Winter (Solstice) Wednesday

ei34 · December 2022

How's the themed-alliteration @VarunaTT?

Whew. Had a whirlwind of the last couple days. Mainly work stuff. In a good place Christmas-prep-wise, although I wish I had off the 23rd. (Not that I get to complain, schools are closed the whole week between Christmas and 1/1.) Stbxh bailed on the kids on Saturday so now I'm trying to figure out our holiday schedule...on it I have them Christmas Eve noon - Christmas Day noon, then he gets them until 12/26 at noon. Will he be taking them? Inquiring minds want to know. Inquiring minds being three children who have the right to know. Fa la la la la, la la la la.

climbingsingle · December 2022

Ugh I'm sorry your ex is causing stress around the schedule. Did he even have an excuse for bailing??

I spent a good portion of yesterday morning at Toyota. My check engine light came on Monday while I was driving into work, along with another weird message related to the parking sensors. Well apparently a mouse had built some massive next under my engine cover and that was the issue. Thank god it didn't chew any wires and it was a relatively reasonable cost to get it fixed/cleared out. However next up is 4 new tires (which I knew I needed). I would never buy tires from the dealership - the guy quoted me over $3k for the same Michelin tires I have on. Crazy.

Other than that, SSDD. I'm thankfully just about all ready for Xmas. I have 2 more presents arriving today for N that I need to wrap, and then just grab some wine to bring to my parents' house for Saturday. Hoping the rest of the week goes fast!

MyNameIsNot · December 2022

Also hoping the rest of the week goes fast. Two days to go! Nothing much else going on. I'm still annoyed at my family about inability to communicate about plans for this weekend. We're blowing off adult responsibilities and going to bar trivia tonight. I hope it's not holiday or solstice themed.

It's supposed to get super cold, but no snow this weekend. I guess I need to figure out how to do whatever northern people do to make sure pipes don't freeze or whatever. We get freezes, but it usually doesn't go much below 30 and rarely stays below freezing all day. It's supposed to get to single digits Friday. And yeah, I know that's really nothing compared to people further north, but I think 8 is more dangerous than 28.

banana468 · December 2022

I am hoping to just....have it together and not blame anyone but myself. It's time to really get it in gear and I think at least DH is picking up on that.

VarunaTT · December 2022

Excellent, @ei34! I was going to use Winter Wonderland Wednesday, b/c I know lots of people have snow incoming. Tomorrow is supposed to be SEVEN degrees, 7!! and Friday is 0. I just can't, I want to bundle up and stay in bed. I'm also bored out of my mind at work, but I'm setting up a form letter for myself today, I've got a little bit of work, and then I'm going looking for work.

I'm struggling a bit this week. I haven't worked this many days in a row in a loooong time b/c I was your classic burned out employee and absenteeism was definitely an issue. Now, I'm not upset that I like my job or being at work, I can just tell that I don't have the stamina I used to BB (Before Burnout). So, I'm really ready for the 3 day weekend coming up, with a short week and another 3 day weekend and short week. I think it'll help just in time. B/c then the dreaded 6 months w/no holidays starts.

I either have to finish my Christmas cards tonight or decide that I'm doing NYE cards or nothing at all. I WANT to finish my Christmas cards; the job just suddenly feels overwhelming. But, I think I can do it tonight; I'm already more than half way through.

ETA: Remember how I said I needed to stop spending money so frivously? Yeah, I went home and bought myself a ridiculously expensive kitsch purse that is not useful, but man do I love it.

missJeanLouise · December 2022

I wish I could blow off adult responsibilities too @MyNameIsNot

My day started fine but is crashing and burning at the moment. In the morning I spammed the local property site to set up viewings for apartments. I knew it was going to be rough trying to do it with 2 kids and DH in tow but after the 3 place DH was massively hungry and threw a temper tantrum. Fine, I don't care. We all could use a Snickers sometimes. But then he was a dick even after dinner so now he can go pound sand. I have no patience for a grown man with emotional regulation worse than my 4 y/o.

In better news, he received his contract today. So, yay. Hoping tomorrow's viewings go better.

