QUARTERLY CHAT 2024 - April, May, June
This is the place to share the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly of what is happening in your life with people who care and will support you through them.
 
44 comments
This is the place to share the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly of what is happening in your life with people who care and will support you through them.
 
keith_kaz
·2 years agoIt's been a long time since I've been active in this wonderful group. I see most of those who helped me so much in the past are still here and helping others. Three years ago we moved from Jacksonville, FL to the Florida panhandle to be closer to my daughter and her family. We miss Jacksonville but are really enjoying life in the Destin area. I more or less put my ebay biz on the back burner but am now ready to jump back in. Boy, have things changed. Some good and some not so good.
Anyway I'm looking forward to the interaction with this group again. I will likely need some assistance with some things as per usual but I'm excited to know there are many here with so much experience and knowledge.
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoAfter two days of travel, we have arrived at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA. It is beautiful here and in what is known as part of the Shenandoah Valley. So right outside our campground are these views:
My bedroom and bath in this RV is in the back and I have my own door in the back as well. so when I open my back door this is what I see:
First thing I saw this morning was a parade if eleven ducklings beside their parents for a total of thirteen ducks swimming past my back door! This is a beautiful and peaceful place. THIS IS WHY I LOVE TO RV. 
 
 
 
dimakr7
·2 years agoBeautiful setting. I'd be sitting in a lawn chair this evening watching the sun go down.
1940fc
·2 years agoWhat beautful & calming pics, Sandy! I`d have a hard time leaving that area I imagine!
Guess this is my 'calming scenery' nowadays lol
It`s Tuna Time!
evelyb30
·2 years agoI love your idea of scenery. I was owned by cats for 50+ years.
bat197
·2 years agoI love your picture Sarah!
1940fc
·2 years agoGood to see you back Keith! Yepper..there`s still a few of us hanging around still. Kinda slow at times (like now lol) but we hang in there in spite of all the changes! lol
Hi ya, bat! Thanks! That`s 2/3 of the gang lol One day they all split a can of tuna for lunch..another day it`s home canned chicken. Yep..they`re spoiled all right.
So far Izzy has gotten brave enough to rub against my shoe..he`ll touch me.. but won`t let me touch him. He`s wantin to come in...manages to step one paw on the threshhold..but ain`t gonna happen. He is definitely vocal when he wants food tho.
fredi*frogi
·2 years agoVaycay starts in 3 1/2 days! Even tho we're not going to the lake, I'm very much going to enjoy my time off. So far the rain seems to be cooperating and we have some small chances, but no big storms, yay!
Dad's legs are improving. The nurse started the Unna Boot again, yesterday, which means that I no longer have to take care of them (unwrap, wash, rewrap) every day. She'll do the boot twice a week (I'm not qualified to be doing the boot, anyway!).
Now I can do more things at home when I get off work, which is a good thing, the cat fur is piling up in the corners, I haven't been attacking it like I normally do!
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoFredi, sounds like short timers is getting to with the count down and all. LoL
Glad to hear your dad is doing better and you re going to get a break.
We are getting ready for our next leg of our journey. We leave here Saturday. Sad to leave, really love this place and the weather has been perfect. We will overnight and then arrive at Creekside Campground in Virginia this Sunday. We couldn't get closer to Germantown, Maryland where the boys live. John and Michelle have taken a week off. So they will drive from Creekside to Germantown and stay with the boys for that week and I'll stay with the camper and pets. Creekside looks wonderful. I will try and get some pictures and post them once we are settled.
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoTaking time off is good for the soul. Sometimes you just need the break. Hope the garden gets going for you.
carolbearstreasures07
·2 years agoHello all! I took most of May off to travel, visit a friend and take stock of what items were needing info and such before listing for Summer. Slow going so far.
My garden is planted late again due to a cold Spring here in PNW.
