what are you doing right now?

[toomuchreality]

Jul 19, 2022 14:12:28 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Jul 19, 2022 13:12:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

My mom is turning 70 so she wants a big party. Fine. To say that my mom micromanages EVERYTHING would be the understatement of the century. At first we were just going to do hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. Easy enough. Now she wants me cooking for 50 people. Not flipping burgers, she wants a Mexican food buffet. She wants 3 birthday cakes and 6 different kinds of margaritas. She's been driving my dad nuts!

My sister doesn't know how to cook so it will be me cooking everything. My sister also doesn't have any money so I'll be paying for everything as well. I'm getting catering quotes. Eff this. I'll pay the money. If my parents don't end up divorced by the end of this, it'll be a miracle. I had to talk dad off the ledge earlier.

That is excessive. I get the Mexican feast, but 3 birthday cakes 6 types of margaritas?  I'd be catering that ish too.

I couldn't come up with 10 people to invite! Maybe I could, if family was included. LOL
Good luck!

[bean29]

Jul 19, 2022 13:12:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

My mom is turning 70 so she wants a big party. Fine. To say that my mom micromanages EVERYTHING would be the understatement of the century. At first we were just going to do hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. Easy enough. Now she wants me cooking for 50 people. Not flipping burgers, she wants a Mexican food buffet. She wants 3 birthday cakes and 6 different kinds of margaritas. She's been driving my dad nuts!

My sister doesn't know how to cook so it will be me cooking everything. My sister also doesn't have any money so I'll be paying for everything as well. I'm getting catering quotes. Eff this. I'll pay the money. If my parents don't end up divorced by the end of this, it'll be a miracle. I had to talk dad off the ledge earlier.

Did she ask for a Mariachi band too? 

If you were in Chicago I could connect you to the "Taco Lady" my husband's friends use to cater their parties, but she is so booked up even they are having issues getting her for their own parties.

[andi9899]

Jul 19, 2022 14:12:28 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Jul 19, 2022 13:12:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

My mom is turning 70 so she wants a big party. Fine. To say that my mom micromanages EVERYTHING would be the understatement of the century. At first we were just going to do hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. Easy enough. Now she wants me cooking for 50 people. Not flipping burgers, she wants a Mexican food buffet. She wants 3 birthday cakes and 6 different kinds of margaritas. She's been driving my dad nuts!

My sister doesn't know how to cook so it will be me cooking everything. My sister also doesn't have any money so I'll be paying for everything as well. I'm getting catering quotes. Eff this. I'll pay the money. If my parents don't end up divorced by the end of this, it'll be a miracle. I had to talk dad off the ledge earlier.

That is excessive. I get the Mexican feast, but 3 birthday cakes 6 types of margaritas?  I'd be catering that ish too.

It's ridiculous. We keep suggesting alternatives and she keeps shutting them down saying it's not what she wants. I'm telling her not asking her that I'm catering it. If that's not what she wants she can cook.

[andi9899]

Jul 19, 2022 14:28:41 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Jul 19, 2022 13:12:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

My mom is turning 70 so she wants a big party. Fine. To say that my mom micromanages EVERYTHING would be the understatement of the century. At first we were just going to do hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. Easy enough. Now she wants me cooking for 50 people. Not flipping burgers, she wants a Mexican food buffet. She wants 3 birthday cakes and 6 different kinds of margaritas. She's been driving my dad nuts!

My sister doesn't know how to cook so it will be me cooking everything. My sister also doesn't have any money so I'll be paying for everything as well. I'm getting catering quotes. Eff this. I'll pay the money. If my parents don't end up divorced by the end of this, it'll be a miracle. I had to talk dad off the ledge earlier.

Did she ask for a Mariachi band too? 

If you were in Chicago I could connect you to the "Taco Lady" my husband's friends use to cater their parties, but she is so booked up even they are having issues getting her for their own parties.

IKR! How did cookout turn into me being in the kitchen for days sweating my ass off! I'm still going to make some of it, but most of it is getting catered. I'm not rolling out dozens of flautas for 50 people. That will take forever!

[bean29]

Jul 19, 2022 14:41:46 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Jul 19, 2022 14:12:28 GMT -5 daisylu said:

That is excessive. I get the Mexican feast, but 3 birthday cakes 6 types of margaritas?  I'd be catering that ish too.

