Topic: how about drinking?

Jan 25, 2021 03:08AM ChiSandy wrote:

We're getting maybe a dusting in the morning...till about 3pm, when the snow will ramp up to at least an inch, maybe 1/5", per hour; it won't taper off till after 3am Tues. Should continue a bit more lightly all the way to evening rush. Forecasts are anywhere between 6" here at the lake to 8" at O'Hare (which is just past where I'm headed Tues. morning to get my vaccination). But given winds turning & blowing in from the lake, by the time late aft. rolls around, we might have a foot (including lake effect) snow to deal with. I knew we couldn't escape Snowmageddon forever. At least the temps won't be Chiberia-cold. Will go into the garage and load my back seat with everything that looks like a broom or a shovel.

Mapquest has it as a half-hr. drive, which means that in the snow with not all streets plowed it might take 3x that long. Appt. is 10:20, they want me there 15 min. early to review the paperwork. So I'd better hit the road by 8:30. If I manage to be too early, there's a MickeyD's and a Drunken Donuts right near Walgreen's, so I can kill time drinking coffee in my car. What would totally fry me would be to get there and find out they ran out of doses.

Jan 25, 2021 08:08AM goldie0827 wrote:

Cami, I didn't drive in any snow. Happy Birthday to your GD. That's a good BIL.

Sandy, noisy neighbors would drive me nuts. Hopefully driving will be ok tomorrow.

Minus/Beaver, you two have met?

Reader, glad the scratch wasn't an issue. Sorry about the migraine, do you get them often?

NM, good that you didn't have to move the couch but once. I can't even imagine having children in a time like these.

As promised, the exciting picture of my winter harvest. Had a nice salad with our steak and shrimp dinner. The beans are for size comparison.

Jan 25, 2021 10:53AM camillegal wrote:

Hi ladies,

another couple who know their wines. I know red or white. Good thing I'm not colorblind.we should toast wiith something I think we got a home tonite. It's in warrenville about 10 mins. from here and it's a nice town. 3 bedrooms, finished basement with a full bathroom there and one of the bedrooms is on the 1st floor across from another full bath. <mine>. It does need some work so the bid was 13,000.00 lower and they took it. I really don't like change but they want this so I'm going too. Oh I hate moving.I started this post 3 hrs ago, yep then I fell , asleep Jeez. The good thing about this is I won't have to do much, just really declutter my room, so I thought I'll do that with Joey and then when it's crazzy time I'll go stay with Jodie for a couple of days <more proof of my laziness> I'd really just be in the way. I don't know why but I already feel nervous,,,,OK I just wanted to share this, I haven't told anyone else.

OMG I forgot to send this

LUBS U ALL

Jan 25, 2021 04:20PM ChiSandy wrote:

Cami, Warrenville is lovely. I've played at the Acorn Coffeehouse inside the Folk-Lore Center (dunno if it's still around, but the point is moot till the pandemic restrictions on in-person concerts have been lifted).

Bob's office hours were canceled tonight due to the storm. Turns out the predictions have been reversed: we here at the lakefront will be getting the brunt of it (around 8") while the O'Hare area might get only half that much. Sigh--shoulda booked that hotel room. Oh, well.

Jan 25, 2021 04:56PM - edited Jan 25, 2021 04:57PM by Chevyboy

Jan 25, 2021 05:03PM ChiSandy wrote:

Love that "gingerbread," Chevy!

Jan 25, 2021 09:11PM karen1956 wrote:

Chevy - the Highlands sure have changed a lot since you moved there in 1961. I have co-workers who live in the Highlands. I'm amazed in the 35 years I've been in Colorado how much has changed. The Sloans Lake area is looks nothing like it did in the mid 80s - heck nothing like 10 years ago. I'm in SE Denver...my neighborhood is from the late 50s to early 60s, plus some infill lots.

Jan 26, 2021 06:17AM NativeMainer wrote:

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Twofer Tuesday! The first CPR class of the new little business went well, was a lot of fun. There was a math test in one classroom yesterday and a spate of tummy aches from that room around test time. Sadie was a little miffed at my coming home late and let me know. She did not allow me any time on the TV or iPad until she had gotten enough belly rubs and ear scritches to prove she was still the boss in the house. Next time I'll remember to ask her permission to work late!