Hope the squirrels don't eat up my tomatoes like they did last Summer! Even caught one literally red - handed holding one. I think they like the pulp and/or seeds come late Summer. Sadly the garden plot is angled such by the driveway that a fence barrier isn't plausible. Then I couldn't get into the garden! 🙂
fredi*frogi
·2 years agoHello, Mr. Izzy!!!
Yes the storms were horrible Memorial day weekend, I'm glad they are behind us!
Thanks Sandy, it looks much better on than it does laying on something! LOL I've already started the second one, this time I'm using Redheart super saver in Latte Stripe, it's a mix of browns and it's very lovely. I can't wait to see how it will turn out. I made a friend an afghan using the same yarn and I'm going to have a hard time letting it go, it's so beautiful!!
Squirrels (and bunnies) are the bane of my mother's garden. Also, Peanut, when the asparagus is coming on, he can't be off leash at mom's during that time or he picks the asparagus for her, right down to the ground!
Looks like the Joro spiders are still south of me, after a quick google search. I like spiders, but I do prefer my big garden spiders to what seems to be a invasive species.
All is well here, mostly. I'm going to see when dad's normal nurse comes next week and try to get out of the office to have a face to face chat with her. I need to know how much longer she thinks dad will need the daily washing and wrapping. I've got my lake vaycay planned in August and since we skipped June, I am not skipping August. No way, no how. The Plumber would likely go crazy (and me right along with him). We both need that week! I am taking a week off work this month, but we're not going anywhere (other then hopefully camp) and the biggest reason is dad's legs. So we shall see what the nurse says!
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoHi Fredi! Sorry your holiday week-end got washed out. We were traveling that week-end and the weather really was crazy. We were going from Missouri to Tennessee right in the thick of it. Don't want to do that again. Hope your dad gets better sooner rather than later. Sounds like you need a much-earned break. Love the cardigan! about fell off my chair laughing at your (in the mirror, selfie!) I did one of those a while back and sent it to the kids titled ... the real first selfies. lol They didn't get it.
Sarah, MR Izzy is a very handsome cat. Sounds like the garden is starting to produce. I too have been watching the predictions as we will been on the East coast this year. John's boys are in Maryland. It should be interesting. We will be camping in Edinburg, VA, alongside of a creek. Will have to be aware of flooding if one hits. Not sure of how we will be coming back yet, a lot depends on the weather.
The weather here has been outstanding! Highs in the mud 70s lower 80s and 50s at night, beautiful. We have gotten rain, but nothing that can't be handled. Went to Cumberland State Park the other day, just beautiful. Crossville has more thrift stores and antique malls than I have ever seen in one place. Most are Church thrifts. I have found some jewelry nice pieces, but have to be careful of the priced, a little high. But I found a Taco Bowl maker called a Taco Tuesday that is fantastic. The kids and I like taco bowls, so this is perfect for us. Then I found a microwave rice maker like the one we have, which I use for all kinds of things. I wanted one so when the kids and I separate, I'll have one of my own. So, I would say, so far, the shops have been good to me. lol
Take care and do what you love!
dimakr7
·2 years agoFredi, great cardigan, like the colors and design.
Sandy, glad the weather is treating y'all right for a change. Laughed about the kids not liking jalapenos, more for you. My wife doesn't like nuts or spicy foods, so I buy butter pecan ice cream and pepper jack cheese, more for me!
Sarah, my tomatoes are leggy and puny. I was blaming it on too much rain, then my wife tells me she saw a squirrel sitting in the planter box just pulling limbs to him and nibbling away on them. First they steal my birdseed, now they're eating my tomato plants. This has to stop!
1940fc
·2 years agoAwww I feel your pain, Larry. They are the peskiest creatures on earth! And we have a ton here.
The plastic fencing I put around my boxes..keeps the both squirrels & cats out.
As to birdseed..they used to clean my feeders constantly till I switched to Safflower Seed 8 years ago..never had a squirrel in feeders since!
