Quarantine and chill and kindness chatty clubhouse: Jump in and join the conversation! All is welcome!

[Breezy_Carol]

I texted with my brother in Bristol, CT last night. He never lost power but is without cable tv or internet. I looked at the outage map for CT and it has a huge number of outages.

We are loading the car and getting ready to leave in the next 90 minutes. Stops are the library to pick up a book when they open at 9, gas, Amish market for donuts, DD's house to deliver donuts and pick up the dog, carry out lunch somewhere in Chesapeake, VA, then onto the rental house which is available after 5. Of course there will be various rest stops to stretch, walk the dog, and switch drivers. Its about 300 miles I think.

I'll try to check in but if I miss a day, I will be back next weekend. Be good and wash your hands.

 

[easyas123]

Breezy- have fun at the shore! And get one of those cinnamon stick w/ cream cheese things at the doughnut counter sometimes they are still warm....yum!

 

[apirateslifeforme]

At midnight last night, the neighborhood up the road to the north began posting that their power is fully restored. Woke up this morning to posts from the neighborhood just around the corner to the south of us - about a 5-minute walk- saying that they are back on. A lady who lives on the main road parallel to us -we can see the back of her house from our front yard - posted that she also has power this morning, as of 4 a.m. WE ARE STILL OUT IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD! Now Eversource's website says there are 264 homes without power, but their numbers have been all over the place and I don't know what the truth is anymore. Apparently if you call them, the canned response is, "We expect to be fully restored by Tuesday." Our governor has really let them have it, and the town manager sent a letter about how their response has been "appalling."

If you leave our house and go 3 houses/spaces down to the main road, there is still a tree across the road. That could be the hold up...town says the homeowner is responsible, homeowner can't or won't remove it, so now we all have to suffer.

I have some really nice steaks that thawed (but we're still mostly cold) that I put into marinade, then put the whole thing in a tub of cold water. I can't tell if they're still good...they smell like meat, so I hope so. Having DH grill them tonight with the mushrooms I'd bought. At least we have enough propane to cook through tonight. He's getting really good at it!

Please pray that we get power back today. I am seriously hanging on by a thread (mentally). I told DH that he may have to take me to a hotel tonight, just me. I need some time to myself, I am going insane here. He did ask if I wanted to go to my in-laws today, but I really can't. I love them so much, but I'd end up being on edge and taking care of them as well. I'm selfish, I don't want to visit, entertain, and/or take care of anyone else right now. I just need some time alone.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Speaking of books, does anyone else stockpile books?
I'll read reviews of books that sound interesting, or come across them while browsing. Then if something strikes my fancy I put it in my Amazon cart and then when I'm ready for some new books I'll go thru what I've put in there and pick a few that appeal to me at the moment.
One of my favorite pre-trip activities is a leisurely walk around the Barnes & Noble and picking up a few books for the trip.

I have about 30 books purchased on the Kindle that I haven't even touched yet, but I only have one book on preorder (Jim Butcher's upcoming Dresden novel, comes out in September....but it's on preorder for Kindle AND Audible AND hardback). I have probably 100+ books on a wish list on Amazon, and another 50+ on a wish list on Thrift Books.


/looks down and speaks in quiet voice

I have a spreadsheet of all our books. Listed by author, then title; if they are part of a series, and in what format (paperback, hardback, kindle...the audible are on a separate spreadsheet).

I also did spreadsheets for all our movies, On the spreadsheets, first they are listed in different spreadsheets by what CD cases they are in; DVD/Bluray/4K/extras disks. Then they are listed by movie title (but movies that are part of a series, such as Ironman, are series first, so they are all together, so it's Marvel: Ironman, or LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring).

Don't ask me about the spreadsheets for the World of Warcraft mount and pet tracking, or achievements.

------------------------------------------------
Pirates...sorry you are going through this! When Hurricane Matthew came through here, we lost power for two days. There were so many outages, those poor power guys were working 20 hour days. They might need to replace something in your area (like a transformer or a circuit box or something) and they are doing other areas that are easier to fix first (maybe just downed lines or trees on lines, kind of thing)? Stay strong, you've got this.

Making Butter chicken with jasmine rice and veggies for lunch today. Tomorrow, it's meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn, per DS's request. Made chocolate ice cream yesterday.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Have fun and stay safe, Carol, we will miss you.

