The New Water Cooler
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Nice job on the walking. I hope it will get easier for you.
My folks as per usual just make me crazy. They are completely and totally in every single area high-risk and won't take precautions to lower those risks. My dad has whined to me five times that I should take this old, huge entertainment center that was left in their new place off his hands. I have told him five times, I already have a huge entertainment center I don't know what to do with. I really don't need or have room for another. I don't know if he seriously can't remember these conversations because it's his typical MO to just wear people down and they give him what he wants. My mom will make conversation about something that has varying side and opinions but if I actually voice what is my opinion on something she will snap back at me to remember how hard other people have it and I just need to be grateful. You know what? Just don't talk to me then. I am grateful for what I have and they have no idea what I keep in.
Blah.
My crazy is showing.
Thankfully it's almost lunch.0 -
Parents can be challenging as they age. Many of my MN friends would report stories about their parents that were frustrating like yours. My Dad died young and my Mom had dementia/Alzheimers the last 14 years of her life so I don't have the same experience. My Mom was a difficult person in her good years to deal with many a time. How often do you see your parents?
Russ and I went to the tile place today to discuss the repair we need on the front of our fireplace hearth. The guy who owns the shop is my sister's friend. He's been out twice this winter looking at the issue so he remembered the situation. We all agreed to put in one of the extra tiles we have even if the lot is different. It's noticable to us but if not looking forward it others wouldn't notice. If we don't like it we can save money and choose new tile down the road. I'd rather go with cheaper option first.
Our neighbor owns a store that sells cherry products. She gave us a cherry pie today. We plan to serve it tomorrow when my sibs are over for dinner.
Our patio table we ordered was canceled by vendor because they have stopped doing business with Amazon. We've been waiting 2 weeks already and now it is canceled. I picked out another one but it won't come for 3 more weeks. All of them are that way. I think they are made out east or out of the country so shipping is slow. What a disappointment.
I ordered a new Fire tablet (I read books on my tablet). My older one was losing it's charge quickly and had a cracked screen. I had it for 3-5 years.
Well have a nice night and stay cool.
Jenny0 -
Oooh, cherry pie. One of my all-time favorites. Make sure you have vanilla ice cream with it. For me! :>)
I also got a new kindle a few months ago. Mostly because the other one wouldn't hold a charge. Mine was probably one of the first couple of generations. So I did get a lot of years out of it. Lately I have been using the new one watching Chicago Fire episodes while I do my 'max trainer' time. It's not enough to get the weight off, but I am glad I am doing something for body movement.
I bet all patio/outdoor living stuff is hard to find right now. It sure seems like plenty of business in the areas open. We are up to over 23 million backlog - getting near to six months of orders just in backlog. It's insane. Who is seriously needing all this product?
Had a weird online argument with someone I went to college with (actually the captain of the color guard when I did that). She had posted an article from someone stating how the number don't support opening schools because there will be deaths for kids and teachers and it's just not safe or fair to them and good parents should just continue to stay home with their kids and work from home. I commented on the post just that not everyone has the luxury to stay home. I know there will be positive increases and probably fatalities if schools open, but that doesn't mean everyone has the option the poster has. Not everyone can work from home. If manufacturing stays home eventually people will starve. Medical supplies will run out etc. And do I think teachers lives should be endangered? No, but there sure is a lack of care about those of us who have been doing it since this began. And frankly plenty of kids need the safety school provides. They are in more danger not being in school. Is there one perfect answer? Nope. But it is too simplistic to say just stay home and protect your kids. In my opinion. Just like I have made the choice to go to work, because we like to eat and have had to learn to deal with the risks, teachers and others in those buildings will someday have to make those decisions for themselves too. Saying the public doesn't care about them if some push for reopening is not completely true. Pretty sure many of those same people have had their families at the ball games that have restarted, dance recitals I have seen pictures, bars, vacations. Any way. I didn't intend to start a war, and I understand her fears, I have them everyday, but sometimes it pisses me off how no one remembers all of us nobodies doing the jobs that keep the supply chain filled. It's like we don't matter.0 -
you'll see restaurants offering free meals to nurses, teachers, police officers. Haven't seen one mention about those of us working 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to keep things in the chain. Meh.0
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Yeah I got a little irritated with all the hoopla and recognition for health care workers and first responders. No mention of teachers, those in distribution and manufacturing, etc. this spring. I feel for the health professionals but it is the career they chose and they have to step up in hard times too. Teachers who are willing to stay in their profession will do the same and those who are scared or have other options will leave and find something else to do to earn money. Just like some health professionals have quit so will other employers see people quit too. There is no good answer for schools. I agree with the points you make. It is unrealistic for parents to stay home unless their employer allows them to work from home. However, most parents don't want to do distance learning with their kids and find it very difficult. Kids will fall pretty far behind if they are home for a whole year. I'm glad I'm done working in education and glad I don't need to work now. MI cases are on the rise again and I'm anxious for tourist season to end so few come up here to the beaches, etc.