Casadena · December 2022

Today is my last day at my "old" job - I'm consolidating some stuff and updating a few models and then i'm OUT. Off til Jan 3 starting tomorrow (PTO mostly, not company-wide) but I decided to come into the office today since i like my new desk, it's quiet bc no one is here, and it's crabby husband free. Also i can order everything i want from Chipotle with no shame because no one is watching me eat it. I'm very excited.

Tomorrow and Friday (fingers crossed school is open, i'm not optimistic) I have to wrap a few more gits, make some cookies/bars to take to IL's on Saturday, and pack everything we need for a week in IA. Maybe try to clean the house so it's not a disaster when we come back. Luckily, the boys LOVE vacuuming (we take the stick portion off the stick vacuum so it's their perfect height, it's so cute) so maybe they can help if they're home on Friday.

I hope everyone stays safe with the coming storm and has great holiday/time off/new year if I don't check in at all

Casadena · December 2022

Also, for those of you guys who already like Rothy's, i ordered the laceup sneakers with the recent coupon sale and holy crap they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had on my feet.

short+sassy · December 2022

I need some advice from my cold weather Knotties.

Originally, we were going to be driving to Ocala starting out around 9am on Friday. It's going to start dropping below freezing in NOLA at 5am. I'm worried about driving on icy roads, but there also isn't much rain in the forecast. Can roads still get icy if there is no water on them, ie can just the freezing itself cause icy roads. There might be showers Thursday night...so the ground could still be wet on Friday morning...but Friday is sunny.

The states we're driving through (MS and AL) will be even colder, but also not expecting rain on Friday.

What are the chances you all think the roads will be icy? Because I'm nervous about that. I know my H is going to say it's NBD. But I want other opinions.

Another thought I had was extending our trip by one day. Take a half day off work tomorrow and then leave for FL. But that would definitely be more of a PITA.

VarunaTT · December 2022

@short+sassy No, there has to be something moisture on the roads/in the air to create ice. This will depend on the temperature of the ground. Just having a "freezing" temperature won't create ice on it's own.

If you've had lots of really cold days in a row, then snow/ce comes in, it'll "stick" because the ground is cold too and it won't melt off. If the ground is warm, stuff will melt. Then you might have an issue, b/c now you have water on the roads, roads tend to be colder than just the ground so the water can dreeze, and bridges will be most cold and ice before anything else. This situation is where you can get into black ice on the roads. Generally, I would think you guys would be fine b/c of the time of year you're traveling the roads should be well traveled enough to keep things clear (unless it starts coming down too fast).

MissKittyDanger · December 2022

@ei34 I don't understand when ex's just bail on the kids. Urg.
Glad you're clearly stable

One more day folx! After the 22nd I'm off until the 3rd!

BK's xmas concert was yesterday and ... her class is very 4 lol
They did 2 songs.
After the 1st song, BK lifted her dress ... *sigh* then with the clapping, it was too much so she backed away.
One of her teachers grabbed her, helped her settle then stood with her on stage again. They were at a different spot, so BK could just hide by the teacher when there was more clapping.
She was fine overall. I think the sound, echo and overwhelming was just a lot for her.
She ended up being ok on the floor when they had whole gym do jingle bells.

Her teachers made an ornament and gave her a book.
We got her 4 teachers $5 each of gift card for the tim horton's {fyi medium coffee and muffin is $3.80 after tax}

Based on weather, idk if BK is going to school Friday.
She's sleeping at IL's friday night, and we were going to take her right after school but we'll see now.

I'm planning on getting my wrapping settled. I do need to get some stuff for over the holidays when we drop off BK, so I'm hoping I can get it all done that way if I need more wrapping I can get it.

MissKittyDanger · December 2022

Side question

What is everyone doing for xmas morning breakfast?

I'm not sure what we're doing and I need ideas lol

missJeanLouise · December 2022

@MissKittyDanger I like to prepare a French toast casserole the night before to throw in the oven... My sister informed me that this is just bread pudding, lol. Then I have lots of fresh fruit, nuts, cheese for snacking.

MissKittyDanger · December 2022

missJeanLouise said:

@MissKittyDanger I like to prepare a French toast casserole the night before to throw in the oven... My sister informed me that this is just bread pudding, lol. Then I have lots of fresh fruit, nuts, cheese for snacking.