Been keeping tabs on the big Joro Spiders..just what we need...something else wo worry about!! I read 1 article that stated their webs could be 4-5 feet across! You can better believe I`ve got my eyes wide open!! LOL
https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-scientist-study-shows-joro-spiders-are-here-to-stay-spreading-fast/#:~:text=While%20Coyle%20didn't%20see,the%20Midlands%20in%20South%20Carolina.
dimakr7
·2 years agoOK, Sarah, I just put out a full feeder of safflower seeds, hope it works. I would hate to have to add squirrels to my bad list, moles, chiggers, and mosquitos.
Don't need Joro spiders either. I read that article, they're in Oklahoma, that's way too close.
I've already seen birds on the feeder, that's a good sign. Hope the cardinals like safflower seeds, we have several families in the area.
1940fc
·2 years agoMy cardinals LOVE the seed, Larry! Along with my ground feeder doves lol I toss a couple hands full out for them and the cardinals join in too And chickadees..house finches and some kind of small birds..they come in the evening..sometines 6-7 will try to squeeze into the cage at the same time and they make an awful mess flinging it out. 😀
Fingers crossed your squirrels are 'normal' 😉 & hate it too
fredi*frogi
·2 years agoI do love Fredi! LOL Orange cats are special, I think.
Wonderful news Scifi! Keep at it and you'll be at Macy's before you know it! :
)
We had an absolutely horrible, weather-wise, Memorial day! We didn't camp, first time in 8 years that camp was empty that weekend! It rained buckets and buckets here, it was insane! I'm hoping the weather calms down very soon and the river goes down so my mom can get her camper in! It was a good weekend, otherwise, but not long enough. Never is!
I'm right there with you, Sarah, I wish I could clone myself as well, and the clone of me didn't have to work her day job! HAHA
Cricket's UTI keeps coming back, so she got xrays, thankfully no blockages/stones/crystals in her bladder, but she's getting special wet food. It's pricey, but I did learn I don't have to buy the full case, I can buy a couple of cans at a time (which is good cuz who knows if she'll even eat it?). I'm in the process (gonna be a long one) of switching all three of them, Cricket, Bandit & Lily over to Purina One Plus Urinary Tract health dry food. She's doing ok, for now, but we don't have the wet food, yet. Vet Clinic ordered it, and it might be in by the end of the week.
Peanut's ear infection has come back, I'm pretty sure. This will be go-round #3 and I'm not sure what they will do.
My dad's legs are drying up, sort of, but I'm still washing and wrapping them at least 5 days per week. His home health nurse does the other two. It's taking a toll on my back, for sure. I was afraid yesterday I would be able to do it at all my back is so bad right now. I'm hoping we don't have to do this much longer, but it's looking like it's going to be long term. I sure hope not.
Everyone else is doing fantastic here, I think! LMAO
Here's my newest crochet obsession, the hexagon cardigan:
I've already started #2, but I don't have much time to crochet right now. I'm taking a week off this month and I hope to get it done so I can start on #3! 🙂
1940fc
·2 years agoGood to see ya Fredi! Sorry your camping was such a bust. I`m kinda wary of weather now with the hurricane forecast. They have begun trimming trees away from power lines all of a sudden & I think it`s due to the predictions. They`ve never done it before that I know of.
Not that we would experience any full brunt as too far inland..but can still have strong winds & tornado activity.
I picked my first green beans yesterday!! Not many..but it`s a start & vines appear to be loaded with tiny beans! I see 1 or 2 cukes starting to form too.
Got several things lined up to can over next couple weeks. And I wonder why I`m so tired lol
Fredi has a new buddy..it`s been here & gone for several weeks now..I`d run it off several times (my cat food bill is high enough lol)
Kept wondering is it a she or is it a he?? (hoping NOT a she!!)
I finally caved in 1 evening las week and gave it some food (Fredi was already in for the night) It always seems to be around in the morning when I put Fredi out along with his food lol
Fast forward to today....it was here this morning & of course gobbled Fredi`s leftover breakfast food...then soon it was lunch time..Fredi & JJ both get either tuna or home canned chicken or turkey..and since it was here..I put a bowl of chicken out too for it. It finally turned around for me... so let me introduce......
