what are you doing right now?

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Dinner went really well. I sent Bob home with most of the sweet potato casserole. I managed to successfully develop a really good crust on it.

I found a second copy of grandma's recipe so I gave it to him.

Gave dad a decent amount of leftovers too.

And we still have a lot. Leftovers tomorrow for dinner.

[giramomma]

It all got done.

Except for DS coming home. We are still waiting on that.

I have no idea how the heck that happened.  Well, I do. The girls were awesome.

[susana1954]

Penny bit one of the girls. She didn't bite down so it didn't break the skin, but I am not happy.  This time I can't blame anyone except Penny.  She had let some of the other kids pet her, acted ok when E approached her, and then snapped at her.  It scared E, of course.  

I can't seem to keep Penny put up.  My house isn't that big.  She barks so loudly that you can't hear when I try.  I was holding her at the time.  Actually, I held her the entire time.  After the incident, she went back to being calm, sweet Penny.  She is actually a pretty calm dog overall, just not around kids.  Even workmen don't bother her.  I never worry about her biting anyone, just kids.

It will be another year before they are back, if then.  But I hate it also for Penny's sake.  It means she isn't welcome in either of my kids' homes.  

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

We tried candy cane soda.

It tastes like non alcoholic peppermint Schnapps.

Ugh no thank you.

Kids went sure what to make of it.

It was fun to try.

[msventoux]

Dec 24, 2022 22:29:35 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

Penny bit one of the girls. She didn't bite down so it didn't break the skin, but I am not happy.  This time I can't blame anyone except Penny.  She had let some of the other kids pet her, acted ok when E approached her, and then snapped at her.  It scared E, of course.  

I can't seem to keep Penny put up.  My house isn't that big.  She barks so loudly that you can't hear when I try.  I was holding her at the time.  Actually, I held her the entire time.  After the incident, she went back to being calm, sweet Penny.  She is actually a pretty calm dog overall, just not around kids.  Even workmen don't bother her.  I never worry about her biting anyone, just kids.

It will be another year before they are back, if then.  But I hate it also for Penny's sake.  It means she isn't welcome in either of my kids' homes.  

She clearly doesn’t like children so maybe the rule should be everyone ignores her. Just because a dog is present doesn’t mean she has to be bothered. Penny was probably tired of being approached by the kids and expressed that clearly with the last one. Not a great outcome of course, but she’s apparently not used to that much stimulation. 

Do you have a kennel for Penny?  It would help to get one. Start keeping her food and water in it by the door of the kennel if she’s reluctant to get in it. Gradually move both towards the back of the kennel the more comfortable she gets going into it.  She only gets treats in relation to getting in/out of her kennel. Her toys go in her kennel. Eventually she will learn that the kennel is a safe place, not a punishment. My dogs always had kennels that were a sanctuary for them where no one and no other animals were allowed to disturb them. When they had enough of the household activity they would go in their kennels. Because it was a safe place they never threw a fit if I had to lock them in the kennels. 

[minnesotapaintlady]

It's a Christmas miracle.  The dog and both cats are sharing the couch.  Of course, it's a big sectional and they're keeping their distance, but everyone is calm and relaxed.

[steph08]

What a night. My parents had a pipe burst, a kid woke up at 10pm and wouldn't go back to sleep, then one of the dogs puked everywhere right after we put out all the gifts and were trying to be quiet and get in bed before a kid came out again.

But the Steelers won amd I'm finally in bed. Who knows if I can sleep and if the dog will be up all night. Goodness knows the kids will be up at 5!

[chiver78]

Dec 24, 2022 21:42:48 GMT -5 empress of self-improvement said:

Dec 24, 2022 20:27:39 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

feeling a bunch of something tonight. I've had a lot of things swirling around my head these past few weeks that I haven't really talked about except the occasional vent on here (thank y'all, BTW). that call with my sister yesterday is still sour to me, for a few reasons. and I'm also still thinking about some work calls from this week, and why the office politics bug me so much. and, some lingering Catholic guilt from how I was raised, in the flavor of why TF am I worried about any of this on Christmas eve, as if the world stops bc of some magical guy in the sky*. I'm just a lot cranky, thinking too much, and in major need of space to get out of my own head.

