Among Friends

[MsLomo]

Dear  Anu, soooo happy it's in the rearview. And you are indeed a warrior woman, working, children, studying for the bar, etc. It's amazing that you managed everything. Once you get the word, you can exhale. How long do you have to wait? I took it in February and got the results around Memorial Day, if memory serves. It was torture every time I thought of the information yet to come, which was often. As you said, the stomach knot. I understand and hope you get the results FAST. Do you remember the essay topics? Any question that you would like to bat around? If it would make you feel better, please have at it! If you'd rather fuggedaboudit, we can do that, too!

Snappy, I hope your sis comes through everything with good news. And, like Issy, I also think DD#2 will be able to handle the working time left for maxmum payout. Regardless of her decision, we'll still be here, keeping in touch and chatting about this and that. Time goes so quickly. I remember when you thought you might not be around to see your first GG, and here she is! And about to conquer the loo!  She is, as you sometimes have said, a "caution." I've never heard the term before you used it, but I love it.

Issy, my heart goes out to you about your DB. I was thinking about him the other day -- what a sweet, loving brother. Of course your gifts were a big hit -- you have a knack for picking out just the thing.

I wish everyone a nice weekend. @DeLaney, I bet you and Mike are enjoying Gram, BG, and Tyler! As you said, never a dull moment! What fun.

to all ....

[DeLaney]

Ahhh. . . the weekend! I hope all of you are enjoying it so far. Isn’t this the last one before we spring forward with Daylight Savings Time? Though I don’t believe Snappy and Issy have to deal with that. Lucky ducks! I'd like it if they left it one way or another here, too. I hope neither of you get too much rain today—making it hazardous in your areas. There definitely can be too much of a good thing. 

I'm drooling over here at Issy's description of the party feast held for her friend! Sure wish I were there—and of course she adored the blinged out tiny shoe! 😍 I'm a shoe girl, too, be they casual, sporty or dress. Love boots, too. I have to control myself since I have too many and can’t part with any yet. All I have shopped for lately (besides baby clothes) are more winter hats. Great sales on them now! Snapped up a few of these: 

And Mom sent me here to order her the V-Neck Tunic with Tassels in black by Kim Gravel for herself. I don’t think I need much for spring, if it ever arrives here. At least I haven’t given it much thought yet, and I prefer cotton to polyester. May look around at Macy's later.

We are still in the deep freeze here. Tonight it will go down to -13. Woke up to rapid rifle fire this morning. Mike investigated and it was an elder neighbor who lives alone. Kind of a hermit, tho Mike and family have known him for years and takes him fish and meat from hunts. He can’t get around so well anymore to get his own. A grizzly was rampaging his smoke house! So they are waking up, and I guess she was hungry. I hope she didn’t have young cubs. He couldn’t scare her off any other way—then it went for his dogs and himself. He had no choice and he'll use that meat and the fur, too. (One Dog is badly injured at the vet.) Mike is still there helping him with all that, and I in my thermal PJs did most of the tax prep. Want to get those filed next week.

Yes, Joy. . . Mike and our nephews built the igloo: 

Our niece loves it, too, but only in the day. She and I took BG out there to play and she can say, and beg to go in the “loo” now. A different kind of loo, Snappy! 😜 (So cute that Star is potty training herself. Could we expect any less?) with the bit of melting, then re-freezing, plus more snow. . . the igloo is that much more sealed and solid now. The guys did sleep out there—Mike and I have done that while camping up on the peaks a few times. It’s unbelievably warm with the wind off of you, in the polar sleeping bags. I have no interest in going up there to camp right now, tho. Mike took the snow mobile up to have a look recently and the way was hard. Lots of trees down and so frigid! 

Soon, he and others with permits will collect and saw up some of the wood for our and other people's fireplaces and stoves. (This is not reservation land—they have their own to collect, and some make terrific carved art from the trees to sell. Mike has commissioned a Flathead member he knows, to carve out a big eagle taking flight from atop a thick post. Yard art he'll cement into a hole out near the drive somwhere. Speaking of which; here's a good shot of the Milky Way for you! 

Back in a bit, friends—I have a delicious recipe to share that I think @MsLomo, @WaJa61 and others will enjoy! Have to return a call first. . . 

[DeLaney]

One of those brain-scattering days for me. . . 

Mike on the radio, saying he has to also repair our neighbor's smoke house. I'm trying to make a few bottles ahead for Tyler, while returning a call, and naturally the whole household follows me into the kichen—yakking away. 😖

Joy, dad loves his new can opener! Was just into my last can of peaches and the vanilla bean ice cream. Some lunch! If BG were here; it would be topped with sprinkles, too. Somethings we just know. . . 

I love the GEICO Caveman ad, too! In fact, back in IRE, my brother hung out with a guy who looked so like him (minus the false big teeth) that when I first saw the ad; I thought it was him! He was brilliant and hilarious, but all into weird conspiracy theories. The things he came up with! I think that’s why my brother and his friends liked him so much. Definitely kept things interesting. 