Ooh! I did this for BK's first xmas because we had a fair amount of people.
Now that BK can do bread again, I may do it.

Bread pudding is delish anyways

short+sassy · December 2022

@VarunaTT, thanks for the feedback. I was also hoping/assuming that because the roads should already be dry, that they at least wouldn't be icy. I feel a lot better.

For Ocala itself, there is no rain expected for the three days where the lows will be below freezing. But, even on those days, the highs are in the mid 40s so the ground is being warmed up again during the day.

@MissKittyDanger, I have a go-to Christmas breakfast casserole that I make every year. As well as throughout the year. The prep is easy and fairly quick. The result is so flavorful and delicious!

Ingredients

Cubed cooked ham (I don't have a quantity, enough that it is generously throughout the dish, probably about a half pound)
12 eggs
½ cup milk
1 can of Rotel (or similar)
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 ¾ cups chopped cooked ham
¾ cup sliced green onion (optional)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (This is too scant, I use about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Prepare a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Beat eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Drain Rotel can and discard the liquid. Mix ham, Rotel, and green onion into the egg mixture; pour into the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cover top of dish with Cheddar cheese; continue baking until cheese is melted, about 3 minutes

But you can really add whatever seasonings, meats, and/or veggies you want to the "base". I've also used bacon instead of ham. Usually about 8-12 pieces of bacon. I pre-cook the bacon, but keep it on the softer side because it will cook more in the casserole. Cut the bacon into decent sized pieces.

I've seen some people add mushrooms or, instead of using Rotel, they will add their own onions and green/red peppers. But I like the extra hint of slight spice and flavor that Rotel has.

banana468 · December 2022

VarunaTT said:

@short+sassy No, there has to be something moisture on the roads/in the air to create ice. This will depend on the temperature of the ground. Just having a "freezing" temperature won't create ice on it's own.

If you've had lots of really cold days in a row, then snow/ce comes in, it'll "stick" because the ground is cold too and it won't melt off. If the ground is warm, stuff will melt. Then you might have an issue, b/c now you have water on the roads, roads tend to be colder than just the ground so the water can dreeze, and bridges will be most cold and ice before anything else. This situation is where you can get into black ice on the roads. Generally, I would think you guys would be fine b/c of the time of year you're traveling the roads should be well traveled enough to keep things clear (unless it starts coming down too fast).

If you're on well-traveled roads you should hopefully be OK.

@short+sassy do you have all season tires on your car vs. summer tires? It's still a PITA to stop on ice but all seasons are better protection in winter weather vs. summer tires that really need to be changed out once the temp dips.

(We have all seasons on 2 of the 3 cars for driving April - December. The convertible has summer tires for the same time frame. Once winter hits, DH changes all the cars over to winter tires or 'snow tires'.)

I've got to think that the roads will be warmer for you but by the time you are in a place that doesn't have the infrastructure to deal with the cold it could be an issue.

We're supposed to have a huge rain and wind event up here and a fast freeze. I'm less concerned about the ice because I think the rain will be gone but I'm concerned about the wind knocking out the power and potentially having DH outside in 20 degree weather on Christmas Day making rib eye steaks instead of the rib roast that I anticipated.

Casadena · December 2022

@MissKittyDanger i'll probably do an egg casserole or easy muffin bread. something i can freeze whatever we don't eat that morning since we'll be gone the next week!

ei34 · December 2022

Booo on the crabby Hs @missJeanLouise and @Casadena
The show sounds very sweet @MissKittyDanger and I do make-ahead cinnamon rolls (I usually make them up until the baking stage the night of the 23rd, since Christmas Eve is a busy cooking day in its own right) plus a fresh fruit platter for Christmas morning breakfast...pomegranates in season and affordable right now, plus a berry or two. I put a bar and a clementine in the kids' stockings for them to snack on though, so no one's hangry or off that breakfast is later than usual.

charlotte989875 · December 2022

Casadena said:

Also, for those of you guys who already like Rothy's, i ordered the laceup sneakers with the recent coupon sale and holy crap they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had on my feet.