It poured rain and stormed today so we canceled our sibling dinner and rescheduled for Friday. We were grilling smash burgers and roasting veggies outside. The pie won't be around for them because I'm digging in to it tonight. Yes, I will eat vanilla ice cream with it and say cheers to you as I do. I wish I could teleport a piece to you!
We have ordered so much from Amazon recently that we are going to put out a cooler of bottled water and snacks for the mail person, Fed Ex, UPS, and Prime delivery. They have been coming almost daily so we want to show them we appreciate their efforts to come up the driveway and place boxes in our garage.
Well have a good Thursday!
Jenny
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Hi ladies- trying to get on the wagon yet again,
I hired a running coach so that's been helping me some! At least I'm getting my runs in! I did something else to help as well - I signed up for my second full marathon!!! I will be doing it virtually. The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon was cancelled on Monday. It went virtual, and was by far the best priced (cheapest) of all the ones I've looked at! I went for it! I don't want to be a one time marathoner and want to get another one done. Virtually is going to be (mostly likely) the only way. My local one I did before isn't doing the full again, and I can't afford to travel. (Even if I wanted to travel right now!) I'm hoping this helps me get in shape and eating right again!
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Beautiful day! Russ went to the city to get light bulbs and a ladder he needs. I am relaxing and looking for throw pillows on the internet.
This week the farmers are shaking the cherry trees. Fall will be apples. The cherry pie was wonderful, Marla! I had an extra big piece to share with you virtually.
Not sure what I'm going to do the rest of the day. Maybe Russ will want to go kayaking later this afternoon. I didn't sleep well and was up very early. I see a nap in my immediate future.
WTG Ang on getting your runs in.
Have a wonderful day!
Jenny0 -
man I want cherry pie so bad!
Caleb is still getting the 'remind' texts from sports even though he isn't it doing it actively, he got one last night that 'someone close to a player' has tested positive so all camps and open gyms are canceled for the time being. I bet administration uses this as the excuse they have been looking for to cancel school. See?? We can't keep people safe. Too much liability. Safe enough for us schmucks to go to work.
Wagon? What wagon? I keep trying. Failing, but trying.
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Now we have pie choices! Jeff (son) and Karah (significant other) live in Atlanta. They sent us a peach pie from the Southern Pie Company. They had sent us a box of assorted pies at Christmas. The crust is amazing. So tonight at the sibling dinner, we can offer a choice of peach, cherry or a sliver of both. Yum!
C had already quit football hadn't he? Was he still going to weight training/conditioning? I hope he wasn't exposed. We found out my niece who we have spent time with may have been exposed through her cousin. Cousin tested positive so her mother and sister have been tested waiting for results. My niece has only had contact with her aunt. If the aunt tests positive Abby will need to be tested and then possibly all of us who've spent time with her. It was a matter of time I guess.
Charlie just took off like a bat out of hell for something he saw on the side of the house. He came back kind of sheepish so I don't know what it was.
Beautiful breeze but hot in the sun. Humidity and dewpoint in the high 60's. Somewhat uncomfortable. Temps are great but I don't do well when humid.
Have a wonderful day!
