Return of the Cruising Bunny's....

[fatherdav55]

Another grocery pick-up day. Around here the grocery stores mail out their adds and sales for the week, and they usually arrive on Wednesdays. One of the stores was showing JIF peanut butter in squeeze tubes. How cool! These tubes look like large tooth-paste tubes. I've never seen this before.


Lee, I think you often misbehave because you're starting to like the beatings.

So if K2 comes for a visit, in early August, does that mean she can't get back in the States until late August?

BB; Please tell me that your house didn't burn down last night from the creme brulee. You mentioned those large bags of salads. It sure has got to suck to be one of those pickers working out in the west where it's above 100 degrees.

Buddy did fine at the groomers yesterday, K2. The lady who owns the place and her daughter who works there have an almost a magical calming effect on all the dogs. Lucky you getting woken up at 2 AM by the smell of a skunk. All still good with Mark?

Any giant scissors used in the ribbon-cutting yesterday, KC?

Off to the treadmill this morning. Yesterday I took the day off because I felt really run down. Heck, when we decided to get the mower and snow-blower moved out of the garage and into the shed yesterday, Kathi had to run them back there. And they are both self propelled.

We might see some blue skies today, instead of that hazy stuff. A lot of that smoke filled air at 30,000 is thinning out.

 

[flgirl51]

Good morning!!

Dave, happy to hear Buddy did well at the groomers, sometimes I think Vet/grooming visits are as stressful on us pet parents as they are the pets....and not just cause of the hit to our wallet...

Pat, You know it's no wonder your kids show up for meals 2-3 times a week....it's like they have their own 5 star gourmet restaurant ....how did the cream Brule turn out? No singhed eyebrows I hope!

Lee, Is there room in your back yard for several tents? I have a feeling you are about to be invaded by eager bunnies from the south....also are your accommodations cat friendly? Asking for a friend...

Kathie, glad to hear Mark is up & moving around on his own steam now...even if it is a bit slow to start. Has Jill finished at her full time job now?

Pool opening went well yesterday....I thought we were going to have a problem at first with Barb....she got to the top of the steps & onto the platform & then froze...she said she couldn't step down into the pool...once I showed her the extra board we had put over the edge of the pool was safe to step on then she was ok & got in fine...both her & Jane spent to much time in the pool though & got themselves a little on the crispy side....I kept my hat on & wore a t-shirt in the pool because my upper back & neck are still a little irritated from last weeks step building...
Need to get some laundry & cleaning done today....then tomorrow I need to take the truck for an oil change, get my free car wash, fill up with gas & then go to home depot to pick up the lumber for the pool table....I have decided to build it here in my garage so I'm not having to work out in the sun....it will be 4ft long, 18" wide and 52" tall....just big enough for phones, glasses & to set our plates on when we eat in the pool...which we did yesterday afternoon....just something about being in the sun & water that makes you hungry...
Check in with you all later!

 

[Bellalago Belle]

Good morning, everyone! Greetings from a slightly smoky smelling house in Kissimmee!!

Karen - The creme brulee turned out great. They were all so surprised. Especially Gary as this is a favorite of his and he's been driving me nuts to make it. Now that he knows they have it at RD, they've already said they need to make another trip there. The baked ziti came out just the way I planned it to. One of the boys wasn't here last night, and he's the big eater. So now I have to figure out what to do with a half a pan of leftovers. Might just freeze a small pan for another time when it's just Bert & I.

Dave - Nice to know Buddy made out well at the groomers. Once again, you have 2 pampered dogs. Funny you should mention about pickers who are working in 100+ degree heat. Bert & I were just talking about that yesterday and how there's a shortage of those to pick veggies. No wonder prices just keep going up. We get our grocery store ads online or in the Thursday newspaper. Bert's going to love this week's shopping list from me. There really isn't much on it and that will make his very happy.

Lee - Nice to hear that your heart was giving you a break in the A-Fib department. Now just behave yourself and no fence installations for you right now.

Kathie - Glad to hear that Mark is getting some exercise already. Sounds like he's got this all figured out and isn't going to let surgery slow him down. Nice that Ashley was outside the house with him.

