|
Post by leannec on Jul 9, 2023 14:07:11 GMT
Hi everyone! I'm just getting ready to meet my mum for our weekly breakfast at Denny's ... mum will then head to bingo. I will do some laundry and just hang out ... it is supposed to be another scorcher for us today (29 or 30 degrees Celsius) ... After bingo, my mum is coming over for dinner ... my Hello Fresh delivery comes today so she gets to choose what she wants! Happy birthday Mr. cadoodlebug! All this camping and camper talk this week was fun ... you ladies put the fun in it but I will never camp again ... too much work! What are your plans today? What is on your menu tonight? Have a relaxing Sunday everybody!
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Jul 9, 2023 14:17:39 GMT
Thanks for the birthday wishes for my DH leannec ! We celebrated last night ~ he's being fitted tomorrow for new golf clubs so he's pretty happy. DS will leave sometime this morning. We've had so much fun during this visit ~ good weather helped. It's supposed to be 105+ by next weekend. Not sure what's for dinner ~ a trip to Raley's is in the works for this morning.
|
|
|
Post by jeremysgirl on Jul 9, 2023 14:52:16 GMT
Aww...I know camping is not for everyone. Truthfully I didn't know how much I was going to like it. I honestly thought it would be a no go for me too. But turns out I love it. And now with a trailer it should be even better. But glamorous, it's not.
Some of my camper fabrics came yesterday. I feel like I need to finish up some other crafts so I can figure out what to do in regard to the camper quilt. Jeremy did remind me I've got all winter. He's a master at procrastination. So easy going. You've got plenty of time. Breezy attitude. I am not that way. 😂 He balances out my intensity though.
I felt like I needed to get out of the house yesterday so we went to Sam's club. I've got a potpie for dinner tonight.
I need to do laundry. And somebody please tell me to get my butt in the sewing room and finish my Halloween quilt. 🤣😉
I fell asleep last night on the couch. In my clothes. And I'm still wearing them as I haven't showered either. Somebody tell me to get in the shower too! I need a push. I know this is going to sound ridiculous to the neurotypical but a shower is probably the most difficult thing I do in a day. I know it probably sounds insane to you guys. But it a huge mental hurdle for me every single day. I do take a shower every single day. I'm not the stinky kid. But it's hard for me to accomplish. I really need to try to get in the right mindset. Playing music while I'm in there helps.
|
|
|
Post by KelleeM on Jul 9, 2023 15:22:05 GMT
Dd is making carnitas for dinner.
Today is the last day of my vacation and I don’t want to go back to work tomorrow! I like my job and am grateful that I can pay my bills but I like being home!!
|
|
|
Post by scrapmaven on Jul 9, 2023 15:29:19 GMT
cadoodlebug, Happy Birthday to your amazing dh. KelleeM, the last day of vacation is a toughie. Try to focus on having a fun day and not on tmw. leannec, I'd totally play bingo w/your mom. Sounds like good fun. Enjoy breakfast. jeremysgirl, you handle your challenges w/aplomb, but that doesn't mean that it isn't difficult. You're a brave and amazing woman. We're very lucky that we can call you tribal sister. I'm going up to IKEA to do the curbside pickup I was supposed to do last week. Then I have a quick return at Macys. I'll do it all today and relax later. Dinner is Tacos.
