The Drop In Centre 3

[CassieQ]

My plans for Christmas were originally to go up and see my sister, who lives about 4 hours North of us.  But my Grandma took a bad turn and is in the hospital.   I went down to see her this weekend.  She's going to be moved out of ICU to a regular room but can't go home until her breathing improves.  So we don't want to leave if things get worse but we just don't know.  I've gotten a few gifts but don't even have my tree up yet.  

[Gary L]

5 minutes ago, CassieQ said:

My plans for Christmas were originally to go up and see my sister, who lives about 4 hours North of us.  But my Grandma took a bad turn and is in the hospital.   I went down to see her this weekend.  She's going to be moved out of ICU to a regular room but can't go home until her breathing improves.  So we don't want to leave if things get worse but we just don't know.  I've gotten a few gifts but don't even have my tree up yet.  

Yep, some things just turn up and priorities change.  I hope all goes well for your Grandma.  X

[CassieQ]

36 minutes ago, Gary L said:

Yep, some things just turn up and priorities change.  I hope all goes well for your Grandma.  X

Thank you.  She's almost 93 and her heart and kidneys are failing so we're trying to manage our expectations accordingly. 

[Reader1810]

1 hour ago, Mikiesboy said:

Let's share what we're making or doing to get ready for Christmas or Hanukkah or other celebrations. What plans do you have? 

Leading up to the holidays, I’m making Healthy Gingerbread Oatmeal Breakfast cookies, which I will bake tomorrow as it is supposed to snow all day…

https://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2023/11/11/healthy-gingerbread-oatmeal-breakfast-cookies/?utm_id=flo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter

The main Christmas treatswill be chocolate chip shortbread cookies, and everyone’s favourite, homemade dinner… or lunch… or snack or whichever comes first.  

Cirrently on the look out for dried sage leaves for the stuffing, because it’s currently out of stock (should have grabbed it last week when I saw it then), but I’m not worried I’m sure they’ll get more. If not, I’ll buy fresh sage, though we’ve not used that before. 

Edited December 14, 2025 by Reader1810

[Reader1810]

9 minutes ago, CassieQ said:

Thank you.  She's almost 93 and her heart and kidneys are failing so we're trying to manage our expectations accordingly. 

I hope all goes well for your Grandma.

[Kitt]

5 hours ago, kbois said:

Well, we ended up with about an inch of fluffy powdery stuff. Both hubby and the child are working today so I pulled on my new snow boots and did the driveway and front walk. 

I have wisely decided not to try to wrangle the unopened 50lb bag of salt. Hubby can do that when he gets home. 

In the meantime, I've got a nice pot roast going for dinner tonight. 

I think I'll go make some hot chocolate. 

Have a good day everyone!

Try the hot chocolate with a tad (or more) of French Vanilla creamer! Was the perfect cure for the 4 ish inches of white stuff we got.

[Kitt]

I finally bought my first gift today. Shopping is difficult with him laid up and my daughter living with us again. Have to remember how to hide things without losing them again!

 

Finally got a straight answer out of these two as to whether we are roasting a bird or prime rib for the holiday dinner. They voted beef. 

 

Now, I can handle getting the tree, and even haul it up the stairs to the family room. Doing that tomorrow ( since I have a chiropractic scheduled for tomorrow evening.) Timing is everything! If i do something stupid, my regular tune up is right there! The big question is how to get him up a full flight on the crutches. He is NOT what I call coordinated on them!

[Reader1810]

14 minutes ago, Kitt said:

Try the hot chocolate with a tad (or more) of French Vanilla creamer! Was the perfect cure for the 4 ish inches of white stuff we got.

I mix hot chocolate with French Vanilla coffee (Nescafé instant single serve sachet) and you’re right, it really does hit the spot.

[Reader1810]

14 minutes ago, Kitt said:

The big question is how to get him up a full flight on the crutches. He is NOT what I call coordinated on them!

If the steps are inside, do like I did when I broke my foot. On his butt one step at a time. Steps can be a disaster if one has not mastered the technique or has crap balance — ask me how I know…

ETA: Oh, and that’s how my dad managed it after breaking his ankle curling when he was 83.

Edited December 15, 2025 by Reader1810

[Kitt]

I am thinking that will be best for coming down, and up with one crutch and the very reinforced banister we beefed up when I had knee surgery a few years back. The landing @ the top would be difficult to get him back up on his feet . Ask how I learned THAT one!

