[Ricotta cheese and lasagna]

Another vote for cottage cheese

[My family needs prayers please ETA: he is boarding his final leg 🥳]

Praying now.

[My mother died yesterday…]

I am sorry for your loss and what was a strained relationship.

I pray you are able to find some peace and closure as you grieve.  Hugs. 

[Help with tropical vacation spot]

40 minutes ago, Miss Tick said:

That sounds lovely! Did you have a job that sent you there? Could you choose when you went?

Yes I would love to know how that worked too !

[Help with tropical vacation spot]

6 minutes ago, livetoread said:

ETA time of year matters in CR because they have a rainy season

Yes I was just reading that about CR. I have flexibility in my schedule so can adjust accordingly. Thanks for the heads up!

[Would you eat cookies at 10am?]

Yes, of course 🙂

[Help with tropical vacation spot]

4 minutes ago, wintermom said:

I'm actually going to visit a friend who moved there, so it's probably not a top tourist destination. It's a small town on the west coast. Dh and I are renting an Airbnb for a week. This town is a 3 hr drive from San Jose - 3 hrs because the roads aren't so great.

Other friends of ours are going to a resort near Liberia - one they've been to before and really enjoyed. There's an airport in Liberia, so less driving. 

I hope you have a wonderful time!! 

[Help with tropical vacation spot]

12 minutes ago, TheReader said:

My super duper favorite spot in the world (so far) is Paraty, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Beaches.  Fresh fruit. Waterfalls. Quaint historical little town. Peaceful. Lovely. Calm. Not overrun with tourists.  Not super "white sands" beachy, but calm, lovely, etc. 

If you want more jaw-dropping gorgeous beaches, also in Brazil, the island of Fernando de Noronha is incredible. Jaw-droppingly so. Harder to get to, but incredible. 

If you aren't thinking so far as Brazil....I've not been to Costa Rica, but my grandparents went for a wedding anniversary once and the photos were stunning. 

Isla de Mujeres is another spot.... Cozumel is lovely....lots of great options out there. 

Your recommendation sounds perfectly lovely! I will look into it. What is your choice of lodging style while you are visiting? hotels are too busy for me so I am thinking more along the lines of Airbnb to keep that quiet calm I am seeking. 

 

[Help with tropical vacation spot]

11 minutes ago, wintermom said:

I'm going to Costa Rica for the first time this Feb. I've heard many great things about it, and I think it checks off all your boxes of things you'd like to do.

Can you tell me more about your trip? What area are you staying in? I agree that I thought Costa Rica checked many boxes too 🙂

[Help with tropical vacation spot]

I live in Alaska- dark, cold and although beautiful and magical this time of year, I would like to plan a solo vacation away this February/March?  
Families here often flock to Hawaii during this time of year  and although I do like visiting Hawaii, I am yearning for somewhere different. Have a passport so out of the US is what I am aiming for. 

My wants are near/ on the beach preferably, being close to markets with fresh fruit/ veggies (which AK seriously lacks this time of year), quiet and not overly populated… maybe some hiking nearby or waterfalls. I don’t need or want big city amenities… just a beautiful, quaint place to relax, read some books, soak in some sun and just have some peaceful me time. 

suggestions please? I was initially thinking Costa Rica but wanted to get your input. 

 

ETA- timeframe is flexible. February/ March.....

[How can I think my veterinarian and her staff?]

My first thought was a sweet letter as you are sharing here- the personal touch would mean so much!  What incredible staff to go so above and beyond in being compassionate and so involved in managing care for your sweet girl. 
 

I am so sorry for your loss. It makes it even harder when it’s so sudden and unexpected. We lost our sweet pup to dementia just a few years back and it was so sudden and heart-wrenching. 
Thinking of you and sending a prayer as you navigate the shock and loss. 

Hugs from another dog momma who ‘completely’ gets it. 🥹

[Hive Holiday Cheer peeps, you should have your list]

@Quillawesome!! the post office can take anywhere from 5 days to 3+ weeks from here depending. So glad your card arrived already.  Most of mine are mailed except just a few.  

[Early Christmas present ❤️]

So incredibly touching!! 

[Mum died last night]

Sorry for your loss. 

[My front yard is wild.]

Moose, red fox, rabbit, squirrel

grouse, raven and other birds, dragonflies and butterflies.

huge mosquito 

 

[Have you had "mild" Covid? No big deal, no worse than a cold? Just curious.]

Mine started off with some congestion for 2 days, then when that went away, I had no sense of smell/ taste for about 7- 8 days. Nothing else but the lack of smell/ taste was not pleasant 

[30 Days of Gratitude 2022 - Day 2]

I love my living room. It brings me joy with vaulted ceilings that have beautiful wood panels, multiple large windows with a full view of the AK range on clear days and our pellet stove running as we are in cold weather here. We just had the entire living room painted as well saying goodbye to the 'mustard yellow' paint that the previous owners had. 

[Help! Need a dress and shoes quickly. Want to shop?]

I am sorry for your loss. 

[What are you excited about right now?]

56 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

Aww your Christmas is going to be so wonderful!!

So awesome you got to see that last night.   On my bucket list.

I have lived here now for 5 years and it NEVER gets old. I hope you are able to see them in person one day 🙂

[What are you excited about right now?]

Both of my boys will be coming home for Christmas. We live in Alaska and my oldest is in GA. He graduated App State in May and commissioned as a 2LT into the US Army. My youngest is at Kansas State Univ as a freshman this year. I miss both of them and am SO thrilled that they will both be home for the holidays. BEST Christmas present ever!!

Last night I was super excited to watch the Aurora make a beautiful showing directly over our home. It was magical!

[Military families "geo-bacheloring" question]

No, but many times you not only feel like a single parent.... you really are in many ways and during much of your time as a military spouse.

Coming from a recently retired Army wife with a husband that served 26 years active service. 

[How often do you clean your bathtub]

Once every 1-2 weeks depending on how frequently it is used. We have 3 in the home and they are not all used daily.

If I am going to get in and soak though, I usually clean it right before I get in as I don't like any grime feeling if I decide to take the time to relax and not just quickly wash and get out. 

[Two weeks with puppies]

Love reading your detailed updates! Super cute!!

I am finally on the other side of the 'young puppy antics' with our 8 month Newfie though we are still working through some puppy shenanigans. She is a doll but that puppy stage can be intense and I am ready for her to settle into her full grown self 😀

[PSA: Get a flu shot if you can]

Received mine yesterday, husband is scheduled Friday.

Feel better quickly!

[Vague Christmas participation post - Bumping - Last Call]

1 hour ago, Mrs Tiggywinkle Again said:

My birthday is October 27.

Mailed you a card last week 🙂