Hi all

We went to see a show at Sydney Opera House, The Beatles Live, they were fabulous, so many songs, the orchestra was fantastic as well. They have done something to the acoustics, it was a wonderful sound, AND it was cool inside, last time we went in summer it was so hot inside.  It was a beautiful day in Sydney today!

We had a quick lunch on the concourse leading to the opera house, I just had a salad, we were going to try the Guylian chocolate cafe on the way home, but decided to beat the commuter traffic and train it home, we were home by 5PM

CAROL I love that idea, do you mind if I use it too!! Sounds way better than getting bent out of shape like I usually do!

SANDRA I do that in my diary as well, I don't keep a calendar, but still keep a paper diary, as well as info on my phone, the Mr has EVERYTHING on his phone if we have to go somewhere, like today, he has the full address and time, he's very OCD like that LOL  -- I have "Opera House 1pm" but any relevant info in my diary. 

BJ  I hope Rhonda arrived OK, I was thinking about breakfast when I read your post, I am going to make ricotta pancakes tomorrow, I have everything I need. I'll make a huge batch, and send some to John

CHERYL and DEVONNE I have an air fryer, I use it rarely, I wanted it, and thought we would use it more - we don't. See if you can get a smaller cheap one, and then you can get a good one if you use it. I reheat potato chips (fries) and pies, and that is about it. People use them for all sorts of things, we  just don't cook that way LOL

CHERYL Nice to have the kids for a quiet night, we had that at Christmas - played that phone game. Next time I will take my Advent jigsaw as well.

DEVONNE I'm so glad you are spending more time with your boys, and is that right that both will meet tomorrow ((((hugs)))) so good if it is!

JANET are you packed yet? I started recording our temps for the quilt, will wait till I have a week to do any sewing though.

HOLLY that is quite a lot you have read, I don't keep records, I wonder how many I have read LOL, it takes a long time to get the blocks squared for the signature quilt, they usually need squaring after being passed around, they seem to get out of shape. It won't take long after that.

CAROL we were watching a show about Pavarotti last night, then they had the 3 tenors at the end, we had a disagreement about the best, he thought Pavarotti was the best tenor, (he became quite vocal LOL ) I like Domingo best, I find him light and easy to listen to, his voice hasn't probably got the strength of the other, but I like him best, do you have a favourite? Not to say I don't like the others, I do.

I have rambled enough, the campers will be home tomorrow, they just pulled the boat out of the water, so they just need to pack up the rest and hit the road, it's going to be pretty hot, I reminded them to have plenty of water in the car in case of traffic problems. Heading to the library tomorrow, just got notified 2 books I ordered are in.


 

Trish, I’ve been watching NCIS Sydney. It’s got some amusing bits where the Americans are so out of their element in Australia. 

We went to Sam’s Club this morning, stocked up on some things. They are putting out Valentines Day candy! 

Trish, I’ve been keeping track of the books I’ve read for years, in little notebooks. The last few years I’ve also used Goodreads. 

Wishing you all a Happy New Year.  We're Roomba-ing and I'm tearing my hair out.  I love what it does, but it repeats over and over and then omits some of the most important rooms, like the living room carpet.  Then, Howard, who runs it, gets mad at me for complaining.   With every good and helpful thing, comes the issues and irksome things.  We're having our small group here on Friday and are trying to get ready for that.  Since I'm leaving most of my Christmas up, I don't have to dust and it's supposed to be  cloudy so my dirty windows will show less.  ML will come as usual on Fri. morning and help me.  Bless her...

I'm making one of Holly's crock pot wonders for our entree.  QB, I use my crockpot endlessly.  It's my most appreciated appliance after the microwave.  No fuss, no muss.  Well, maybe some of that, but I love it all being done at once and ready to serve.  I have a tiny air frier that I use for a  stand for my paper plates.   Cheapskate me bought the tiniest one I could find and it's barely large enough for one serving.  We use paper plates a lot so they're easy to grab. Paper, not foam, so I'm thinking of the environment...  Boy, I sure do let it all hang out here! 

Trish, how nice to go to such a good show.  Sydney Harbor is so beautiful.  Long ago, I bought some coasters at a yard sale with pics of it on them.  They always make me think of you when I use them. 
I love The Three Tenors, but would have to hear them again to see who I like best.  It's been a long time. 
Seems like Megan's have been gone quite awhile.  Will be nice to have them home, I'm sure and especially for John.  He's 18, now, but ...well he's only 18!  Needed Gran quite a bit, eh?  

We got snow for the new year.  ML/Bill were out at friends and the roads were terrible on the way home.  They never saw a snow plow.  They go to these friends every year and they watch the ball drop in NYC which is 11 PM our time, and then they leave for home!  No midnight celebration for any of them!  WE were in bed earlier than we usually are.  Only heard one flurry of fireworks which woke me up.  I dislike New Year's Eve.  I always feel melancholy  that day and  fine and dandy the next day.  ML is the same way.    She told her boys, "It's NYE so I'm putting on black! 
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While making some ham salad, I noticed the display on my stove was blank.  Not being a trouble shooter, I texted; the resident one upstairs.  Before he got down here, I ground up the ham in my Little Oscar and lo and behold, the stove display came back up.  I did press the little red doohicky, first.  Must have been the breaker...