Ok, the TV news is showing high schoolers playing basketball with masks on, running up and down the court as usual. Somuch for everyone who says they can't breathe through a mask! If these kids can while running and jumping, any one can while walking around a store.

Goldie--Nice lettuce harvest you have there! So pretty, too. Nice size for a winter harvest!

Librarian--I love the way you say DH is "only" 70 and can't get up off the floor! I'm almost 10 years younger and have trouble getting up off the floor!

Cammy Cat--oh my goodness, a new home is going to be a big change! It's natural to be nervous about a big change like that. I think it's a good idea for you to go to Jodie's during the actual move, less anxiety for everyone knowing you are safe until the new place is unpacked enough for people to get around without risk of falling over boxes and loose stuff.

Beaver--I'm sorry to hear there was an outbreak at the preschool. I think people are forgetting that all the masking, distancing and cleaning is meant to slow down the spread, it won't stop it entirely. No matter how careful someone is, the virus can still get through.

Chi--winter storms are so unpredictable. Makes it hard to plan.

Chevy--So good your brother and his wife can be together! And the house selling so quickly, that's a blessing, too.

Morning, Karen!

Minus--a big part of my job right now is keeping up with the COVID news so I can teach the teachers (and everyone else around me) what is going on and why. I actually enjoy the process, even if I don't like the reason for needing to do it! We can work on getting together sometime when the pandemic is finally dead.

Daniel Webster's Punch

Ingredients

• 2 black tea bags, preferably PG Tips
• 12 ounces Oleo Saccharum
• 8 ounces fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons), plus 2 more lemons, sliced into thin rounds, for serving
• 1 bottle (750 milliliters) Jamaican black rum, such as Hamilton
• 1 bottle (750 milliliters) oloroso sherry, such as Lustau
• 1 bottle (750 milliliters) Bordeaux red wine
• 1 pineapple, sliced into thin rounds, plus leaves for serving
• 1 bottle (750 milliliters) Champagne brut or prosecco brut, chilled
• 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds, for serving
• 12 star-anise pods, for serving
• Freshly grated nutmeg, for serving

Directions

• Step 1
  Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags; let steep 10 minutes. Remove tea bags. Add oleo saccharum, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is translucent. Remove lemon peels with a slotted spoon; discard. Stir in lemon juice, rum, sherry, and wine. Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
• Step 2
  When ready to serve, line the inside of a large punch bowl with pineapple slices (do not overlap). Fill one-third of the way with large ice cubes. Slowly pour tea mixture into punch bowl, making sure not to disrupt pineapple slices. Top with Champagne; gently stir to incorporate. Float lemon and orange slices on surface; sprinkle with star anise and nutmeg. Serve over ice.

From <https://www.marthastewart.com/1164835/daniel-websters-punch>

Jan 26, 2021 10:05AM goldie0827 wrote:

JCS, my DH is 65, altho he can get up off the floor, it's a struggle. He does have to have something to hold on to to push up from. If nothing is around, I will bend my leg so he can use my knee.

Cami, I think it's exciting that the kids got a house. And you'll actually have your own bedroom? Will you still sleep in a chair? Or can you do a bed? Oh, and you get to go stay with FF!

Beaver, sorry you are missing out on so much with the grands. Ha ha, there was no snow on the ground when I picked the lettuce, but there is this morning!

ED, that is so awesome that your brother and his wife are able to be together again. And your gardens always look so wonderfull and inviting. You do good!

Minus, I too have met several gals from BCO, some more than once. I've been to visit Cami twice.

NM, tummy aches during the math test, that is so cute. Glad the CPR class went well. And I agree about the masks, re basketball players. There is no excuse not to wear one. There's actually quite a bit of lettuce there, and some of the leaves quite large, which you can't really tell from the picture.

Given the amount of snow that has fallen, there was no way I was going to Phoenix yesterday, and today you can't even get there, as the roads are closed. Can't tell how much we got cuz he blew so much, so some areas have hardly anything and others have like 8". We do have to go out tomorrow, dr appt. for DH....yes, another one! This is with the vascular dr.

This is an area called Forest Lakes, when I say I have to drive across the rim, I go through this town. Notice the poor little tree!