|
|
|
Post by tmarschall on Jul 9, 2023 15:30:53 GMT
Aww...I know camping is not for everyone. Truthfully I didn't know how much I was going to like it. I honestly thought it would be a no go for me too. But turns out I love it. And now with a trailer it should be even better. But glamorous, it's not. Some of my camper fabrics came yesterday. I feel like I need to finish up some other crafts so I can figure out what to do in regard to the camper quilt. Jeremy did remind me I've got all winter. He's a master at procrastination. So easy going. You've got plenty of time. Breezy attitude. I am not that way. 😂 He balances out my intensity though. I felt like I needed to get out of the house yesterday so we went to Sam's club. I've got a potpie for dinner tonight. I need to do laundry. And somebody please tell me to get my butt in the sewing room and finish my Halloween quilt. 🤣😉 I fell asleep last night on the couch. In my clothes. And I'm still wearing them as I haven't showered either. Somebody tell me to get in the shower too! I need a push. I know this is going to sound ridiculous to the neurotypical but a shower is probably the most difficult thing I do in a day. I know it probably sounds insane to you guys. But it a huge mental hurdle for me every single day. I do take a shower every single day. I'm not the stinky kid. But it's hard for me to accomplish. I really need to try to get in the right mindset. Playing music while I'm in there helps. I completely understand about the shower thing. Sometimes I listen to a podcast. My hair is a pain with several steps. Sometimes I just don't feel like getting wet. And then dry. And moisturized. It's my argument against gettibg in the hotntub too, even though every single time I agree it's a good idea once I'm in it. Nick will want to get in and hopes I will join him. And 2/3 of the time he sits in it by himself bc I'm not into it. I'm always glad when done...shower, hot tub, whatever...but it's hell gettibg there. Great meme, cadoodlebug! We both snickered. Have a good breakfast, leannec. Order me a Grand Slam! We are lazing about this am. I have a puppy on my tummy. For the last 2 days she has decided she likes being inside my sweatshirt with me-- she wouldn't mind if I was the stinky kid! No idea what our plan is today. Maybe hot dogs on the grill later. I'm feeling pretty self-righteous that with our camp leftovers I have Nick's breakfasts and lunches all set thru Wed at least. I'm hoping to cook from our freezer most of the week, to balance out the million grocery runs for our trip last week. We will pare things down/scale back for next time based on what the winners were, but I wanted to try making a lot of stuff this time. The brats were the best in terms of ease and hitting the spot, so they will definitely be on the list. I have a few errands to run. Pictures from walgreens -- now I need to start a camping scrapbook! A return, an rx to pick up, a library book to return. But I may just putz around outside for a but instead. We came home to our new baby rosebushes blooming! I need to deadhead and clean a few things up on the deck. Happy Sunday!
|
|
|
Post by jeremysgirl on Jul 9, 2023 15:43:27 GMT
|
|
|
Post by tmarschall on Jul 9, 2023 15:44:54 GMT
That sounds so good! I have a Dutch oven on my wish list. Esp for fall!
|
|
|
Post by jeremysgirl on Jul 9, 2023 15:47:39 GMT
That sounds so good! I have a Dutch oven on my wish list. Esp for fall! Yes must get a Dutch oven. I cook with ours a lot. I have several different sizes even .
|
|
sueg
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,055
Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
|
Post by sueg on Jul 9, 2023 15:59:27 GMT
It is another hot day here today. I slept late, then we went to church. It was great to catch up with people after being away on vacation. This afternoon I have just been lazing around. We are now outside with limoncello spritzers, as there is a bit of a cool breeze. Dinner tonight is Greek marinated chicken and vegetable kebabs on the grill - assuming it works today.
We’ve still got a couple of hot days ahead, so I think I’ll try and get out early tomorrow for errands so I can just sit in front of the cooler in the heat of the afternoon.
|
|
quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,709
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
|
Post by quiltz on Jul 9, 2023 16:15:41 GMT
I enjoy camping at a 4* hotel. Both of my parents were in WW2 and they did their camping under the most horrific conditions, so this was never even a thought of how to spend a vacation. Farming also meant that vacations were far and few inbetween.
We did have a parked Park-model trailer (36', 3 slide-outs, tub & toilet connected to sewer system, full fridge, microwave & a/c) for 12 years when the kids were in their early teens to adult. I still detested packing up food & stuff and the back & forth on the QEW, 401, maybe 407, 115/35 to Peterborough area. Yes, I did have to do a few 1-day up & back home ~ brutal.
