Among Friends

[MsLomo]

Dear Anu,

Here you go, Warrior Woman ... a big hunk of chocolate that just broke off from my dipped vanilla cone. (I've got a napkin over my fingers so it's sanitary!) I hope you have collapsed in a soft chair, although you may be "wired" for a day or two! I raise my glass of iced tea in a big toast to you! 

Dear Agnes, 

I've never tried anything but a dipped cone, and it's nice to be validated that it is very hard to eat! Next time, I am going to try that Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard. Even the name is satisfying.

DH is much better, but still struggling a bit due to his other health issues. It could be worse, so I am thankful.

Love to all ... I will be back soon. (Can't wait to hear from Anu!)

[WaJa61]

Dear, @LurkyLoo ~ we had that same wind blow through here. Probably the same evening. The lights would go off every 15 or 30 minutes... the generator system would kick on, then off. Each time our Direct TV hard drive had to reboot. Bad for electronics, so I turned the TV off and unplugged it. Was trying to watch the fashions on the Oscars. Boo-hiss, but I knew the ladies here in Fashion would have a thread covering the highlights, and they did. 

I know Gwen is much more comfortable there with you ~ the little she can be, between school and working. I'm thankful none of her things were ruined in the flooding.

No worries of me pushing myself... As Agnes said, Yolanda is back on the job. She was actually mad at DH and I for keeping her safely away from my germs. Claims she never catches anything, and thinking back over these 20+ years of knowing her (and her medical phobia); she's only had a couple of colds that cleared up quickly with home remedies. After she got over her outrage (and lecturing) she went to spring cleaning. I told her it's too early for that... Old Man Winter hasn’t made up his mind yet on rather to leave or not. 

Well, she assured me that SHE had! 😜 The calendars say March 20th, so that's all the time he gets. He's not going to put her behind in her work. She rushed me back here to the master suite with my lunch tray, and now she's out in the greenhouse. I've been shopping online for the grandkid's spring and summer clothes. Jax especially is outgrowing everything. Jodi gave me the sizes, including shoes. Hopefully I'll get to see them this weekend. 

Thank you for letting us know that Rowan has the wedding pics up!! I'll head there next. 🤗

Did you ever describe Sister Wives perfectly! All of the adults seem miserable ~ even Kody, since he's never satisfied. He was blatantly lying to his wives about this next move (after seemingly dozens of previous ones) being fiscally prudent, too. Less house for more money in Flagstaff, AZ. Then too, his and Janelle's poor son has the most to lose and is visibly distraught. And all for what...? They'll have trees on the property! SMH. 

I have watched 2 episodes of “I Am The Night” so far @DeLaney and despite my dislike of the reporter so far; I'm hooked! I'm afraid for Fauna, but understand her need to know about her birth parents. I'm also interested in finding out who the weirdo is that's watching her. I hope he's not her real father! Don't tell me ~ no spoilers! 

Marco Rubio and Paul Ryan were both recently on “Finding Your Roots” @agnesann. It was very interesting, if you haven’t seen it yet. I also watched Charlie Pride on American Masters. Brought back memories through his songs of my early childhood. You are too young to remember him, but what an accomplished and dignified gentleman! I learned so much about him that I never knew. 

Things have a way of working out, sweetie ~ Providence.  I'm praying Michelle doesn’t lose both children, and that her depression is situational and can be treated on an out-patient basis. I'm here to listen whenever you need me. ❤️

[WaJa61]

Dear, @snappyfrappy ~ I'm thrilled that Sunny's all better and got to come see you at last!! I'm sure she didn’t mind the state of your hair. 😅 Know what you mean about a little warning, though. A ph call an hour or two ahead allows us time to tidy up a bit and have a little something ready to offer our guests. Even when it's family... we are so casual here with immediate family and a few neighbors, that we don’t get that luxury either most of the time. They just pop in on us. Speaking of frightful hair... I'm glad y'all can’t see my fuzzy mop right now! Yolanda said if my usual friend/hair stylist can’t come by soon; she'll take the scissors, styling gel and curling iron to it herself. I’ve just been washing it in the shower and letting it mostly dry in my Turbie Twist towel, then apply the gel and combing it through before it totally dries... then brushing it out. It still frizzes overnight, except for the side I sleep on. I look like one of those before and after shots on the Q. One side tame ~ the other wild. 🙄

Suz' is still in the hospital... they’re giving her fluids and anti-virals and B12 injections, and breathing treatments among other things. Fighting the infection and trying to build her up again. I can talk to her now in the semi-private room. She still feels bad enough that she's not begging to come home yet. She yet needs help ~ a wheelchair ~ to get to the restroom with her IV pole. We really appreciate your prayers. Gracie is still staying with my youngest son's family, over by the lake, near the resort where I work. I'm hoping to see them all this weekend, if the weather isn’t too nasty. Is it still raining there? Our weatherman said we may even get some snow by Sat. 

