Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

MarsGal · December 18, 2024, 01:32:26 PM

I had a breaker or two that would snap off, but if you looked at it you would think it was still on. It just barely moved, but off it was.

Good noon day every one. I got a bunch of little things done this morning, but my main occupation was to find something to de-clog my bathroom sink which clogged overnight. I had already ordered a mini plunger and a pack of snakes. The snakes I brought from the house don't work. They have claw ends and wouldn't go down. Meanwhile, I ordered some drain liquid, (Green something or other) not Draino or Liquid Plumber. Those never worked for me. And to top it off I ordered baking soda, which is the only ingredient for a home-made drain cleaner.

Oscar appears to like his new cat food. Fingers crossed. He has been eating it all so far.

A neighbor across the parking lot from me got a new pup last weekend. Now I have two doggy friends and the kitty a few doors up who is something of an escape artist and who visits my patio now and again.

The clouds have rolled in, but I am still waiting for this rain we were first supposed to get overnight, then 11am, the now it is supposed to be raining, so the local weather report says. Once upon a time we had a remarkably accurate weather service (IMO) when in 1962 AccuWeather came along. It was founded by Joel Myers who was a graduate student at Penn State University in 1962. I remember seeing the weather forecasts that were broadcast from a studio at Penn State back then. Now weather reporting seems to have slid off the mark again.

RAMMEL · December 18, 2024, 06:43:12 PM

Keep in mind, BREAKERS trip for a reason. Don't ignore it.

BarbStAubrey · December 19, 2024, 04:28:08 AM

MarsGal do you use the baking soda as is - I use it all the time but adding white vinegar so it bubbles up a storm as it goes down the drain - how do you use it?

We're having the craziest weather - cold this morning so I almost turned on the heat and then early afternoon it was so hot had to turn on the AC - by 5: it turned really cold and did turn on the heat then about 8: warmed up again but not enough to have to turn on the AC however, did turn on the whole house fan system -

We had cold morning followed by bright sun, then foggy and cold rain back to sun and then night fell - it is as if we had a half year of weather all in one day - the weather usually urges me to make meal choices -

Well today my system did not know if it wanted a salad or soup or baked potato with chicken or simply apple sauce and crackers - ended up settling on spiced peaches and a half of cheese sandwich loaded with lettuce and mayo -

Made some hot elderberry tea to sip while watching the Dallas Preston Heights Church Christmas Concert followed by the Henry Mancini Concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Fell asleep watching and here it is the middle of the night and wide awake - only now cooling off so timely I can turn off the whole house fan.

How I'll manage tomorrow - have the furnace/AC guy coming - well my son will be here so that helps.

MarsGal · December 19, 2024, 06:54:28 AM

Barb, I haven't tried it yet, but the recipe I found uses baking soda, salt, vinegar, and dish liquid. My grocery order comes in later this morning, so you know what is on my agenda for the afternoon. I noticed a distinct mold smell from the toilet and bathroom sink drain late this summer, so I will be ready next spring/summer for that. I hear the vinegar is good for getting rid of the mole, or at least the smell. I never had this problem, oddly enough, with the old house. Water issues tend to follow me wherever I go, so I should not have been surprised at this latest petty annoyance.

I now have a secondary investigation underway. Of a sudden I started smelling stinky/musty in the hallway by the furnace vent and door to this room. Oscar just started on a new prescription cat food and even though I can't smell much at the cat box, I am thinking that is what I am smelling. So, also on order are some room pet deodorants, and a box of cat litter with baking soda as an ingredient (not to mention any baking soda left from my bathroom adventure can be mixed in with the litter). I sure hope that this solves the problem. Oscar seems to like this cat food a lot. He eats all that is set out for him and has yet to start sticking his nose up at it like all the others after a few meals. What surprise me is that the cat litter I have been using isn't handling it well. I've used this brand a long time and it has always been super good at banishing smells right away.

I've never tried elderberry tea, but I have had elderberry wine. My former mother-in-law used to make it.

My big winter drink was the peppermint that I grew and dried. The tea was particularly great for after being outside on a freezing/snowy day. It warmed my up and unstuffed my nose which would plug up immediately after coming in from the cold.

Amy · December 19, 2024, 07:01:22 AM

Good morning..

Light snow overnight, not enough for a dance.
Yesterday was busy 4 doz more tarts done and breaded chickem (schnitzel) cooked vacuum sealed and frozen plus a load of laundry.

Not sure what today will be other than tidy up and get the gifts ready .