Jan 26, 2021 02:35PM - edited Jan 26, 2021 02:57PM by ChiSandy

Lori, that's slightly more snow than we got--but the day is young(ish) and we're predicted to get at least another 1-3" of "lake effect" snow by evening. Lake effect is unpredictable--the forecasting computer "models" can't account for it. It happens when the wind, normally W-E, turns around and blows over the chilly water on to shore. (In IN & MI, as well as Buffalo, even the west-to-east wind blows across one or more Great Lakes, and insane amts. of snow can pile up; while Chicago stays clear & dry. Nearly a year ago, I had to drive to S. Bend, IN for a funeral, and they got 8" of snow, starting just across the IL/IN state line. Nary a flake back here when I got home. Another time I had to play a concert in Mishawaka, IN--and before we could load our gear in, we had to shovel a path to the door through 18" of snow).

The drive out to Norridge wasn't too bad--our snow guy came just before I had to leave and cleared out the "apron" behind the garage. The alley & side streets were still a bit sloppy, but the major arterials & the freeway were plowed and salted.

So I got my first shot today--Moderna. Wanted Pfizer, but most Walgreen's don't have the ultra-cold storage necessary for it (and the Moderna "keeps" in the fridge for a week or so, therefore doesn't have to be delivered daily). Can't get my second dose before 2/23; and the immunity won't kick in till a week or two after that. It's weaker against the S. African (and presumably, Brazilian) variant (as is probably the Pfizer as well), but Moderna is already testing a "tweaked" booster, while Pfizer has yet to do so. I figure as long as I double-mask and don't let up on my already-hyper-careful behaviors I'll be okay.

My HK didn't come in today (Bob fed the kitties their "brunch"). The neighbor who usually shovels out her sidewalk & carport got chest pains, and she decided to do it herself before the snow got any heavier, since there will be more later on. I told her not even to attempt to come in, late or otherwise. 2 yrs. ago, our across-the-street neighbor tried to shovel wet snow off her front steps--and dropped dead of a heart attack at only 70. Her DH got his shot Saturday at the V.A., but they're not giving shots to family members (not even those who are live-in caregivers). So she's playing web-browser Walgreen's roulette till she can get an appt.

Kim, I'm 70 and have asthma. If I can wear a 3-layer (2 cloth, 2 filter) mask for an hour at a time. inside an MRI's scanner, anyone can! When it was warm enough out to fitness-walk, I wore a mask for >2 mi. at a time. No excuses.

With leftover cassoulet last night, DOTD was an ounce of 2009 Rioja. Not sure about tonight--Bob was supposed to have an early day at Union Health because of the snow, but he got a new admission at Holy Cross (twice as far a commute home, alas). I might make something vegetarian or fishy and chill a bubbly (Mumm Napa Blanc de Noirs 2016).

Jan 27, 2021 12:18AM camillegal wrote:

Hi ladies,

well I read everything last nite now I forgot, couldn't find my glasses most of the day so I could barely work, but I'm back.

I was lucky enough to meet Lori 2x, I think Joey was about 10 yrs old and I met dara maybe 2 yrs. later, that was great too. But when Joe found out Lori was blonde he fell in love before he met her and was so excited that she came here. It took him an extra day to fall for Dara cuz her hair was dark, fickell little brat. But I know a lot of these gals have met an traveled together,

Lori I'll have the bedroom on the first floor, I still sleep in a chair but I'mgoing to get a twin bed when my body can stretch out sometimes, but it's big enough for both, there r 2 bedrooms upstairs an the basement has a place for a bedroom if Joey wants that. We;ll how it goes if all goes well.

Karen I heard the same thing about 2 masks, my gosh they better get those vaccs. out fast.

Kim u'd better not make Sadie upset anymore or u'll lose all ur cookware, she's very sensitive so lots of belly rubs.

I hope u gals can set a time up to all meet, u'll love it.

I need to get more tests for bloodwork next week, 2 different types, whatever that means. It's really sad when ur Dr. calls and says please twice, then I have to promise her.OK that's all I remember so I will say goodnite.

LUBS U ALL

Jan 27, 2021 12:26AM MinusTwo wrote:

Goldie - my brother just forwarded an email from Mund's park that some areas around Flag are getting 25". That's twenty five!!! Hope not at your place.

