One thing that is absolutely certain...robocalls WILL continue! 

Now I'm off to the haystack again.  I had to get up and go get some iceceream to keep myself awake a little while ago.  The ice cream was good and I'm awake but I'm tired.  Got a lot done today but the bad news is Davy's is closed for 2 weeks of renovations beginning on Monday of this week!  How will I get my shopping fix?

I guess I'll think about that tomorrow!  Good night for now!  I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a happy, healthy tomorrow.  And may God bless us, every one!

Good morning

 I am picking up the neighbour in 30 min to go shopping in town .We are leaving the men behind to look after the dogs.

Will be back later..

Enjoy your day and stay safe!

Good morning everyone, we had quite a storm Wednesday-late afternoon. The sky suddenly got black and rain started hitting windows, wind started blowing and the leaves were flying like snowflakes whirling in a blizzard.
Then power and cable went out. Oh not nice. Glad I have a couple of those bright lanterns so that  was OK. Lights were out almost 2 hours here.  Cox didn't come back on until yesterday afternoon just in time for me to start Skype with my daughter.
Just 27 now here, that brief storm Wednesday must have been a cold front coming in. The cars are all covered in frost now.
In this building only the grands of  tenants come for Tricks or treats. They are only allowed to go to their family.

JANE  hope Frankie remembers to return the jar and lid. Someone put a canning jar on the table in the laundry room. That table is where we can put things we no longer want so I took it and washed it. Now next year if I get the cukes from my son I can make at least 1 jar of pickles.

PATRICIA  things slowed down here with the covid untill the college's opened. All of them ended up with a lot of cases. Those students got together with no masks and no distance either. Thay are  all in their rooms now in isolation. The colleges would not let them travel home. Would have spread it to more others.

BUBBLE  I will check the new site later. I have some pictures from the old SN.

AMY  I do know where you got  those seeds. I was hoping one of you would take the hint and send me a few.

LLOYD  hope you wake with out the headache today.

JOY  like you I cannot stand at the stove to cook anything. I am not very active anymore so have no appetite.

PHYLLIS  Hope you had a wonderful birthday. Sorry I neglected to wish you a happy one a couple of days ago. I really am slipping.

Have a good day and stay safe.

GLORIA, I got one crook neck pumpkin from my daughter this year and it's already cooked and frozen and I didn't save the seeds because I know I'll get another pumpkin next year.  However, I asked her if she can save the seeds from one that she cooks and give them to me.  If she does, you're first on my list.  But keep reminding me.  I tend to forget things more and more.  Actually, I have you on my list.  But reminders wouldn't hurt!

It's almost time for the boinger to go off and then my day begins with a BANG.  Couple of errands to run and I'm picking up Cooper to save Frankie some time today since I'll be in town anyway! 

I hope you all have a great day.  Make it your own in every way.  And don't forget to share it!  We miss you when you don't stop by!

NOTE:  Christy just texted.  She has seeds to share.  As soon as I get some from her, I'll send you some, GLORIA!

Good morning from another frosted Interior where it's just 30° at 8 AM. I fell asleep yesterday afternoon, woke up at 7:30, and thought it was morning! Unfortunately, that meant I was awake until early this morning. And I hate when that happens.

 There was a lady in the mailroom yesterday, not wearing a mask. She was telling one of the security people that it wasn't some pandemic but the flu. The only folks really effected were those immune suppressed. She was upset because they had just given her the slip for large fines applied for not wearing a mask. You are allowed two and then are told to vacate the premises. In this building with disabled tenants, they're really strict. No one allowed inside except for essential workers, and office staff works offsite. All visitors must remain outside the building.

And so goes my morning meanders. And to think I once felt sorry for those without a life. 🤷‍♀️

Would a crook neck pumpkin grow in a big pot? I'd love to try it, it sounds exciting!

Good morning

I got tied up and didn't get back. We had a blast shopping yesterday and we both stocked up on items that keep and will be hard to get.

Laundry today, not sure if weather will permit hanging out.
 Another pot of baked beans and mix with the pot I made yesterday and can them.

