Among Friends

[Rowan72]

@gloriajean - we all prayed and hope that Linus' surgery remains a success. That he continues to enjoy life with much less, if any pain at all.

Best wishes with helping to potty train Darla's twin girls. It's an exciting milestone, once accomplished - though can be rather trying in the beginning. I had two boys (not twins) and the hardest part for us, was discouraging the youngest from going wee-wee outdoors whenever the urge hit him. He just didn’t want to bother with giving up play time to come in and use the potty. Or he'd put it off too long …

I doubt you will face such concerns with girls. Often, when they show no interest - they just haven’t a clue of this expectation, until they're shown. Perhaps by watching Mommy go, with their potty chairs nearby. Reading books - there are many available - about other little girls, or even baby animals learning to go potty helps many become interested.

Buy the Pull-Ups with cute patterns, since it's so much easier for them to pull up and down. Some are shy about the tinkle sound, since never hearing it while in diapers. Singing little songs or having a radio play in the bathroom can help there. Going #2 can be trickier, since they have to sit a while, so plan on pleasant distractions like story books. Hey, we adults often read while on the throne! It's not for nothing. 😉

Blessings to you and yours! Hope it's warmed up there in MN now. 

[Rowan72]

I'm baaack, after dinner at Selah's (she sends her love to all) and we watched the season finale of Victoria together. 

Some terrible breaking news of the 22 deaths (so far) from violent tornadoes racing through Alabama and now through Georgia and South Carolina. Prayers for all in their paths. 🙏🏼

@snappyfrappy - it's wonderful to hear how well Shirley is managing with her chemo treatments. We're all praying these will be her last. Your descriptions of your GGDs are so cute! They sure are growing up fast, and I know each moment you can spend with them is cherished.

Just think, this school year will be over before we know it, and your DD will only have, what … one more to go? Or is it two? I'm sure you'll both be relieved when she can retire with full benefits. In the meanwhile she has you to vent to a bit when the stress of it all becomes overwhelming. That is probably what most of it is - just venting. We all need to do that from time to time. If she really felt you were unsafe there alone during her work days, she would no doubt be speaking with you about having her sister, or someone stay there with you while she works. 

We've still been getting a few snow flurries or showers here in the mountains. Nothing too severe, like many. Mom’s cat, Mosey loves it until it gets too cold. 

Then she will alert us, if by jumping across to the screened window and meowing to come back in. Little stinker! She loves to chase the field mice around out there. Hasn’t brought us any “gifts” from among them yet. I for one am grateful. 

Mostly the weekend brought us downpours of rain, such as you've been getting. I know we need it, but I’d almost rather deal with light snow. With the temps changing, I had a heck of a time finding a raincoat for wearing to work, that has the hood, but isn’t too hot. Or too short to protect my skirts or pants. Finally found this London Fog in rosewood on sale at Macy's yesterday: 

Now I'm all set, so long as the tornadoes die out. Part of me always dreads this coming season's approach and they're hitting hard and early. 

Take care - you and all of our Q-friends. Wishing you all a good week ahead. Be chatting with the KS ladies more elsewhere. 

Sleep tight! 

-Rowan 🌜

[snappyfrappy]

Hello, MsLomo, I'm certain you are an incredible support to Anu. I feel positive for her since she felt she did well.

I do hope they expedite the grading,

Hope your hubby continues to heal and be without pain. You never complain which says a great deal about your love for him.

They were selling shoes on the Q and I saw them showing the rubber soles that "grip" and thought about you..

We had lots of rain yesterday. More starting on Tuesday. Don't hear the drought word these days.

Remember that I'm old as dirt, so the expression "he's a caution" comes from way back, but sometimes it just fits. Glad you like it.

Thank you for your encouragement regarding DD.

Enjoy your week,

snappy

[snappyfrappy]

Hi DeLaney, we out here do indeed have to spring forward and fall back. Don't like this change, and yes it's next weekend. Boo, hiss. I also would like them to just decide on one and stay there. But, they don't even know that.

That igloo looks wonderful. I've heard how very warm they actually are. Such special memories for the kids in your area.

Your hats are so cute! Enjoy them while you have that cold weather

Today I ordered one of the LOGO tops and the sleeveless dress in the rose color. AND, Josie's self tanner. Love the sugar scrub.

So sorry your neighbor had the troubles! Must have been quite something in the night. Goodness, grateful everyone is safe.

Enjoy the week. Lots more rain is in the forecast for us.

snappy

[snappyfrappy]

Hi DeLaney,

My parents divorce could never be thought of as a good thing, but since mother had to go to work, it couldn't have happened at a better time. My sister was born on December 7th, 1940, so Pearl Harbor was bombed on her first birthday while we were all gathered at my grandparents house. It was a Sunday and I remember all of it vividly.