Mr IZZY!!! Needless to say he got his name from all the times I said is it a He or is it she?? Now I know. 😀 He`s rather skittish still.. probably not sure if I`m gonna let him hang round lol He`s hiding under the ramp at back door steps here.
There was some swattin going on over the food bowls..so will have to wait see how it plays out. He & Fredi do seem to get along ok..except Izzy likes to cross the road..so far Fredi hasn`t.
He likes to drink from the bird`s baths instead of fresh water lol Go figure
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoLOL! I think you will just have to come to grips with you being a one of a kind.
Sounds like the garden is coming along. Glad the weather hasn't bothered to progress of it.
Have you ever tried candied jalapenos? They are some of my favorites. Put over cream cheese and on a cracker, they are the best. They are hard to find in some places so when I can find them, I buy them. I found a pint of them in Boomland. Jumped for joy. It should last me for a while because the kids won't even try them. LOL.
I've really been having a hard time getting into listing new items. I really need to kick myself in the but and start listing new items. Maybe tomorrow.
1940fc
·2 years agoOh yeah..the cowboy candy is awesome! Kids don`t know what they are missing!
I did buy 2 jalapeno plants this year...they are supposed to be the mammoth kind..(5-6") ones!
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoThanks Sarah. Yes, it was an experience for sure. The weather this year really has been awful. Talked to Sam the other day, who is still in Killeen, said it has really been hairy there as well.
We looked for a camping site near the boys but couldn't find one. The kids have both taken a week off to visit with the boys. So I told them to find a place as close as they could, and they could just leave me with the RV and animals and drive to Maryland to spend the week with them. So we found a place in Virgina called Creekside in Edinburg, VA. From the loos of it, it is really pretty and far enough from the actual coast that I shouldn't have to worry about hurricanes.
Glad you are finding some "Calgon Take You Away" moments. I know how much they can mean to a caregiver.
How grows your garden?
1940fc
·2 years agoGarden is coming along fairly good..I see lots of small peppers..quite a few green tomatoes and cukes are blooming.
I saw some tiny beans & the bean plants are loaded with blooms! Weather hasn`t been real nice for the gardeners at times..but it`s ok.
Am getting some meat canned up right now.
Sometimes I wish I could clone myself 😄
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoWHEW, we made it! Left Missouri Saturday morning. Got to our overnight spot at Boomland. The weather moved in and we decided to wait until 9:00 am to start toward our stop at Bean Pot Campground in Crossville, TN. We drove through two blinding rains missed one tornado by 45 minutes, it was ahead of us. Then drove through a small one. BUT we are here, right in the Tennesse Mountains and it is cool and beautiful. We are on our way to the east coast to see my grand boys who are stationed together in Maryland.
Oh, and while I was in Missouri, just before we left, I got a new to me 2022 F-150 truck! But that is another story. LOL Took me two trips to Livingston TX from Missouri within a two-week span, to get it licensed and registered. Good thing I love it!
Hope everyone had a great Memorial Weekend and that everyone stayed safe from this crazy weather we have been having.
1940fc
·2 years agoMorning, Sandy! Good to hear from you...sounds like some scary weather moments there.. I said to a friend that the west coast had it`s share of rain & blizzards..now the Midwest is getting whammied & the east coast is in for a rough ride with hurricanes this year. I`m really beginning to believe the good Lord is really trying to get our attention.
Things are ok here..as good as they can be. I have my 'Calgon, Take Me Away' moments from time to time lol
Prayers for safe travels the rest of the way for ya`ll!
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoI'm so proud of you Scifi! Way to go girl. You'll be doing the polka before you know it.
So glad to hear Mom is trying to bust out. I know that was the hardest thing on Chuck when I had to take his keys.
fredi*frogi
·2 years agoHello all!
Between my dad being sick, my cat, Cricket being sick and my dog, Peanut being sick I've been very busy!
