I love the NC Zoo. Haven’t been in a while but now I want to go back. As I remember it’s a lot of walking, so I’m impressed you also did the “stairmonster” 
for an hour!
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It is a lot of walking, but at least you can ride the way back. We also usually start at Africa because I like that section the best, but then you’re going uphill most of the way.
I wish we lived closer. I’d get an annual pass. Not that 1:20 is that far, but I wish we could just pop in whenever we wanted for a little while
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We had a lovely Easter dinner today with DD and SIL (because of their work schedules. Very relaxed. Turkey, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, and a fruit tart for dessert.
Here is the Easter basket I put together for them. I chose the basket because it looked like something DD could actually use again.
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We took BIL to his tax preparer & then I went to TJoe’s and H went to nearby bookstore. I got a few gifts at TJs to bring home, including a cute cloth bag and a few other consumables.
We had lunch at a nice bakery at the mall and bought a soup & 1/2 sandwich for D, picked up BIL to take him to auto shop to reclaim his car. Then chatted with BIL while he had leftovers for lunch and are now resting before we have dinner. It’s a pretty low key day.
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When I went to the grocery store this morning, it was cold (“feels like” temperature 35). It warmed up a lot through the day, and it was rainy. H & I somehow managed to walk in the one rain-free window, although it did begin to rain before we got home. At 6, there was a tornado warning … we were just out of the path, but D was smack in the middle. I called her, and they were in the basement. Luckily, the tornado didn’t touch down around their house. H & I are watching basketball now … looking forward to the UM game.
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Very quiet day. Squeezed oranges for a pitcher of juice; I haven’t bough OJ at a store since moving here! We even have a favorite Valencia orange guy at the farmers market. Also made banana matzah farfel cups for breakfast. I do more cooking during Passover (even though not all that much) than much of the rest of the year.
Husband keeps watching basketball games.
I paid the mortgage - one more full payment then just a tiny balance and we’re done - yay! Balanced the checkbook and it balanced - yay again!
I finalized our taxes in early March after we got back from our trip and now we’re just waiting closer to April 15 to pay. Plenty due because of (1) first year 2024 of RMD’s allowed to postpone into second year, which was 2025, so lots of income and (2) that darn mutual fund at Vanguard keeps wanting to pay lots of capital gains distributions, so more income.
Did some sunbathing and now to review more photos. Why did I take 1800 of them?! 
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It’s late in the day.
I’m at D2’s in the Midwest. Grandson, almost 2, has decided my name is Grammy. He calls for me whenever I am out of his sight. I’m going home tomorrow (just here for the weekend) and I’m returning next week for a full week of babysitting.
I received notice of my tax return from my CPA yesterday. It’s worthy of celebration — it’s my first year of filing single (H died in 2025) and the numbers look OK.
My biggest accomplishment tonight was buying plane tickets here at D2 house— hoping to beat whatever algorithm is tied to my IP address at home. I bought tickets for Boston (for the Cape Cod trip) and London (for an August cruise to Norway). Prices are up but I was able to get Premium Economy both ways on British Airways.
My to-do list has many projects and appointments. I aspire to have @ChoatieMom ’s attitude! (She’s a fun inspiration!) The week ahead has a landscape crew, a new tree installation, and an orthopedic appt.
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I’m trying to write a wedding toast for my BBF - I’m going to be an attendant for her next weekend. It’s kind of hard to capsulize 50 years of friendship! I told her I wanted to do a toast, and now I’m having second thoughts, ha.
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Went to NJ for a seder with my BIL and SIL. Videoed with S2 and DIL while we were there. Houses along the street of the restaurant where we went the night before they got married was bombed this week.
We drove home today – relatively uneventful. We seemed to have beat the traffic. Signed the contract for the synagogue sale late last night. Hope the third time is the charm!
Will pay bills tonight and prepare for synagogue exec committee agenda for tomorrow. Need to email several people about my friend who passed away.
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Houses bombed in NJ?!?! What? I’m so sorry! How awful!
I think she means abroad where her son and DIL live. And where they were married.
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HIMom, S and DIL are in Lviv. Sorry for my confusing juxtaposition!
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Wasn’t sure if I should post here or in the Easter thread. Anyway, it was a nice holiday. I went to D and SIL’s for brunch but ended up being there all day. It was just us , a friend, and the 2 grands. GD is 3 1/2 so totally into hunting for eggs, etc. GS is 8 months and just a happy baby who loves watching people and action going on. GD loved her Easter gifts from me. She insisted on wearing the new dress and crocks ( pink with Disney princesses) I bought. She was also thrilled with the “magic” bottle, sippy cup and bib for her baby dolls. I aim to please!
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Really lovely day here. We had our niece over for brunch, took a long walk. my other niece got home from a scary stay in the hospital, and then we face timed with our daughter over dinner. I’ll take it!
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Quiet day here. Still sad about basketball but managed to watch the other teams play. The team that beat us beat their opponent handily so at least we made a show of it.
Ds1 and his wife called and we had a nice, long chat. GDog1 is having ACL surgery tomorrow. Good luck keeping that one immobile for weeks!
I got on a cleaning kick and an going through the office right now. Worked out and did all the usual things.
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We had a lovely day. Church was great - our minister is retiring at the end of June, and he pulled out all the stops for an incredibly uplifting sermon. Went home to cook & clean. Had time to rest before S, D, SIL & GD arrived. We had a wonderful meal & good conversation (and GD entertained us). I’m relaxing with a glass of wine now.
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Had my mom over for (lamb) dinner and set up a video call with our son and DIL. I thought they’d be busy fixing a wonderful feast. No. Instead, the Army let him come home for a few hours, mostly to sleep, then back he goes. He looked haggard and unhappy and couldn’t concentrate on the call which lasted all of ten minutes. I could tell his mind was totally elsewhere. Thankfully, his wife understands and gives him all the space (and love) he needs. Apparently, there is no Easter in the Army.
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Please thank your S for giving up his holiday in service of his country.
My H would be jealous of your dinner. His family always had lamb for Easter. Unfortunately for him, I can’t stand the smell of it cooking, so I don’t cook it.
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He’s given up much more than a holiday. We can only imagine what he’s embroiled in this time, but thanks.
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Only working today and tomorrow then H and I are heading to meet D1, SIL and GD in Charlotte. I already have most of my clothes and things we are taking set out to pack. We leave on a 6:30 am flight on Wednesday. Lots to get finished for work over the next 2 days. Then I just get to cuddle the cutest 6 month old baby!
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