What's on tap around here today, you might ask. Well, I'll tell you ... Bert has to take the car in to the place he bought the newest batch of tires for them to check out one of the tires. For some reason it's losing air. He actually had to buy a can of "Fix a Flat" the other night. Man, has that stuff gotten expensive!

DIL just showed up, so I better run for now. Have a wonderful day, gang!!

 

[K2-Mich]

Good Afternoon Gang!

DAVE: Good to know that Buddy did well at the groomers. Always important to have a kind and understanding groomer.
OUR BORDERS don't open up until sometime around Aug 27th and that could change in a flash. There is NO WAY that WE will be rushing to get over the border into Canada when it opens. Too many people with FAMILIES should get to do that before us. In our church we have lots of families that haven't seen each other for over 1.5 years. The borders around us here will be SWAMPED with long lines. Nothing worse than waiting in a running car for over 1 hour plus to declare yourself at the border. It will be more than crazy.
Lee & Lu-Ann will understand if we don't rush over to see them.
All is still good with Mark. Thanks to everyone for asking.

Karen: YIKES on the issue with Barb getting into the pool. Too bad they don't make steps that reach into the pool like the one you built. It would be so much easier for her to walk up them. But we all know that would be a MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE for anybody moving around in the water. I just hope she NEVER TRIES to get in and out of that pool without somebody around.

PAT: Bummer on that TIRE ISSUE. Must have driven over something and it's making it do a slow leak. Over here in our area you can get a tire fixed for free at certain TIRE SHOPS even if you didn't buy the tire there. What a deal. I've used that option in the past. It pays off for that shop by people coming back to buy NEW TIRES. I did.

Lee: Hope Lu-Ann's test went well for her earlier. ALWAYS something. Welcome to the "Support your Local Doctors Club"!

Speaking of supporting your local doctors, my post-op visit went very well this afternoon. I can drive my car and even BIKE if it feels good for me to do it. Only thing the DOC said was that he wants me to keep the pressure off the right leg for another 3 weeks. Said it's still healing inside the knee. He moved my leg around and asked if it hurt and I said "NOT AT ALL". He bent it back as far as it would and was pleased that it moved so well and it didn't hurt. He asked if I thought I needed Physical Therapy and I said NO. I was doing all the exercise at home. I'll save that for when I MUST GO after total knee replacement.
He explained the color photos that were taken during surgery and said "YOU WILL ABOSULTELY" need a total knee replacement in time, but before that happens he would use injections and other means to prolong the inevitable. He said "I" would know when that would happen! He took his time and explained everything very well. Nice guy! Very relatable, no rushing me through the visit. I shook his hand when I was about to leave the exam room and immediately said: "Oops...are we allowed to do that" and he said YES in that room, but in the rest of the office NO! He then got a handful of the foaming sanitizer in his hand we did a "High-Five" to share it. He has a sense of humor that most doctors don't share!

I don't have to go back unless needed.

Out of here for now. I need to figure out how to reset the actual TIME on our furnace thermometer thingy on the wall. It should be reading the current time, but it's way off. ALWAYS SOMETHING!

By the way I treated Art to Starbucks on the way home. Art doesn't have a Starbucks App and I needed to add some STARS to mine.

 

[A’Burg Guy]

And how is everyone doing this afternoon?
Doctors. Don't get me started. I guess we can't blame today's muck up on the medical people. Seems the first patient of the morning was 20 minutes late. That threw the tech's day completely off. Well, that and the fact that they had Lu-Ann scheduled for two other tests she didn't know about! Anyway, like the other day we spent way more time waiting than we should have.
I don't know why anyone is surprised with the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen Pat. If that's the way they're gonna be stop feeding them! I had to look up "Fix A Flat" to see what they charge here. $18 bucks CDN a can for large tires.
Sadly Karen, we have lost the BIG HUGE yard that we had become so used to in Ayr. Just as well. When it comes to cutting grass these days the front and back here are "heart friendly". I'm glad that you were able to talk Jane down "off the ledge". When you were talking about the "pool table" of course my mind went to the kind with cues. balls and pockets. Now I realize it's a "pool table".
Hey there Kathie...look who just popped in! That sounds like a good report from your doctor!

but before that happens he would use injections and other means to prolong the inevitable.