The cat and the dog are both on antibiotics for the next week or so! It's a bit crazy in the mornings trying to get a liquid antibiotic down the cats throat and then feeding all three cats soft food (trying to make Cricket feel better about me putting the disgusting stuff in her mouth, lol).
Weather's warming up here, but we're forecast for storms and rain for the next 4 or 5 days so no camping. One of our fellow campers got a new camper but then the roof started leaking (moving the camper did it, we think) so they worked on that last nite and then they tore out our benches so we can go back to using REAL chairs, whoohoo. However, the carpet under the benches isn't looking so hot. I don't know if the Plumber will want to just get a rug to go over the carpet or if we'll end up ripping the carpet out and putting down laminate flooring.
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoHi Frogi, great to see you.
Sorry to hear about your babies being sick. A couple of weeks ago I almost loss Stemmie. He got some sort of infection of his intestines, stopped eating and got really stopped up. Thank goodness, it is over now, but it was two weeks of touch and go. Hope your babies are better now.
We are still in Sarcoxie, MO but will leave here on May 18th and heading East.
Hope life is taking it easy on everyone.
1940fc
·2 years agoWhat a cheerful image, Sandy!
Good morning. Hanging in & staying busy..sometimes out of necessity & other times doing things for 'me' lol
I now have part of my tomatoes planted (28 so far) the rest will wait a bit..along with the peppers. I really didn`t wanna plant now since the moon time is not till the 19th..but my plants had gotten way too tall..even tho I lay them down when planting..didn`t wanna take any chances.
So at least I have that much normacyl in my life 😉
T is doing ok..no xtra major problems. Is hard to say what stage he`s in since he became bedridden early. But just taking it 1 day at a time & thankful for all the semi-good days! 😊
Hope things are going well with you..now that you`re on the move again! LOL
A friend from my last church..her daughter recently married & they have moved to Killeen. He is in the service. Don`t know how long they are going to be there.
flipping_treasures
OP2 years agoGood morning Sarah!
Glad you have been able to get out and dig in the dirt. I know how you love doing it and you get to reap the rewards.
Glad to hear that Mr T is doing OK. I totally understand being thankful for the semi-good days. HUGS
We haven't moved yet. John just got back from his conference in Texas. When we got back into the camper, we really went through it and found we had quite a BUNCH (where does it all come from) of stuff that we needed to put in storage. So, we packed them in totes and John took them to Killeen on his trip to Texas. He got a chance to visit with his brother and check in at the university before going up by Dallas for the conference.
We will be leaving here in the next couple of weeks and heading East. John's two boys are in Maryland and there is a great-grandson in Virgina. I lived in Newport News for a number of years, it will be interesting to see the East Coast again.
 
I hope your friend's daughter enjoys Killeen. Tell them to go out to BLORA. It is on Lake Belton and is a great recreational area.
Give MR T a hug from me and take care of you.
bat197
·2 years agoSarah, Glad to hear that you're doing your spring planting. I hope that the semi good days turn into good days for you and T.
1940fc
·2 years agoThanks, bat. Is what`s keeping me sane right now lol
Trying to add some pics but is not working right for some reason. Taking forever to load!!
Maybe later I can post em.
Let`s try this one of Fredi!
He`s sayin: Mama if you MUST take my pic in the sun..I NEEDS ME SOME SUNGLASSES!!!
1940fc
·2 years agoOOPS! Accidentally deleted Fredi
bat197
·2 years agoSo handsome! I read that orange cats are the most social.
1940fc
·2 years agohttps://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/25-beautiful-animals-from-around-the-world/ss-AA1nJUqU?cvid=bc834a2ff7e049d1bbfc731fcb5ac047&ei=29
So many gorgeous animals! Check out # 17
1940fc
·2 years agoIs anyone else having trouble loading pics here?
Is taking FOREVER..(like nearly 5 minutes) to load just one 🤔
ed8108
·2 years agoHealth advisory
A cat is needed in every American home.
1940fc
·2 years agoLOL ed8108
Must be why I stay fairly healthy? (until they push my stress button) 😃