It is cool outside so no swimming but will bbq my steak, shrimp, veggies & fresh peaches.
|
|
|
Post by lucyg on Jul 9, 2023 16:27:55 GMT
Just quick-like … I’m at an all-day card class, won’t get home till probably 8:00 … dinner will be rechauffe, nice and easy. My lemon blueberry cake came out great yesterday, even though I made a million mistakes and changes to the recipe. It’s already almost gone. Well, half went to my sister’s house.
|
|
quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,709
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
|
Post by quiltz on Jul 9, 2023 16:34:38 GMT
My lemon blueberry cake came out great yesterday, even though I made a million mistakes and changes to the recipe You know the rules ~~~ RECIPE PLEASE
|
|
|
Post by leannec on Jul 9, 2023 16:40:37 GMT
I know this is going to sound ridiculous to the neurotypical but a shower is probably the most difficult thing I do in a day. I completely understand! I'm OK with the shower part but I hate dealing with my hair! Putting product in it after the shower and drying it, etc. Blah! This is why I wear my hair in a ponytail ... easy to take care of and I only wash it a couple of times a week (but I shower everyday) ...
|
|
|
Post by scrapmaven on Jul 9, 2023 16:46:04 GMT
I consider the Hampton Inn glamping. So, I'm not a camper. I'm also a 4 star hotel type of gal. However, I would camp for a weekend, because I love nature at night.
|
|
|
Post by taylortroop on Jul 9, 2023 16:55:37 GMT
Another vote here for not enjoying camping. It’s so much work! We do have friends who love to camp and we always drive to their site for a day and then come home.
Another cool day here which is nice after the heat wave we had. DH is watching the radar in hopes that it doesn’t rain. His buddy just bought a new ATV and they want to go for a ride.
I’m babysitting this afternoon for a couple hours in between DDIL and DS shifts. DDIL has just gone in and DS will be home in a couple hours.
DH and I will head into the city when I’m done babysitting. We need a good grocery haul and it’s also an excuse to hit Dairy Queen for a burger. Best burgers ever!
|
|
|
Post by karenlou on Jul 9, 2023 17:57:40 GMT
Camping is a hotel without room service!!!! I did my share of camping in my 30's fun when you are young...Not so Much now!!
This week has been killer for this retired Gal...11-7 on wednesday, covered 5 hours on thursday 2am -7 am , 11-7 0n friday to orient someone to the shift, on call last night was there 11-230am then called back at 440am for an emergency was relieved at 7am. Tonight is my 11-7 for the new week...I am fried. I need a vacation from this retirement/per diem thing!!!
I have prepped carrots and beets to roast, husked the corn to grill along with some pork chops.
I had a nap this morning, and will lay low this afternoon after I cut up my fruit for the week...I do a fruit salad with berries and cherries, watermelon to have during the week.
I do have one more load of laundry to do when the washer finishes and the bed to remake with the clean sheets. So I can take another nap before work.
|
|
|
Post by tmarschall on Jul 9, 2023 18:45:26 GMT
This is a long one! Just mulling things over. I feel like a people who are not fans of camping often fall into one (or both) of the 2 camps (haha) mentioned here...not into "roughing it" or wanting to be inconvenienced or uncomfortable, or because it's so much work. And along with both might be a desire for a break from cooking and cleaning on a vacation.
Women are often the organizers, cooks, cleaners, planners, laundry-doers, etc., so it makes sense that while kids and other adults might see all the fun in it, some women are over it, esp if they had all that responsibility earlier in life, with kids, on a budget or just at a time when likes or priorities were different.
I'll be the first person to say I do not like to be hot or uncomfortable. I have some health stuff that leaves me uncomfortable or out of sorts in ideal conditions. I had some concerns (esp when our first day was supposed to be blistering hot) last week, which exacerbated my anxiety, which kicked in some symptoms...vicious cycle. But luckily it was fine. Anyway, we just don't rough it. I tent camped early in life and have no desire to do that anymore. I will be looking to further augment our bed in there...even the 3in memory foam topper was not enough for me. I want cute and comfortable with amenities. We will get an air fryer and maybe a small microwave. We will have at least electric, if not full hookups. We had ice, wood and pizza delivered to our campsite, a bathroom on the rv and a very clean, nicely appointed shower house, bathrooms and a camp store with wine and ice cream and fun stuff about 30 steps from our site. Also, a pool, with adult swim hrs, and we have our pups with us. We sat inside a screenhouse with no bugs and Nick played his electric guitar with an Amp (at a respectable level) while I read. I didn't use it, but I was not the only one with a curling iron. Is this glamping? If it is, ok, but we are just not likely to boondock. We have been looking at more campgrounds and while I would be fine with paying less for fewer amenities, Nick loved those conveniences and feels they are justified.
