Glass Chatroom Board

The weather continues to be weird. A few days of sun and warm. Then a few days of clouds, rain, and cool. I tried turning the heat off in the house, but it got really chilly again. Our third floor (our bedroom & bath) has its own electric heat while the rest of the house is hot water heat. So I've got the thermostat set low on the third floor so it's somewhat comfortable. Next week I see the forecast is for the high 30s two nights in a row.

@carma Carl, I saw you were getting snow. Glad to hear you did okay but how sad for the other areas. The windy was very scary.

What a storm that was. Wednesday night around 8pm we lost power as a tree in front of our neighbor's house split. She was very lucky as one piece landed to the side of her house, damaging her fence. The other piece fell on the sidewalk and street. We got our power back around 11am yesterday. Other areas took longer, including just around the block where a piece of falling tree hit a transformer. And now today there was an earthquake, 4.7. Epicenter was in western NJ, about 50 miles away.

Lots & lots of rain in NJ! So far not a lot of wind although there is still a wind advisory and a flood watch. I was going to a glass show/sale this afternoon but think I'll just stay home warm and dry (the road I'd need to take has a tendency to flood.)

@carma/Carl, I went from Windows 7 to Windows 10 on my laptop a while a go. The real shock was going from Windows 7 to Windows 11 on my PC -- I really hate Windows 11, everything is an app not software. I'm holding out as long as I can to keep my laptop. So sad that you'll miss seeing the girls again.

Yikes, @fyrqueen/Katie, I hope your son will be okay. My poor brother & SIL (who both have medical issues) just got Covid -- their first time. They've been very careful and are current on all of their boosters. Glad you were "rescued" quickly when your poor Subaru broke down.

@wattleihavenext/Julie, it's pretty amazing the friendships we've all made through our glass. I'll be going to the EAPG annual convention in May and will get to see Roger and Karen, two long-time glassies.

Remembering George on his birthday.. It's been 3-1/2 years since he left us and I really miss him. I was lucky enough to go antiquing/glassing with him several times when I was out visiting Seattle. So besides having a piece of glass I bought from him on eBay, I have pieces of glass I can remember buying while with him.

@emische Liz -- welcome to the group! Yes, you use the same sign-in for all the boards. On the right side you'll see links to the other boards. We're happy to try to help with id's.

@fyrqueen Katie -- nice & sunny (but chilly) here in NJ too. Most of the snow has melted.

Well, today is delightfully sunny -- the better to reflect off of the snow we got yesterday. Probably 4 to 5 inches here in northeast NJ -- areas around us got more. It was a very wet snow as the temps were just above freezing so I think it started melting as it hit the ground. Roads are clear today as is my car, so I can enjoy looking at it without being too inconvenienced.

Greetings from delightfully sunny NJ! Last Friday (after about 10 days of gray weather), I drove down to Virginia to visit my daughter. It rained almost all the way through NJ and then in Maryland there was bit of brightness behind the clouds. By the time I made it to her place there were even patches of blue sky. And it was sunny the whole time I was there (came back home yesterday) and it's still sunny. Yay!!

I hope everyone is surviving all of the crazy weather. When it's colder/icier/snowier in the southeast and the Pacific northwest than here in NJ, you know the weather is crazy. That is not to say we haven't had some cold weather and a little bit of snow & ice (probably no more than 3 inches total from the two storms last week). Past few days have just been rainy and in the 40s. My husband was out in San Diego for a week visiting family. This past Monday they had the rainiest single day in January they have ever had with lots of flooding, cars being swept away, and more. Luckily my SILs house is up in a hilly area so they had no flooding. And by Tuesday, all was well for DH's flight home.

And even though she hasn't been here in 9 years, a very Happy Birthday to @MaryR Marymelodee!! I have seen her selling on eBay, so at least I know she's still around.

@favoritegram Happy Birthday, Lainey!!

@carma Carl, that is wonderful!! I'm so glad you'll be able to celebrate Christmas with Marley & Emma. Wishing you a safe and wonderful trip!!