Yikes, what an ordeal, apirateslifeforme Many prayers and hugs today goes MUCH better. Don't apologize or feel badly for just needing some down and cool time just for you! You've been through the wringer that is for sure. Hugs and prayers.

 

[Meriweather]

I have so many books. Never seems to be enough time to read long anymore......I need a cruise!!

Our bedroom has a massive built in bookshelf and it is full.....several hundred books
My Kindle has 100s and 100s on it. I do get a first read book every month from Prime.....haven't even read one of them yet.
I don't buy real books anymore.....no room and hard to take on trips.
I have about 20 books on my phone from using up google play money.
I also have about 300 recipe books. I have pared it down a lot

 

[easyas123]

Husband just received a call (we share a suite of offices at work) and left here with a giddy spring in his step - seems his new boat motor for his crabbing boat is ready, and evidently "it is on" and now he can use his crabbing boat again and I should expect 2 bushels of crabs this weekend....rriigghhtttttt.

Oh well, it gets him out of the house and having fun for a few hours.

 

[easyas123]

Our bedroom has a massive built in bookshelf and it is full.....several hundred books

I'd love to have some big built in bookshelves! If we ever build another house I'm hoping we can have a dedicated area for some, they look so nice.

Are the grandkids baking anything good this weekend or next week?

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I'd also like to have some built in bookshelves in perhaps a library type of room that could also be an office space.

Being on the water sounds very relaxing, Easyas123, hope your husband enjoys.

QOTD for 8/7: Have you ever taken a train trip?

The only trains I have been on are the Disneyland RR, Casey, Jr. and other such tourist/theme park trains. My Grandma often said she thought a train trip would be a great way to see the country and relax at the same time. I'm not able to travel too long distance these days. But one day post plague a short train day trip might be fun Of course, so will riding on the DL RR and Casey, Jr!

 

[Meriweather]

I'd love to have some big built in bookshelves! If we ever build another house I'm hoping we can have a dedicated area for some, they look so nice.

Are the grandkids baking anything good this weekend or next week?

Our master has a side alcove. DH built the bookcase on 2 of the 3 walls (the other has a window). That is where the recliner chair is.

 

[PollyannaMom]

/looks down and speaks in quiet voice

I have a spreadsheet of all our books. Listed by author, then title; if they are part of a series, and in what format (paperback, hardback, kindle...the audible are on a separate spreadsheet).

I also did spreadsheets for all our movies, On the spreadsheets, first they are listed in different spreadsheets by what CD cases they are in; DVD/Bluray/4K/extras disks. Then they are listed by movie title (but movies that are part of a series, such as Ironman, are series first, so they are all together, so it's Marvel: Ironman, or LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring).

No need for the quiet voice here. I used to have a spreadsheet of all our movies too. (Back in the days of recording stuff on VHS, it really helped me find things.) And one year, I kept a list of every book I read, just to see how it went.

I also have about 300 recipe books. I have pared it down a lot

I no longer feel bad about the number of recipe books I own.

I'd also like to have some built in bookshelves in perhaps a library type of room that could also be an office spa

If I ever design my own house, it will definitely have a library!


QOTD for 8/7: Have you ever taken a train trip?

Nothing long distance, but I do agree it would be fun!

I used to take a commuter train to work in the city, and I have family who took the auto-train from Florida to DC. They said it was very convenient.

 

[Meriweather]

QOTD for 8/7: Have you ever taken a train trip?

Not really a trip.....just Disney trains and once from Seattle to Portland to watch a couple soccer games.
Would love to do a cross country one, but expensive!

DH has been on a bullet train in Japan

 

[lynxstch]

QOTD for 8/7: Have you ever taken a train trip?

Only once, when I was in my early teens. I took dance lessons and the teacher took some of us to NYC for a show. The only thing I can recall about the trip is that it was the first and only time I was in an 'Automat', at least I think that's what they were called? Place where all the food were behind plastic or glass cases and you had to put your money in to get it, lol! Very short train trip on the Scenic MD Railroad here in town on Father Day about 17 years ago. They served a nice dinner and the train went from Cumberland to Frostburg, used the turn around after a brief rest stop, and came back to town. Nothing exciting, and not worth the money, lol!

