Beginning Again Chapter 850 End of Year Challenge

[khalua]

As long as I’m here..

Welcome to page 2!!
Khalua

[luvmypets]

Oh forgot to tell you we had a white Christmas! Unusual for here only lasted a day! Lol we still have a little on the ground and it’s still. Old, may get a little more tomorrow. Oh and DH son texted DH and DD Merry Christmas...not me....glad he texted DD. Then his son called and DH said tell nsddil Merry Christmas, zilch from his son. DH said you want to talk on phone to me ....nope I am done! I tried, it’s so hurtful because I felt. close to his DS until SHE came along then it all changed. Luckily I have a wonderful family here. It’s hard for DH but I said your on your own I tried done!

[luvmypets]

Khalua what’s with dddil bff just obnoxious? Yay bad knee came in handy! Lol When will they move back It they do I think you said but my pea brain is full of sugar and can’t remember anything!

Caryn yay for you for exercising! I’m hop8ng to start my walking again tomorrow and back to exercise class neit week. How are DD’s?

Brb

[luvmypets]

Allison DGD is growing up so quickly loved all the pics on FB! We all have crazies in our families! You doing school work on vacation! shocking! Lol

Caryn glad Buck and Kirby are getting along better! Th aks for starting us off.

Peg wow DH not going back to work and telling you with everything else. Well men do have a bit of a communication issue! But sounds like you had a nice Christmas.

Betty I know I have a food particularly sugar hangover today! Making careful food choices today and drinking lots of water! Bet DGD had a great Christmas. I think it’s cold al ost everywhere in the country!

Khalua nice you got to spend some time alone with DGD! Sounds like a very nice young girl! They grow up so fast!

Speak of dd.....well dd is dating the 40 year old. He came Christmas Eve and he is very nice.... Lol we have found out more about him. He has two grown children, three adopted one with special needs. He has them every other weekend and twice a week. They are 7, 6 and 4. One has CP with severe issues. His ex wife has 24 care for disabled child. When takes him he does it on his own! That says a lot about what kind of man he is to us. But I have told dd you better start spending some time with him and his children, that is his reality and if you continue this relationship it will be yours! DH and I are well what do you do...he treats her very nicely and she’s happy time will tell!

[luvmypets]

Allison DGD is growing up so quickly loved all the pics on FB! We all have crazies in our families! You doing school work on vacation! shocking! Lol

Caryn glad Buck and Kirby are getting along better! Th aks for starting us off.

Peg wow DH not going back to work and telling you with everything else. Well men do have a bit of a communication issue! But sounds like you had a nice Christmas.

Betty I know I have a food particularly sugar hangover today! Making careful food choices today and drinking lots of water! Bet DGD had a great Christmas. I think it’s cold al ost everywhere in the country!

Khalua nice you got to spend some time alone with DGD! Sounds like a very nice young girl! They grow up so fast!

Speak of dd.....well dd is dating the 40 year old. He came Christmas Eve and he is very nice.... Lol we have found out more about him. He has two grown children, three adopted one with special needs. He has them every other weekend and twice a week. They are 7, 6 and 4. One has CP with severe issues. His ex wife has 24 care for disabled child. When takes him he does it on his own! That says a lot about what kind of man he is to us. But I have told dd you better start spending some time with him and his children, that is his reality and if you continue this relationship it will be yours! DH and I are well what do you do...he treats her very nicely and she’s happy time will tell!

[luvmypets]

No idea how I doubled posted! Too much sugar in my brain!

[talbotsshopper]

Evening all. DIn-Laws were happy with DS/DDIL's news. DNiece and her hubby came over and they shared the news with them too. I did not get to the next chapter yet but will after eating dinner. I ended up getting caught up in drama from an advisee who has been dismissed from school for poor grades. Out of 7 semesters, he only has had two above a 2.0 and has now dropped to 1.98. He wants to know what to do - I wrote him and told him to look up the procedure in his academic catalog (I could have told him but he needs to do it). I also suggested he take some time away from the University to decide on his next course of action. What I wish I could tell him was to stop using the funny weed and to get his act together. Alas, I can't write that....