*no disrespect meant to those of you celebrating the holiday this weekend, please enjoy it and your families. 💗

I feel you all over this. If you think you want to come up for a while, feel free. Holiday doesn't do anything for me. Dogs can come too.

thank you, very much appreciated. 💗 I'm not sure how the pups would do with cats, Punk hasn't seen one since she tormented my sister's three when she first came home. 🤣 idk if LD has ever interacted with one.

today was supposed to be the coldest this week, by a long shot. if I can get outside and clear my head a little, I think I'll be okay. at least, okay enough to not be feeling whatever like today. I may check in tomorrow, but am going to log out of some stuff tonight. part of what brought on whatever earlier was seeing some just super fake smiley posts from some people I need to just unfollow (bc it would become a bigger headache to unfriend). I said when I shut my laptop down, my work resolution for 2023 was to better acquaint myself with the phrase "excuse me, I'm speaking..." and I think my personal resolution is to remove more things and people that are toxic to my life and well-being, both mental and physical.

[NastyWoman]

5 minutes to 6am - the earliest time the little ones were told they could come out of their rooms. They have clocks so I expect the peace and quiet to. be over in seconds.

Have a wonderful day everyone. And for those dealing with a loss know that you are loved 

[countrygirl2]

My back is killing me. It hurt from the plane, then today baking probably didn't help. But it was enjoyable, I will be fine. May take a pain pill tonight though, just to relax it.

We are watching a western, its a very old one, but pretty good.

I'm thinking of reading for a bit shortly and going to bed, I'm tired. Using sons computer, I'm going to have to get a new one. My old one at home is on its last leg.

Night all.

[toomuchreality]

Dec 24, 2022 20:27:39 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

feeling a bunch of something tonight. I've had a lot of things swirling around my head these past few weeks that I haven't really talked about except the occasional vent on here (thank y'all, BTW). that call with my sister yesterday is still sour to me, for a few reasons. and I'm also still thinking about some work calls from this week, and why the office politics bug me so much. and, some lingering Catholic guilt from how I was raised, in the flavor of why TF am I worried about any of this on Christmas eve, as if the world stops bc of some magical guy in the sky*. I'm just a lot cranky, thinking too much, and in major need of space to get out of my own head.

*no disrespect meant to those of you celebrating the holiday this weekend, please enjoy it and your families. 💗

Hugs ♡
I hope things settle down for you soon and you can get back to enjoying your life.
Don't you have another cruise, or vacation coming up soon?

[weltschmerz]

Dec 24, 2022 16:36:24 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

We made it through the night without power outages or frozen pipes. It's only supposed to be 25 tonight which sure beats 15-20. People are really ticked at ERCOT because they seriously underestimated the power demand and came very, very close to grid failure. One natural gas supplier in the Austin area was unable to supply its customers so they lost heat etc.

A neighbor tried to start his car today, again. He seems a little confused on how a car battery functions. Unlike water pipes that resume flow when the weather warms up, a dead car battery 3 days ago is still a dead car battery today

I hope everyone has a safe and comfortable weekend, regardless of how you spend it.

Well, I don't know about that.  I've had car batteries die from the cold, and then start again when it warms up.

[toomuchreality]

1 of my 2 deliveries (both the same, from the same company. Ordered at the same time.), arrived today. Yay!

Why 1 could make it and the other couldn't, I have no idea! But I'm happy that at least one of them did.

Since they are the same thing, both DDs and their partners, were able to see what it is. DD2 just needs to wait until Monday, to get theirs. Not a problem.

FYI- You ARE loved! ❤

[daisylu]

Watching DH try to comfy on the bathroom floor. One of us had an eventful night.

[finnime]

Good morning, giving and sagacious invisipeeps. Welcome to Sunday, Christmas day in the christian tradition. I hope your day is as serene and chaotic as you like, in equal measure if you prefer; that no pipes burst and that company if you like any or solitude if you prefer is a joyful thing and you appreciate some small miracle in your life.

