On a smaller scale, just found an awesome OGIO backpack that like, which Costco just brought in. It hangs nicely and will be perfect for travel. H liked it so much we went back and bought one for him as well (before they run out). May go back and get one for S & D as well. It’s $40 and has very nicely positioned pockets in all the correct spots, with some light padding as well. I think we will get a lot of good use from this—if not we can always return it.
Happily, this means we were able to retire the backpacks we had been using by giving it to our neighbors who were delighted with them and said they didn’t even look used (they are actually in great shape, though we have used them for many years).
After going back to school to get an MSW at the age of 69 in 2017, graduating in 2019, and getting a position in September working as a therapist in a mental health clinic in Brooklyn (where I live), I have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job!
We had a party at our house this weekend. There were far left leaning and far right leaning people there. There were medical people and anti vaxxers there. There were people of a variety of ethnicities. Everyone brought a dish to pass and had a wonderful time together!
I’m happy to be able to sign in again.
On another note- I’m so thrilled that I was able to see the work of my kid on display in Times Square. This was my kid who I never thought would make it through college. He is working, thriving and creating.
DD (junior, U of Mary Washington) comes home tomorrow and the first thing we have planned for Saturday is a day full of making Christmas Cookies. All day. And because I roll hard in my life and I live on the edge, I eat the raw dough. Cut out sugar cookies, M&M cookies, oatmeal chocolate chunk, the peanut butter ones with the Hershey kiss, chocolate crinkles and super dark chocolate with milk, peanut butter and white chips. If I could send everyone a tray, I would!
At the grocery store this morning the cashier told me I looked about 24 and it made my morning- then she told me they have a military discount and made my week!
Made a 10hr round trip drive in pouring rain yesterday to pick S1 up from his first semester of college and along the way picked D1 up from airport after a semester abroad. Dh arrived home from a two week business trip and I had THE best night sleep for the first time in ages out of exhaustion and mentally knowing we were all safe and sound under one roof for the first time since the summer.
Inspired by the “Least-used small appliances” thread, I pulled my bread machine out of the appliance garage and made some bread. Bonus: in the corner of the appliance garage I found a pack of well-aged Peeps! Not sure what year they were from, but they are delicious!
I am very pleased that my HI US Reps were willing and able to help me keep my medical equipment and get a letter from the had administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid saying that companies which do not provide the medical equipment (which was being threatened with removal by the company that provided it) are in violation of the contract with Medicare!
I was also given permission to share the letter with all interested parties! I am very, very pleased and surprised at the quick advocacy that from my HI US Reps! Yay! I and my doctors and others I had consulted with were not very hopeful, as this problem is nationwide that patients are NOT getting and keeping the equipment that their providers are ordering. This at least gives us SOMETHING to work with.
A local farm stand has been made almost inaccessible by road work for the last 6 months and business has fallen off dramatically, putting a multi-generational business in danger of bankruptcy. A group of us posted a plea to buy from them this Christmas season. I stopped by yesterday to get a tree and the lot was full to overflowing with cars that had driven through the construction to get there.
Years ago something similar happened when a different farm stand burned down. Local people drove to the site to buy out the pumpkins and squash they’d still had in the fields, and to slip an extra $20 in the honor box.
I’ll be in Texas for 2 1/2 weeks with my oldest son. My husband and two other kids will be here some of that time. Their two cousins are also in town. It is wonderful that we can all be close to my dad this Christmas. Dad is so sweet. Even though he’s still in the hospital, he’s worrying about what presents to buy for his grandchildren!
Tis the season x 2!
last week, in Walmart I was checking out; and out of the blue a group came over and said their company would like to buy my order! It was a roofing company that had had a good year. brought tears to my eyes; I turned them down though.
then tonight, in target, rushing through the line with a basket (getting a thing for kid and school tomorrow) – and my wallet was not in my purse. The couple behind me offered to buy my whole purchase! (turned them down, but got tears in my eyes again.)
Today, went out and bought several of our kids favorite things for brunch this morning. Missed the worst of the traffic and we all loved all the food! So fun having them home!