@carma Oh,Carl, that is awful! Unbelievable that there is that much damage. And I know that in the general scheme of things, it's not that serious, but it really sucks that you may not get to see Marley & Emma. I'm hoping that by Friday things will have improved.

@carma Carl, wow, what a mess! And how sad that it is right before Christmas. Glad that you're okay and have power.

@fyrqueen Katie, I hope your nephew and his family are okay.

There is still some river flooding in areas around us (northeastern NJ) and I heard there were some schools closed today and some delayed openings but we're okay, just a few small branches and twigs down. Not sure if it would have been better or worse if it was snow.

@fyrqueen Katie, after napping all morning, by early afternoon I was able to get out of bed and have something to eat. Like I said, this was much milder then the few other times I had vertigo. It's also the first time I had vertigo after getting excess ear wax removed.

@fyrqueen Katie, on the advice of my primary care doctor, I went to an ENT a few weeks ago to have excess ear wax removed. It was quick & pain free. But the next morning I woke up with vertigo. I've had vertigo a few times in the past & it pretty much knocked me out for a day. This time it was pretty mild -- I was much better by mid-afternoon. But I'm pretty sure the cause was pulling the wax out and causing something to change in my inner ear.

@fyrqueen Katie, it's good to see you! Sounds like some good things keeping you busy. So sorry to hear about your friends. And really happy to hear that Mike is doing well. Remember that self-care is not a luxury, it's a necessity!!

Well, we just had two days of winter. No white stuff but it was cold! Back to autumn temps for the next few days. But it is almost December.

@carma Carl, I though I saw white stuff north of us on the weather map. We only had rain here in NJ and today it's in the 50s. Sorry you won't be sharing T'day with the girls.

We're going to my sister's house tomorrow. She's doing the turkey& stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes (I bought them, she's cooking them), and pumpkin pie. On my side, cranberry pecan pie was made yesterday, two kinds of cranberry sauce made this morning. Tomorrow I'll roast the brussel sprouts. I decided I wasn't going to bake my dad's apple pie recipe this year -- bought one from the fancy bakery in town. And this year, my son is making what we call carrot mold -- it's a baked almost carrot pudding, done in a bundt pan. I wasn't going to argue -- just gave him the 2-pounds of carrots I bought last week. Daughter is flying up tomorrow morning and then crack of dawn on Friday we will drive her back to Virginia, hoping to arrive close to on-time for a memorial service for a cousin who died over the summer.

And, as Carl said, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!!!

After several chilly but mostly sunny days (there was frost on my windshield Monday morning!), we're supposed to have two days in the 60s. Then it might rain and weekend will be back in the 50s. This is a good thing as my son is running the Philadelphia Marathon Sunday morning and cool is better.

Autumn is definitely in NJ -- leaves are really starting to turn (and fall). Freeze warning for tonight. And, for a change, rain.

@panishklo Marson -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

@songbreeze Gail -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

@wattleihavenext Julie, we've been having similar weather although we're moving into fall. It's chilly at night and in the morning, but then it warms up. Supposed to be in the mid-60s later today. And by the weekend it's supposed to hit 80, not a fall temperature by any means.

@carma That is wonderful news! Congratulations!!

Another rainy weekend in NJ. I heard it's the 7th rainy weekend in September/October. At least our plants and the reservoirs are happy. And apparently no fllash-flooding this time.

@wattleihavenext Julie, how miserable!! We're having a few days of summer here in NJ -- it hit 80F today and is supposed to do the same tomorrow. The sky was a brilliant blue, but I understand that as far down as Florida, there was haze from the forest fires in Canada. By the end of the week we're supposed to get some rain and then it looks like more normal October weather. I may actually have to bite the bullet and turn the heat on next week as at night it will be in the low 50s. I hope your weather settles down and acts like spring.

Absolutely beautiful day today -- clear blue sky, sunny, and temps in the low70s. Went for a nice walk with my walking buddy from around the corner. And my son invited me for dinner (DH is off on a trip). As he only lives 4 blocks away, I walked to his place too. Nice to be able to enjoy being outside.

Good morning from rainy NJ. Apparently the remnants of Ophelia have swung back and we're getting drenched.