Gloria, I see Jane is getting you some seeds. I sent you photos of the traveler. Lots of big beautiful flowers on it.

Bubble, I sent you photos to see. You would have a wee bit of a jungle in your home.

Patricia,I don't understand why people just don't get it. I think the fines should be huge as the slap on the hand fine is just not working.

 Talking with son on the phone , he is sitting outside with a coffee . He has a stuffed turkey in the smoker for 10 hrs

Better get going..

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Good morning everyone, slept late  this morning and feel rested.

JANE  thank you for the thought.  I do like a squash pie but never liked the taste of pumpkin and yet they almost look the same. If I keep reminding you, you will think I am a nag. That is something I never was. Oh WOW you Christy is a great as her Mom is.

PATRICIA  in this building we have to wear a mask when we go out of our aartments. Anyone coming to visit must have a mask on and sign into a book in the lobby. T hen if anyone in here comes down with the covid they can know who we have seen and can track the source. Most of us us in here have no car so those with cars are the ones going out often. I went out for a walk yesterday and met 3 new tenants, don't really know what they look like because of the masks.

AMY  I have not checked email since yesterday. Yesterday my daghter and SIL took a ride to see the Aspens in their gold autumn beauty. I know they will take pictures and expect to see some in my email soon. We have white Birch trees here and the trees look almost like the Aspens but leaves are  different.

Had my coffee and now it is time to get my breakfast, getting hungry.

Have a good day and mask up and stay safe.

Good Morning everyone. I had a good night's sleep last night, tattle tail said 7.5. Is 61º and fog here this morning saying we are going to 82º today. Hope you all have a great day just as you like it.

Lloyd

for Amy

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?topic=11.msg185579#msg185579

My goodness!  I think I would be afraid to go near that squash for fear I would be gobbled up.
 

Rainy morning here.  Weather people tell us it is the beginning of the remnants of Hurricane Delta.  We aren't supposed to get a whole lot of rain but it will drizzle along through most of the weekend.

Take care, All.

Pics reminded me of "Little Shop of Horrors", stage play and movie, where the nerdy guy finds this unusual plant in the flower shop where he works and it keeps growing and growing, because of its "diet".  The nerdy guy names the plant Audrey II as the girl he likes is named Audrey.  Yes, Bubble, I would definitely NOT plant these seeds in a pot, especially for indoors!

Good morning from a cool, frosty Interior at 29° this morning. We are expected to drop down into the teens and twenties today and into next week.

There are three outside doors to this building, Gloria, and one is to the walled-in dog park. There is a back door operated by a key fob that automatically locks behind you. And there is the main entrance. You push a button if you're a visitor to come into the vestibule, and there is a small wall unit where you can tap in the apartment number of who you want to visit. Residents have their key fobs to enter the building.

Pre COVID-19, a visitor enters in your apartment number, and your intercom rings. You can set it up to open the outside door or not. The visitor then enters the security/maintenance/mail offices. A security person asks them who they're visiting and intercoms the resident who must come down to escort the visitor. These days, no visitor enters the building, and all mail, deliveries, etc. stay in the office, and the resident is notified for pickup.

There are cameras in all public areas, and yes, masks are required in all public areas, or you're fined as I mentioned.  If you have a television, you can use the channel that lets you watch the closed circuit viewing of the public areas. Amy, the fines are $150.00 the first time and $175.00 the second with eviction the third time. If you forget your key fob, it's $50.00 to be let in your apt. and $200.00 to replace a lost keyfob.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I'm late getting here this morning.  I've discovered that none of my sent mail has gone to the "sent" box.  It's just been floating around inside my computer for a couple of years.  When I couldn't send my shopping list to Cathy last night, I decided to reboot and see if it went.  It not only went the two times I sent it, everything I've sent for the past two or so years showed up in my sent box.  I've been spending all my time deleting all those sent messages!  And of course, I had to read some of them.  I'm still not finished but I'm wondering if the pics of new baby Michael are in this box now.  I'm sure BUBBLE didn't get them or she'd have posted them.