It's ridiculous. We keep suggesting alternatives and she keeps shutting them down saying it's not what she wants. I'm telling her not asking her that I'm catering it. If that's not what she wants she can cook.

So what kind of cake does she want?  Is one of them is Tres Leches?

[Deleted]

Ate something new today as our local Mexican seafood place - Tacos Gobernador which translates to Governor's Tacos. Supposedly the recipe was created by a restaurant in Mazatlán back in the '90's to impress the governor. That may or may not be true, but they impressed me! Shrimp cooked in butter with serrano peppers and red onions, popped into corn tortillas with a little white cheese, and grllled until they are marked and the cheese is melted. They were served with a dipping sauce with just enough kick to get your nose running. They are a limited time special on Tuesday's only so we'll be going there every Tuesday for the foreseeable future. 3 tacos for $9.79

A couple of years back this place did another special - squash blossom empanadas - that was incredible too. Their regular empanadas are shrimp, black bean and chipotle which ain't too shabby either. Empanadas are 3 for $7.99

The lunch crowd is a hoot. About 80% blue collar workers and families, 5% guys with ink and colors identifying their affiliation, 5% suits from local businesses wanting a great cheap lunch, and 5% local law enforcement in uniform. Real quiet, no problems. They have NEVER been robbed, go figure , but do occasionally shut down for a day or two after an ICE raid.

[Deleted]

We have 2 wildfires active in Texas now, the Chalk Mountain fire in Somervell County which involves 4,000 acres and the Nelson Creek fire in Walker County involving 1,800 acres.

[NoNamePerson]

Jul 19, 2022 14:44:47 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Jul 19, 2022 14:28:41 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Did she ask for a Mariachi band too? 

If you were in Chicago I could connect you to the "Taco Lady" my husband's friends use to cater their parties, but she is so booked up even they are having issues getting her for their own parties.

IKR! How did cookout turn into me being in the kitchen for days sweating my ass off! I'm still going to make some of it, but most of it is getting catered. I'm not rolling out dozens of flautas for 50 people. That will take forever!

WOW you better start preparing for her 80th at least two years out if this is just her 70th

[Deleted]

Jul 19, 2022 14:21:38 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Jul 19, 2022 14:12:28 GMT -5 daisylu said:

That is excessive. I get the Mexican feast, but 3 birthday cakes 6 types of margaritas?  I'd be catering that ish too.

I couldn't come up with 10 people to invite! Maybe I could, if family was included. LOL
Good luck!

I turn 70 next year.  A "destination birthday party", I think, maybe in the Caribbean since it will be winter.  Better start the guest list and tell DS and DDIL to start saving.  :-)

[NoNamePerson]

Jul 19, 2022 14:21:38 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Jul 19, 2022 14:12:28 GMT -5 daisylu said:

That is excessive. I get the Mexican feast, but 3 birthday cakes 6 types of margaritas?  I'd be catering that ish too.

I couldn't come up with 10 people to invite! Maybe I could, if family was included. LOL
Good luck!

Same here. Heck, I don't like 50 people much less want to spend my birthday with them. Family is the exception but all total that number is just 6 plus my EX if he shows up. 

[weltschmerz]

Jul 19, 2022 15:23:52 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

We have 2 wildfires active in Texas now, the Chalk Mountain fire in Somervell County which involves 4,000 acres and the Nelson Creek fire in Walker County involving 1,800 acres.

The whole goddamn planet is on fire.

[minnesotapaintlady]

Jul 19, 2022 13:12:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

My mom is turning 70 so she wants a big party. Fine. To say that my mom micromanages EVERYTHING would be the understatement of the century. At first we were just going to do hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. Easy enough. Now she wants me cooking for 50 people. Not flipping burgers, she wants a Mexican food buffet. She wants 3 birthday cakes and 6 different kinds of margaritas. She's been driving my dad nuts!

My sister doesn't know how to cook so it will be me cooking everything. My sister also doesn't have any money so I'll be paying for everything as well. I'm getting catering quotes. Eff this. I'll pay the money. If my parents don't end up divorced by the end of this, it'll be a miracle. I had to talk dad off the ledge earlier.

My mom was that way with her 70th too (and 50th).  But she put it on herself.  She knew there was no way in hell I'd do it.

[busymom]

Jul 19, 2022 15:23:52 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

We have 2 wildfires active in Texas now, the Chalk Mountain fire in Somervell County which involves 4,000 acres and the Nelson Creek fire in Walker County involving 1,800 acres.