I won't spoil “I Am The Night” for you, but much more will unfold about the stalking creep soon. Now that you mention it, Fauna could pass for Duchess Meghan's younger sister! Freckles and all—just darling! I believe the reporter is a fictional character, but don’t quote me on that. . . Another different and interesting series is “Pure”—delving into the Mennonite Mafia. 😳 Yeah. 

Tyler has succeeded in getting the two longest toes of his right foot into his mouth! Gram alleges that this implies he'll be right-handed. Pant, pant, grunt, grunt—ah, bliss! Now, he gets angry at his socks and he actually managed to get a knitted bootie off that foot. There it was, tossed on the floor and he was just sucking and gnawing away on the toes. Prefers those or his fingers to a pacifier unless he’s sleepy. Hope the fascination passes before he gets teeth! 

I know you'll enjoy your time with Gracie and Jax this weekend , and I'm so relieved you are beginning to feel human again. Bless your family and Yolanda for helping you out. Give them all my love, please, including Suz' when you talk to her! ❤️ 

Ha-Ha, @MsLomo! Thinking of my Dad in politics. . . He has enough opinions on EVERY issue, and believes he has the answers, too. He has always been pretty diplomatic with kids—adult family members, too. Sort of a peacekeeper. Mom says, “your father didn’t only kiss the Blarney Stone; he bit off a huge hunk, chewed and swallowed it. It's with him still.” 😅 I'm sure you know about the old legend of the Blarney Stone—kissing that supposedly gives one the gift of gab. 

I'm going to post that recipe below, before something else calls me away! You may already have it. My SIL found it on the net. We all enjoyed it very much. Tomorrow I'll make two of the meatloafs with the center thumb prints! Want to serve it up to Gram. 😋 

[DeLaney]

Hearty Chicken Penne Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 (15-oz.) can diced or crushed tomatoes
6 c. Chicken Broth
8 oz. Penne pasta 
3/4 lb. cooked chicken breast (about 2 breasts)
1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella
1 c. freshly grated Parmesan
1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Add tomatoes and broth and bring to a simmer.

Add penne and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley and season with salt and pepper.

Let cheese melt, then ladle into bowls.

[DeLaney]

@LurkyLoo, you might want to try it, too—for you and Gwen! You can double the recipe and she can take it in a thermos for lunch with crackers. That's what I did! 

@Q-Anu, too—use the flaked chicken you can digest, plus serve it up for your in-laws one evening with the frozen Sister rolls. I hope you won’t have to go with them all over Ft. Worth/Dallas looking at real estate. As fun as that can be, you have enough on your plate. I pray their house soon sells, and they can settle in nicely nearby to your family and Marian’s. TG the exams are behind you! I enjoyed my Mocha Moo Latte at DQ, but feel I cheated myself after reading what Agnes had, and Snappy is craving now. Have never tried a Blizzard. They look so large. Can you freeze what you can’t eat to finish later?

One thing: always start your car up first, and back away from suspicious ppl before leaving them requested money, or not. Lay down on the horn if they come for you or your vehicle—get out of there, and then dial 911 with a good description. They (and car-jackers, muggers, rapists, etc) are so bad here in the cities, that I have to arm myself. Had to undergo more training in defense for the prison program thru the church. Will send you some info, and really. . . he had no business pandering on public school property. I would inform the school immediately. 

Snappy, I can totally see you as a secretary doing short hand and typing. You seem to have great organizational skills, that you also use in home-making, as well as within your church duties. (I enjoyed it here back when you could still teach and inspire us with your profound knowledge of the Word. No longer permitted according to the new standards for the sake of peace.) Imagining your dear mother as a Rosie the Riveter now! If ever I knew this; it had slipped my mind. Saw a news story recently where a woman who had claimed for decades to be the original in the photo, was debunked when the real lady, with proof came forward. Those must have been such trying and heartbreaking times for most—the kind that tests one, body and soul. Do you sometimes feel this nation will see such times again? I do, and on a greater scale. 😥

Happy for you that Sunny. . . and then your GS dropped by to see you! He must have had something personal he needed to discuss with you. I know he misses his grandpa who was so very relevant to his life. It's great how well he's doing as a home contractor! Some day he may have his own business. Wise you are, tho, to put up a barrier between yourself and the germs. Your antibiotic, as great as it is; can’t protect you from viruses. Last thing you need! 

Better get busy now. I leave you all with big hugs, wishes for a safe and relaxing weekend, and the promise of my prayers for each of you and your loved ones. 

—Marcia 

❤️☘️🤗🙏🏻

[Rowan72]

Dear @LadyAnn (Patty Kate), I'm so very sorry to learn of your painful loss of Toby (Killer, the Wonder Dog). Your endearing memories of him, along with your gentle care of him, brought stinging tears to my eyes. I can only imagine how heavy your heart is, as you must let those bitter, yet cleansing tears flow. 