DH is still hopeful we can leave on Thursday night but neither of us has started packing stuff for the car.

bbl,

Allison

[rvgypsy]

Well the blind man says he is coming tomorrow morning at 9:00am. We'll see.

TTYL

RV

[acrewer]

Well I'm up to my eyeballs tryying to understand the new tax law as well as get all my clients on the new system AND declutter this house. Some friends from our old ski club lost their home in the Thomas fire. They will stop by on t
Thursday to pick from our old stash of clothes, goggles, gloves, hats etc. We put the stuff away in 1997 and haven't used it since. Before DDs autism we skied 10 to 20 days a year. At least once a month when there was snow. So happy we can help this dear couple.

So I washed everything and have it all laid out for them.

Not much else new. Glad everyone had nice family celebrations.

Peg , yikes on those temps.

Caryn, glad the doggies are getting along. Wonderful you had both DDs with you for your Chranukah.

Betty, yes I'd vote for a motel too!

Allison, what a wonderful surprise to be looking forward to another grandbaby. Good luck with your DSis.

Khalua, nice you got to spend some time with just Luiza. One on one time is very special at that age.

Gina

[abz1]

RV - Glad your blind date is scheduled! Hope he shows!!!

Allison - It's a tough time when you could really give some "good advise" but technically can't do it. Hope he finds his way. GL on getting to leave Thursday! There's a cold front coming through but you'll be in hotels along the way more than likely anyway unless you plan to drive straight through.

Caryn - Love the phone story! LOL

Luv - Good advice to DD. Only time will tell how this relationship will play out.

Peg - It's so ccccoooold! Leaving will be the best thing we've ever done, can't wait! DGD will have a tough time, no doubt but she'll get through it I'm sure. She knows some grandpas and grandmas go to Florida. LOL

Khalua - Thanks for the info on places closing for the holidays even though some say they're open on the website! We will find what we need on Sunday and not count on find anything open on Monday!

Well, I'm so tired I can barely see straight (as is DH). He got his hair cut tonight and I made dinner for DSDs family and us while she had to make an extra stop after work as her SDM (strange dear mother) decided to invite herself to their home on her day off tomorrow while they're at work to cook the meal DSD was told to provide for the holiday with the Minnesota family tomorrow night. DSIL was livid with all they had spent over Christmas as DSD had given $$ to her SDM again - that story never seems to change and it's hard to tell who the adult is between DSD and the SDM! It's such a role reversal and tough on DSIL and DSD.

MN family arrives tomorrow afternoon probably around 3:00, DGD will go home at 5:00 after which we will go to meet DS and his family for dinner, return to prep the beds (fold aways for the boys) which are part of her playroom area so a little rearranging will be taking place! The following morning will be crazy with beds in the play area, DGD arriving and everyone eating breakfast as soon as they get up (boys especially will help themselves to cereal). Not sure I'm "cooking" anything big this year. I could try pancakes and bacon Thursday morning and have some leftover shredded pork from tonight's dinner for sandwiches. DH wants to take the tree down on Thursday also to get that out of the way. I may take all the outside decorations down too so Friday morning will probably just be cereal and toast for them as they will be leaving and we will be getting the camper home to do our final loading and cleaning out the house fridge etc.

We did make reservations in Manchester, TN for the night of the 30th so we'll be good as the temps will be a low of 14 degrees. We may be in Florida the following evening so will either find a "Wal-Mart Inn" or campground for that night. Now it's time for bed! Need a food store stop tomorrow and may cook up bacon ahead of time for Thursday breakfast. (Yes, the boys will eat a second time!) They can do two breakfasts, lunch, mid-afternoon lunch as a snack and then dinner! They're always "hungry" and as a WW, we all know they have no idea what hungry is. The youngest and DSD#1 are both overweight. Glad I don't buy their groceries on a regular basis! LOL

I may be back tomorrow but if not, possibly sometime Thursday!