Yes! I ordered them in Black and they are so much more comfortable than the first lace ups they made!!

banana468 · December 2022

@MissKittyDanger I'm probably making cinnamon buns from a can if I have electricity and an oven that works. But Christmas Day breakfast has historically been more of a sprint because we need to flip the house from "Santa zone" to "get your rears in gear company is coming" and I have the pre-arrival cleaning frenzy panic.

short+sassy · December 2022

banana468 said:

VarunaTT said:

@short+sassy No, there has to be something moisture on the roads/in the air to create ice. This will depend on the temperature of the ground. Just having a "freezing" temperature won't create ice on it's own.

If you've had lots of really cold days in a row, then snow/ce comes in, it'll "stick" because the ground is cold too and it won't melt off. If the ground is warm, stuff will melt. Then you might have an issue, b/c now you have water on the roads, roads tend to be colder than just the ground so the water can dreeze, and bridges will be most cold and ice before anything else. This situation is where you can get into black ice on the roads. Generally, I would think you guys would be fine b/c of the time of year you're traveling the roads should be well traveled enough to keep things clear (unless it starts coming down too fast).

If you're on well-traveled roads you should hopefully be OK.

@short+sassy do you have all season tires on your car vs. summer tires? It's still a PITA to stop on ice but all seasons are better protection in winter weather vs. summer tires that really need to be changed out once the temp dips.

(We have all seasons on 2 of the 3 cars for driving April - December. The convertible has summer tires for the same time frame. Once winter hits, DH changes all the cars over to winter tires or 'snow tires'.)

I've got to think that the roads will be warmer for you but by the time you are in a place that doesn't have the infrastructure to deal with the cold it could be an issue.

We're supposed to have a huge rain and wind event up here and a fast freeze. I'm less concerned about the ice because I think the rain will be gone but I'm concerned about the wind knocking out the power and potentially having DH outside in 20 degree weather on Christmas Day making rib eye steaks instead of the rib roast that I anticipated.

Good luck with the power! Hopefully the grilling will not be necessary.

Neither of my cars have snow or all season tires. It's not common here because it's rarely cold enough to worry about. True, nowhere we will be or driving through is built for a colder climate, lol.

The only place we won't be on major roads or highways is once we are in Ocala. Even then, it's still probably mostly major roads. But there are some rural areas too, including where we are staying. In Ocala, it is barely dropping below freezing. The lowest "low" I saw was 27 degrees. The other two days were 29 and 30. Though I realize that could change. But then it also gets much warmer during the day.

VarunaTT · December 2022

@short+sassy It might be worthwhile for you guys to carry a small air compressor and tire guage. Tires can deflate in the colder air sometimes and it's inconvenient AF. I carry one in my vehicle when we go camping b/c it's happened before.

Ground temperature is a couple of days thing. So yeah, those are pretty low temps and the ground will be cold, but unless there's moisture, you don't have to worry.

MyNameIsNot · December 2022

short+sassy said:

banana468 said:

VarunaTT said:

@short+sassy No, there has to be something moisture on the roads/in the air to create ice. This will depend on the temperature of the ground. Just having a "freezing" temperature won't create ice on it's own.

If you've had lots of really cold days in a row, then snow/ce comes in, it'll "stick" because the ground is cold too and it won't melt off. If the ground is warm, stuff will melt. Then you might have an issue, b/c now you have water on the roads, roads tend to be colder than just the ground so the water can dreeze, and bridges will be most cold and ice before anything else. This situation is where you can get into black ice on the roads. Generally, I would think you guys would be fine b/c of the time of year you're traveling the roads should be well traveled enough to keep things clear (unless it starts coming down too fast).

If you're on well-traveled roads you should hopefully be OK.

@short+sassy do you have all season tires on your car vs. summer tires? It's still a PITA to stop on ice but all seasons are better protection in winter weather vs. summer tires that really need to be changed out once the temp dips.

(We have all seasons on 2 of the 3 cars for driving April - December. The convertible has summer tires for the same time frame. Once winter hits, DH changes all the cars over to winter tires or 'snow tires'.)

I've got to think that the roads will be warmer for you but by the time you are in a place that doesn't have the infrastructure to deal with the cold it could be an issue.

