ktfran

MG-do you go somewhere in the Loop?

I didn’t love my last one. I’m interested in finding a new person or group. Also prefer recommendations.

Not judging. I did make the observation about how people have relaxed their stance as this pandemic had dragged on. People have to decide their own risks. The husband and I are both risk averse in general.

I personally wouldn’t go into a gym. I desperately want a massage, but haven’t done that either. Or a mani/pedi.

I do need venture out and get a new drivers license. Mine expired last January. I’m not even sure if the pandemic extension counts for me since it expired pre-pandemic.

My pilates instructor hasn’t started back to work at a studio or gym yet. I do zoom classes with her. It’s not ideal and I’d love to get back on a reformer, but not for a long while. It is interesting what some people decide is safe vs. not safe and how that has changed since the beginning of the pandemic. With the exception of outdoor dining on 4 occasions (to support local businesses when they re-opened), the husband and I haven’t really changed our stances since the beginning. We’re still pretty isolated.

My dad’s brother and his family were going to our hometown the weekend before Thanksgiving. They were the reason I wasn’t going to go home for Thanksgiving because about 25 people would have gotten together to see everyone. Another brother talked some sense into everyone and there is no visit. I still don’t think I’m going to go home. It’s too risky right now.

EDT: The outdoor place we ate at, we had masks on except when eating. There was a barrier between the patio and the sidewalk. We know the owners. They only have three people on staff – one waiter, one bartender and one cook. All the tables were spaced. We went at an odd time, like 2 in the afternoon.

@hfantods, re: creme de cacao

Every Christmas, we make a spiked egg nog. It’s:
1 quart egg nog mixed with three ounces each of dark rum, brandy and creme de cacao. Serve over ice. We sprinkle a little nutmeg on top. SO GOOD!

Our stove/oven is currently the original from when we moved in too. A few weeks ago, one of the warning symbols popped up and then it started smoking a lot when I turned it on. We had a guy come to check it out and it just needed a major cleaning, although you couldn’t tell it was dirty. Something got stuck somewhere. Anyway…

We weren’t ready to replace that appliance yet. In a couple of years, we’re doing a full kitchen remodel and I’m hoping all of our appliances stay ok to use until that happens. We do need to replace the washer/dryer soon and we already had to replace the hot water heater. Fingers crossed fridge, range and dishwasher last two more years.

I’m definitely a fan of gas. I have no advice on shopping for one though.

I took my mail-in ballot to a drop-off box yesterday. The line for early voting was LONGGGGGGGGGG. We went around 2:00.

ETA: I was happy to see that the voting line was long. Encouraging!!