[talbotsshopper]

Did you SEE all the snow in Erie PA and Buffalo NY? WHOA... We are getting the colder weather tomorrow starting off at 14 degrees and my walking buddy is skipping our outside walk. I will use the TM. I got two more chapters completed tonight and only have notes for one more (Plus two or three more that I should write). My plan is to finish the one with notes tomorrow and take the other ones with me to Florida. I can read the chapters in the car and write notes once I get to Florida. I won't have to take the big, heavy textbook, I have the chapters in loose-leaf pages.

Betty - you will be busy but will be making good memories. We are not driving straight through. The "drive time" is around 16 hours but we will need breaks for food and gas. DH has decided to not take his toy trains with us - he said we can take them when we drive down in May.

Gina - I got a text from DSis - she got laid off today. She is probably happier as she hated the job and can collect unemployment while she looks for a new job.

off to bed - my light is getting bright,

Allison

[acrewer]

Well it looks like I'll have 165 returning clients this year...if everyone returns! I've had one client already tell me she found someone else. That's ok, she was a bit bitchy. The nice ones tend to stay! 142 Clients are uploaded into the new portal. T-V-W-Y to do tomorrow. I did the one client with a Z last name early, poor guy always goes last! Then I have to rewrite my engagement letter and get the returns on the new software. I have both a NEW portal and NEW tax prep software this year, so with the new tax law, it is a bit overwhelming.

My new portal does allow me to send emails to various groupings. I sent one today to a bunch of clients on the new tax law. I got several thank yous for alerting them to tax saving opportunities.

Allison - will this be one less thing for your DSIS to complain about?? 14 is definitely too cold to walk outside!

Betty - LOL on the Wallmart Inn. I assume that is when you pull into the parking lot w/the camper?

Jeanne - I used to have a mayo cake recipe, I forgot about that. It was really good. The vinegar in the mayo reacts with the baking soda so you don't need baking powder.

RV - enjoy your blind date.

Luv - that's a difficult situation with your DD. I know I'd be concerned. My DH is 10 years older than me, but we were 42/32 when we got married. It's hard to explain to a 20 something what it's like to be 30 something. She should spend A LOT of time with his kids, special needs is tough enough when it's your own child. She should be aware of how he treats his ex too, oftentimes that is quite telling. Good luck to you and to her.

well time to go watch some TV

gina

[patsy]

Good Morning BAMS.......

Sorry to say I haven't kept up with posts......just checking in to let you know that DDIL had to take NSDS to ER near their home yesterday and they admitted him 10 minutes after they arrived. Haven't heard any news this morning....I certainly hope they can find something that helps him and stops the progression of this disease.....needs prayers.

On the happy side, the card/gift I had mailed to DGS in Portland, Or was returned to me yesterday......and with an incorrect address (senility has set in).....so will resent today. So happy about that.

Today....will try to get my Driver's license renewal taken care of now that my eye examination has been done (required after 80). Will probably have to wait but can live with that.

Well now I am the owner of two Echos and DD2 and DSIL got them set up for me. I even had Alexa to bark for Sam.

Need to go and try to get my morning walk in....it is rather cold (55).......but nothing like is being felt in the northeast. I Saw picture of snow in Erie, PA......really a blizzard.

Hope to get back later if I get update on NSDS!

[rvgypsy]

Betty - That's a long days drive from Manchester to FL. At least you will be going thru ATL on a Sunday. Everyone we talked to said there was stop and go traffic north of ATL for about 2 hours.. We encountered that also in November. Safe journeys.

Luv - Hope DD has her head on straight. Remind her how old he will be when she is your age. But some May December romances work out quite well.

Better eat and shower and be ready early.