Rick, thank you, I did call our furnace man and he is going to stop in when out this way.

MG, this breaker didn't move either looked ok untill you flipped it back and forth then the furnace ran.

Patricia, we have enough snow here and I don't mind if we don't get anymore!

Jane, how did your luncheon go?

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

phyllis · December 19, 2024, 08:37:38 AM

It turned colder overnight and we had a little rain so it feels damp and chilly in the house. Amazon came through with my order for Cuddleduds yesterday so I'll run them through the washer today and make good use of them pretty soon, I think.

I need to sort out a birthday card for my younger son who was
born on December 24th and get that sent off to Virginia. I'll probably find a Blue Mountain e-card and then call him on his birthday. Also, I need to order groceries to be delivered. I try to keep a good supply of soup on hand so I think I'll order some potato soup and some more butternut squash. Not a very exciting day but productive.

Take care, All.

JaneS · December 19, 2024, 09:59:33 AM

Well, Good Morning to Everyone who has bee around since I was in last. I had company overnight. Cooper was here and he was all cuddled up to me in bed overnight. Frankie wasn't feeling so good yesterday when she dropped him off and before she left work, she texted to ask it it would be ok to leave him here overnight! That's always fine with me. I sleep better with company in my bed. I sure do miss my doggies!

AMY, My lunch with former working friends was great. I think it took us a good 2 and a half hours. we all talked a blue streak. And it was hard to split up!

I guess I better get started on household chores. I haven't even made the bed yet. And I expect that Cathy will be dropping by one of these hours. I try to look organized when she drops by so she doesn't worry so much about me. I love having her nearby and i'm happy to have her play accountant for me. It's a job I never did like. And it saves me lots of deep thinking. I can spend extra time in the kitchen and playing with Cooper!

I wish you all a great day, better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow. Do whatever pleases you best! And pop back in her and share it with us! I love reading EVERYTHING you write!

patricia19 · December 19, 2024, 01:29:07 PM

Good mid-morning everyone! Today is busy as I'm once again, being the standby package receiver for a couple of folks here. One from Amazon and one from Sephora.

While I used to be a regular, I don't know about Sephora. I ordered something on November 30th, and it was supposed to be here between the 5th and 11th of December. I've tracked the shipment, and it only reached Seattle this morning. Amazon deliveries seem to be having issues with the post office as well. I've put a moratorium on orders until it's straightened out. Since my neighbor orders regularly, I can watch her progress.

We've had three days of heavy snow, minus the bouts of freezing rain. Today, it dropped to minus 18 however, we're due to warm up again tomorrow and drop back down again on the 26th.

Nothing going on the past few days except for meet and greets and daily tidies. Yesterday went well, the usual five-minute in and outs with the structural inspection. I also finished the last eight apples by eating two a day, dipped in peanut butter one time, and drizzled with maple syrup or honey another. I may never eat another apple, leaving the ones in the freezer for another far off day.

Edit; one Amazon package has arrived, and we had children caroling in the halls while slipping packages of gel Christmas clings under each door. I'm not sure whose idea that was, believing seniors would love clings. I suspect the majority of them will be re gifted.

MarsGal · December 19, 2024, 03:21:36 PM

Yes, Rammel, I'm sure something spiked the things. Because I didn't trust the wiring in the house or the grounding, I had the electrician put in a whole house surge protector five or six years ago. As I recall, one of the breakers might have gotten replaced too.

Sink is unclogged.

Christmas gathering for Friday is cancelled due to crappy weather forecast, but Christmas Day reservations at Red Lobster are made. I think that will be just Sue, Dodie, and me.

Think I will go fall asleep on some reading before dinner.

Tomereader1 · December 19, 2024, 08:15:26 PM

Had the "breaker" problem a week or so ago. Always the same one. $304 to replace, I'm sure most was service call. It is the serious breaker: Kitchen/Laundry room, knocked off my microwave, toaster, coffee maker, freezer in garage. Thank goodness my guys managed to come out same day. Hope everyone is all ready for Christmas, keeping in good health. I am going to my daughter's and intend to spend about 10 days. We will be TV watching, streaming, football, eating and generally having fun. Wish that for all of you!

JaneS · Reply #130 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

Good Morning Everyfriend! This will have to be a quickie because Cooper will soo be on the way here and I'm trying to finish my breakfast before he gets here and wants his breakfast.

I didn't ge to stop by last night. I fell asleep on the sofa in front of the TV and the only energy I had left when I woke up was to walk down the hall and brush my teeth and crawl into bed.