The nation pulled together and stayed that way. RIGHT after 9/11 that feeling was there, but it didn't last.

My GS and I can talk about anything. I was glad to chat with him, listening and helping as I could. I pray for them in the most important things. Yes, I remember the old days of sharing, but we do what we can under the rules and are grateful for it.

Times change, but the Truth doesn't.

Give your little ones a kiss and hug from GG.

snappy

[snappyfrappy]

Hi, Rowan, I came to the Q to order today's TSV and thought I'd see what's going on here...well, chatty cathy here just had to chime in. It's almost midnight here, past that where you are.

So sorry about the tornadoes and the damage they are doing. Scary things.

Thank you for your concern for my sister. I texted her today to see how she's doing, but got no answer. She should need a daily shot for 3 more days, then wait for the PET scan which I imagine will be soon. She had trouble with the port. The nurse put the wrong sized needle in and as  a result, the chemo drug went into her body, not her vein!! The pharmacist said it will be okay, and we wonder if the Lord had that go somewhere nobody but He knows needs it!!!???

She was okay after that.

DD#1 has offered to come out once a week if we need her to, but she couldn't always do that. She's at a distance and also has many activities in a very busy life. It would probably have to be someone I'd have to hire, ad I'd rather not use the money the Lord entrusted to me for that unless I must, which could happen. For now, I'm able to care for myself.

BTW, love your raincoat!!

Have a nice Monday..

snappy

[WaJa61]

Dear, @snappyfrappy... I was first SHOCKED and terrified, as I'm sure Shirley was, when reading your last post here to Rowan. Had to close my eyes, bow my head and pray that she would be okay with the chemo drugs delivered to her body, rather than through her veins. Then, believe it, or not... the same thought occurred to me, as it had to you. Stranger things have happened in the Lord.

Either way, I'm thankful that the pharmacist said it won’t cause any dangers. I've never heard of that happening before, but back when my mother was on chemo, one time she was very weak and tired. She fell asleep during her treatment and I noticed a reaction at the IV sight, that then was spreading outward. I ran for the nurse. Something called extravasation had occurred. The medication had leaked into the tissues surrounding her hand and arm. Back then the chemo drugs could be caustic, so they jumped right on that. Afterwards, they used a port to reduce that risk. 

I don't even know what the TSV is for today, switched over to see, but they were showing the BBQ wings. Oh, my... between those, the DQ treats and Marcia's recipe, I'm starving over here. I assume your new dress might be the TSV, and I bet that would be beautiful to wear to the group birthday party soon! 

I had hoped that Suz' might be released to go home today from the hospital, but no... maybe by Wed, her Dr. said. There are still tests and more blood draws. 

DH and I are so tired today. Our sub-pump in the basement died last night. Without that, in the heavy rain, the basement would flood. We were up all night using the pool pump, rigged up to drain outside as a substitute. Being too small, it couldn’t register the water level correctly. Had to turn it on and off manually ever 30 minutes or so. Thankfully, our friend and neighbor owns a plumbing business and he sent a guy out to fix it this morning. Luckily, DH had already taken today off, since the county man was to be here with a new safety code for our generator system. The whole thing had to be moved about 5' out and placed on new blocking. Took most of the day and some heavy, loud equipment. Inspector comes tomorrow, and of course, I have my follow-up app't in the afternoon. Hope I get the all-clear, other than building my strength back up before returning to work. I get cranky being cooped up too long. 

Yes, I have to let Yolanda think she's keeping us line. She kinda prides herself on it! 😉 Thinks of us as her adopted family. If you recall, her own maternal family more or less abandoned her ~ moved away and don’t keep in touch. Embarrassed, I suppose, because she is mildly mentally and emotionally challenged. What used to be called “slow” with some anxiety disorders. Well, their loss is our gain. She's a wonderful friend, sister in Christ and nobody can top her with house-cleaning, laundry, cooking, gardening, preserving, etc. So now she earns a wage here (as much as is allowed so she can still get her disability) and like Anu said... takes great pride in her work. Can you believe this is her first paying job ever? She's 63. In part though, she didn’t get any opportunities, because of her anxiety disorder. No one much knew to take an interest, since she so kept to herself. She has really blossomed! This is the same lady who used to be on my charity route that gave Gracie the wigs and scarves to play dress up. 

Those deadly tornadoes down south... 😰 Many children are among the deceased. 23 was the last count. There are no words, but many miracles occurred, too. People survived completely unscathed while their homes were destroyed around them. We always hear of this and marvel at how and why. 