BBL

RV

[khalua]

Morning BAM!

I woke up very early and am in my room trying to be quiet and keep Meg quiet,too (HA!!) as everyone is still asleep.

Betty..pretty nerve-wracking to have guests practically up to the minute your leaving on a long trip. I hear ya on feeding people. I feel like I've been living at Publix for the last ten days!! I hope it all works out!

RV..FINALLY the mysterious blind man is to appear!

Allison..yes, I saw the snow in Erie..WOW!! That was something! Yikes at 14 degrees, way too cold to walk outside.

Gina...I don't envy all the work you'll have to do to get the new tax law figured out. Sounds mind boggling to me! So nice that you can help you friends out.

Patsy..sorry to hear the NSDS is back in the hospital. Sending prayers. It's 71 here right now.

Luv..nice that you had a white Christmas! Good to hear that the guy DD is dating is a good man. But that's still a LOT of baggage.

On the way back from Miami, they went back to the Adventura Mall to get that plush pig for Leonora. It's big, wondering how DDIL will get everything into their suitcases, but she's always managed before. A real miracle worker. They're leaving this afternoon around 4 for the airport.

Hi to all who follow!
Khalua

[AlwaysAries]

Good morning from the frigid midwest. We have minus 13 here this morning. The sun is shining, I’m surprised not to see sundogs with it so cold. Not sure what today will bring, I need to copy Allison and get on the TM. It seems odd not to have a big to-do list.

Khalua I’m sure it’s been hard, even tho’ there has been a lot of eating out, to make food for your family. One big meal is one thing, but the on-going day to day can get difficult. We know you will miss them a lot tho’. Are there plans to come back soon? If they move here, do they have a time line for that to happen? Much for them to consider.

RV let us know if the blind man shows today. How’s the new shower head working out? That’s one thing I want to change this year. We do have a nice shower house nearby, but I like showering in the camper where I don’t have to pack everything with me.

Patsy so sorry about NSDSon needing to be hospitalized again, but it’s for the best. HOpe they can get it cleared up so he can go home. Glad they made it back so DDIL didn’t lose her job.

Gina what a burden this new law puts on the tax preparers, I’m planning to call ours today to see about paying the property taxes before the end of the year. Our income will go down quite a bit next year with DH giving up his job entirely. It makes more sense to me to pay the taxes this year and get the deduction.

Allison you are getting sooooo close, I hope you have a safe trip to FL. Yeah, walking outside at 14 degrees is not a good thing. I considered going to town and walking in the mall, just to get out of the house, but have reconsidered. The Iowa Hawkeyes play this afternoon, so I’ll be in front of the TV for that.

Betty you are going to have some long days of driving to get that far into TN on the first night. You also have a lot to get through before then. You always make it all happen, but it can be stressful, you will be glad when you are finally on the road.

Luv Even tho’ he’s a nice guy, there is a lot of baggage with him. I know you have mentioned DDer also has some issues she deals with, it seems like the children would be very, very difficult to manage, and then there is probably some reason he’s divorced. We want the best for her, and this seems like a heartache waiting to happen. ((((HUGS))) as it all unfolds.

Jeanne are you at work today? Is the train pretty empty this week?

Well, I”m off to see what’s up for the day. I’m sure I’ll be checking back to let you all keep me company on this bitter cold day.

[flowerpower]

Good morning. With the lack of sleep I had 2 nights ago, last night I fell asleep at 10:30 and woke this morning at 9! Clearly I needed it. We have our probable-contractor/remodeler coming at noon to discuss costs/budget. And tonight I/we have a neighbor's cocktail party at 5. DD and Buck spent the night in Brooklyn.

Can I officially complain that my healthful breakfast of plain oatmeal made with water and an overripe banana, plus 1/4 cup of ff milk in my coffee used up 6 points of my day's allotment? Unfair!

Peg - and I thought it was cold here! Brrr. What is a "sundog"? I too need to do indoor exercise, even though I did a half-mile with the dogs. Boy were my fingers frozen!

