

laurspag

Posted
Posted

Hello, all!  Happy New Year!  

 

We have had a wonderful holiday season.  Christmas eve was just my husband and I, watching a few favorite Christmas movies with some special treats such as bacon wrapped scallops.  It was very relaxing, as I worked until 3:00 and then I got a few things ready for Christmas Day, such as baking a cheesecake.

 

Christmas day, we relaxed and took our time opening gifts with my younger daughter.  We had breakfast, and then I cleaned up and prepared a little.  Our other daughter, son-in-law and grandson came over.  At dinner time (we  eat a bit early on holidays - a late lunch/early dinner) our daughter's boyfriend came over so there were six of us for dinner with the baby.  It was a lot of fun.

 

This past Sunday, I hosted the holiday party for family, and we ended up with about 20 people, including the little ones.  

 

Last night we went out to dinner at around 5:00.  It was just to a casual, local pub style restaurant we love up the street.  We watched football and somehow managed to stay awake until midnight!

 

Today, my mind is speeding through so many things.  It isn't about resolutions or things like that, it is having a chance to think when the holidays are over.  I have to reserve a car to rent for Fort Myers/Sarasota in March, for example.  I also wanted to do a little research and figure out how we will spend the second day of our trip.  It is pretty short overall, and my husband initially wanted us to fly in Wednesday for a Thursday game, and then fly back on Friday.  I suggested we fly back Saturday.  I figure if my sister-in-law is in town, we can spend the day with her and treat her to dinner as a thank you for letting us stay with  her.  There is a good chance she won't be there, and if not,  I wanted to have some ideas on how to spend the day.

 

If she has a pool, we will take advantage of that, possibly.  Do you think the chlorine will be an issue for my new Athleta swimsuit I got in July?  I can't wait t wear it.  

 

My husband has had some vacation time, but it hasn't been all R&R.  We had new interior doors installed.  He told us in advance it would be one day, and that did not seem likely to us.  The first day, he said it would be 2 days and it ended up being three.  He worked around the holidays nicely, making sure he didn't remove a door unless he could complete the installation of the new one. Then we had our new TV mounted.  I didn't realize what a difference it would be going from 55 inches to 65, but it is great!  Everyone enjoyed it at our family holiday party on Sunday.  

 

I've started a list of things I need to do in the house, and will likely take a few vacation days soon (or personal days) to do some painting.  There is a total of 11 doors that I now need to paint, and most of our trim is overdue as well.  We currently plan to paint the mudroom, and we've been discussing painting the den and the upstairs bath as well.  I know I won't get all that done in two personal days.  I am thinking of starting in the mudroom, as I can do trim, doors and the walls, then move into the next room and so forth.  It seems I have no time for this stuff anymore.  While hiring someone is nice, I hate to spend money to pay someone for something I know I can do myself, but also...I'd need to take off time to be here while they do the work anyway.

 

On thing we plan to do is put up some stone on the wall where the TV is.  The original plan was to do that first.  When we checked with the TV installer and a few others, I was surprised how many people said to do it after.  It is much easier to install it around an outlet, TV mount, etc., than it is to cut through the stone and do it.  I'll post a few pictures later of the new TV and the stone we are thinking about.  Now that we have the TV installed, I can see that the stone would be a great accent, and not overwhelming like I thought it would be.  It is literally half of one wall, that is covered partially by a 65 inch TV.  

 

Anita, your exercise facility sounds fantastic.  A good gym (private, as opposed to a crowded Planet Fitness or Aspen Athletic, etc.) is not cheap, and if you find yourself loving the convenience, I would say that is a great thing to have.  Many people are inclined to use a gym that is convenient over one that is not, and the spin classes sound awesome.  I know at our gym, the spin classes are extremely well attended by people of all ages and fitness levels.

 

It sounds like you and your husband are enjoying your life and the changes that have come along.  While children growing up is a difficult thing, learning to adjust and have yourself do things you've been wanting to do is such an important transition.

 

My husband and I have done that, but not to the extent we would like.  Both of us have had increase demands at work which take a lot of our time, and then there is our dogs.  Unfortunately, a kennel is not an option.  Having our two adult kids at home made it fairly easy to travel, and we are not down to one daughter at home.  However, she is not home a lot...she is very busy, and has a boyfriend.