BUBBLE, I had a good laugh about growing a crook neck pumpkin in a pot!  And I'd be willing to bet my Dad is laughing in heaven about even trying to do that!  You could see from AMY'S pics how funny it was! 

You'll never guess what Cathy found at WM this morning!  2 dozen pint jars!  I've had them on my list every week with a note following that if she found them, I'd be ecstatic!  I AM ECSTATIC! 

Now I'm going to make a trip to the Farmers Market and see if I can get some beets to pickle!  I'd almost given up on that project.

GLORIA, Christy will probably bring the seeds the next time she comes up to visit near the end of this month!  You want to plant them as early in the Spring as the weather permits.  They have a long growing season.  And the pies do taste better made with these.  In fact, I'm hard pressed to choose between one of these pies and a pecan pie!

I better get back on my horse!  Lots more to accomplish today including vacuuming and swiffering.  I have to keep these new floors up to par!  And, while there doesn't seem to be as much dust without the carpets, there is still some accumulation so I'll keep a dust cloth handy. 

I hope you are all having a great day!  Do whatever makes you the happiest!  And do it as it suits your fancy!  But don't forget to share it with your friends in the Soda Shoppe!

Good evening everyone ! 

Summersun, join right in please

Janie,     bet you did the happy dance as they are like finding hens teeth anymore!! I have beans in the pressure canner letting off steam before the Hawaiian dance takes place.

Laundry did dry on the line before the rain and I sure hope to get the beans canned  before power failure if it happens.

Patricia, I had to go back into town for Kyle's meds and the traffic is horrific . They have been told to stay home but I think you could teach a dog or even a cat to stay before people listen.  

Better go see if we have a wiggle going on the canner.. 

Good afternoon, Friends.

WELCOME ,  Summersun !!!  So nice to see a new "face" here.  Please join in and let us know a little bit about you.  How did you find our friendly group.

It is a pretty sunny day here in Central Maryland with the temperature neat 70 degrees.   There is a community "Thank You" day going on and they sure have a beautiful day for it.  Lots of activities going on to show appreciation to our businesses along  Main St. and a concert in out little community park, right in front of our building.  I would have loved to go out, but I would have to walk all the way to the front of the building to get outside.  Since I am all the way in the back of the building, it is quite a walk for me.  I miss out on a lot of things because I just get so tired when I have to go out front.  But, I am sure it is very crowded.  They were offering lots of good deals and lots of prizes and food and other hand-outs.  soglad that they have a such a nice day.

Patricia,  your building  really have some strict restrictions !  If we lose our fob, it is only $35 to replace it. And, if you forget the fob, there usually is someone sitting either outside or in the lobby that will let you in.  We are not supposed to let anyone in that we don't know who it is. But, there are a lot of people who will let a delivery person in. We also have a call box outside where a visitor can punch in my apartment number and it will ring my phone and I can push the number "9"  on my phone and it opens the door.   We don't have any kind of security person who is in the lobby.  On weekends, there is nobody in the office.  And, there are a lot of the residents who do not wear their masks all the time.  And, nobody says anything.  I think a lot of people don't think it is all that important anymore.  This is an independent living facility and not any seriously sick people.  But, still, the governor has issued that masks are required  outside and inside places all the time.

I slept in later this morning, so that means the day will fly by.  Already mid-afternoon.

Sounds like most everybody is having a busy Saturday.  I am in the process of writing a grocery order and need to set up my delivery time for tomorrow.

Hope the rest of your day is a safe and good one.

Joy

Hi Joy, thanks for mentioning the callbox. I think that's what we have as you hear the chirp on the intercom and dial 9 to speak to someone. Supposedly the higher prices are to deter people from being careless. The regular nine to five, you could go to the office to have someone let you in. Tenants used to let anyone in but they put a stop to that in 2018.

The $50,00 fee was for after hours, which is all the time presently. Maintenance crews work in all seven buildings, so they can't come right away or immediately late at night. That may be part of the reason. There is a large chain-link fence around the strip of lawn at the back of the building, and the dog park is walled in so they are security conscious or the previous owners were. It may be because this is in an industrial area or that the building is next to the river. This building is five floors, takes up the entire block and the first floor has patios rather than balconies.