Khalua - boohoo, the family is leaving you today. When might they make the decision to move to the US?

RV - I'm still laughing at your previous post: the blind man is coming tomorrow...we'll see. hahaha. And what exactly does this blind man do?

Patsy - just be careful with those Echoes, etc. They can listen in on everything that happens in your house. Can you tell I'm paranoid about them? Anyway, how are you using them and are they helpful?

I'm going to do a 30 minute workout and then shower before Anthony the remodeler comes...

[AlwaysAries]

I”m pretty much procrastinating today - I have managed to put a pot of chili on for later in the day. With it so cold, and the football game this afternoon, seems like a good thing to have either after the game, or maybe even half time. Caryn / Jeanne - the Hawkeyes are in NYC for the Pinstripe Bowl.

Otherwise I did get a little bit of walk in, only a mile, which seems like it’s not much when I read about Allison’s walk! Better than none I guess.

Caryn - I’m excited for you to get more ideas, or is this the same one that you went to look at a similiar remodel that they did? I would love to build on a room, with a fireplace and extend our dining area, but I doubt it will ever happen. I think before that happens we will probably start having our Christmas at DSon & DDIL’s house. I love hosting, and love the time in the kitchen with DDer & DSonIL, but it does get to be a lot of work.

Speaking of hosting, I’m going to host DH’s family on the 2nd, and it has been suggested that I make lasagna, I make it so seldom (like I can’t even remember the last time, but certainly it’s been years ago), do any of you have a great recipe that you follow? DBIL has already said he *hates* ricotta in his lasagna, I think I had one that called for cottage cheese instead of ricotta, but he doesn’t want that either. I probably can sub mozzarella and cheddar for that? Guess that’s one thing I could do today is check out some cookbooks - heaven only knows I have enough of them!

[luvmypets]

Good Morning form brr cold Washington. I made better choices eating yesterday, not perfect but better!

Regarding DD yes she seems to lives the moment. I told her again if he’s going to be in her life she needs to spend time with his kids. She said, “Have I ever listened to you?”  True she never has always learns everything the hard way! As for his ex wife she had an affair so they got divorced. DD told me today the wife blocked both of them on FB! Mature her not!  If he didn’t have the three little ones it would be different as far as I can see he is a very nice young man. DH says it will probably work itself out, but I’m a worrier!

Gina my DH is 9 years older than me, like you I was 36 when we got married,  wing in your 30’s different than 24! Peg yes dd is ADD but is on meds, and I always a late bloomer! I don’t think she wants the reality of hanging with the kids!

On to personals!

[luvmypets]

Peg it’s a procrastinating time of year! I sit here posting instead of getting things put away! I have t. Axe lasagna in years, can’t you use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? I’d just look a recipe up online aren’t they all basically the same! Lol

Caryn how many points is oatmeal now? Guess I could look it up nah too lazy! Lol Imdid look up Chex Mix a 1/2 cup without nuts is 6 points! Ugh!

Betty enjoy time with your family!

Gina that is a lot of clients! You will be very busy!

Allison lots of snow! Try to stay warm and safe driving!

RV did the blind man come yet? DD has half her head on straight! Lol

Patsy so scary I saw the on FB prayers being sent. Let us know how he’s doing!

Need to do something! Lol

[flowerpower]

Luv - oatmeal is 5 points for a cup of cooked cereal!

Well the cost is way more than we want to spend and there's not much we can take off the table. We're just going to sit on it for a while and try to figure this out. This house was a bust of an investment and we're both in an "I hate it' mode!

I'm heading to lunch - I have no idea what I'll fix. Knowing I have that party tonight and need to save some points...(I won't drink, though). Dinner is salmon, lentils and veggies = 0 points except for a bit of olive oil.

Patsy - thinking of your DS.

[jeannet]

Hi, Bammies!