You are among friends here who understand and care, though I am a newer acquaintance to you. I still remember my first dog - a cocker spaniel, who I raised from a pup - not yet weaned from her mother, who died after birthing such a large litter. I had her for 11-years, before she died in my arms. I can still, after all these years, see those big, deep chocolate eyes - that sweet, little face, her silky ears and soft mouth when she took treats from me. When I was sick or down; she sensed it and wouldn’t leave my side. I took her everywhere allowed, too, my little Lucy. Still miss her, even after many other pets have come and gone. It does grow easier with much time - the hard acceptance of this circle of life. 

They are all special, of course, but some seem truly Heaven-sent. Our most special companions who leave us with their paw-prints permanently branded within our hearts. Toby knew of your great love for him. Though nearly blind, he saw it all through his sensitive heart. Bless you for giving him such a good, comfortable, safe, satisfying and full life … and ushering him out of this one so gently. 

Peace and comfort be with you, 

Rowan T.

❤️🙏❤️

[Rowan72]

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@Q-Anu wrote:

My neighbor loaned me her Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Walker.

That thing is great - doesn’t scuff the floors with the rubber wheels (rather than hard plastic) that turns so smoothly to go around corners. 8” front wheels, 5” back wheels, so works well on most any terrain, like when you have to go to your dr's visits and the pharmacy. Love how it folds up as an umbrella by just lifting the handle in the center of the seat. Locks in this position and easily unlocks. Very easy to store in the backseat of the car. Has easy adjustable handles and back rest, a cup holder for soup, coffee, tea or bottled water. A handy basket and a comfy seat with the wheels locked. I put a hand towel on the seat for carrying my plates of food and other items. It supports up to 300 lbs. it might help your hubby while he heals. Just a thought....

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@Q-Anu - where did your neighbor find this particular walker? I see others here with wheels and brakes in our drugstores and medical supply outlets, but not this one. This seems perfect for our father on longer outings where often there are not benches available. This looks similar to one advertised on TV: The Hurry Walker, but the wheels seem larger here. Do the handles raise up? He's rather tall, as you know. Also, approximately how heavy is it to lift when storing in the car? TIA. 

CONGRATS on getting through the bar exams!!! 👍🏼👍🏼 Such a relief and you can hopefully relax and enjoy spring/summer with much less stress. Hoping you passed and won’t have to retake them. 

DQ: my very favorite is the Triple Chocolate Brownie! Also love their smoothies and slushes in the summer. The Strawberry-Kiwi can’t be beat. Grape is awesome, too, but you will get purple teeth! 😚

Best wishes to your in-laws with the house hunting.

[Rowan72]

@MsLomo - how awful that you fell due to rubberized shoe soles again, and sustained deep bruising! Thankful you didn’t break anything. 

Back when I was teaching in the public HS in CT, I was wearing grippy, rubber soles near the 3-story stairwell when a student protest suddenly turned riotous. I and other staff members were trying to regain order, and I was hanging on for dear life to the top of the stair rail, with my heels dug in to the cement steps, and thinking … so glad I wore these shoes today. 🙄 Wrong! The crowd pressed in and I was shoved forward, one shoe gripped so tightly against the steel edge of the step that my other ankle turned/sprained before I fell down one story sideways and broke that leg in two places. Hit my head hard enough to sustain a concussion, too. Knocked me out briefly, and some of the bruising to the right upper side of my body and face, had to come from the stampede with falling students that followed me. Rather glad I was unconscious and didn’t witness that part.

Full cast on the leg, followed by much PT. That was approximately 3 years ago, and I am still very particular about shoe soles and stepping causiously. Don’t like public stairs or crowds that surround me either. Fear of falling, or being crushed may stay with me forevermore. Our reactions are our new “normal,” AFAIC. You take care, dear lady! 

My family's prayers are with your DH as he slowly recovers from his injuries and the infections. 🙏

Thank you so much for being here for all, and helping our Anu to prepare for her exams! It was very interesting reading for me - your guidance and expert tips. 👍🏼

I wish I knew of an easier way to find where we left off here when having been absent for weeks. Starting at the last post and reading backwards leaves a lot to be desired. This format only allows for thumbing back one page at a time. Do you (or anyone here) have a better method you use for catching up? TIA. 

[Rowan72]

@cute t - isn’t it scary how only slight cold symptoms can turn out to be … cancer? 

I'm so sorry that it was caught too late for the oncologist to treat your GS's father. 

Our family's prayers are with him, and your family during this difficult time. 🙏🏼 

[Rowan72]

Dearest @Issy379 - my heart breaks for you and your sister-in-law, especially, at this sad news on the loss of your precious brother. You were so very close - which has been such a special blessing throughout life, but makes your sudden loss all the harder to bear. 

They call us “survivors,” of the deceased … even when the pain is so raw some days, we have doubts that we can survive it. Some days we don’t feel like being strong - even for the sake of others. That's okay. Give yourself permission to grieve and otherwise cope as needed. My family’s prayers are with your family, as requested, during this difficult time. 🙏🏼

I'm sorry, too, to learn that your close friend is soon moving away. True friends can be as rare as precious gems, and my hope is that you two will always maintain your tight bond. Perhaps even plan visits that will include shopping sprees and fabulous dining! Bless you and the others for showing her off on her next chapter with such style and generosity. 

You are one of kind! 💎