[weinerdog]

6 hours ago, kbois said:

Well, we ended up with about an inch of fluffy powdery stuff.  

 

In the meantime, I've got a nice pot roast going for dinner tonight. 

You mentioned powdery stuff and pot in the same comment. Don't be surprised if Deputy Barney Fife knocks at your door

[spyke]

14 hours ago, Kitt said:

 The big question is how to get him up a full flight on the crutches. He is NOT what I call coordinated on them!

Face Time or Zoom. He can see it from downstairs. LOL

Edited December 15, 2025 by spyke

[Mikiesboy]

19 hours ago, CassieQ said:

Thank you.  She's almost 93 and her heart and kidneys are failing so we're trying to manage our expectations accordingly. 

I'm sorry to hear that. i hope she can rally.  i wish for peace for you and your family. 

[Mikiesboy]

We are having a lil blizzard and it's pretty cold, but we walked to the grocery store and back. i liked it though, it's quiet out and not many around. i enjoy the peace and quiet.  Have a nice Monday.  I've given up the idea of baking today, but we have no planned events for tomorrow so baking it is.  Wednesday, Thurs, and Friday we are busy. 

[Kitt]

Yes! The twit from the home nurse service finally called to say between 9 and 10 am tomorrow. I will NOT be home when she comes!!!

I admit I am being a tad selfish here but I really don't trust I can keep my mouth shut around her.

[spyke]

14 hours ago, Kitt said:

Yes! The twit from the home nurse service finally called to say between 9 and 10 am tomorrow. I will NOT be home when she comes!!!

I admit I am being a tad selfish here but I really don't trust I can keep my mouth shut around her.

Also, the caregiver (you) needs to employ some self care as well. Care giving is exhausting, and you need a break from it. That hour or so away from the situation is time well deserved. Take advantage of anyone or any organization that can offer respite care so that you don't wear yourself down. 

[CassieQ]

22 minutes ago, spyke said:

Also, the caregiver (you) needs to employ some self care as well. Care giving is exhausting, and you need a break from it. That hour or so away from the situation is time well deserved. Take advantage of anyone or any organization that can offer respite care so that you don't wear yourself down. 

@spyke is correct and very wise.

[Starrynight22]

On 12/14/2025 at 3:36 PM, Mikiesboy said:

We had a power failure this morning for several hours so that kinda put the kibosh on my baking for today.  i will try again tomorrow.  Instead, we had a bunch of ground beef to deal with, so we made a bunch of burger patties.  I like to weigh them and then Michael uses the press to form them. Then we freeze them and package them up. 

After that, i found my old sewing machine and started to work on the backing for the blanket i made. I had to wind a bobbin and remember how to thread it.. The reverse switch isn't working, but i'll just hand-stitch the last bit. Once the seaming is done, I will hand sew the backing to the crocheted project. 

Dinner tonight is sourdough toast, mushrooms and a kind of Denver omelette without the meat. I am cooking some bangers in the air fryer to go along with that. 

Over the last few days i made about 6 pounds of fudge, sliced it into squares and wrapped in colourful foil.  Today we bagged it up ready to share on the day. 

Tomorrow is bread day, cranberry orange gluten-free cookies and some mini mince tarts. 

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend.   Let's share what we're making or doing to get ready for Christmas or Hanukkah or other celebrations. What plans do you have? 

What mince recipe do you use? 

 

I had a surgery that has been rather more exhausting than expected so I haven't done much Christmas shopping. Or decorating.  My 10 yr old is putting on a brave face but this is very unlike us to have such a slow lead up. I'm usually very festive and full of activities and decorating with heaps of wrapped things for the tree by now.  Hoping I get back to myself in th next 8 days. 

[Starrynight22]

On 12/14/2025 at 7:38 PM, Kitt said:

I am thinking that will be best for coming down, and up with one crutch and the very reinforced banister we beefed up when I had knee surgery a few years back. The landing @ the top would be difficult to get him back up on his feet . Ask how I learned THAT one!

The therapists at my work use a shower chair with adjustable legs so that it's higher up on the one side (stair stepped shape) to help those folk with non weight bearing get up stairs. It's a long process but can be managed somewhat better than crutches for those with balance issues.   I bet the technique is on the u tube 

[Page Scrawler]

On 12/14/2025 at 7:10 PM, Kitt said:

Try the hot chocolate with a tad (or more) of French Vanilla creamer! Was the perfect cure for the 4 ish inches of white stuff we got.