I can't believe young Luke Perry has died either. Couldn’t come back from the massive stroke, I guess. My younger sister used to have such a crush on him. 

Have a safe and peaceful week, dear one. I'll check back with you soon. 

Love & Hugs,

~Joy 💜

[WaJa61]

Dear @Rowan72 ~ it's so good to see you back here again, after your long absence. Necessary, due to work and other obligations, I know... but your posts are always as a balm to my soul. 

The only ways I have discovered to pick back up here where we last left off, is to bookmark the page of this thread, each time after your last post. Or you can go by your notifications, where you were hearted or mentioned following your last post here. Tedious, I know! I bookmark by habit now, and read forward... then you'll notice; I still often tend to post my replies backwards. I use the “view discussion in pop-up” to follow other’s posts, rather posting backwards or forwards. You can page that to and fro, without losing your post. 

That's a beautiful raincoat! I'm going to see if they offer that (or something similar) in petite. Could have really used it for going to church yesterday. Like you and dear Issy... I'm past sick of the rain. Even the ducks are taking shelter under the trees. 

I didn't get to watch Victoria yet (see above) and hope to stay awake long enough to watch it tonight. Give Selah and the family my love! That Mosey has turned out to be such a beauty. So very healthy looking. 😊

@DeLaney ~ OMG, that poor man! I'm glad Mike was there to help him. Will his dog survive the grizzly attack? 

Thank you for the gorgeous pics and delicious recipe. I can’t wait to try it. DH and the kids will love it, too. Anything Italian is always a winner with this crowd. Secondly, if DH hears of this hand-carved eagle art... he'll be wanting one, too. H'mmm... that would cost a fortune to ship, but what a summer birthday gift that would make to surprise him with! 

Yes, we enjoyed our time catching up with both grandkids on Sat. I don’t think Gracie’s mouth stopped the whole time they were here. She is missing her mom a lot, but she's been keeping busy. Making all sorts of spring break plans ~ for all of us! Heaven help me to regain my strength.

What an igloo!! That's an expert job, if I've ever seen one. I want to play in there myself...  in the day light, like your niece and BG, now that the bears are waking up. 😬 

There's a Mennonite Mafia? 😳 Get out! It’s a fictional series, right? Though not much could surprise me anymore... I will check it out soon. 

I hope you get some quiet, down time soon. Hah! I know, that's a rare commodity. You've got 4 generations there sharing space ~ kinda like The Waltons, but in real life. Still, it's a blessing and I know you’re grateful to yet have them all in your life. Kiss those sweet babies for me, if Tyler will take his toes out of his mouth long enough! 😅 

Love to All! 

~Joy 💜 

[SelahG]

Hello, ladies — Happy Fat Tuesday! I bring the customary donuts (though not paczkis) for all! 

Luke really did go and pick up 3 dozen this morning. We shared with our customers or the day could be renamed “Fat Selah”. All I have to do is look at them, and they take up residence on my hips and thighs. 

I have completed my PT and resumed swimming at the Y — added cardio to my pool routine. It all over-lapped briefly, which was so time consuming. That, the wedding trip to TX, then playing catch-up at work and home, has had me off-line. Read your posts last night in bed. Couldn’t sleep after watching “Leaving Neverland” on HBO. One of the most disturbing documentaries I've ever tried to absorb. It went into much more detail than I dared to guess. 

Have also been watching “The Passage” which wraps up next week, and “Project Blue Book”. That one can border on boring, but Luke insists on watching it. Through his eyelids, I guess! Without fail he'll doze off — until I change the channel. Then it's, “Hey! What happened to my show?” 

We watched “Pure” too, and yes, Joy ... there have been arrests, on a small scale, of some Mennonite drug traffickers from Mexico to Canada, involved in violence. In the series, it's a play on the word “Pure” since their lifestyle is supposed to be that, yet criminal elements within their society were trying to create the purest form of cocaine. Season 2 begins soon on WGN. Interesting crime drama with a unique twist. When we lived in N.D. there were some Mennonite communities — more over the Canadian line where my son and his gf live. I loved to buy my fresh butter and brown eggs from them. Those I knew seemed like the salt of the earth, though they weren't ultra conservative like some groups. They had cell phones — the adults — and computers to help manage their small shops and businesses. They still dressed “plain”. 

The wedding was really beautiful, ladies! The first time I ever attended a ship wedding. The reception was also held aboard. My step-daughter wore the second dress, which you all loved, too. She tried a navy blue hat similar to the one Agnes recommended, but with her dark hair, it didn’t appeal to her. She went with the white, which had a tiny spring of red and blue flowers on one side. Her bouquet was red, white and blue matching his red and blue boutonnière. So elegant with his Navy whites! 