Jenny0 -
C kid hasn't been to any football or weights activities since before the 4th of July - he is just still getting the texts.
Three more hours, three more hours -
hopefully there aren't 'bad' critters for Charlie to tango with.
Wishing you good vibes that your family is all testing ok -
It's supposed to he** weather for the next few days - over 105. Nasty and dangerous.0 -
My parents were tboned in a blind intersection on a gravel road yesterday. Mom is ok and dad was life flighted to Sioux City in a coma with a brain bleed. The last 30 hours have been intense. Driven back and for twice. Got to see him for a few minutes. Prayers appreciated. Hugs friends0
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We had torrential rain yesterday that flooded streets in town. The winds were so strong that huge old trees came down on some houses. The winds were pushing the rain horizontal and we couldn't see the orchard in front of our house. It was all white. It passed and a couple of hours later I was doing water jogging and floating in my sister's pool. Today is sunny and windy. Tomorrow is suppose to be cooler.
We've seen that Mpls has had high temps like you. Bad storms with hail. Did you get that weather?
Lazy day here. I'm reading and watching Hometown on HGTV. No motivation to do anything. I did two loads of laundry so that's something.
I hope you've had a good weekend. Did you go to church yet?
I did put in a request for a hair appointment at a new salon in our little town. It gets great reviews. They just opened this summer. We will see how quickly I get in. I'm not in a hurry but my hair is pretty rough right now.
Well have a nice night,
Jenny0 -
My dad made almost miraculous progress in one day. He was extubated yesterday. Woke up. Moved to a regular room today and started therapy today. We couldn’t see him but sister talked to him. Oof. We’re all exhausted already. But amazed at his progress0
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I'd say God has truly blessed my folks. Dad is making almost unbelievable progress. He is complaining about the food. My mission today is to make the four trip to pick up his cell phone and get it to the hospital. We will also let the horse out of the barn and clean out some more belongings from the car. I am hoping mom got in touch with the sherriff to make sure they didn't do a no fault - because their car was hit on the back panel - they were definitely more through the intersection.0
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Wow Marla, I think I missed the post your parents were in an accident. I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's injuries. I'm so glad he's making a rapid recovery. Scary! Prayers that he continues to heal well.
These cooler temps are so nice! 60's and 70's without the humidity. Today I met a friend at her dock and we kayaked for a couple of hours talking, floating and paddling. My arms feel it! We then sat in the sun on her dock and talked watching the boats on the lake. It was a busy day on the lake.
Russ put the deck chairs and table together and we ate out on the deck tonight. That was nice to be outside. There is an electric awning that comes out over the table with lights if we were to sit there at night. As late August and early September arrive that will be nice to have the lights. The awning is nice if it rains and isn't windy.
The farmers are shaking the cherry trees this week and next. I stopped to get the mail and they had spilled some cherries from the boxes as they left our road. There are orchards across the field from us and up in the hills. Our road turns into a dirt road and then a two track road up into the higher orchard. We can hear the shakers and see the trucks running the cherries to the processors or wherever they go after the tree.
How long will your Dad be hospitalized? Hang in there.
Jenny0 -
Your outdoor area sounds nice!
Dad seems to be progressing at a rapid rate. They want him to do in patient rehab for some therapy things but mom is being crazy about wanting him home. I’ll try to get more into when I’m on my keyboard. Oh so exhausting trying to do deal with this and all over the phone and my mom being kind of irrational.
Caleb started his job today! He’s so excited0 -
Does your mom get nervous being home alone or is she nervous about your Dad being in the hospital too long and catching COVID or an infection? Hope he is ready for discharge soon.
How does C like his job?
We hung a new light fixture today, went to a local shop and bought their home made sourdough bread and croissants, and went for a drive to see the orchards hanging heavy with cherries.
Lazy day!
Jenny0 -
This whole thing is such a crap show all around. Yes I am very grateful that my mom is ok and dad seems to be making a miraculous recovery. But it's all this after stuff will likely kill us all. Probably including mom - I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up hospitalized at some point. She just doesn't do well with medical stress. I had heart problems growing up and would hide them from her when I was having an issue, because she freaked out so bad. When my grandparents were ill she would have to have us kids deal with it.