Is that doctor speak for "Daddy needs a new boat?" I agree about the border. Not to mention the silliness of negative tests 72 hours before you cross even though you have been fully vaccinated. How's Mark coming along? It's Starbucks summer game here. I won 25 stars on my first play! I'm sure that will be all. for the rest fo the promotion.
Those squeeze tubes full of JIF sound neat Dave. No need for a spoon to get a gob of peanut butter in your mouth. Straight from the tube to the tongue. Or so I've heard... When we had the little dogs that needed grooming the gal that groomed them said that they always put on a "oh poor me" show for their Moms and Dads and settle down as soon as you're out the door! Did any of the neighbours see Kathi with the snow blower and wonder what in the heck she was up to?
Waiting for Lu-Ann to call from the groomers, um, I mean hair dresser. She had an appointment at 3:00 and I dropped her off. She reckons she'll be a tick over 2 hours and all the parking in town is 2 hours. No options for pay as you go parking either!
I'll finish the weed whacking in the back now. The batteries for the lawn mower / blower / trimmer needed recharging before I could carry on.
Take care and stay well everyone.

 

[flgirl51]

Hello again!

Lee, you & LuAnn sure are having your run of bad luck with doctors...I guess the next time one of you have an appt. somewhere maybe you should pack a picnic lunch to take with you...

Kathie, sounds like a rare breed of Dr. to actually take as much time as needed to explain everything....glad he was pleased with your progress!!

Got some pool time in at the clubhouse...and even got to chat with a couple of my friends for a change...now it's looking a little on the cloudy side...but we haven't had much in the way of rain for several days now...getting to the point we could use a little....
Making simple fish in foil for dinner tonite...Talapia filet, sliced potatoes, frozen green beans & a couple thinly sliced onion...wrap it al up in foil & bake for 35 mins or so and wah-La...dinner is done with no dishes or clean up to do!

 

[A’Burg Guy]

Your dinner sounds right tasty Karen. Sometimes they do that wrapped in parchment paper. I made oven roasted green beans and cherry tomatoes tossed in a little oil and garlic purée with butter basted salmon. It was darned good too.
Tomorrow we head to one of the wineries for lunch. Their pizza is supposed to be excellent done in a real Italian brick pizza oven.
So, with that I bid you all a very good night!

 

[fatherdav55]

Beware Michigan, K2 has been cleared to drive! Time to tighten up your seat-belts and put on your helmets. Nice to get a fan-dandy doctor that takes his time, answers questions, and explains things. As for bike riding, I think I'd hold off on that for a while. Even a minor fall that lands you on that knee could be a disaster.

You got me thinking KC. To lower my stress the next time I take Buddy to the Vet, I'm handing him the bill. Sounds like you are making a decent size table for the pool.

All these things and small work projects you can do now, Lee. Think of where you were just a month ago. I too went to a pool-table with pockets and balls right away. (There was actually a Dennis The Menace comic in the newspaper the other day where he has a hose in one since there wasn't enough water in the pool table.) As for Kathi running the snow-blower back to the shed, I should have told her to kick on the front auger and tell anyone that asked that she was getting leaves into a pile.

Nice of you giving Bert a small shopping list for the grocery store, BB. Fewer things to get wrong. Can't say I ever bought a can of "Fix a flat". Hope the tire leak was a simple and cheap fix, and not a side-wall damaged. Pleased to hear that your creme brulee came out the way you wanted. Who knows, it might become a regular choice for a dessert.

Kathi and I will be doing some hands & knees weeding around the posies by the street this morning. Then she wants to take Fuzzbutt for a short walk. She's been gypped out of those since Buddy got here.

 

[K2-Mich]

Good Morning Wrabbits. It's nice outside right now. Suppose to be Partly Cloudy today and NO RAIN. But tomorrow we have a chance of getting WET. Amazing how Mother Nature has timed the rain this year and we still haven't put on the grass sprinklers except when Art set them up for the season months ago. He ran a test session and they all worked. Kudo's to Mother Nature so far! We still have "HOT" August to go through.