Here in NJ, we're enjoying a week of fall weather. Pleasantly sunny & in the 70s today. Very nice after last week's heat and all of the rain.

@shellyrae37 Wrong Jim. Julie & I were referring to Jim Davidson (aka Moose) who, among other things, collected covered animal dishes (CAD), Yesterday was his birthday (as noted here). He died a number of years ago (I think over 7 years ago). The Jim who does taxes always posts as JimL so as not to be confused with JimD.

Nonetheless, I am a little concerned that JimL hasn't posted in a while and didn't respond to all of our birthday greetings.

@wattleihavenext Julie, yes, Moose (akaJimD) was a good person.

@wattleihavenext Beautiful photo, Julie, of you and the Taj Mahal!

More rain overnight -- it is so humid!! Finally supposed to clear out and be nice for the next few days.

Here in NJ, summer is still hanging on. Another day of humidity and thunderstorms. At least my garden seems happy. And it looks like by the end of the week we'll be back to fall weather.

I know my garden needs the rain, but couldn't we spread it out more? After a week of no rain (and very high temps) we're now on our third day in a row with rain.

@wattleihavenext Julie, glad you're safely back home. Loved seeing all of your photos on FB.

Another August day in NJ. Yesterday afternoon it was so humid (had just rained a little) that it felt hard to walk because the air was so thick. At least my garden seems to be enjoying this weather.

@dorbitz JimL -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope you have a great day!

@fyrqueen Katie, what fun having more jade plants. Yes, I'm forever having to go pick up my Mike's meds -- but no croissants, he's diabetic so I try to minimize the carbs.

@fyrqueen Katie, part of the travel was making up for what hasn't happened the last few summers. The Israel trip was sponsored by my daughter's synagogue. Rochester was to visit my brother & SIL and their daughter & SIL and their two boys (we hadn't met the youngest one yet). Virginia was to be with my daughter and help with the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride/Weekend of Honor (I did not ride a bike, I was support). Pittsburgh was the Phoenix & Consolidated Glass Collectors Convention. And finally San Francisco was a cousin's wedding (this is becoming a habit -- last year we were in San Diego in August for a nephew's wedding). Sorry to hear about the reschedule for selling the books and for the "loss" of the chicken.

Greetings from typical August weather NJ. I've been doing a lot of traveling since June (Israel, Rochester NY, Virginia/DC, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco), finally have some time to just be home. Of course I have to get ready for our week at the Jersey Shore with a craft/antique show the day after we get back (I share a booth with my sister and her jewelry partner). I hope everyone's doing well. Julie should be back home soon.

Thank you for the birthday wishes!! I'm in Pittsburgh for the Consolidated & Phoenix Glass Collectors Show & Sale. It's a great way to celebrate my birthday as I can say anything I buy is a birthday present. :~)

@wattleihavenext Have a wonderful trip, Julie!! See you in a month.

Belated Happy Birthday, Carl!! @carma

@wattleihavenext Julie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

@fyrqueen Katie, that sounds like a perfect birthday celebration. Wishing him many more!! (And you to!!)

@fyrqueen Happy Birthday, Katie!!

@donscns Happy Birthday, Don!!

Remembering Toby on his birthday. Miss him so much!!

@fyrqueen Katie, glad things worked out for you BIL. It is amazing how much trouble a UTI can cause, particularly for seniors. And so glad that your Mike responded well to meds & therapy.

Cloudy, breezy, & cool right now but more rain later in the day and there's a flood watch for the area from noon until midnight. I really wish the weather would spread itself out and not happen all at once. We go for a week or two with almost no rain and then wham -- we get flooded.

Lots & lots of rain! Managed to get to Yoga class this manner relatively dry -- had my mat in a big plastic bag so it was dry too. I'm sure my garden will be happy. I do have some rose bushes to plant so hopefully the rain will stop at some point so I can dig some holes.

Well, it's summer in April. Several days of 80s and then back to the 60s. But it's a southern California summer -- very low humidity and no rain this week. I keep getting weather warnings about wildfire danger. Tuesday evening into early Wednesday morning there was a wildfire in the town next to us -- small wooded area by a creek. As far as I know there was no major damage.