Jan 27, 2021 06:32AM NativeMainer wrote:

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump Day! Waking up to some snow this ayem, but not supposed to amount to anything. Covid is getting closer to my school, two students are out in quarantine as close contacts of cases.I'm really afraid it is just a matter of time before we have our first positive case, and then it will probably be a very short amount of time before we have an outbreak. Still, we all keep trying to do all the right things and keep it away.

Sadie says Hi to everyone!

Karen--we're getting a dusting of snow today, no real amounts of snow predicted over the next couple of weeks. Of course, that can change very quickly. I've heard some talk about double masking, but haven't seen anything about it from any of my trusted sources yet. I'm going to research that, it really doesn't make sense to me for anyone except health care providers who are wearing a surgical mask over their N95 to keep it cleaner. I'll let you know what I find out. It's looking more and more like COVID is going to be like the flu, mutating fast enough to need a new shot every year. Given the technology being used I'm pretty sure the vaccine will be at least partially effective against many mutations, and partial protection is better than none. No Zoom meetings? That must feel like a bit of a break. I've wondered about how well all the kids would do logging on for remote learning. That must be a nightmare to keep track of. I don't know how the teachers and everyone is managing it all!

Goldie--I can relate to needing to get a hold of something to get up from the floor. When I get down, I tell people that my getting up is the entertainment of the day! I'm still jealous of you picking lettuce in January! That poor little tree looks like it needs a good shaking off! OK, nowI see it's a Pine tree, they are very flexible and that poor baby should bounce right back when the snow falls off.

Chi--around here we call heavy, wet snow "heart attack" snow. So many people will try to move that stuff when they shouldn't and end up hospitalized or dead. It must have been scary when the neighbor died that way. And I still hold there is no physical reason a person cannot wear a mask, other than being in the hospital an on respiratory support like CPAP or a ventilator.

Reader--Bailey's Irish Cream coffee is a wonderful dessert coffee. And dessert coffees NEED a cookie or two on the side!

Cammy Cat--I will be very careful not to upset Sadie going forward. I need her too much for cold bed warming and foot warming during the cold weather. Youmake sure you keep your promise to your doc and get your blood tests done!

Minus--25 inches? WOW!!!!

Chi--sounds like a good deal on the KN95 masks! Isn't it amazing how complex the human immune system is? I'm continually fascinated by all the intricacy.

Snowstorm Café

Ingredients

• 3 ounces hot strong-brewed coffee
• 1 ounce Frangelico
• 1/2 ounce Licor 43 (sweet citrus- and vanilla-flavored liqueur) or Navan
• 1/2 ounce Cognac
• 1 large dollop of unsweetened whipped cream
• 3 coffee beans

Directions

In a mug, mix the coffee with the Frangelico, Licor 43 and Cognac. Top with the whipped cream and garnish with the coffee beans.

From <https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/snowstorm-cafe>

I didn't know what Licor 43 is:

from https://www.foodandwine.com/news/spirits-lexicon#l...

Jan 27, 2021 08:10AM goldie0827 wrote:

Well Sandy, how much snow did you get?

Reader, I've only ever had one migrain and I hope to never have one again, it was horrible. Have you ever tried CBD oil for relief? Nothing wrong with a Bailey's coffee and cookies. What kind of cookies?

Cami, I think it will be so nice to have your own normal size room. I'm excited for you. Will be interesting to see where Joey chooses to go. So it's a 3 level home? Basement, main and an upstairs?

Minus, like I said, I think we got 6-8". The picture I posted is between Heber and Payson, measuring 3', YES THAT'S FEET. I-40 was closed for like 12 hours from Ashfork to Kingman, leaving drivers stranded over night, due to accidents.

Oh dear NM, praying the virus doesn't make it to your school. As for that tree, if it were my house, I would have to go out and shake it off. But yes, they are pretty resilant.

Karen, congrats on 15 years, I have 2 more to go to get there. It's awesome meeting up with breasties.

Here is a pic of the back up. Heading out in a couple of hours, I hope the roads are cleared up!

Jan 27, 2021 09:06AM goldie0827 wrote:

Chevy, we got the snow AND it's cold, single digits this morning. The picture I posted is not my area, but an area I drive through to get to the doctors in Phoenix.