Thankful your friend, the pastor's wife and her group made it back safely! They have a whole family of missionaries. May they remain protected in this increasingly dangerous world. 🙏 

I’m enjoying your and Marcia's discussion on the background of the women in your lives. I know I've told of mine here in the past with you and dear Hilo. It's helpful to remind ourselves of the stock we come from sometimes. How our parents and grandparents survived their trials and tribulations. Each generation has them. 

Feels good to get those taxes filed and behind us for another year, doesn’t it? 

You, too, are so very special and important to so many. Including all your friends here! ❤️ I feel your DD will make it through the necessary time until retirement and our blessed Lord will continue to provide you with what you need to care for yourself, until then and well beyond. I'm praying to that end. Did you know that at the last count by the U.N. we have over 300,000 living centenarians worldwide? “He's got the whole world in His hands.” 🎶 So either way... everything is going to turn out perfectly for His own. Hugs and love to you, dear one! ❤️

@MsLomo ~ did you see me at Dairy Queen in the corner, trying to hide my Cookie Dough Mini Blizzard Cake? 😚 My appetite is returning and the dipped cone just wasn’t enough! 

I can't wait to hear from Anu either! I wonder if she had to work today and tomorrow? Doesn’t seem fair, if so, but maybe she will check in with us on a quick break ~ or tonight. So very proud of her! 

I'm happy to hear your DH is recovering from the infection. His ribs can heal better now. I know he has other obstacles making things challenging for the both of you. You are an amazing woman and a pillar of strength, though ever so humble and grateful ~ speaking of Grace. Sending (((you))) hugs and lots of love! ❤️

~Joy 

[Q-Anu]

@MsLomo and all…I “Got 'er done!!!” When I finally completed the exams; I was filled with optimism - felt relatively sure that I'd done well enough to pass. All of your prayers, warrior vibes and good thoughts saw me though! Thank you all again so very much! ❤️😘

Now the waiting has begun and I hope it doesn’t drag on too long. I don’t do well with waiting and wondering. I'm trying to stay busy and preoccupied, but I'm jittery and the knot is back in my stomach. It's not from the banana split at DQ either! 😀 Thank you all for being there and to @MsLomo for sharing her hunk of chocolate with me. Perfect for dipping the whipped cream! Love you all to bits! 

@WaJa61 … I did have to work yesterday and WHAT a day that was. It started off with freezing drizzle that froze on the highway and bridges. You know this native Californian/Tx transplant has zero experience driving in such conditions, which is nothing to most of you. I white-knuckled it all the way to work to find copious chaos in the office. At least it kept my mind off the wondering, but I developed a tension headache with slight dizziness anyway. Was looking forward to a quiet lunch, but the staff had a little party with cake planned for me. That was very sweet and I appreciated it, but everyone kept asking if I was okay. I looked pale, etc. Don't you hate that?? While feeling like you might 🤢 barf at any minute.

Got through that, took our son to practice and decided to wait there in the car, listening to our daughter’s last piano recital to unwind with my eyes closed. Some strange guy suddenly banged on my window - my heart nearly jumped out of my chest! He was wanting a light for his “last cigarette.” I didn’t have one, so he wanted money to buy a lighter and a pack of cigs. He looked menacing, so I said a prayer as I got my cell ph out for him to see - had my finger on speed dial for 911. I cracked the window and threw him a $20 bill, started my car up and backed out. Drove around until he was gone. Some beggars here can be aggressive/violent. Most are addicted to drugs. Was so glad to get home! 