     I hope that is nowhere near to you.  Stay safe!  

[NoNamePerson]

Jul 19, 2022 15:45:21 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Jul 19, 2022 13:12:54 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

My mom is turning 70 so she wants a big party. Fine. To say that my mom micromanages EVERYTHING would be the understatement of the century. At first we were just going to do hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. Easy enough. Now she wants me cooking for 50 people. Not flipping burgers, she wants a Mexican food buffet. She wants 3 birthday cakes and 6 different kinds of margaritas. She's been driving my dad nuts!

My sister doesn't know how to cook so it will be me cooking everything. My sister also doesn't have any money so I'll be paying for everything as well. I'm getting catering quotes. Eff this. I'll pay the money. If my parents don't end up divorced by the end of this, it'll be a miracle. I had to talk dad off the ledge earlier.

My mom was that way with her 70th too (and 50th).  But she put it on herself.  She knew there was no way in hell I'd do it.

Color me strange but 70 was just another birthday to me. But I missed the sentimental gene when it was being handed out. I was just glad I had made it to 70    And I guess I just hate being "fussed" over. To each his own though. 

[NastyWoman]

Damn...I missed my chance at being a prima donna when I turned 70 last year. And it was on a Saturday too so I totally could have. I was treated to  dinner with a couple of friends and had a wonderful time. But still, the missed opportunity 

[raeoflyte]

I like hosting milestone bdays. I did a 70th party for my mom and 75th for my dad, but they are super low key. BBQ pork for dads, baked potato bar for my mom, both at my house, I think we had 25 guests for my mom's.

I feel bad I didn't do anything for sil's 40th, but she wants fancier than I can pull off. I offered to help her husband if he was going to take it on. My sisters 40th was fun, but again, low key works for my family.

[TheOtherMe]

I threw and paid for my own 50th birthday party.  It was mostly family.  

I figured since I had paid for gifts for all of my cousins for weddings and babies, they could give some back.  I did specify no gifts but not everyone complied.  I was not in it for the gifts.  I wanted everyone to get together.

There was a good turnout and I did enjoy it.

[andi9899]

Jul 19, 2022 14:46:03 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Jul 19, 2022 14:41:46 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

It's ridiculous. We keep suggesting alternatives and she keeps shutting them down saying it's not what she wants. I'm telling her not asking her that I'm catering it. If that's not what she wants she can cook.

So what kind of cake does she want?  Is one of them is Tres Leches?

No. That's easy. A strawberry cake from scratch, a German chocolate cake also from scratch and a sheet cake from a bakery. Why do we need all that? I don't bake so I have nothing to do with the cake.

[Deleted]

Jul 19, 2022 16:27:07 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I threw and paid for my own 50th birthday party.  It was mostly family.  

You know, I'd be happy hosting a nice dinner at a restaurant of DS and DDIL's choosing with just them and the kids.  We have a few favorites with excellent food that are kid-friendly- main requirements are a moderate level of noise so they're not disruptive when they forget to use their inside voices, and enough space to take the 3-year old around for a walk when he gets restless.  Otherwise, they're great, although I do have a priceless picture of the 5-year old leaning back and dropping strands of spaghetti into her mouth.   DS and DDIL take seriously my request for no gifts.  I'm happy with that. 

[wvugurl26]

I would be all over making three cakes but dessert and baking are my thing. That's what feeds my soul.

For my in laws 50th wedding anniversary, we had it catered but did some food ourselves. We weren't paying catering prices for a salad, cheese tray, etc. We ordered a cake and made some other desserts.

It was a huge summer party with over 100 people in attendance. It was mostly family with a few close friends in attendance. Thankfully the rain ended right before the party. We divided up tasks between his parents and all the siblings and their spouses. It was way too much for one person to handle.

My in laws were adamant about paying the costs of the party. It turned out very nicely.

For their 70th and 75th birthdays we just did dinners with mostly immediate family. For FIL's 75th we also did a suite for immediate family at an Orioles game a year late thanks to COVID. I had the deposit down on the suite and everything when COVID came around.

DH is one of four. He's the only one without kids. His parents both have multiple siblings. Immediate family alone is easily 20 so we are fairly practiced at larger gatherings. It isn't always fancy or elaborate just in terms of numbers.

[Deleted]

I did a seated dinner for DH's 75. Only one person showed up so it was beyond disastrous. My 70'th was my best ever because I had to chair the HOA meeting that night and got to share my cake with neighbors. DH can choose what he wants to do each year for his BD but I would prefer to stay home with wine and cheese.