We're supposed to have a huge rain and wind event up here and a fast freeze. I'm less concerned about the ice because I think the rain will be gone but I'm concerned about the wind knocking out the power and potentially having DH outside in 20 degree weather on Christmas Day making rib eye steaks instead of the rib roast that I anticipated.

Good luck with the power! Hopefully the grilling will not be necessary.

Neither of my cars have snow or all season tires. It's not common here because it's rarely cold enough to worry about. True, nowhere we will be or driving through is built for a colder climate, lol.

The only place we won't be on major roads or highways is once we are in Ocala. Even then, it's still probably mostly major roads. But there are some rural areas too, including where we are staying. In Ocala, it is barely dropping below freezing. The lowest "low" I saw was 27 degrees. The other two days were 29 and 30. Though I realize that could change. But then it also gets much warmer during the day.

That's normally how winter is here. No one does snow or all season tires. Unless you get a storm, it's really fine. The friction of cars on the road warms the road up a couple of degrees, so 27 isn't cold enough to ice unless you're the only car on a remote road, or it's like a driveway. But then you just wait for the sun to come up and everything melts.

short+sassy · December 2022

VarunaTT said:

@short+sassy It might be worthwhile for you guys to carry a small air compressor and tire guage. Tires can deflate in the colder air sometimes and it's inconvenient AF. I carry one in my vehicle when we go camping b/c it's happened before.

Ground temperature is a couple of days thing. So yeah, those are pretty low temps and the ground will be cold, but unless there's moisture, you don't have to worry.

Thanks for the tip! I think I already have those in one of my cars, but I will make sure I do.

I also need to go scrambling tonight to find scarves and gloves (we already have hats handy). Tomorrow might be errands after work to acquire those things, lol.

Good luck with your cold weather, also. I saw your post that it's going to be 7 and then 0. Single digits sound rough!

kerbohl · December 2022

VarunaTT said:

Excellent, @ei34! I was going to use Winter Wonderland Wednesday, b/c I know lots of people have snow incoming. Tomorrow is supposed to be SEVEN degrees, 7!! and Friday is 0. I just can't, I want to bundle up and stay in bed. I'm also bored out of my mind at work, but I'm setting up a form letter for myself today, I've got a little bit of work, and then I'm going looking for work.

I'm struggling a bit this week. I haven't worked this many days in a row in a loooong time b/c I was your classic burned out employee and absenteeism was definitely an issue. Now, I'm not upset that I like my job or being at work, I can just tell that I don't have the stamina I used to BB (Before Burnout). So, I'm really ready for the 3 day weekend coming up, with a short week and another 3 day weekend and short week. I think it'll help just in time. B/c then the dreaded 6 months w/no holidays starts.

I either have to finish my Christmas cards tonight or decide that I'm doing NYE cards or nothing at all. I WANT to finish my Christmas cards; the job just suddenly feels overwhelming. But, I think I can do it tonight; I'm already more than half way through.

ETA: Remember how I said I needed to stop spending money so frivously? Yeah, I went home and bought myself a ridiculously expensive kitsch purse that is not useful, but man do I love it.

I'm in the same place, but it is already too late for me for Christmas. I send overseas, and it usually takes two weeks. I feel a little guilty.

I'm dragging today - I wish it were Friday! I will get through ... I'm just at a stage where I have no patience with some people at work and I just want to have my time off.

It is nice and sunny here today, but we here rumour of snowmaggedon tomorrow. We'll see. I should get the animals ready, not that they really need it. They already have their heaters all set up, but I'll put extra bedding in to make them nice and toasty warm.

charlotte989875 · December 2022

I finished Christmas cards yesterday, I’m doing final gift shopping today, groceries getting dropped off tonight! We’re supposed to get bad weather Friday through Sunday. Predicting another foot or two but with bad winds and ice. Hoping it’s not as bad as they say!

MNNEBride · December 2022

@short+sassy - good to be thinking ahead for the weather that will be colder than you are used to. I would agree that icy roads shouldn't be an issue for you. But do bring warmer clothes/blankets (handy from inside the car - not in the trunk) that you could use if you are stalled and have to wait for assistance.