We are off today. We had breakfast out and ran some errands. My DBIL2 wanted us to pick up a rum that is made here on LI NY that he found when he rented a house “out east” - it’s only sold locally. We found it in the second place we found - should have called around before driving but IIWII. We will see them in Philly in Friday to give him. I believe he can’t get it shipped to Tennessee. They have restrictions on alcohol shipments, it seems.

We are going to see the “Last Jedi” later in 3D - only TKTS I could get. Don’t know about dinner yet.

Other than that it’s been a relaxing Anniversary. I tried on my wedding dress! Boy, did I have a slim waist back then! Couldn’t get the waist fastened at all! And I’m feeling so slim now!

RV - you’ll see the blind man, but will he see you?

Gina - I’m sure your clients appreciate the communication from you at this point. Probably makes them feel they’re not alone and in good hands.

Caryn - sorry the renovation is out of reach.

Luv - good luck to DD. She will do what she wants. Hopefully it will work out - if she can keep what’s best for herself her priority.

I am 8.5 years younger then DH. I got married at 37.

bbl

[acrewer]

Jeanne - you're brave to try on your wedding dress! Menopause did a number on my waist...and not a number I like, COL! Happy Anniversary.

However, DD can't quite fit into some of my skirts I had when I was in my 20's...she was like "mom, you were really thin then" sure didn't feel like it at the time.

Caryn - sorry the renovation is too pricey. I fear that properties in high property tax states will be less marketable to homeowners and more marketable as rentals. Time will tell.

One thing about the new tax law is love it or hate it, it is Game Theory in action. Quite interesting to see how it is being interpreted and how people are reacting to it.

RV - we want to know about your Blind date!

Peg - lasagne without ricotta is not lasagne! That's like meatballs without meat! I guess you could layer provolone and mozzarella, but it would miss the creaminess of ricotta...unless that's why he doesn't like it.

Ok, back to work. Have to go to Sprouts for fruits & Veggies.

DS comes home tomorrow!!!

Gina

PS. DD posted a picture of her on a camel and said "HAPPY HUMP DAY" on Instagram. Unfortunately I can't share it, but that was supercute of her.

[talbotsshopper]

Good afternoon Bammies. I walked 3.25 miles on the TM this morning then finished updating the last chapter where I had notes. I copied the solution keys for two more chapters to take with me to Florida. The icky news is I am also taking the Cost Accounting textbook. The Department Head doesn't know if I will have to teach it or not. Real problem is the book I have is two edition old and I do not have the newest edition. At least I would have something to get started with if I need to...sigh...

Luv - GL with DD - at least the guy is a good guy.

Gina - great job on getting all the clients entered into the new portal.

Jimmy - I want to see the new Starwars movie - maybe while in Florida.

Caryn - so sorry the cost is higher than expected. Have a cup of tea (or something stronger) and chillax.

Peg - I haven't made lasagna in a really long time - I think I made it in the crockpot the last time. It doesn't really layer up but has all the same ingredients plus you don't have to boil the noodles before layering.

DH just got home - he said with any luck he will be home tomorrow by noon, pack up the car, stop for lunch and we can hit the road! It will be cold tomorrow morning but knowing we are heading south is exciting.

bbl,

Allison

[flowerpower]

I'm leaving shortly for the neighbor's party. DH isn't going. It's so cold out I'm going to drive there haha.

Gina - fortunately, CT is not a high property tax state and we're close enough to the NY border that I'm hoping it will drive buyers our way.

Allison - boohoo on having to take that cost accounting text. Just another thing to shlep!

RV - did the blind man come?

Jeanne - enjoy the Last Jedi. I really liked it and of course was moved to see Carrie Fisher. You are nuts (in a good way) to try on your wedding dress after 25 years. Too funny.

And I am 10 years OLDER than DH LOL.

Okay, getting out of here. I think I'll put on some earrings - my concession to "dressing up"! CU all later.