This is thankfully my regular day off. Happy Friday and happy March, everyone! I'm here a bit early at the airport waiting for my in-laws plane to come in from CA. They are staying with us a couple of weeks. Their home is still on the market in S.B. and they will be looking at real estate here. My MIL has decided that she wants to be closer to family, especially the grandchildren. My widowed SIL lives here, too, with her two sons. This will be nice, if they find a house they love, since my FIL has retired. He loves to golf and can do so with my DH if it all works out. They may have to reduce the price on their current house, so it will sell, though they hate to take the loss. 

@snappyfrappy … glad to hear your cousin and his DW will settle in Santa Fe near his sis and her DH. I hope they and the many others who lost everything in Paradise will be fairly compensated. Relieved to hear Shirley is doing so well so far. 🙏🏻 

@WaJa61 … I'm praying hard for Suz' and giving thanks for your recovery, no matter how slow. Pneumonia is very hard to come back from. LOL at Yolanda! No one ever gave her a chance before you did. She takes her job very seriously - I can see why. Just relax and let her take care of things. You can plan your spring garden out. 

@agnesann … I'm still praying for Michelle and family. I'm so sorry she lost her baby boy. 😢 I'm no psychic, but I think Jacob will be some kind of scientist. He's wired that way! 

@LadyAnn … my sincere condolences on your loss of Killer the Wonder Dog. They really do take a piece of our heart with them. We are always here to listen and offer up prayers for you. Hugs! ❤️

@DeLaney … I'm happy you got and love that bracelet! What a cool idea to use the gemstone link as a pendant. Our next virtual meeting will be at your place for St. Patrick's Day! Say “hello” to your sweet Gram for me, and keep the baby stories coming! 

@Issy379 … I hope you are okay out there and can check in with us soon. I'm sorry your shopping friend is moving so far away. Hugs to you! 

Missing @cute t, @SelahG and @Rowan72, too! Hope you are all well, and just busy. It was so nice to meet up with Selah, Luke and the girls for lunch! Wish you could have stayed longer. 

I'm also praying for @MsLomo's DH and @HiLo's brother. 

@LurkyLoo … thank you for your prayers and I hope Gwen can soon move back to her dorm. Don’t overdo it with cooking and otherwise catering to her. I'm sure she's not expecting that. 

It's so noisy in this terminal, friends - I can hardly think straight. I'll return soon to better catch up with each of you.

Thank you again for the love, advice and support! You are all such a special group of women. I'm honored and blessed to know each of you!

Love, 

Anu 

[Issy379]

Hi Q-Anu.....so happy that the exams are done.  I have complete confidence that you did well, but the waiting for the results can be really nerve wracking.  Your encounter with that stranger was scary.  People can be really aggressive.  I try to be kind, but sometimes, I push back on them if I feel that they are trying to intimidate me.

Anyway......the party that my friend who is moving back to New Jersey had was really very nice.  The menu included smoked salmon, stuff mushrooms, pasta, crab cakes, cucumber/shrimp sandwiches, dips, chips, salad, white wine, red wine and lavender lemonade.  The dessert table was also fabulous with chocolate covered strawberries, cookies and cakes.  She told me privately that I won "first prize" for the best Christmas ornament--the blinged out shoes and the special memories.  I am feeling a sense of loss--she leaves in two weeks.  

[Issy379]

Hi MsLomo....happy to see you here, too.  I have been busy, which helps me in some ways.  This past Tuesday was Simone's birthday.  I gave her some perfume oil and a necklace/bracelet/earring set from the import store across the street from the office.  Naturally, the presents were a hit.

Hi Snappy.  We have had a lot of rain in my neck of the woods, and the hills are all beautiful and green.  I am about ready for the rainy season to be over.  So happy that you were able to see Sunny.  I love hearing about them.  I have complete confidence that DD#2 will be able to work long enough to get the full benefits that she deserves.  Thankful for the weekend so that she can just chil out if necessary.

Hi Waja, Selah, Rowan, Cute, Bathina, LadyAnn, NAES, Agnes, and Delaney.

BTW, Delaney, I never get tired of hearing about the babies.  So happy that you & Mike have your baby boy.  He is so beautiful and miraculous.

I am going to just chill out this weekend.  I feel like staying in my jammies all day because it is suppose to rain cats and dogs.  Love you all.

[snappyfrappy]

Agnesann, hope you stay safe through the winter and that you have an early spring.

It's cloudy here with lots of rain in the forecast for tomorrow and into next week.