@Carma Carl, glad to hear you didn't get the brunt of this storm. Here in NJ we got a few snow flurries/showers yesterday (after lots of rain) and wind. It's still windy but nice and sunny today. And tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 50s. Such strange weather - but it is March, known for unpredictable weather.

@carma Carl, the weather has been so crazy. After a winter of not a lot of snow, to get three storms in less than a week is crazy! The first "real" snow we've had in NJ was last Monday night into Tuesday.

@wattleihavenext Julie, we're having more "winter" weather in March than we had in January and February. Of course there's been just enough warm weather in between the cold spells that daffodils are several inches up and other things are starting to bud.

Rembering George/gable @george -- he helped us know when it was a new day on the board. He was a very knowledgeable glassie and a very nice person. I was lucky enough to meet up with him twice on trips to Seattle.

@fyrqueen Katie, how are you and Mike feeling? I hope things are going well.

Well, we had our first "real" snowfall of the winter. Maybe 3 inches. Roads seem to be clear (we're on a true side street and it's been plowed already). Glad it wasn't more than that as it's a very wet, heavy snow. Still faintly snowing/raining. Supposed to be in upper 30s by afternoon, so should be mostly gone. And by Thursday it will be in the 50s and raining. And then maybe another storm on Friday. Yay, winter!

@fyrqueen Katie, I didn't take Paxlovid and it was fine. I had what was basically a bad cold. It did take almost a week for the fever to be completely gone and about 1-1/2 weeks until I tested negative. The cough, however, did linger for several weeks.

@fyrqueen Katie, I'm so sorry to hear you have Covid. I hope you get through it quickly and easily. {{hugs}} And if you do take Paxlovid, be very careful. You do get over the Covid quickly -- but there is always the possibility of rebound, which is what happened to my husband (and that's when I caught it).

@wattleihavenext That is such a wonderful thing you do! And it's good for you too -- lots of exercise and then time to relax. I know that we both do Wordle, I also do Spelling Bee. One of the words that come up often is acacia -- aka wattle, so I think of you when I see it.

Back to February today -- sunny but cold. At least the wind is dying down.

Another crazy "spring" day in NJ. High in the mid-60s with rain this afternoon. We've had temps in the 50s & 60s all week -- and it snowed in Oregon. The weather is really mixed up. I'm not counting winter out yet -- we've had snow (blizzards) in March and even snow in April in the past.

Two mornings in a row that I've woken up to a white lawn. Today was a little more than yesterday as the steps, driveway, etc., also had a dusting of snow. Even though it's colder today than yesterday, the pavements are all bare already as there's a little bit of sun. Well, it is February.

@wattleihavenext Julie, sounds like the puppy sitting is less eventful than it used to be (presumably none of your belongings were eaten!) How wonderful for your granddaughter! I saw the photos on FB -- absolutely lovely! The India adventure sounds amazing.

@shellyrae37 Shelly -- birthdays should be celebrated early & often (as long as we only have to age one year not multiples!), so Happy Birthday again!!

I'm enjoying the relatively quiet weather. Feeling a little more like January today, but that's okay.

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and peaceful 2023!! I'm glad I do most of my bill-paying online -- not as many chances of forgetting to write 2023 on checks. :~)

Merry Christmas to all of you celebrating!

@carma I love Santa Claws! Glad you're safe and warm and will be seeing your girls later in the week.

@dorbitz JimL, glad you're safe and warm. This weather has been crazy!!

We're down at our daughter's house in Virginia. As she usually does, Kate, the critical care paramedic, is riding rescue today so someone else can be home for the holiday with family. We're happy she's only doing the day shift, not the full 24-hours. She'll join us later at her good friend's house for Christmas dinner. It is starting to warm up here -- supposed to be a high of 31 today.

@fyrqueen Katie, glad things are going okay,

Drove from NJ to Virginia today -- rain started partway through NJ. At least there was no wind. We're down to celebrate the last few days of Chanukah with our daughter plus various members of DH's family who live down here. Plus on Sunday we'll get to enjoy Christmas dinner with one of our daughter's closest friends and her mom. I hope everyone is staying safe and warm!!