 

One thing about our trips planned for this year is to work with not only her, but her boyfriend.    My feeling is that if I ask him also to help, and encourage them both to stay at the house, it will work better for everyone involved.  For the March trip, I am relying solely on them, but I hope to have a dog walker in place for the Boston trip in May to help during the day.

 

My main issue is that Harvey barks a lot, but he loves everyone.  That means even my sister can stop by to let them out during the day or to feed them.  Mason, however, is still not at ease with most people.   Getting a dog walker that he can get used to is important, and he happens to love my son-in-law and my other daughter's boyfriend.

 

My married daughter really can't help with the baby, plus they live about an hour away now.

 

Melody, I'm so sorry you have to have surgery again.  And here you are still dealing with the tooth implant thing as well, right?  You guys need a break from all the surgeries.  I'm thinking of you.

 

Margaret, your trip sounds very successful.  I am already thinking of what to bring in March, but I need to wait and see what kind of weather is expected.   Cropped jeans sound like a good option so far, but if it is warmer, I'll bring shorts.  If it is cooler, I'll aim towards jeans. For at least one day, my top will be a Boston Red Sox shirt!  I'll only be bringing casual stuff, and nothing more than what I need to have with me.  You did a great job, Margaret, of bringing along the right things.

 

Sally, gaining a few pounds sounds like an easy goal in my mind, but you have been sick so that is a very different story.  I hope you are feeling much better.

 

Sharon, I work on trying to clean up and downsize by at least getting rid of clutter, but it is an uphill battle.  I noticed we have some old chairs in the basement that belonged to my husband's mother.  We were looking to get different chairs for our living room, and I suggested that if he wants to keep those chairs, maybe we should have them reupholstered for the living room.  If a broken chair has been in your basement for 20 years, it is time to make a decision, right?  There is also a cane chair I would like to fix and put in the spare room.  He was so-so on the idea until I told him we should throw the chair out then.  It's broken and it's been in the basement longer than the other chairs.  He's coming around to  the idea of putting these to use after they are fixed up.

 

So....a big list for me to think about.  Painting, reupholstering, trip planning, dog training/sitting...

 

Enjoy your day, everyone.  I'll share pictures of the TV shortly.

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Sailor_Sally

Sailor_Sally

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Posted

When I was going through what they thought was pneumonia they ran some cultures . The bottom line is I have  bizarre disease caused by Florida water and soil that causes fatigue,  weight loss and shortness of breath . I start treatment at an Infection control specialist Wednesday .I don't feel sick only really tired .Luckily I am retired so I can deal with it. 

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awhfy

awhfy

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Posted
12 hours ago, Sailor_Sally said:

When I was going through what they thought was pneumonia they ran some cultures . The bottom line is I have  bizarre disease caused by Florida water and soil that causes fatigue,  weight loss and shortness of breath . I start treatment at an Infection control specialist Wednesday .I don't feel sick only really tired .Luckily I am retired so I can deal with it. 

 

10 hours ago, Sailor_Sally said:

The disease is called  NTM but it mainly affects people with lung problems .

My SIL that lives 1/2 year in Ft Myers developed that about 2 years ago (she has COPD). She is doing well now & is on a long term treatment with an infectious disease specialist. Hope your treatment works well, Sally. Melody

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pacruise804

pacruise804

Posted
Posted

Happy New Year!  The rest of the family is still sleeping so I thought I'd "peek in" for a few minutes. 

 

Sally and Melody, I'm sorry you are going through so many health issues - prayers for strength and healing. 

 

Anita, that blue dress is lovely and I totally get what you mean about arm holes 😉 Best wishes with your fitness journey, it sounds like a lot of fun.  We are getting back on track with our health too - DH had labs recently that showed elevated cholesterol levels and I'm feeling the effects of the extra weight and poorer diet too.  Our plan is a more whole food/less refined diet and returning to running and walking on a more consistent basis.  I'd love to add in kayaking, but am determined to clean out the garage and do some serious purging before we add more equipment to the house.  I downloaded Lose It and hope it will work better for me than MFP for tracking.

 

The new tv looks very nice, Laurie.  Best wishes finding a good dog sitter.

 

Daughter just woke up, so off to squeeze in a little more time before she heads back Sunday.

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