Hope you've had a good time with the men in your family, Devonne.  Sort of nice when something's too big and not too small, right?  

Better get off here.  Have finished my ham salad sandwich.  Time to carry on.  
Indy

 





 
 

Last edited by indyanny (1/02/2024 2:11 pm)

Judy, if we get an air fryer it will most likely just sit on my counter too.  I don't really use a lot of small appliances. I do use the crock pot sometimes but not often.  I just usually throw my food into the oven as we like that best.  Dean loved the wings from the air fryer but we rarely do wings.   Aaron could eat them every day but not me.

I went and looked around Walmart and Kohls today.  Did not find one thing that I thought I should buy.  No bargains for sure.  And yes, the Valentines Day stuff is out all over the stores.  I did stop by the grocery store for some bread and milk.  The price of groceries still shocks me.

I bought a nice pair of Columbia boots to walk in this winter.  Of course, we have had no snow and none is in the forecast!   Just my luck.

Doing not much of anything today; been very lazy.

Hoping all is well with you and yours.

PS:  San, thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way.
 

Last edited by tricia-anne (1/03/2024 12:52 am)

Devonne, I received your Christmas card today. Thank you! The postmark was December 14.

Last edited by tricia-anne (1/03/2024 12:51 am)

ITS ANOTHER BRIGHT AND SUNNY DAY HERE BUT COLD.  AS LONG AS NO STORMING.  I HATE LOSING MY POWER AND AS I'VE SAID A THOUSAND TIMES, WE LOSE IT IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE IN OUR TOWN.  ITS SAD TO LOOK OUT MY WINDOW AND SEE LIGHTS ON ACROSS THE RIVER IN THE NEXT TOWN WHEN WE ARE IN DARKNESS.  

MARYLOU.......I AM GLAD YOU GOT TO VISIT WITH LYNN.  SHE MAY BE TIRED, BUT AT LEAST SHE GOT TO VISIT AND ENJOY YOUR COMPANY.

TRISH........I AGREE, THOSE BIG SHIPS LOOK LIKE THEY WOULD TIP OVER IN A STIFF BREEZE BUT I KNOW THEY WON'T.  JUST THE SAME, WITH SO MANY PEOPLE ON BOARD, I DON'T THINK I WOULD LIKE IT.  I WOULD PREFER A SMALL ONE LIKE THE PACIFIC PRINCESS IN THE LOVE BOAT SERIES.  I THINK THERE WERE ONLY 3 DECKS ABOVE AND THE LENGTH OF THE SHIP WAS A COUPLE HUNDRED FEET, NOT THE SEVERAL HUNDREDS.  THEY HAD PLENTY ENOUGH FOLKS ON BOARD. 

DEVONNE.......HOW ARE YOU DOING ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS?  I AM HAPPY TO REPORT A 1 LB LOSS TODAY.  ITS A GOOD FEELING. 

YESTERDAY I WATCHED THE HOME ALONE FRANCHISE FROM 1 TO 3.  I HADN'T SEEN THEM FOR YEARS.  LOVED THEM ALL. 
I DID QUITE A BIT OF DRAWING YESTERDAY.  THE BACK OF MY OLD CALENDAR HAS LARGE WHITE STIFF PAPER AND ITS GREAT FOR DRAWINGS.  I WANTED ESPECIALLY TO DRAW SOME HOUSES SO THAT I COULD DO THEM IN EITHER WINTER OR SPRING AND SUMMER SCENES.  I'LL POST SOME PICS LATER.

TODAY I WILL SORT MY CANNED GOODS IN MY BEDROOM.  I WANT ALL OF EACH ITEM TOGETHER SO ITS EASIER TO FIND IN FUTURE. I.E. ALL CREAM SOUPS, DRY PASTA/NOODLES, LUNCH SOUPS, BAKING GOODS, ETC.  YOU GET THE IDEA.  
I THINK THAT'S IT LADIES.  I HAVE BINGO TONITE SO WISH ME LUCK.  I NEED TO WIN A LITTLE.
HAVE A GOOD DAY, A SAFE DAY, A RESTFUL DAY.
HUGS, QB S 

Last edited by quiltbea (1/03/2024 10:08 am)

Good Morning to everyone!!  My mind is not good this morning, so I will be brief.  Can't seem to think of anything.  Hope you are all doing well.  Will sign off as I can't seem to think this morning, Love, BJ.