DAVE: Explain why Kathi got gypped out of taking Fuzzbutt for a walk because of Buddy coming into the scene?? Will Buddy get to go for a walk too? Hope the WEEDING didn't hurt your knees too much.
And I really don't think I will try BIKING just yet. I just wanted to ask the good Doc incase I actually felt up to it. I think I'll hold off on that for a few months at least.

Lee: How nice that you have a winery close by that has GOOD PIZZA. Who would have know that there were so many neat places around your new home base. Tip a glass for me while you're there.

Karen: Love your choice of making a FOIL DINNER. Chicken works real good in those too. Did you do that inside your oven or outside on the grill? I save those for outside this time of the year to avoid heating up the house.

I got our GAS bill yesterday and it was $23.45. Actually, this time of the year it's very low because we use very little gas. It was lower than LAST YEAR at the same time. I love when the utilities show you a comparison on the bill from last year to this year. If only ALL our bills were this low!!

Pat: How's it going over your way?

We're actually going to venture over to the Pancake Factory about a mile from here to get some stuffed Crepes. Haven't been there in a long time and it's early enough on a FRIDAY that we shouldn't have many people in there. They have high plastic separation's between the BOOTHS, so it makes it a TAD safer. Ha Ha. Who am I fooling. If there are Virus germs to be had they would most likely disregard the plastic separations!

Art is going to take his car to the local repair shop he uses to see about this NOISE in his back wheels. He thinks it's the WHEEL BEARINGS. I think he got sick of me telling him I hear a noise back there EVERY TIME I GOT INTO HIS CAR when he had to drive me somewhere.
He most likely wasn't able to hear it or had his RADIO on to LOUD when he was alone in the car. I'm just glad he's finally going to see about getting it fixed. He thinks it's about a $250-300 fix. Almost ALL LABOR from what he looked up on the internet. The BEARINGS are only about $60-70 bucks. Amazing, but it needs to get done.

Out of here for now. Be back later. Have a good day you fantastic peeps!

 

[Bellalago Belle]

Good morning!

Only time for a quick post right now. It's my turn to have a doctor visit with my pulmonologist. I'm hoping he will put me on some kind of plan where I would take a steroid pill every day or every other day to keep the lungs working as they should. When I'm taking prednisone, I feel great, but once I'm off it for a few days, I have to use more oxygen and that stinks.

Kathie - Sounds like that doctor you went to is a keeper! I agree that bike riding should be avoided for a while to give your knee a chance to really heal. I don't blame you for planning to delay that trip into Canada to let families get a chance to se each other after all this time.

Karen - I love those foil wrapped dinners. I especially love that there's not a lot to clean up afterwards. My kind of meal.

Lee - Bummer that there was such a screw up at the doctor's office yesterday. I can just imagine how frustrated Lu-Ann must get with those long waits. I'll be happy if I get into the examining room in a half hour or less. This is towards the end of appointments for the day and they do tend to get backed up with a number of people waiting to see the doctor.

Dave - Turns out that the slow leak in the tire was due to a nail in the tire. I told Bert that's what I though it might be. As we were going out last night, the light for the power steering came on. So now after my doctor visit, Bert has to bring the car back to the same place to get that checked out. As Kathie would say - It's always something! I just hope he's not going to be spending good money for another problem. It's time to get rid of this car, but used car prices are way too high right now.

Trivia last night was fun. We didn't do too badly. We came in third. Nice, but no cigar!

Time to run now. Enjoy your day, everyone!

 

[A’Burg Guy]

Good morning.
We managed to dodge the passing showers and got Katie and Ava out for their walk. Yesterday because it was cool so our old Bear came and as usual waited in the van with the windows popped open and down a bit.
While not cheap I hope the fix for Art is the bearings. Kathie, I do hope that your pancake place wasn’t too busy for you. Natural gas bills are usually less during the summer because about the only thing that uses gas is the water heater. Our electric bill this month was about 25 cents higher than the same period last year. With a name like “Paglione’s Family Winery” they better know how to make good pizza!
It’s easy, when bringing a new pup into the family, for existing routines to go out the window for a bit Dave. I never used the snow thrower to gather up leaves but I did use the lawn mower! I’d let the mower blow the leaves to one side of the yard and rake ‘em all up from there. Gosh now, I can’t remember the last time I saw a Dennis the Menace cartoon. I suspect Hank Ketchum is long gone. Hang on. I’ll look. Yep, he passed in 2001! His one son who was named Dennis was the inspiration for the cartoon.
Again not only is group fun, we’re a wealth of useless facts too!
How did Bert make out with the tire Pat? Hopefully, as Dave said, it wasn’t a sidewall issue. I just missed you Pat. Yep, sometimes it does seem like the cards are stacked against you. Why couldn’t the power steering light have come on when Bert was taking the car to get the tire looked at. Hope your visit with the doc is quick and they can resolve the meds.
I checked into “cat friendly” accommodations here for your “friend” Karen. I’m not sure about Ava and we know Katie has an interest in cats. We just don’t know if it’s as a playmate or a meal!
I should hit the shower before we head out.
All of you please have a wonderful Friday and stay safe!