There is a room that the vestibule opens into that has mailboxes on the right, and there is a lobby area and a kitchen open 24/7 before C-19. They've locked the kitchen and removed the chairs and loungers. The main office and tenant assistance offices are to the left. In the center is a large staffed curved counter with maintenance and security offices behind. This is where all freight, boxes, deliveries, or visitors go. Right now, everything is locked, but there are two security people at the counter. For maintenance, you call a number, and they take the info, and if its an emergency, they'll call someone. Otherwise, it goes on a list.

There are five library/craft rooms, one on each floor that they removed all the tables and chairs from and locked. Also removed was the seating by the elevators. They are becoming insistent about wearing masks and taking particular notice about wearing them in one of the five laundry rooms or four elevators. Since we are presently running between 40 to 60 new cases daily in town or perhaps someone here was a victim, that may be why the lockdown since last March. We certainly, to my mind, pay enough that we should be safe. But as you said, there are always the inconsiderate ones.

I wish I had known, a couple years ago, those of you who do so much canning.  I had a rather large box filled with canning jars, some good lids.  During a garage cleanout, I gave them to one of the charity pickup groups. Bet I had a couple dozen at least.  I keep too much stuff anyway, hate to throw stuff out.  All the charity groups here, Paralyzed Veterans, Leukemia&Lymphoma, Foundation for the Blind, make monthly pickups of clothing, household goods, etc.  They did take a month or so off when the first lockdown came.  But they are back now.  I think they are all affiliated, but have trucks with different logos on them. 

We've gone back to summer so my ambition flew the coop. My rooms/closets are full of all seasons of clothes and it makes me frazzled to see so much clutter. I had to drag back out what I put away from summer stuff. Would like to make one trip to MO to see the trees changing, before having the RV winterized. Pool still open so must clean out leaves every day. Where is Mary Poppins when you need her?  Sweet dreams and God Bless... Love ya' all. Shirley

Well, another gorgeous day has ended.  The temperature was in the low to mid 70s most of the day today and I didn't even need a jacket to take the doggies for walks.

I was checking my shopping receipt after Cathy left and either the clerk made and error or Cathy got charged for one of my boxes of jars.  I texted her and told her to check her receipt and if the jars aren't on it, I'm going in and pay for them.  Cheap is good but free is unfair!  I guess my Mama taught me good because I can't just accept it.  I have to make it right!

Now I'm going to hit the hay.  The last few nights, I've been sleeping really well and I hope it keeps up!  I wish you all a peaceful nights sleep and a happy, healthy tomorrow.  And may God bless us, every one!

Oops! forgot to say WELCOME SUMMERSUN! Come back and visit with us more.  Where are you from?

Good morning everyone, 52 now but not supposed to get much above 60 today. a nice day to go out for a little walk. Tomorrow we  are supposed to get some rain from that hurricane that was in the Gulf. We sure could use some good rain. It has been many years since we were in drought conditions here. Yesterday when my son came for his Saturday visit he brought me some lasagna he made and it  was yummy. So good for a change. If I ate like  that more often maybe I would gain a pound or 2? I would like  that.

BUBBLE  thanks for the ride to photos, had to chuckle about growing one of those crooked necks in a big pot. Maybe in one of those huge old wash tubs?

PATRICIA  we have 2 doors, back and front that we use a fob to get into the building. We also have  the button panel in the entry way for visitors to use and we can release the door on a number on our phones. We have one elevator that gets a lot of use and 2 stairways at either end of the building. An emergency door at the bottom of them.  If anyone tries to go out that way all the bells and whistles go off. We can still let family visitors and the CNA's can come in. Thank God for that, I don't know what I would do without Yvette 5 days a week. Week ends are bad enough with no help. Of course this coming Monday is a holiday here so I will not see her till Tuesday. If we forge the key to our apartments and management has to let us in it costs $25. I had an extra one made-a no no by the manager-but I keep it in my wallet, have not used it yet and hope I never do. We also have cameras in all the hallways. The manager can see them on a monitor in the corner of her office. I noticed it once when I was down there for my yearly interview.