So much I want to try to download on but there is SO much.
THankfully dad was released yesterday. We'll see if they do what they must do and stay home and finish recuperating. Michele had to tell them multiple times they can't be running around. I will plan to go up later this afternoon after work and Caleb's shift today (day two! so far so good.)
It sounds like even the folks own insurance company is trying to lay it on mom. Unbelievable. First off, the accident report isn't done yet. And, it was a gravel road, unmarked intersection with the folks going north/south - and the way the other driver/guy was on a minimum maintenance road east/west. Yes, he was on the 'right', but mom was more than 3/4 through the intersection which you can plainly see since he hit her on the back panel of the car. Plus, they have this HUM thing that tracks data and she was going no faster than 27. I can't believe they are trying to put the fault on her. What about the other guy? They are screwed if they fault her, plus even no fault - they only have 100,000 on their car medical liability. This is why we bumped up to million a bunch of years ago. Their insurance company is telling dad he can sue mom. But they aren't going after the other driver at all? I have been saying since day one they better get a great lawyer. This could financially devastate them.0 -
I tried to maintain a positive attitude about the hospital itself, since they did save his life, but after moving him out of ICU he soiled himself 5 times because they wouldn't answer his call for assistance to the bathroom, left him alone in the shower without telling him to not get his staples wet and him being extremely unsteady and sent him home without being to talk to us with this 'special packet' of information regarding his release, the packet belonged to some homeless person. No clue or care what happened to dad's personal information. So, yep, I'm firmly on the they need to get better at their jobs camp. There's more of course - but those are the lowlights.0
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Wow Marla! All doesn't sound good. Was the other driver hurt badly or have a pretty wrecked car? If he was coming from the right was his road a main road and your parents were coming from a farm road? I don't get it. The hospital sounds like a nightmare but I'm not surprised. They are really under staffing the floors these days with a nurse having too many patients and the CNA's running from room to room (not enough of those either). Remember when I *kitten* about Russ' experience in the hospital and nursing home? The lack of staff availability when you needed them was real. In the hospital I had to request he have a sponge bath and get his teeth brushed. It was not a priority to make a patient feel as comfortable as they can. He fell off the roof onto pavement and dirt! He was in ICU for 3 days and the next level for 7. Don't they think a patient would want to be cleaned up and have their mouth feel better. Not to mention neededing assistance with bedpans!
Well your situation and worries are very real and stressful. Try to meditate or soak in a tub for 20 minutes or so to give yourself some time to regroup if you can.
Nothing new here. I went to the city and bought more fabric for my table revitalizing project. Now to pick out paint color. Visited my niece's house and played with my grand niece. She's a cutie.
Hang in there. They definitely need a good lawyer on their side!
Jenny0 -
Gravel road all ways. The north/south my folks were driving is the more frequently traveled and the east/west the other guy was on is minimum maintenance. I don’t believe he was hurt at all. And as he was in a full size pick up vs moms Taurus hi truck was probably in better shape. I didn’t see pictures though. Moms car was totaled out.
My sister has to travel again next week. Oy vay. I’m on my own with them. CALGON!!!!0 -
It's only been a week. I'm so tired already. I texted mom hours ago to see how they're doing - haven't heard anything. I just know they are out doing something they shouldn't. Going to the farm to check on the horse, going to Omaha for a prescription. Something.
Gah.
I feel a million years old.
Super hot and humid too.
Are you sewing something for your project? You could paint some rooms in my house! I really want to get new vanities and light fixtures in both the upstairs bathrooms. Just hate what's in there. The dishwasher is giving me fits, Bernie says its just a simple part, but is too busy to take care of it. Maybe this weekend. There are a couple of grad parties this weekend that barring any major parental catastrophies we are going to. They were good buds to Zach in music ministry and we need something normal.0 -
My first project is painting a table that has a glass insert top with fabric under the glass. I bought new fabric, washed the wood table and am waiting for Russ to glue to rim and make it strong again. I ordered a blue fusion/chalk paint which will arrive early August. I'll paint the table and put in the new fabric. It's a very small table that will be put between two chairs either in the den or livingroom for drinks if someone is sitting there and needs to put their glass down. It will be cute if it turns out. I washed a head board that I bought from the sellers today. I'm debating whether to paint that instead of leaving it wood. It's not in the best of shape but then it's old and that's expected. I do plan to paint both bathroom vanities which are ugly. I don't want to replace at this point. I am going to paint the master a charcoal gray and the guest bathroom either ivory or a very light gray. I'll do the master first.