We went to the candlelight service yesterday and loved it. This was after we had a great meal during which DD drank a bit too much, but it's all good.

Yesterday DS made it to Denver! He texted at 7:30. Now I can relax. I hope your DS finds his way home today, giramomma , and no one pukes or worse.

Happy belated birthday, catsareme .

I hope your day has no abrasive elements, chiver78 and Pink Cashmere , and that peace reigns in your soul.

I hope your mother is doing well, minnesotapaintlady. I hope you have no weather disasters, teen persuasion and soupandstew.

I hope grief is soothed by the good memories, those of you mourning.

Happy day it is, everyone.

[bean29]

Dec 24, 2022 22:29:35 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

Penny bit one of the girls. She didn't bite down so it didn't break the skin, but I am not happy.  This time I can't blame anyone except Penny.  She had let some of the other kids pet her, acted ok when E approached her, and then snapped at her.  It scared E, of course.  

I can't seem to keep Penny put up.  My house isn't that big.  She barks so loudly that you can't hear when I try.  I was holding her at the time.  Actually, I held her the entire time.  After the incident, she went back to being calm, sweet Penny.  She is actually a pretty calm dog overall, just not around kids.  Even workmen don't bother her.  I never worry about her biting anyone, just kids.

It will be another year before they are back, if then.  But I hate it also for Penny's sake.  It means she isn't welcome in either of my kids' homes.  

I use a pet safe little dog bark collar on my dogs in company. My Schnauzer barks when he sees people, or when he is waiting to go for a walk. I bought from Amazon before Thanksgiving for about $89. It sprays Citronella. Works well for my dogs. I don’t know about biting-probably obedience training of some kind. Sorry you have thus extra stress.

Merry Christmas Everyone. I have to get up, walk dogs, clean off my Dining Room Table. Wrap Presents and Clean a bathroom and maybe mop a floor all before 9 am. I have to take my Mom to Church. I may have guests before I get back. DH is cooking Prime Rib. He does what he wants. Does not listen to me. I don’t need to be around for the food prep.

Giramomma I hope DS made it home. Winds and cold weather were a real problem for airlines last few days. DD said if winds were a certain speed they can’t use the boom truck to de-ice because of the risk it might tip.

[daisylu]

Before things went off the rails, DH was so excited for me to open gifts. He had ordered 3 items off of my Amazon wish list and hid them with his Mom.

It was arch support sleeves for me feet (VERY high arches here) , a sturdy arm tray for my recliner, and a carrying strap for my kayak to make it easier to load and unload when i go out by myself. All very practical things, but it's my own little Christmas miracle and all things I will use!

[andi9899]

Dec 24, 2022 16:36:24 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

We made it through the night without power outages or frozen pipes. It's only supposed to be 25 tonight which sure beats 15-20. People are really ticked at ERCOT because they seriously underestimated the power demand and came very, very close to grid failure. One natural gas supplier in the Austin area was unable to supply its customers so they lost heat etc.

A neighbor tried to start his car today, again. He seems a little confused on how a car battery functions. Unlike water pipes that resume flow when the weather warms up, a dead car battery 3 days ago is still a dead car battery today

I hope everyone has a safe and comfortable weekend, regardless of how you spend it.

I blame Greg Abbott.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Merry Christmas everyone!

Let the kids open their stocking.

Charlotte got her own stocking too. Now she's put together what all those socks on the door mean and is going nuts.

She got leftover ham last night too.

[giramomma]

Merry Christmas to me.

The older two and DH are resting. Rightfully so.

The peanut is playing roblux. Won't work on her lego set from santa.

The missy is chowing down on a pop tart because she doesn't like chocolate chip muffins made from scratch. (They are much denser than a box).

I'm casting on a sock.

[Deleted]

Dec 25, 2022 4:29:08 GMT -5 finnime said:

We went to the candlelight service yesterday and loved it. This was after we had a great meal during which DD drank a bit too much, but it's all good.

Yesterday DS made it to Denver! He texted at 7:30. Now I can relax.

I'm so glad your son reached Denver! I would have been on pins and needles, too.