JANE  glad your daughter found some pint jars. Now for the pickled beets. Like you I love pecan pies with some whipped cream on top. Then I love a good home made pie of almost anykind.

SUMMERSON20  welcome to the Soda Shoppe. Love the big maple tree for your avatar. Come back often and tell us a bit about yourself. We are like a big cyber in here and love new members.

JOY  we don't  have anyone here on week ends either. The maintenance has an apartment here but on Friday after he is done he leaves to a place he owns in Conn. If he stays here someone always wants him to do something. Of course we are all happy when the witch is not here. We all behave but no waiting for her to knock at our door to come in. Same here not leing anyone in we don't know but a few will open the door for anyone.

SHIRLEY  next week I will have Yvette help me change summer and winter clothes around. Been getting all the summer ones washed and folded nice to put in the big bins I have. With one closet that is not that big no room for every thing.

Have a good day stay safe and wear a mask.

Good morning..

We are also to have lovely weather for today, then rain on Mon. A day of rest other than stuffing Mr Tom T Turkey and labeling the baked beans and putting them in the basement.

Kyle is still using the walker, but said he feels a little better. He pulled a groin muscle the other day. Boy, that walker is getting a lot of use this month!

It has been a while since I have listened to the loons, I think they have taken off south. The geese are still here  flying about but they too will soon be gone.

Gloria, I love lasagna. Maybe Yvette can make some for you to have on hand. I have slowly been bringing the winter wear out but know the  complete transition is going to be soon.

Better get a move on...my attem stayed in bed so it will be a push day.

Enjoy your day and stay safe plese.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I've been up or a bit but Mickie had turned in to a "slug-a-bed" since we lost Annie.  She doesn't get up until I've had my feet on he floor for a bit.  Then she's very patient to wait for me to get dressed and ready to go out with her.

AMY, did I miss it or didn't you post the results from your Dr. visit about your leg?  I don't remember "hearing" the results.   

I've been having thoughts of candy making flit through my mind and I've already begun to stockpile the makings.  That's my next project.  I have to have everything that goes to my sister, niece and nephew done by the time Bethany leaves college for Thanksgiving.  They will not be coming back after Thanksgiving but finishing the semester remotely.  So my only possible transport is when she leaves to go home.  And I have some shopping to do for my sister that needs to be included in that transfer.

Right now, the boinger is going off and it's time for breakfast, then a nice long walk with Mickie and I'm sure the paper is on the porch by now.  So I wish you all a good day!  Make it your own in every way!  And don't forget to share it with your friends in the Soda Shoppe.  We miss you when we don't "see" you!

Jane, still waiting to hear back from xray and ultra sound. I just figure no news is good news . I am able to walk on it a bit just no more break dancing

Good evening everyone !

Good morning, cloudy and 39° this morning in the Interior. I've been up a while but another late night so today's starting out slow.

Gloria, we don't have a release button on our phones. I think management might balk at that. The office and security officials have public area monitors and the TV closed-circuit channel available to tenants with a television. Otherwise, there is just the intercom and call box.

Anyone coming into this building has to go through security. The door opens directly into their offices. They do allow essential workers, and police and emergency must have a master key. This building was owned by a private company that pulled out, and the state purchased all privately owned seven buildings, so it no longer has several of the past amenities we enjoyed. It is independent living for disabled seniors, all one-bedrooms except for twenty studios for the more handicapped.

Jane, you're doing a lot of what I used to do before I fell in November 2014. I miss it and wish I could spirit some of your energy and or goodies. I used to be a whiz kitchen wise, but now, like Gloria, it's only a memory. I did purchase the makings for chocolatey chocolate fudge and divinity last grocery shop, so that I will make that for a few Christmas gifts. I do love to read what you and Amy get up to!