 

[K2-Mich]

LEE.... this is for you and Lu-Ann.

 

[K2-Mich]

Art's favorite auto mechanic took his car for a drive and came back and told Art it WAS NOT his 'bearings'! Said it's most likely the wear on the TIRES. Art said he was going to go over to Discount Tire and talk to the guys there and see if they can tell by looking at that back tire if the wear on it could make that sound. Art said he has been watching the wear level lately, but doesn't want to get new tires until about November or early December so he would have NEW TREAD for the WINTER when you can get better use out of new tires. Sure glad it's not something that I have to get involved with. LOL

PAT: The OLD CADDY is going to start being a money pit real fast. One thing after another.
You guys should really look into getting a SUV. I NEVER thought I'd get away from a Sedan vehicle, but this Corsair feels so much like a Sedan I can't tell the difference. And the seats are so comfy. They have 5 yr no interest terms that would take the sting out of buying a new car.
I always think of buying a used vehicle as buying "someone else's problems"! Not to say that there must be good used vehicles out there .... you just have to find them. Good luck with the Power steering. If that goes out while you're driving you'll be calling for someone to pick you guys up!

Pancake Factory wasn't crowded and we got a booth. They have installed permanent GLASS separations between all the booths. I bet that cost a small fortune. Look very nice. Hate to be the staff that has to clean those all the time. But much better than plastic that can get scratched. Crepes were very good. Coffee was excellent. The BILL was HIGHER than last time. All items went up in price! A sign of the times. Something we just have to accept or stay home is how I look at it. Nothing to complain about.

Later gang. I have some cleaning to do around this house. Then ice my knee and rest up.

Enjoy your afternoon.

 

[Bellalago Belle]

Back from the doctor's visit. Waited about 15 minutes for them to call me and then after the vitals were taken, we were only in the examining room for about 5 minutes when the doctor came in. He's going to put me back on a low dose prednisone for a couple of weeks and see what happens. Being he's doing this, he also wants me to have a bone density test before our next appointment in 4 weeks. I get to have that done at Celebration Hospital. Good for me going to my favorite hospital!

Now about the logic my husband uses as to getting the Caddy fixed, we are definitely not on the same page. I'm all for getting another can, but not a new one. The minute you drive a new car off the dealer's lot, the value going down. I'd rather let someone else take that hit. Bert's logic is that if we buy another car, we will have a car payment again every month for X number of months. He'd rather just spend the money as needed for repairs when called for. Definitely 2 trains of thought. You know what they say - Men are from Mars & Women are from Venus. This is a perfect example of this, for sure.

He's now off to the car repair place to get the power steering checked out. Best case scenario would be it just needs some power steering fluid. Worst case scenario would be a pricy repair. Oh, and by the way, I forgot to mention that the AC also makes weird noises and can only be fixed if they drop the dash! I give up!!!

 

[K2-Mich]

Pat: Amazing you just didn’t go JERSEY ON BERT with that archaic logic! I actually shook my head after reading Berts reasoning.
I don’t know how to tell you this Pat, but you won’t be getting a NEW or USED automobile any time soon.

Lee: Fantastic pictures of your trip to the Winery/Pizza place. Nice group of friends you hang with. Pizza and salad looks yummy!

Time to make dinner.