[toomuchreality]

Jul 19, 2022 15:40:03 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Jul 19, 2022 14:21:38 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

I couldn't come up with 10 people to invite! Maybe I could, if family was included. LOL
Good luck!

Same here. Heck, I don't like 50 people much less want to spend my birthday with them. Family is the exception but all total that number is just 6 plus my EX if he shows up. 

Same! 😁

[toomuchreality]

Jul 19, 2022 15:56:36 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Damn...I missed my chance at being a prima donna when I turned 70 last year. And it was on a Saturday too so I totally could have. I was treated to  dinner with a couple of friends and had a wonderful time. But still, the missed opportunity 

Dang!
You should start planning now, so you don't miss out on 75!

[NastyWoman]

Jul 19, 2022 17:54:23 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Jul 19, 2022 15:56:36 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Damn...I missed my chance at being a prima donna when I turned 70 last year. And it was on a Saturday too so I totally could have. I was treated to  dinner with a couple of friends and had a wonderful time. But still, the missed opportunity 

Dang!
You should start planning now, so you don't miss out on 75!

Can't. I am retired and too busy choosing between doing nothing, going to the pool, going for a walk, what to cook for dinner, etc. to add yet another task to my day 

[skeeter]

Jul 19, 2022 17:19:11 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

I did a seated dinner for DH's 75. Only one person showed up so it was beyond disastrous. My 70'th was my best ever because I had to chair the HOA meeting that night and got to share my cake with neighbors. DH can choose what he wants to do each year for his BD but I would prefer to stay home with wine and cheese.

OMG, that is sooo sad.  Your hubby must have been devastated.

[Deleted]

We had a surprise party for my Grandmother for her 70th birthday party. Me and my first cousin that lived out of state at the time paid for everything, well I paid for it and she reimbursed me half of it when she came to town for the party. I worked OT to pay for all the food and decorations.

My Mom, Aunt and my other cousin cooked all the food. I preferred my role, even though I spent a lot of money and worked OT for it, over being stuck in a kitchen cooking.

[Deleted]

Mister, Newbie and I are sitting on the deck with the grill going and music playing. I guess Mister is still trying to help me reclaim my happy place after yesterday.

[cooper88]

It's so freaking hot here today. 109, which set a record. Anyway, I did my outdoor watering in record time.

[flamingo]

I’m fighting a headache and it feels like if I could just sneeze a few hundred times it would. Since that isn’t an actual solution, I took some meds and am waiting for them to kick in. 

it’s so hot here and neither of us has felt like cooking so we went out for tacos last night and ordered in pizza tonight. We usually cook 95% of our meals at home so this feels super indulgent. Add in the ice cream we’ve been eating to help us “cool down” each night, you’re going to have to roll me out here soon! 

[Deleted]

Mister stopped and bought some “Snake Away” on his way home yesterday and didn’t even take the time to put his car in the garage when he got home (it’s takes some maneuvering from both of us to get our cars in our tiny garage), he just stopped in the driveway and immediately started sprinkling the stuff around the house. 

I got the nerve to Google today whether that stuff actually works, and apparently it does not work at all. The first time we saw one of those things here, I called my Uncle, who lives on a lake and I wanted to confirm that I was correct in remembering that he used sulfur in their yard to keep snakes away.  Today I learned that sulfur doesn’t work either.

Apparently, the best thing to do is try to get them to keep it moving by not have things around your house that they eat, can hide in, or provides them with water. 

We have a pretty big yard, and the boundaries on our property has a lot of brush and junk. Mister has been tackling it for a couple of years, but it seems it grows right back as soon as he cuts it back. And one one side of our backyard, our yard slopes down, and where it meets the next property (a “field” of grass that is now privately owned), is a low spot that retains water and is overgrown because the guy Mister talked to last year when he was cutting the grass on that property, doesn’t want his tractor get stuck cutting that part.

Things closer to the house aren’t as tidy as I’d like, but I understand that it’s hard for Mister to keep up with everything on our property, given that it’s a large lot, and he works a full time job and has children to raise and other stuff that demand his time and attention. Like me.

I will offer my help with keeping up with keeping the yards tidy if that will help keep those things away. 

Maybe I will take over cutting the back with the riding mower. I’ve never used it, but that seems like the least scary way of “helping” with the yard work.