I was disappointed that all of my kids and grandkids couldn’t attend, though they were invited in plenty of time. Probably more disappointed than the bride and groom, and they all sent nice gifts. I just felt that a couple of them and their spouses didn’t really make the effort to attend. Not out of any hard feelings, just a lack of interest. I realize it was a long way to travel with children, but Luke, Tanya and I had offered to help with the kids. We rented a big suite just for that reason — for nothing, as it turned out. Glad our son and his gf from Canada attended. They had the furthest to travel, but no children. That’s the way it goes … we enjoyed ourselves just the same, and the happy couple went to the Greek island, Corfu for their honeymoon. Luke, the step-granddaughters and I so enjoyed meeting up with Anu and family for that delicious Mexican lunch! (Rest your mind and nerves now, girl — the bar exams are behind you! 💃) 

@MsLomo  I just saw on QVC the rubber soles on shoes that roll up like a wooly worm. 

Minus the extremely grippy soles, they may be okay for lounging in the house, but with NO arch or ankle support, I couldn’t — wouldn’t — dare wear them as street shoes. I hope you and your hubby have both fully recovered now. 

@DeLaney TY for the recipe! That soup would be so good with some crusty bread and a fresh salad. Sounds like dinner to me, since I have all of the ingredients on hand. I have half a roasted chicken left over from last night's dinner. I bet Tyler is teething! He’s gnawing on things. My oldest son used to manage to get his whole fist in his mouth. Sometimes gagging himself in the process! Sure sign of teething. He had a teething ring that could be refrigerated … he'd put that on his fist and gnaw on both. 

@snappyfrappy 😳 What did Shirley's oncologist say about the mishap with the chemo? That's a new one on me and I pray, if it wasn’t God's will, no lasting damage will occur. How are her feet now? 

@LadyAnn I join all here in offering you my deepest sympathies on your loss of sweet Toby. It's a hard pill to swallow when we lose such a devoted companion. Please let us know how you are getting along when you want to. 

@bathina Good for you on cutting back with the travel for work! What will you do with all the extra time? I get so excited with the plans in the back of my mind, for when Luke and I can retire. May the day some soon. Have a good time on your vacation!

Waving to Issy, Ruth Ann, Hilo, Gloria, cute, Agnes and ALL! 👋

Have to get back to work, girls. I'm always thinking of each of you — and praying for your every need to be met. 

-Selah 😘

[snappyfrappy]

Hello, WaJa,

Oh, thank you for praying for my sister and for being concerned. Last night she said she is tired, but that the port is hurting less. Tomorrow should be the last in her series of 6 booster shots and a PET scan will follow soon. No date as yet. Interesting that you had the same thought I did about the possibility that the Lord sent that chemo somewhere he knew it needed to go. We can't know that, but as you say, stranger things have happened.

If the treatments are helping, there will be 3 more and then I think they will hope she is in remission once more for a long time, Lord willing. It was 9 months last year.

I can't imagine doing what she is, but she is strong and brave and otherwise very healthy. Her doctor told her that and that it will help her deal with this.

I can't even begin to understand what you had to go through with that pump! We don't have systems like that out here, or at least I've never heard of it. Finding a basement is rare. There's no need for one. I hope you don't have a set back because of the exertion and cold.

Grateful you have good friends and neighbors who will help in a time of need. Of course you are like that with everyone who needs you.

Hope the problem is solved now and that you get a good night's sleep.

Sorry Suz' is still hospitalized, and pray she can go home soon. Praying she receives grace to stay there as long as it takes so she is truly ready to take care of herself.

Yolanda is a blessing. I remember the other lady who was shy and how you took her under your wing and she has soared and now Yolanda is also. Such a gift.

I have to say that I had never heard of Luke Perry, but am sorry he is gone, especially at such a young age.

And those who have suffered in the awful storms.

The TSV yesterday was Josie's self tanner with a jar of her sugar scrub which I use all the time.

My DDIL was thinking about bringing Sunny here on Thursday if it doesn't rain. Well, she is ill again. My GD is going to work from home the rest of this week to keep the baby away from the illness. I wish she could do that all the time or at least part time. So, there will be no visit this week. My DDIL is scheduled for "clean out" surgery on one of her knees on April 23. She had replacement on the other one last year.

I wasn't going to post here today, but am glad I checked this thread and found you here.

Try to stay warm and dry and SAFE.

Love,

snappy