 

[Bellalago Belle]

Kathie - You know how they always say opposites attract? Well so much of our life these 55+ years follow that. Things he likes and does are different from my wants and likes, but ya know, it's worked this long for us, so we may as well just go with the flow. Just remember ... Eventually, I will win!!! Jersey girls NEVER lose!!!!
Time to get off here for tonight. We have a t-storm circling the area and sooner or later we will be getting it. I'm going to shut down the computer for tonight and fix us some leftover for dinner. Have a great night, gang, and I'll be back sometime tomorrow.

 

[K2-Mich]

YOU ROCK IT JERSEY GIRL! Keep it going!

 

[flgirl51]

Checking out for the night from Belleview....the day did not go quite as planned...got to the Oil change place about 8:30...2 cars ahead of me....and a few minutes later the guy comes out to tell me the computer is down & it will be at least 25 mins. before it's back up again....so no oil change or free car wash...headed to Home Depot & bought the wood for the pool side table...filled up the truck at Sam's club and then home to build the table...got it all done & it didn't turn out half bad...got the 1st coat of paint on the legs...will do the 2nd coat tomorrow & stain/seal the top...Sunday I will take it over to Jane's.... much easier doing it in my garage instead of the hot sun...
Catch up with you all in the morning...

 

[fatherdav55]

Hi guys!

Well, it KINDA looks like a summer Olympic game. Minus any fans or anybody else who isn't an athlete. Covid infections are up in the Olympic village. Well DUGH, what do these athletes expect when they show up unvaccinated.

It's going to take a while but it will eventually happen. For over 100 years Cleveland's baseball team has been known as the Indians. Now they are the Cleveland Guardians. The new name could have been worse, based on some of the names being considered.

A very good choice KC in making that pool-side table in your garage instead of out in the hot sun.

K2; It seems that your springtime sales-pitch for needing lawn sprinklers in this area is being put to the test this year. Pleased to hear that you are passing on bike riding for now. Along with any other activity that might speed up the need for a knee replacement.

My knees never did get bothered by the weeding yesterday. Because we never did get around to weeding yesterday.

A nice quick in and out at the doctor's for you BB. Plus you get the steroids you were hoping for. Maybe Bert will have a change of mind on upgrading your Caddy if it's in need of a major repair. Just dropping the dash will be very expensive.

Ah yes Lee, in the summer our natural gas bills drop while our electric bills skyrocket due to the air conditioners. Sometime you can't win.

Nothing really set in stone for us to do today. Kathi DOES want to take Fuzzbutt for a walk, and we may get to the weeding. Or it may evolve into a day of just going for a drive and watching a movie since it's sprinkling. We have started watching that LeBron James flick called "Space Jam". We've watched about 1/2 of it. To be honest, it wouldn't break my heart if we never finished it.

 

[Bellalago Belle]

Good Saturday morning, gang! So far it's a beautiful morning here, but who knows what later will bring. Did you see that we have a tropical storm brewing off our east coast? I highly doubt it will develop much beyond dumping rain in some areas. Not going to sweat this one!

Dave - I agree that it seemed strange watching the Olympics opening ceremony with no one in the stands. I only watched some of it last night and will watch the rest today somewhere along the lone.
I love how everyone is being so politically correct when it comes to changing names. Cleveland Guardians really doesn't sound quite right. Only team I know of that won't change their names if the Florida State Seminoles and them will continue to do the tomahawk chop. Speaking of the Noles, their retired head coach Bobby Bowden is in rough shape and is dying. Much as I hate the Noles, I did like Bobby and his feisty old ways. He really put their football team on the map.

Karen - Good move making that pool table at your place instead of out in the sun. Can't wait to see what it looks like when finished.

What shall we do around here today? Hmmm ... There's a couple of loads of laundry that needs to get done today. Also a trip to the library. I have no clue as to what we may have for dinner tonight, but I'm working on it.
Plus Jimmy is dropping off some stuff today to be stored in our garage. He'll bring some of the really big stuff tomorrow. Bert's been making room for them once again. I did tell Bert to haul out the Halloween stuff and put it in a place where we can get at it. Even if the new house is ready in October, I still need access to the stuff at the beginning of the month. I'm thinking ahead!

Guess I should get this show on the road. I'll check back later to see what's happening around here. Have a wonderful day, everyone, and wear those masks. I don't trust anyone any longer!