The race is on to finish all the things before the holiday. DH has been home for 2 weeks (back issue) and it's driving me nuts. He'll now be off until after New Year and it's too much togetherness! He's not driving so can't run errands or help out too much.

We are expecting 5-8" of snow overnight and then the winds come in on Thursday to blow it around for blizzard conditions until Saturday morning. I had a haircut last night and did errands after to the bank and grocery store so I don't have to go out the rest of the week. I had an eye exam tomorrow afternoon but rescheduled. All of the utilities are underground in our neighborhood so aren't impacted by wind. But power and internet need to get to our area via overhead lines so that's a concern.

The cleaning service is here now and as soon as they leave, I'll run some goodies over to our neighbors. Tonight I'll finish the other treats I make. Work tomorrow and wrap presents tomorrow night. Friday I have PTO and will be making a couple of lasagnas and a peppermint no-bake cheese cake for Saturday. Saturday should just be setting up tables, chairs and dishes for my family to arrive by 3 PM. Sunday I'm going with my mom & brothers to an aunt's home for my Mom's side. I definitely feel like I'm shouldering the "mental load" for our holiday.

Off on Monday and then back to work.

levioosa · December 2022

Hi everyone!

I’m trying to keep myself in a good mood until Christmas but being at work when I would like to be home during the holidays is tough. H was sick last week. I was a bad wife and abandoned him all weekend and went to SIL’s. I just can’t afford to get sick. And he was already trying to be all over me to cuddle. Why have a toddler when I already have that? Lol. So I’ll be watching myself like a hawk all week regardless. I plan on Covid testing myself on Friday before we see all of the parents.

Our work Christmas party is on Friday too and I am not thrilled about that. It’s just so close to Christmas and my little introvert heart can’t take three events in a row like that after working three 12 hour shifts. Also I don’t like all of the potential exposure that can happen Friday. I wouldn’t go except I already agreed and it’s my first year so I feel pressured to go.

Also adding to my distress is BIL B will be at Christmas Eve with his ex (she and I used to be good friends, but then they broke up and also she stayed chaotic and most of the rest of us grew up and matured) and I just feel very apprehensive and a little stressed about it. BIL is…well I don’t give a shit about him, but he brings a very dark energy to events. Ex can be fun but she can also be a lot and I’m just already overloaded with everything else in life and cannot deal with any shenanigans. I’m sure she will be fine and fun. Tbh I’d rather just have her there alone. BIL has ruined so many events that honestly I get a little ptsd about it. He’s just such a POS true narcissist and it’s so difficult to be around him. I basically say hello and then politely ignore unless direct interaction needs to happen, and he twists that too. So ugh

otherwise, SSDD. I have one more episode of White Lotus left and the chaos is stressing me out lol. But it’s so good.

Exciting news about staying! @missJeanLouise. I’m sorry DH was being a poop.

I hope the holiday plans get figured out for you soon! @ei34. Ex-H is such a jerk and what a thing to do to the kids on Christmas.

Drive safe! @ short+sassy

CharmedPam · December 2022

I agree on those FL roads, you should be fine @short+sassy. Ugh @levioosa yes, be safe this time of the year and take all precautions if you can!
BK’s shyness on the audience is kinda cute

my parents are coming on Saturday now,
after the storm so it’s a relief off of me. I still have gifts to receive for them and wrap, my leg can be exposed to air longer and I’ll have time to clean the driveway without cars in the way… it works out well.

We said no gift exchange at work - between us internal staff - and I came into the office today with gifts. Ah! And I was going to go out tonight to return the favor, but found out we’re really not going to be in the office till the 3rd now. Even my admin said “we said no gifts! It’s embarrassing”. So we’re in the same boat at least?

missJeanLouise · December 2022

@CharmedPam maybe I missed it but did you share your latest tattoo work? Or are you waiting for it to fade a bit?

CharmedPam · December 2022

missJeanLouise said:

@CharmedPam maybe I missed it but did you share your latest tattoo work? Or are you waiting for it to fade a bit?

Yeah the background is dark! It needs to peel a bit and fade, right now it looks really “busy”. I think in about 5 days it should show grey vs black

Winter (Solstice) Wednesday

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