 

[Meriweather]

No need for the quiet voice here. I used to have a spreadsheet of all our movies too. (Back in the days of recording stuff on VHS, it really helped me find things.) And one year, I kept a list of every book I read, just to see how it went.



I no longer feel bad about the number of recipe books I own.

We used to keep a list of movies we owned (back in the day).....mainly so I wouldn't buy the same ones over again. I think we had about 500 DVDs and tapes at one point.

Probably 100 of those cookbooks are cookie books.....I used to bake for DH's work place. Once a week for 10 years and only used the same recipe a few times. They were my guinea pigs.

 

[easyas123]

QOTD for 8/7: Have you ever taken a train trip?

Just once (not counting subways!!), and not to long ago, I think about it was about a year ago? Did the Autotrain back from Sanford, VA to Lorton, VA. I had been wanting to ride it for some time, plus my husband had ridden it once several years ago when our son graduated school in FL and they rode back on it. He raved about it, said it was great. So anyway, we booked a one way up North and got a roomette. It was ok...dining car was fun, room was cramped. If I did it again I'd book a bedroom for sure. My folks have used it a few times coming and going from Florida.

Cumberland to Frostburg....... Nothing exciting, and not worth the money, lol!

I can't tell you how many times we've contemplated doing that ride! Everytime we consider it we realize we are already up there (visiting family) and have seen the fall colors so we don't bother. Not usually up there at Christmas, don't they have a Santa Clause ride? It sure looked good on the local MPT show they air once a year

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Cookie books are of great importance, Meriweather!

I am enjoying reading all your book and train stories, thank you everyone! Do any of you have a window seat? For some reason i have always thought such a spot would make for cozy reading!

 

[lynxstch]

QOTD for 8/7: Have you ever taken a train trip?

Just once (not counting subways!!), and not to long ago, I think about it was about a year ago? Did the Autotrain back from Sanford, VA to Lorton, VA. I had been wanting to ride it for some time, plus my husband had ridden it once several years ago when our son graduated school in FL and they rode back on it. He raved about it, said it was great. So anyway, we booked a one way up North and got a roomette. It was ok...dining car was fun, room was cramped. If I did it again I'd book a bedroom for sure. My folks have used it a few times coming and going from Florida.


I can't tell you how many times we've contemplated doing that ride! Everytime we consider it we realize we are already up there (visiting family) and have seen the fall colors so we don't bother. Not usually up there at Christmas, don't they have a Santa Clause ride? It sure looked good on the local MPT show they air once a year

They do a Santa Claus ones most years, I think. Last year they had the 'Polar Express' one, and had Eddie Deezen (from the movie and a Cumberland native) was on there and everyone got to meet him. My stepdaughter and her 2 girls got tickets from her Mom and they all went together. Her Mom drove down for KY for it. They said it was 'ok', but it was fairly expensive for what it was.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

I'd also like to have some built in bookshelves in perhaps a library type of room that could also be an office space.

Being on the water sounds very relaxing, Easyas123, hope your husband enjoys.

QOTD for 8/7: Have you ever taken a train trip?

The only trains I have been on are the Disneyland RR, Casey, Jr. and other such tourist/theme park trains. My Grandma often said she thought a train trip would be a great way to see the country and relax at the same time. I'm not able to travel too long distance these days. But one day post plague a short train day trip might be fun Of course, so will riding on the DL RR and Casey, Jr!

never have, but I think it might be fun! We talked about going from Jax to Washington DC on the train, but haven't pulled the trigger yet

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I'm sorry, Lynxstch, the Polar Express trip was just "okay" for them. I am not surprised that it was costly A Santa train in general does sound like a lot of fun.

 

[Snowysmom]

QOTD for 8/7: Have you ever taken a train trip?
I have just taken short train trips like North Conway Railroad 5 hour train ride to see the foliage or the Disney railroad or the train into Boston. The Rocky Mountaineer looks like a really scenic and fun train ride through areas of the Rockies. Maybe a retirement idea.

@Meriweather I need a cruise for reading too. I love to sit on the balcony in the afternoon on an at sea day and just read while enjoying the view. Last cruise was Boston to Bermuda.