Star's daddy called yesterday for a chat and today he stopped by. He's been sick, so I sat on my walker inside and he stood on the porch for a little visit. He had a job nearby. He works for a man who prepares empty houses and apartments for new tenants. Not flipping. Not buyers, but renters. Every day is different and he is really good at what he does. She and her mommy are also getting better.

Some of you have talked about potty training. Well, Star has decided to do it herself. When she suddenly says "oh, oh" and holds her diaper, everyone knows what's happened and she has another term for the other thing....hehe. So, she watches them use the loo and they have a little one for her. I expect her to use it all by herself one of these days and then it will be done. She is 20 months old today, and Sunny will be 8 months on Sunday. I laugh at her parents. They called her "Sassy", which is close to Sunny, but neither of them is her real name!!

My sister has had her 3rd round of chemo and is having the 6 daily shots that follow it. Next will be the PET scan which we pray shows NO cancer.

Take care and enjoy your weekend,

snappy

[snappyfrappy]

Hello, WaJa, so good to know you are improving and have help there to keep you in line, if need be...

Very sorry that Suz' is still in the hospital. It's telling that she doesn't want to go home yet. Those medications are hard on a person, but necessary in this case for sure. I do hope you can see Gracie and the others this weekend.

For sure we "gals" would like a little notice so we can put away all the "stuff" that just finds its way on to all the surfaces in the house. But, the kids just sat on the floor with Sunny. I had bought a new toy for her which occupied her.

My GS, Star's daddy called yesterday to chat...well, I think he had some needs to tell me...anyway, he was working close to my house so said he'd be by today. Well, when I turned on my computer yesterday afternoon, I found an email from DD#1 that she and Sunny and my DDIL would be here today. I told her that GS was coming. I guess they were all texting back and forth trying to keep him from coming lest I catch whatever he has.

I feel completely left out of it, although I know they are all trying to protect me.

SO, GS did come but stayed on the porch while I sat inside on my walker. We had a chat about this and that.

I washed my hands twice after he left. My doctor says "wash" "wash"....so I do.

He used the vaporizer last night and felt lots better. I doubt he's contagious at this point anyway.

My dad lived to be 98 1/2 so I suppose I could also, but unless God works a miracle, I know I wouldn't be walking by myself if that happened. So, this is the day the Lord has given us, and we will rejoice and be glad in it.

We are expecting LOTS of rain probably tomorrow and on into the new week. It's cloudy now. Since it's the weekend and DD gets to be at home, I'm happy about it.

Keep on getting better. Prayed for Anu and hope to get good news from her when she finds out how she did.

snappy

[snappyfrappy]

Hello, Anu,

Whew!! I can hear your relief, and I like the fact that you felt you did well on the tests. We usually have a sense with how well we've done something. Sorry you had so much on your plate at work, but that's over...Now when you get the word about your results...they will perhaps feel the need to celebrate yet again, but the "knot" won't be in your tummy.

I practically swooned reading "Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard"!! Wow! It is calling my name.

SO glad you got away from the man in the parking lot!

How scary. We are not really safe anywhere.

Hope you enjoy your time with the inlaws and that they find just the right place for them to live.

I can't imagine how hard it would be (and old lady) to NOT be close to family, so it makes sense for them to make this move. I paused to ask the Lord for a buyer for their place in SB.

Thank you for praying for my cousin and the others to be compensated for their property so they can buy somewhere else. I'm happy they want to live near his sister in Santa Fe.

Thank you also for praying for my sister. No word from her today, but yesterday I got a picture of her getting her treatment with yet another "funky" hat! She amazes me.

Hope you and everyone here enjoys a nice weekend.

snappy

[snappyfrappy]

Hello, Issy, it's nice that you have some fun things to help you deal with your grief. Yes, a double dose. Losing anything or anyone will stir up memories of your DB. Time really does help, but we never forget.

Of course your family and friends will always LOVE your presents. You have such good taste and know the appropriate thing for each of them.

Glad your dear friend loved your ornament.

We are also expecting small animals to fall from the sky along with rain tomorrow and then I guess on into next week. I'm not hearing the drought word anymore.

Everything is so green and the air so crisp and clean.

I'm missing cute a lot, wondering about her GS's grandpa.

Yes, DD will be alright. The Lord knows what she needs in the way of income and will provide for her.

snappy