And as far as work, I had a LOT leading up to our trip bc we were starting from ground zero...renovating, testing, planning, shopping, packing, stocking. Then cooking, washing up, etc. We learned a lot. But the next trips will be so much easier because the main work is done. Most of it stays in the camper. The food and laundry comes in, and is ready for next time. We have things organized so we can grab our bags to pack, the insulated bags/cooler for food, and go. The difference also is that Nick is a full partner in the work...from set up and tear down to laundry and unpacking. I don't feel like I'm doing it alone, and mostly it's not that different from what I do at home, BUT I get him to myself, almost completely unplugged from work and all the projects at home that call to him. We both finished books while we were there. I've never seen him so calm and relaxed.
So for us, it is worth it. I also love nice hotels and delicious restaurants. We could probably eat for less by eating out, bc I get whatever we want to cook. I like other kinds of travel. But we need to take the pups with us, and so this works so well...no worries about leaving them in a hotel room or not finding one we can stay at. And it's been great seeing them do well being exposed to new experiences after growing up in covid isolation. I'm really hopeful now that we can be around friends with them and they'll get to see what we love about them and enjoy them too, instead of worrying about them or having to shut them away when company comes.
Just why it works for us. I can understand that other people have their reasons, including allergies (to pollen or people, haha)! This camping is so different from when I was younger. Pretty cushy, and we are loving it. Can't wait to go again! Hoping maybe 1 weekend a month at least. Fall will be the best.
|
|
hannahruth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,616
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Aug 29, 2014 18:57:20 GMT
|
Post by hannahruth on Jul 9, 2023 19:11:35 GMT
Dinner was Chinese take away - the local Chinese restaurant has been operating for the last 40+ years by the same people and it is sooo good. We will be sad when / if they retire.
on the camping topic we have joined the grey nomads travelling around the country in the last 12 months or so. We bought a Winnebago rv and just love it. We have all the comforts of home including being able to take our little dog with us now. He loves being in the cab with us and we have his basket between the seats.
we have been doing just two or three days away while getting used to it all but our next trip will be 8 - 10 days.
|
|
|
Post by Delta Dawn on Jul 9, 2023 19:17:54 GMT
I camp at the Hyatt Regency and will not sleep uncomfortably again. I am traumatized by camping as a child so I hate all of it. Good on the people who like it but omg I don’t sleep as it is there is no way I am sleeping like that.
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Jul 9, 2023 19:34:10 GMT
I think I've mentioned this before but my love of camping started when we lived in Hawaii and I was a Girl Scout. The GS camping was up in the mountains and was paradise. There were 4 different camp areas and we always prayed we got #3 because it had flush toilets. Fast forward to being married to DH who would climb some of the mountain faces in Yosemite and camp. Uh, that would be a no. If my car can't be parked by the campsite, it's not for me. First time DS camped he was 6 months old. We camped often until he hit high school and marching band. We haven't camped in years and often wish we had a camper.
|
|
|
Post by scrapmaven on Jul 9, 2023 19:54:44 GMT
While I love the warm night and breeze of the campsite that we used to go to when I was a girl scout, I am a hotel person. I cook and clean at home and vacation means that all I have to do is have fun and relax. That's why we don't do airBNB. I know that a lot of people travel using AirBNB and I think that's great if it's what you want to do. Now that I've said all of this, I think it would be fun to take a cross country road trip in an RV. The only issue that I would have is that dh would have to do the driving. Though I drove a mini-van for many years, an RV is huge and I would be afraid of taking out half of America everytime I changed lanes or parked.