@dorbitz JimL -- thank you!! We had a nice Chanukah dinner with our son. Later in the week we'll drive down to Virginia and spend a few days with our daughter for the end of Chanukah.

@carma Wow, quite a storm. Glad you're okay.

Apparently there may or may not be another snow storm at the end of the week. Every time I look at the forecast it has changed. In NJ, by Friday it's supposed to be in the 50s and raining. But, by the evening the temps are supposed to be around 18 and the forecast says "Watching a potential winter storm". Our plan is to head to Virginia on Thursday, arriving mid-afternoon, where it's supposed to be raining. Their forecast for Friday is "Watching a potential winter storm". I figure as long as we make it there, we'll be fine.

@carma Wow, that is some storm. So glad you have a generator. Looks like Maine will have a white Christmas. Take care!!

@shellyrae37 Happy Birthday, Shelly!!

It's rainy here in NJ, supposed to get windy too. But doesn't look like we'll get ice or snow from this storm.

Nice & sunny today in NJ but chilly, hasn't hit 40 yet. Still a little of the white stuff here and there on the ground. Restocked my bird food supply and refilled the feeders. The birds are very pleased.

I haven't made a fuss about it here, although I did post (with photos) on FB -- just over 5 weeks ago I slipped on the stairs in my house and damaged my right knee. After a visit to the ER (x-rays showed no broken bones), visit to the orthopedist, MRI, and follow-up visit to the orthopedist, it was determined that I had sprained my ACL and MCL and had slight tears in the distal quadriceps tendon and the medial meniscus. I've been going to PT 3 times a week for 3 weeks now and my knee is healing nicely. Last Friday the therapist cleared me to drive, which is wonderful! And I only need to wear my knee brace when I'm out and about, not in the house. As I word of warning, what caused me to slip was my shoes -- I had a much-loved but old pair of Skechers and the soles were getting smooth. I put my right foot on the next to the last steo, picked up my left foot to put it on the next step, and my right foot slid off the step. So, if you have an older pair of shoes and the soles are getting worn, THROW THEM OUT!

We had our first dusting of snow overnight -- streets are bare so it's not a problem. Supposed to get above freezing, so the frozen slush on my car should be easier to get off later.

Spoke too soon this morning, the rain is gone but it's still been windy with some sun as clouds pushed through. Successfully went with DH to get his REAL ID drivers license. We did manage to come up with all the required points, it will be mailed to him.

Rain and wind are over, now it's just a chilly day.

@wattleihavenext Julie, I hope you get your day away. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. {{hugs}} It sounds like we've been having very similar weather. Today it is supposed to get into the 50s, but overnight it's been below freezing. The wind does seem to have calmed down.

Cold and windy in NJ today. But at least it's sunny and there's no snow. I can't believe the amount of snow in the Buffalo area!! It's taller than me!!

@wattleihavenext Julie, that does have all the comforts of home! It does look like it would be fun.

@dorbitz JimL, I'm with you! I need a door that closes, a bathroom with a sink & toilet, and a real bed. :~)

@panishklo Yikes, Marson! Snow already? We're just coming off a crazy warm spell where it's been in the 70s. Finally tomorrow it's supposed to be back in the 50s.

The unseasonably warm weather continues in NJ. It is very pleasant and the trees look lovely but it doesn't feel like November. And tomorrow is supposed to be a near record high (mid-70s), which isn't good. It's the NYC Marathon and my son is running in it.

@panishklo Happy Birthday, Marson!! Enjoy the weather! And don't forget there are also some macaroons that Julie put out.

@songbreeze Happy Birthday, Gail!! Wishing you a wonderful day!

Another lovely day in NJ -- with no chance of rain, just sunny. My next-door neighbor, & walking buddy, and I will visit our local nature center this afternoon so we can ooh and aah over the beautiful fall foliage.

@wattleihavenext {{HUGS}}, Julie!