We kayaked for 2 hours yesterday. My arms are sore and Russ is very sunburned. He did not wear sun tan lotion like I did. I use 50 SPF. I'm fine.
I'm off to my sister's pool since today is very hot.
I hope your parents are staying out of trouble. Have fun at your parties.
Jenny0 -
I think your table sounds very cool. I always want to try painting things - but they are always wood (nice) and it's basically a sacrilege to paint wood in my family.
So freakin' hot.
We went to visit my folks Saturday. Dad is doing well. He is going to go to outpatient therapy for awhile. Hopefully he actually goes and does the exercises. While he is doing great, I can see that he needs some, tweaking. He is drooling a bit and not the steadiest when walking. I can already see that mom thinks he's fine. And dad is doing great, but the therapy will only help him. I made a big casserole to take to either eat or they could save. I am so sick of doing drive through every time we are there. I hate to cook, but enough. I guess mom is done cooking suddenly - she said she signed them up for meals on wheels. Which I guess is fine, but she has always given me a hard time because I make no bones about hating cooking and I often don't cook and make everyone just fend for themselves. She's always - it so easy to whip something together. Huh, not anymore? I'm more than a little annoyed with her. After spending all day - bring them a nice meal which we shared - I was more than ready to go. I was broiling in the house. She kept going on about how great the air is there - well maybe for her since she is suddenly cold all the time, but I was literally roasting and getting sick. I made the noises to get ready to go (been there almost 7 hours) and suddenly she had to have us stay for dinner - something she'll just have us pick up. I tried to get out of it. They didn't need to feed us, no more takeout necessary, we had shared a meal, but she was insistent. I finally said fine. Then she goes - well unless you really need to go. I say - well you wanted us to stay. "Oh and now you're mad at me." Because you're manipulating me!! Then she goes and leaves dad to go to Omaha (for prescriptions maybe?) and he must have forgotten and tries to call both me and Michele but we can't hear him, they don't have a landline and we are an hour and half away anyway. Arrrgggghhh.... Michele got pissed too. We told her she couldn't leave him alone. She insisted on getting him home, she needs to keep her butt there. I'm over this. They want to live in Wayne? They need to get all their four thousand prescriptions up there, doctors there and do the shopping there. We live too far away to get there quickly. Argh. Done.0 -
Taking care of aging parents or dealing with their actions and attitudes is difficult. Many of my friends in Mpls and here are in that stage of elder care. They all pull their hair out! My Mom's dementia was a challenge but the more her memories disappeared the easier it got. Very sad but she didn't know any better or remember her independence at that point. Unfortunately, it is a long road ahead. You and your sister will have to tag team to keep each other from burning out as time moves forward. Otherwise you will be both be feeling crazy all the time.
Our new dining room chandelier has to be sent back. Didn't come with a long enough chain and wire. Now I have to pick out another one. Not a major world problem but just want the details done. There are not many attractive light fixtures out there these days that fit my taste. I don't want trendy, just traditional. My brother is going to paint our fireplace starting this week. It is a large feature that divides the dining and living room and is currently a dark navy blue. The color compliments the tile on fireplace front but is pretty dark and heavy. It makes the living room feel darker. I'm currently picking out a lighter color to compliment the tile on the front. We are going to paint the sides and back (dining room side) the same color as the other walls. The front will be an accent color. So I'm going to get some samples tomorrow at Home Depot and he will begin painting on Thursday.
Jeff and Karah, possibly Rory, are coming to visit 8/22 for a week. It will be so good to see them and have some time to do fun things.