So, my personal choice is to stick to hotels and cruise ships, but I think camping is a great vacation, as well. We each have our own style and that's a good thing.
|
|
teddyw
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,850
Jun 29, 2014 1:56:04 GMT
|
Post by teddyw on Jul 9, 2023 19:56:03 GMT
My oldest dd & sil are backpack campers. Having a child has curbed that. They are taking him to Washington state in September. Just day hiking though because sleeping in a tent would be a nightmare.
I’m done with camping except my youngest nephew never got to go on a family camping trip. I’ve been trying unsuccessfully to get that together. His own family refuses to respond. 🤷♀️
Went to the grocery for the week. We’re having bourbon salmon with mashed potatoes, veggies & salad.
|
|
|
Post by jeremysgirl on Jul 9, 2023 20:22:58 GMT
I share your sentiments tmarschall. I think there is also another element that is overlooked and that is cost. Sure, a camper is an initial investment, but it costs me roughly $300 + gas for 7 nights of camping. I bring my own food too so it doesn't cost any more than living at home. The camper is my space. I can store things in there so that I'm not packing and unpacking every time we go. The better news is that with our trailer we will be able to keep more things in the camper and so we will be able to just buy food and pack clothes and then go. Heck, this camper has closet space on either side of our bed, plus under bed storage so we can even keep clothes/shoes things in there full time now. Like my hiking boots and rain jacket. Once we set up camp, and now with a trailer will be even easier than the pop up, the work, IMO is done. Cooking is something I would do at home or in an AirBNB. I also enjoy the challenge of cooking over an open fire. The only thing I ever used my gas burners for was percolating my morning coffee. It's my bed. My bedding. We are decorating to our taste so it feels like an extension of our home. We have our own bathroom and shower. And there's electric and water hook ups where we go. I find it super relaxing to be outside like that. Just crocheting by the fire. And we have discussed being winter campers down south when we retire. This will be an affordable way for us to be snowbirds in retirement. Next summer Jeremy gets three weeks of vacation and we are already planning multiple camping trips. And again, we will be able to go for three weeks when the cost of a campsite is less than $300 for a week + gas. Yes, there's prep work involved. But I would argue that the only real prep work I'm doing that you aren't for traditional vacation is preparing food. Now with a bigger camper I'll be able to do more onsite prep work though which makes me happy. Other than cooking, there's a whole lot of sitting around relaxing. My husband is also an equal partner in camping. He even loves making sure the fire is just right and stirring food while it's cooking and making breakfast. Things he doesn't do at home. Now maybe if I were chasing kids, I would think differently. But I'm just chasing Jeremy. And we like a lot of togetherness and the slow life. He is truly my person.
|
|
|
Post by jeremysgirl on Jul 9, 2023 20:36:35 GMT
I also wanted to show you tmarschall that I found this spice rack at sam's club yesterday. It's fairly compact with 24 different kinds of spices. Almost anything typically cooked with. I bought it for the camper. I figured when stuff ran out, I would just refill it.