I made a hot Snickerdoodle drink the other day. Milk, half-and-half, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. It was delicious. 😋 

[Kitt]

My husband is an idiot!

Doc is going out of state for the holiday, so moved his appointment up a day rather than have a covering doc see him. This decision was made last Wednesday.

I started growling at him to call the idiot home nurse ( I don't trust i can hold my temper) to arrange her visit for a time frame after 10 am. He finally called today. She was not happy with that idea as she had already set her schedule and we were in the 8 to 10 window. The two of them decided to make her apt @ 7:30. Doc is at 8:15. 

So, assuming twit nurse is on time, minimum 15 minutes for her to do her thing on the computer documenting the visit, another 10 or so to draw blood and change the dressing on the iv port. Counting on my fingers here, that takes us to 7:55 . Then at least 5 min for him to hop (on crutches, he is 0 weight bearing atm) out to the truck, 8 am. 15 minute drive to office. Another 5 to 10 for him to hop into the office. 

Just how am I supposed to get what adds up to an hours worth of stuff done in 45 minutes???

That is also the day the farrier is scheduled to shoe the horse, so my kid will be handling the barn stuff while I handle getting him everywhere he needs to be.

Edited December 20, 2025 by Kitt

[Gary L]

3 hours ago, Kitt said:

My husband is an idiot!

Doc is going out of state for the holiday, so moved his appointment up a day rather than have a covering doc see him. This decision was made last Wednesday.

I started growling at him to call the idiot home nurse ( I don't trust i can hold my temper) to arrange her visit for a time frame after 10 am. He finally called today. She was not happy with that idea as she had already set her schedule and we were in the 8 to 10 window. The two of them decided to make her apt @ 7:30. Doc is at 8:15. 

So, assuming twit nurse is on time, minimum 15 minutes for her to do her thing on the computer documenting the visit, another 10 or so to draw blood and change the dressing on the iv port. Counting on my fingers here, that takes us to 7:55 . Then at least 5 min for him to hop (on crutches, he is 0 weight bearing atm) out to the truck, 8 am. 15 minute drive to office. Another 5 to 10 for him to hop into the office. 

Just how am I supposed to get what adds up to an hours worth of stuff done in 45 minutes???

That is also the day the farrier is scheduled to shoe the horse, so my kid will be handling the barn stuff while I handle getting him everywhere he needs to be.

Poor you…. As you sit here waiting for an MR scan you can hear the technician screaming into the microphone: breathe…. Hold it …… hold it longer….. hold it longer…. Breathe. Enough to make me want to run away, but as life advice, I’ve adopted it… 

Try it, it does work

ps in Spanish it’s even better: respira…aguanta….aguanta más…. Aguanta más…. respira 

[Gary L]

3 hours ago, Kitt said:

My husband is an idiot!

Doc is going out of state for the holiday, so moved his appointment up a day rather than have a covering doc see him. This decision was made last Wednesday.

I started growling at him to call the idiot home nurse ( I don't trust i can hold my temper) to arrange her visit for a time frame after 10 am. He finally called today. She was not happy with that idea as she had already set her schedule and we were in the 8 to 10 window. The two of them decided to make her apt @ 7:30. Doc is at 8:15. 

So, assuming twit nurse is on time, minimum 15 minutes for her to do her thing on the computer documenting the visit, another 10 or so to draw blood and change the dressing on the iv port. Counting on my fingers here, that takes us to 7:55 . Then at least 5 min for him to hop (on crutches, he is 0 weight bearing atm) out to the truck, 8 am. 15 minute drive to office. Another 5 to 10 for him to hop into the office. 

Just how am I supposed to get what adds up to an hours worth of stuff done in 45 minutes???

That is also the day the farrier is scheduled to shoe the horse, so my kid will be handling the barn stuff while I handle getting him everywhere he needs to be.

Poor you…. As you sit here waiting for an MR scan you can hear the technician screaming into the microphone: breathe…. Hold it …… hold it longer….. hold it longer…. Breathe. Enough to make me want to run away, but as life advice, I’ve adopted it… 

Try it, it does work

ps in Spanish it’s even better: respira…aguanta….aguanta más…. Aguanta más…. respira 

[Gary L]

off to the Pyrenees where this little series starts.

love to you all and Happy Festive Season xxxx

 

[Kitt]

1 hour ago, Gary L said:

Poor you….

Sorry I bothered you. I'll shut up now.