I hope you all do great today. I'll be spending Christmas with my family. Christmas Eve with my son and family and Christmas Day at my daughter's house. My Maryland daughter and her husband will be here but I forget when they will be arriving! It's so nice when families can get together for the holidays! Once again, I hope you all have a great day. Do whatever makes your day!

MarsGal · Reply #131 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

For all those traveling for the holiday, best wishes, safe travels and have a wonderful family visit.

The weather local forecast for today has expanded the wintery mix from just two hours to around 7:30am to about 6pm. Since I am not going out today as originally planned, I am probably cook up a ham steak, green bean casserole and a nice sized sweet potato.

So far, I have no plans for the next week except that Monday, the dentist is going to make another attempt to put in the crown, and meeting my sister and her friend at Red Lobster for Christmas Day dinner.

Amy · Reply #132 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

Good morning..

Snow is to start later this morning, with any luck it will take a wrong turn and go elsewhere.

Yesterday all the gifts were signed, sealed and we await delivery when the kids get here. Bread has been torn apart for dressing and frozen ready for Mr T.

Today is another day of catch up on jobs that have been set aside.

Patricia, although our postal strike is over there is such a backlog of mail that I am waiting till after Christmas to mail anything.

Jane,enjoy your day with Cooper. I am sure he would "help" you with your breakfast .

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

patricia19 · Reply #133 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

Good morning, another busy day here as there is still one more package to be delivered that was supposed to have been yesterday.

I have one package of my own that was to have been delivered in the week earlier and was delayed. I've resolved to stop ordering by mail as under the current post master, the service has been less than stellar.

Amy, no strike here, but mail has been erratic lately. It's probably best to wait after the rush is over.

There is laundry to do and plants to be watered, and probably several other chores that'll pop up as I go. Meet and greets went well, morning routine done and coffee brewing, so I'd better get to it.

JaneS · Reply #134 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

Cooper had a lazy day! He took two walks with me and we saw the neighborhood, including the kids getting on the school bus this morning! My sweet neighbors down the street came by and gave me a beautiful Poinsettia! I have it in a very prominent place and it sure is gorgeous!. She is pretty much housebound and it's her two grandchildren who come running out and walk to the corner with me. They also make a special trip over here in their Halloween costumes. I've bee dropping off lollypops for them and PB cups for their grands every halloween and on Christmas, too. Now I have a flower!

I made up a casserole today....chopped shrimp, cauliflower, baked beans, Cream soup, tomato sauce and cheese on top Oh yes and some corn in the mixture. It tasted terrific. I sure hope I can remember what I did!

I'm heading off to the haystack when I finish up around here. Frankie has the weekend off so I won't see Cooper until Monday morning. Have lots of time to get stuff done. Grandaughter Ali in Oklahoma has taken up making some of my Christmas Candy. We spent the day texting questions and answers and she sent me pictures. Everything looks good enough to eat!! So that is passed on!

I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a great day tomorrow. Stop by and share with us what you do. We're always nosy! Good Night to you all!

JaneS · Reply #135 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

Forgot about the hamburger in the casserole. Good night again!

RAMMEL · Reply #136 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

That all sounds yummy. Don't forget what's in it, and how you put it together. I always liked casseroles - stick to your ribs stuff.

JaneS · Reply #137 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

Thanks, Rick! You reminded me that I need to write this one down before I forget it. Casseroles are my best meals since I had the surgery on my jaw and when I go through the freezer and take out what needs to be used up, casseroles come to mind. Have a great day!

Amy · Reply #138 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

Good morning..

Tad chilly with the temp sitting a 5° at the moment. Another day of getting things ready to Mon. plus putting supper in the crockpot to have tonight. Sweet and sour chicken works for me along with all the veggies to go along with it.

Jane, I now make a cassarol up and bake it in smaller tinfoil containers and freeze them. We don't eat like we used to and this gives us a meal for the moment and 2-3 later on.

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

MarsGal · Reply #139 - Re: Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

Rammel, have you ever seen broadsword fencing? I mean, other than in the movies? It is not common, but there are a few broadsword fencing organizations in the US. We didn't have any in our group, but we did have a very few that liked to fight with foil and dagger. I don't think Olympic fencing has any competitions for either, but then I haven't watched the Summer Olympics for years except for trying to see, unsuccessfully, the equestrian events in France this last time.

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Soda Shoppe December 1 , 2024

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