|
|
|
Post by tmarschall on Jul 9, 2023 21:07:03 GMT
We each have our own style and that's a good thing. 100% this! I agree...life us too short to chase what doesn't serve us. It's also too long to be stuck, not relaxing in the ways that feed your soul, in light of all the responsibilities we all have day to day. What part of the country are you all exploring, hannahruth? We are thrilled to have our pups with is and I am stillnshocked at how well they did. One slept in my sweatshirt (that I was wearing) and the other in the fluffy bed in between our seats. Maybe our paths will cross some time! I understand it is not for everyone, and guarding your peace by avoiding your triggers is smart, @delta Dawn. cadoodlebug I'm with you. I am not schlepping my gear in from my car. We have a small class c rv, about 21ft long. The whole point is to be able to be in it to lie down, take care of the pups or make a sandwich while the other person is driving. We are not likely to do those things before setting up at camp, but we could pull over if needed. The only drawback is not having a tow vehicle to explore the area after setting up. But as it is smaller it is not hard to drive. So far Nick has done the driving but I wouldn't mind. Same here, jeremysgirl. It already feels like our 2nd home. I love that it is a project we have done together. That they are our decor choices that reflect us (more me with the bright color, but he loves it too). My goal is to leave almost everything in there and just take food and clothes. We have games and leisure activities. I took my watercolors but mostly just read this time, and we had a visitor for one afternoon. I love having my stuff there to choose from, plenty to read, and undivided time to do it. Cost is a great factor. We have done staycations for the last several years...a new home, covid, home projects, and we've made it a space we didn't really feel compelled to leave. But we do want to travel, and the pups were a concern. We can't board them. We spent plenty this time, but we've discussed how we can dial back a bit, and are exploring the gamut of parks to campgrounds to resorts. An rv is a game changer. I used to think a cabin was the way to go but it is way less work once you get things out together. Leave everything clean and ready to go for next time. I LOVE that spice rack. I have a small tote with 6 or 7 regular sized spiced, vanilla, and ziplocks with some sugar, flour, and brown sugar. That looks like a great space-saving with more variety. We have a surprising amount of storage. I think some of my kitchen gadgets are going to live there. I found a Wolfgang puck electric deep mini pie maker, new, at a thrift store. Great to do mini potpies with no mess. I love to cook and experiment, so while I know some folks have no interest in doing all that outside or in a tin can in the woods, it is fun for me. Nick is fine with sandwiches, so it's just a challenge I have fun with. Sorry, I am very rambly today. I appreciate the discussion!
|
|
bklyngal62
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,984
Jun 26, 2014 12:16:11 GMT
|
Post by bklyngal62 on Jul 9, 2023 21:11:43 GMT
My lemon blueberry cake came out great yesterday, even though I made a million mistakes and changes to the recipe You know the rules ~~~ RECIPE PLEASE Would love this recipe as well
|
|
bklyngal62
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,984
Jun 26, 2014 12:16:11 GMT
|
Post by bklyngal62 on Jul 9, 2023 21:16:59 GMT
Worked today and stopped at the grocery store for a couple of things after work.
It's too hot to cook today so we had sandwiches on an onion roll and avocado.
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Jul 9, 2023 21:58:16 GMT
I am making chicken curry.. cook the chicken, stir fry some veggies.. throw on a sauce packet!! went to the store and brought home tons of fruit.
Camping..I am organized enough I could be out the door for a car camping trip in 30 min!!..
I grew up camping.. it was the only vacation we ever took. then I became a Girl scout.. and camped all my life.. my parents took us backpacking in 1960!! and I did it ever since. I actually teach basic camping and basic backpacking to girl scout leaders. I have probably backpacked 500 miles.. many week long trips in the mountains of washington.
I took my own kids camping and backpacking too. when my twins were 4 months old and my son was 2.5 yrs old, we went on a car camping trip down the eastern sierras for a week.in december. in a tent and such. so much fun.
dh and I are going on a short backpacking trip in august.. this time we are going to the washington beaches. my dh also grew up camping, backpacking.. his parents were climbers.. so he did some of that too. my dad climbed.. my mom only backpacked. I didn't really get into rock climbing, but I did sleep on top of mt rainier (14,410 ft volcano) and made it up mt st helens and skied down before it blew up.
but the west coast camping usually does not involve high temps or humidity. my whole career was outdoors...ski instructor, trail crew supervisor, park maintenance, fire crew--fire lookout, camp counselor and park ranger. still like my little tent and sleeping bag.
|
|
|
Post by lucyg on Jul 9, 2023 21:58:50 GMT
My lemon blueberry cake came out great yesterday, even though I made a million mistakes and changes to the recipe You know the rules ~~~ RECIPE PLEASE This is the basic lemon cake recipe I used, plus I stirred in a cupful+ of fresh blueberries before it went in the oven. And I screwed up everything from start to finish, but it came out great. Even my picky sister said so. willowbirdbaking.com/2010/08/23/ina-gartens-lemon-loaf-cake-and-raffaldini-vineyards/
|
|