At the church service yesterday we sang "Silent Night" at the end and I was reminded of the time Dad had too much alcohol at Grandma's Christmas Eve celebration and sang Silent Night" in flawless German on the way home. Dad was descended from German immigrants but I had no idea he knew any German. So, I finished the first and the last verses singing, "Schlaf in himmlicher Ruh" under my breath in honor of Dad.

I'm still at the hotel with my granddaughters- we just had breakfast and have to use the pool again before heading back home. They were so cute yesterday- at church the kids got a goodie bag with a "passport" they could fill in that had stops in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, etc. They pretended they were on a plane to all those cities and the older one did the in-flight announcements. I laughed out loud. I love these kids.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

The cookbook I ordered on the suggestion of my therapist as a "gift from mom" showed up last night and I didn't know it.

Dad found it on the porch when they came over for dinner and delivered it to me.

That got me choked up a bit. It's like she made sure I got it in time.🥲

[taz157]

Merry Christmas to me! Woke up with a fever (like 100.1 to 100.7 depending on which side of the temple) and decided to take a Covid test since my parents are headed this way. The fucker was positive. Called both parents to tell them. Dad is still headed this way while Mom decided to stay home.

Besides feeling a little acky and was chilly over night, I feel fine. 🤔

[Artemis Windsong]

Dec 23, 2022 11:00:43 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Dec 23, 2022 10:07:16 GMT -5 Artemis Windsong said:

Mulling over the new CD interest rates. I missed one at my CU where I keep my emergency fund but did opt for a 9 month.

From what I'm reading some CDs could go to 5% to 5.25%. Then more shuffling. I did cash one out waiting for January 1 2023 on a sparkling new Treasury Direct deposit.

I need to shower, eat then balance my checkbook from online. I doubt I'll see a print statement for a while since the northern tier is snowed/blizzarded in. I'm in hibernating mode and want to sleep long hours. So much better than nervous waking during the night. It's not bitter cold here. People are staying in at night so there is less noise.

Where are you getting 5 or 5.25%? All I can see is 3%.

That is what I want 5%.  What I am getting is 3.68% APY for 9 months.  I looked on bankrate (cds) and saw some online banks at 4%. 

Cap One 4.15

Synchrony 4.6

CIT 4.55

Bask Bank  4.55

I have a 3 year bump up that I'll switch out if the CU goes to those levels.  I did move one CD at Discover Bank from a lower rate to a higher one.  It was an in house transfer but they did all the checking where the money came from thing.  Doh.  It took me the better part of an hour and 3 different people.

So what I want for my Merry Christmas gift is 15% CD interest for 5 years! 

[Deleted]

taz157 Dang! Hope your symptoms remain mild and you are back to 100% soon

[mathsplosion]

Stalking the airline websites and hoping we can still make our connecting flights...shaping up to be a long day in airports.

[Artemis Windsong]

My Christmas miracle was a bee landed in my friend's very strong rum/coke drink. He watched it a few seconds until no movement. Dead probably, sitting on an ice cube. He used a spoon to pull it out and set the bee on spoon aside. In about 15 minutes the bee came back to life and flew away!

It was definitely drunk because it came back and flew among the whirley insect fan blades.

Second miracle was getting a nice photo of the Egyptian Goose on the golf course among the Canadian Geese. None of the geese were aggressive even though I was 3 feet from them.

[ners]

Shoveled part of my driveway.  Going to hop in shower.  We are supposed to my sister's later today.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate and have a Super Sunday to those who do not Celebrate.

[daisylu]

Dec 25, 2022 9:17:36 GMT -5 taz157 said:

Merry Christmas to me! Woke up with a fever (like 100.1 to 100.7 depending on which side of the temple) and decided to take a Covid test since my parents are headed this way. The fucker was positive. Called both parents to tell them. Dad is still headed this way while Mom decided to stay home.

Besides feeling a little acky and was chilly over night, I feel fine. 🤔

That sucks. Hope it stays mild!

[ners]

taz157 Hope your case stays mild and no one else in the household comes down with a severe case.