Remembering & missing Fran!! :~(

@panishklo Marson, glad the snow melted and there will still be some warm days. How cool that thrift store includes plants -- and so glad the palm fit in your house.

Good morning (by 5 minutes) from chilly NJ! Didn't realize how chilly it was with low temp this morning (42) and a strong breeze. So I ran off to my pedicure in a sweatshirt and sandals -- yikes!! Survived -- and it's warmer now with lots of sun.

I also got the email from Blenko. Here's a link to it on their website (not to worry -- they are NOT closing!):

https://blenko.com/blogs/news/price-increases-for-2022

Looks like northern NJ got away easy with the remnants of Ian -- rain overnight and chilly & windy today with an occasional sprinkle. I did bring all of my glass wind chimes, bells, etc., in as it was quite windy. Got an unpleasant surprise when I went back to my car after Yoga class thoday -- a flat tire. Called AAA and it took about 90 minutes for someone to come. The really annoying thing is that I was 2 blocks away from where I would take the tire to see if it could be fixed. I called them & asked if they thought I could drive the two blocks but they said I shouldn't as it could cause internal damage to the tire. They were closed by the time AAA came. Good news is that it was a nail in the tread, so it can be fixed (usually I manage to get a nail in the sidewall). So first thing tomorrow I need to get over there and get the tire fixed and back on my car.

@fyrqueen Oh, Katie, how awfulabout the tick! I have heard of this.

I'll probably getting the booster in November or December. They say to wait at least 4 months or more after you've had Covid to get the booster. There are enough antibodies from having had it that the booster won't really do anything.

Still rainy & chilly, My sister decided they're only going to sell their handcrafted jewelry at the show and only use 2 tables so that she & her friend and the tables will fit under the tent. So I don't have to go -- Yay! I don't think they'll get many buyers, but who knows. Now I can go to my Yoga class at noon and get stuff done around the house.

@carma Carl, a few leaves have started turning here in NJ. It's cool, but no frost yet. I have to go visit one of our apple farms and pick up some favorites.

And it's raining today.. Not sure if it's one of the bands from Ian. Supposed to stop by afternoon but then some showers (and wind) tomorrow. Of course I'm supposed to be helping my sister & her friend with their booth at the outdoor craft/antique show. She will not be bringing the books and other paper ephemera she's planned. Will probably bring some vintage aluminum pieces (perhaps some glass). Aside from not really wanting to spend the day outside when it's damp, windy, & chilly, but I don't think there will be many customers.

Not sure there's that many on here who remember Jim Davidson aka Moose. He collected, and was an expert on, CAD (covered animal dishes). His wife Bonnie had an enormous collection of Westmoreland's Panelled Grape. Remember Jim on his birthday.

@dorbitz Good to see you, Jim! Glad to hear you're able to come for air. Wow -- that is a big job on the porch. I've been the past week & a half setting up a new desk top computer -- and then moving the old one out of my home office and the new one in. It's close to be finished but I'm still trying to get the new one "personalized" (and get used to Windows 11) and there's lots of cleaning that need to be done. In the course of crawling under the desk to find cables and moving things, lots of clutter was moved around and now needs to be organized.

@carma Carl, glad things worked out for your fridge and not losing any food. Sounds like a nice harvest.

Waving hello!! I'm around and I have been popping in to the board, just not posting. August was spent traveling -- 5-1/2 days in San Diego for nephew's wedding, 3 days home to do laundry, then our annual week at the Jersey Shore (Barnegat Light on Long Beach Island). Spent this week down a tech rabbit hole -- finally replacing my desktop computer. Mostly going well with only a few glitches, but taking time.

Belated Happy Birthday to @dorbitz JimL!!! We got back last night from several days in San Diego -- one of our nephews got married on Sunday. Both of our children came out (DS was our designated driver!) Got to catch up with various relatives we don't often see. Weather was nice -- though they now have humidity out there.