Cooler, comfortable temps and humidity today. AC off, yay!
Jenny
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will that be the first time your kids see the place? How fun!
My AC will run until the heat goes on. My allergies are killing me. Caleb too, poor kid. I never used to have terrible allergies, but the worse Calebs bother him the worse I seem to feel. Weird.
Even though I am super tired, all I do at night is toss and turn. Just can't settle and quiet my mind. Yuck.
Hugs!0 -
so the high school (and the elementary and middle school, but I only 'care' about the hs) released their plan for school yesterday. Since C-town is considered 'yellow' they are focusing on returning with things like masks at all time except for PE, distanced in classrooms, increased cleaning, built in time for hand washing, and only grab and go lunch and spread out lunch times. Boy do I still have a lot of questions. What about choir (and band) - those are large groups and no way you can distance and the very point of those activities are to forcefully move air. Where do they eat lunch? I guarantee they won't distance. They will be in their groups. And if you spread out the times to make smaller groups some will have to eat at 8:30 and others at 3:30. Silliness. I really want him back in school, but this plan has a lot of issues I see. Oh and they can't arrive early. So you want all 900 to arrive in the same 10 minutes? Good planning. The comments on FB have been entertaining so far too.
I still feel like they are putting things out there that they know won't work just so they can say, "See? We can't make school work."0 -
I can guarantee the kids will become complacent with masks and distancing as they get use to being with each other again. Staff will have to police all that and it will be a nightmare. What does C think of it all?
Yes, that will be the first time our boys see our new home. They have seen pictures but haven't seen what we've done to spruce it up on the inside yet. They are happy for us being here.
I think MN governor announces tomorrow whether schools will open or not. Then districts will have to decide how to provide education based on guidelines if they do open. So glad I'm done!
I got my first hair cut today since COVID began. My last cut was January. I went short (chin length) to get it off my neck in this humidity and also to cut off some of the old foil that is too golden. I look like a calico cat with the gray, dark brown, golden brown and blonde streaks. She cut off 5-6 inches in a bob with it stacked a little shorter in back and slightly longer in front. I love it and it will be easy. Now I can get my drivers license renewed if I can get an appointment. Russ went in for his yesterday. We are checking canceled appointments to slip in to locally. Otherwise I have to drive an hour away in September for a scheduled appointment. Hopefully I can get one next week for me in our town.
My brother comes to paint the fireplace tomorrow. I went and bought samples of paint for the front to compliment the tile. I have to paint them on and see what I think. He is painting the back side of the wall tomorrow with first coat.
Well let me know if you get your questions answered regarding school. It's going to be another crazy year and not normal for anyone.
Jenny0 -
I finally realized I kept assuming that my C kid was anxious to go back to school, but I had never asked him. I talked to him about the 'plan' loose as it is last night. He said he's worried he'll make us sick and that somebody will die because of him. Awww, that poor kid. I told him nothing that happens will be because of him. We've been out there for months and are doing ok. But if he wants to look into homeschool we can. I bet there are a lot of other kids out there that have absorbed their parents and the media-played fears. We are honestly still a long ways from actually getting kids in classrooms. I still don't really fully believe it will happen.0
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MN is leaving it up to the districts to decide their model but schools can open. My friend is freaking out because her kids are middle and high school age. She doesn't want them back in school. C is so sweet! How awful he is feeling he would be responsible. He's putting a huge burden on himself. Kids shouldn't have to think about that. I love the way you responded to him.
Our belongings from the POD are being unloaded to the pole barn now. The movers emptied the POD and brought everything up this afternoon. Now we can see what we own! Happy 27th Anniversary to us! Russ had to drive down state to unlock the POD and meet the movers and then drive back. My brother started painting the fireplace wall today. We are going with the creamy off white we put every where else. It will brighten up the dining and living rooms. I bought 5 accent colors to compliment the tile and hated them all after I painted swatches on the wall. We are going with the off white. I will hang one of my framed prints above the mantel and it will look nice with the off white background.
Beautiful weather here. We haven't needed our AC this week. Any plans for your weekend?
Jenny
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