Amy, I've made several loaves of bread from the yeast you sent me, thanks! The last was a chewy, honey-sunflower seed loaf. I ate some pieces of it with butter while it was still hot and felt stuffed but loved it! I hope you hear back soon and with good news.

Welcome, Summersun, to our wild & crazy world! For sure this is the place for world wide news, if you want to hear about daily life of Seniors & their Friends! You will get sympathy if you tell about a problem, a little teasing and few giggles at our "human" goofs. One way or another we all have something in common, right Kids? 

The palm of my hand keeps itching, my mother used to say, "going to get some money".... 2 days and no pennies from Heaven here.

Amy, my Dr appointment was see if oxygen would help my being so short winded. He wants me to do a sleep test next & then we'll talk again. I was borderline with what showed this time. Told him I am hoping to delay replacing the aortic valve again so soon because a better one is being tested & I'd rather wait for it. After all, we do have other working parts in the body. If you go to a doc that does stents, you get stents, if one does by-passes you get by-passes & we seem to have an over ambitious one that likes to replace valves. Anyway, my oxygen went down to 72 in CO before it settled a little higher the rest of the week. On this flat land it is staying at 90-94, before they replaced the valve it was always at 99 or 100. Anyway, I hate to be a whiner so will not go in about the knee. Having my pity-party all by myself.

About every other day we see waves of robins migrating through, they are such happy birds. I've been keeping the bird bath full since they remember where to clean up every year. They are really vocal, I'm sure they recognize the house. They "bark" at the cats but have a different chirp for me. The monarch butterflies are gone, haven't even seen a stray for more than a week. Fish have gone to deeper water, one ate a little bread last night but the whole lot of big catfish & carp are gone for the winter. Still a few egrets and herons straggling around. None of the birds could hang onto a tree limb today the way the wind is blowing.

#1 son will be here soon to check the leak at the sand filter for the sprinkler system. We are very try this year, not sure any of the grass going down to the river will survive the winter if we don't get some rain soon. The beaver cut down a few trees yesterday, I noticed. One was about half chewed off so guess I caught him in the act. It was a bigger than usual tree. Hope he got it down because it looked like the wind could blow it over if not. I'll take a camera down that has more zoom than my phone one. With this bum knee I'm NOT going to hike to get a closer shot. It is harder to go down the hill than to come back up but hurts worse to bend and sit.

And that's my world in Kansas today. Sun is bright & mid 80s... summer is hanging on. Gloria, I'm still thinking about Regina having aspen trees. I miss getting to see them in CO. We hit peak season a few years ago so have some gorgeous photos. I think my gallery has some so will see about posting. 

Hi, Patricia, I had to stop and look out, sounds like the house could blow away. Just straight winds with no tornado but whistling down the oven vent!   

Good Afternoon, Everyfriend,

Summersun,  Welcome from Oklahoma - straight down I-35 south of Shirley.  If I'm gauging the time difference correctly I'm assuming you may be somewhere in the British Isles.  If so,  I hope you're sleeping well and having pleasant dreams. 

Shirley, robins must have gone around or haven't gotten this far, yet.  I need to fill the sunflower feeder but the wind is also "whistling down the plain" here.

Finally finished the album for #2 son - 68 pages of pictures from their 20 year marriage. I cropped and "shaped" some pictures and added "stickers" to most pages for decoration.  Also found a way to print/cut out various icons (like opposing team logos or logos for geographic locales)to add.  They do (did ) a LOT of traveling - mostly to Bowl games in which OKState played or Mexico and the Bahamas to snorkel and scuba dive. Pages for their 20th Anniversary are of a "staycation" playing miniature golf.

Have no idea what the next project will be - probably another family history story.

Our morning paper is now printed across the state in Tulsa which has meant not reading about my Sooners' football games until Monday.  Presses must have been held for yesterday's "Red River Blowout" with Texas because it set a record with four overtimes. Could have gone into 5 if not for an intercepted pass. (Sooners won!!).  (I really miss my S&F Texas friend with whom I always had a bet for this game. He would have owed me Big Time for yesterday!)

Off to do the daily word puzzles and crosswords in that same paper.