All our plans changed.  On NY's Eve Day, I started feeling a bit under the weather but still doing whatever I wished and thought with help I'd be able to carry on.   But, by last evening, I had to admit I was not getting better and couldn't keep up the pace to get ready for my company on Friday. And, MOST importantly, I would not risk exposing anyone else plus cook for them.  So Howard sent a group text canceling until Jan. 19th, our next two-week interval.  One has to use common sense for something that's  easily changeable.  I felt such relief and everyone responded favorably.  I know I wouldn't want to go to a sick house, either. 
Mary Lou, glad you and Lynn,  your SIL and the golden doodle  had a good time.  Hard for an animal lover to understand a non one but my Mom wasn't and neither is ML.  She dutifully picks Fancy up when she comes hear because Fancy expects it.  Mom tolerated MY dogs, but always petted them on their heads, reluctantly and with two fingers, only.  it takes all kinds and...to each his own.  

I usually go up one size.  My ego doesn't want to, but all too often, I find I was right and am glad I did.    Howard, saves all his jeans and pants when he loses weight because, he invariable gains and needs them, much to his chagrin.  We're not roly poly but never real  happy with our size, either.  Luckily, MY pants all have stretchy waists...his don't.  Doesn't help when you're both short.   Enough of this useless, personal information!  
I, too loved Carol's New Year's suggestions.  It's a good way to see where you are in life and keep things in perspective.  Thanks, Carol.  

I need to be quiet and go rest.  Have worn myself out with all this foolishness.  Take care and enjoy the rest of your day.  
Indy


 

Last edited by indyanny (1/03/2024 2:20 pm)

Marylou, thank you for the iron tip. I'll try it tomorrow. Glad you got to spend some time with Lynn.

Judy, nothing wrong with changing the date. You are the only one who knows how much you can do and what your body can take. Good for you!

Patty and Cheryl, I'm glad my cards arrived...finally! Greg also got his Christmas card today! I sent Carter a separate card & he got his before Christmas...both mailed to the same address, lol. Better late than never, huh, lol? 

Gary came at 7:45 this morning after he dropped Sadie Grace off. I didn't hear him come in the house. I got up at 8:30, I fixed breakfast, then we got my returns done. Greg didn't get to meet us for lunch. It all depends if he's on conference calls. It happens to me sometimes when I go to Hiram (where we always meet). Gary & I headed back home and stopped to eat at La Bamba mexican. It's our favorite mexican place. I had a taco salad.

Sandra, your pictures are really nice! I've lost 5.7 lbs. This is weight I had already lost in April, but gained it back. Had to start all over. I was so upset with ME, lol. I crave sweets. Today I had a small teaspoon of peanut butter & added a few zero sugar chocolate chips. It was my Reeses, lol. 

I'm not sure QAYG is faster than quilting the traditional way. Caleb's quilt is ready to be quilted...some more! The quilting in the center of the blocks isn't enough. It needs quilting down the center of the seams. It's looking good though. (Trish, Monica did free motion quilting on her seams. I'm NOT good at that, lol.) Can't wait to try it in the morning and see how it fits thru my emb. machine. My concern is it's size and getting the design lined up. I'll know soon!

Gary has a doctor's appt. tomorrow with the cancer center. Emily is off so she's going with him. I'm thinking positive thoughts for good test results. 

Cheryl, is Aaron able to work full time now? How are you liking retirement?

Last edited by DownSouth (1/03/2024 10:01 pm)

ITS A BIT GRAY HERE TODAY.  LOOKS LIKE RAIN BUT NONE EXPECTED THIS THIS WEEKEND.  WE SHALL SEE.

I WON $6.50 AT BINGO LAST NITE.  A GREAT WAY TO START THE NEW YEAR OF GAMING.  WE HAVE A NEW PLAYER WHO MOVED IN HERE THE LAST 6 MONTHS.  UNFORTUNATELY SHE DID NOT WIN ANY GAMES SO I HOPE SHE WAS NOT DISCOURAGED ENOUGH TO STOP COMING.
I HAVE BOTH GROUND BEEF AND JIMMY DEAN SAUSAGE DEFROSTING FOR TOMORROW.  I WILL MAKE THE TATER TOT CASSEROLE EVERYONE LOVES BUT THINK I WILL ALSO TRY REE DRUMMOND'S HAMBURGER SOUP.  I NEVER MADE IT BEFORE AND IT LOOKS EASY ENOUGH.

DEVONNE........I AM SENDING ALONG GOOD THOUGHTS THAT GARY GETS SOME GOOD NEWS FROM HIS DOCTORS TOMORROW.  HE'S BEEN DOING PRETTY GOOD LATELY.

TRISH........HAVE YOU SEEN RFDS, STANDS FOR ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE?  ITS MADE IN AUSTRALIA AND I AM ENJOYING THE SERIES.  I LOVE OUR PBS STATIONS THAT GIVE US SO MANY SERIES FROM BOTH ENGLAND AND AUSTRALIA AND EVEN BELGIUM. 

THAT'S IT FROM ME LADIES.  NOT MUCH HAPPENING HERE.  I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WILL DO TODAY.  
HUGS FOR YOU ALL, QB S 

Last edited by quiltbea (1/04/2024 10:30 am)