I've been back in NJ since this past Thursday -- daughter drove us up. She took the train back to Virginia yesterday. I've still got a snuffly nose which means I'm still coughing. Fever is about gone. I tried a Covid test yesterday and the line is much fainter, but still there. So I guess I'm close to be done with it. Not as tired as before but still need to take it easy. I've done two Yoga closes, but via Zoom so I could just rest when it was too much. Went on a few short walks around the neighborhood with my daughter. She keeps reminding me that it took several weeks for her to stop coughing and feel 100% when she had Covid (end of May). So as long as I seem to be moving forward, I won't worry.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes (and, Julie, the beautiful cake!) This was a different birthday, to be sure, as I'm isolating in my daughter's guestroom with Covid.

My husband spent a week in San Diego visiting family at the end of June. Apparently that Friday (July 1), when he was flying home and in two airports and on a plane, he caught Covid as he tested positive on Tuesday, July 5. Because of his age & underlying health issues, he went on Paxlovid that night. His fever was gone by the next day and he tested negative on Monday, July 11. (He was isolating in our spare bedroom.) By the weekend, though, he was feeling very, very tired and that Sunday night he tested positive again. I had plans to drive down to my daughter in Virginia on Thursday to help her with various activities she was in. So I tested Wednesday afternoon & I was negative. And I tested Thursday morning & I was negative. And by the time I got down here I was coughing and felt yuck and tested positive. My daughter was just as happy that I was here as she said she would have felt obligated to come up to NJ to take care of me (and dad) otherwise. So I did have a restful time. She will drive us up to NJ this afternoon and then take the train home on Sunday (she was going to come up for the weekend anyway).

@carma Carl, I saw those posts too. So sad. I was lucky enough to have met her. My husband had a conference every December in San Francisco. Fran & Doug came in to see us several times -- they introduced us to several restaurants we still visit when we're out there. Will miss Fran!!

@carma Happy Birthday, Carl!!

@wattleihavenext Happy Birthday, Julie!!

@fyrqueen Katie, I'm so sorry to hear that Little Boss is gone! Our furkids are so much a part of our families, I'm sure you miss him terribly. {{hugs}}

@panishklo Marson, so very sad to hear this, sending gentle {{hugs}}, condolences, and wishes for strength for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

@wattleihavenext Julie -- she listed it on eBay as a bowl.

Good morning everyone! Remembering today, Memorial Day, those who gave their lives to protect all of us.

@wattleihavenext Julie, I'm sure Carl will have more information, but I just looked it up on the Doty website, and at least in 2019, the price for a plate in marigold was incredible! https://www.ddoty.com/shellsand.html

@dorbitz JimL, YIKES!! That is really awful. And I would guess it's us taxpayers who get in trouble if things aren't done correctly even if it's the fault of the IRS because they can't be reached. (And I know that should have been "here" not "hear" in my comment below but sometimes my fingers do their own thing!)

@fyrqueen Katie, sounds like the best kind of birthday celebration!

@dorbitz JimL, so, you survived tax season? Good to see you hear.

We just had a line of severe thunderstorms pass through. The good news is they weren't very severe -- heavy rain for a little bit and some lightening & thunder but no strong winds or hail. And the best news is that the temperature has dropped at least 15 degrees.

Happy Birthday, Katie!! (Sorry I missed it yesterday.)

Hot in NJ today, will be hot tomorrow, and then back to 60s & 70s.

@dorbitz JimL -- so good to see you!! I thought it was tax season that was keeping you away. I hope you do get some time to destress and relax soon.

@carma Carl, sounds great for both Marley and Emma, though it will make it harder to see them. Hopefully they will take the occasional vacation back home. Still, I suppose, it's better than one of my daughter's classmates. She came from Maine and went to Brandeis outside of Boston (not that far from home). But she did jr. year in Japan and then wound up working for various international relief non-profits. At this point she and her husband and children live in England. I highly approve of Marley's choice, by the way, chemical engineers are good people. My dad was a chemical engineer and I am/was a chemical/environmental engineer (now retired).

@shellyrae37 Shelly, oh, I'm so sorry to hear that! Somehow it's always the special ones that get broken. Over the years of having cats and having glass only a 3 or 4 pieces have been broken. But of course at least two were special things that I was able to buy inexpensively. I could probably replace them, but it would cost so much more.