The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[ajrwdwgirl]

This unrelenting wet weather is just very annoying. It is not supposed to be this wet in the summer months here. The weather has been tough on a landscaper acquaintance. Saw him yesterday and he is hurting financially because he cannot keep up with multiple mowings required per week instead of once a week. People are on contracts so he loses money if he does more than once a week, but he needs to sometimes do twice especially for businesses. He cannot finish any patios or other hardscapes. He says he is so behind and when he is behind he cannot get paid.

Too bad he could get a teenage boy or girl to work cheap and help him out with the mowing. One of my students started his own lawn mowing business when he was a 7th grader so there are some kids that might be willing.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Stevia is my go to. I just have to add more liquid if not using sugar

Do you have a brand? I haven't liked any stevia that I have tried.

 

[93boomer]

I can’t help it, I love it!! It’s impossible to listen to and not dance along.. plus, it brings me back to my 20s and early 30s




My yard has some weird happenings this year, between the lightening, the squirrels/chipmunks (which have been there since I’ve moved in), and then a hawk sweeping down and plucking a baby bird right out of a tree.. it was one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen!!

All of the birds were crying and flying around the hawk.. it took the baby bird to the ground and just held it in the claws, while it was screaming.. my son and youngest nieces and nephews had to witness it. So sad. Finally the hawk jumped on top of my car, with the baby bird, then flew away.. you could still hear the mother screaming.

I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m assuming you guys have if they’re common around your house.




I will jump for joy when T is old enough to do lawn work.. I always tease him that he needs to enjoy his free time now.. because it’s coming.



I didn’t even want to waste the money or frustration with planting anything else this year. So jealous of your zucchini!

A hawk is what got one of my baby bunnies! DH and I cringe every time we hear the hawk sounds. We run and look out at the backyard to make sure the other bunnies are not out.

 

[Cesar R M]

Do you have Old Navy down there. That's where the boys can usually find belts.

Nope, my department store has a bit, but not belts and has a very small variety. Not full blown store.

 

[21stamps]

Feel to tell me to go to heck but has he be tested for food sensitivities and allergies? Offending foods can present as IBS in kids.

We tried an elimination diet a couple years ago, but admittedly we (i ) failed.. it’s so hard between caregivers and school to do it properly. I tried to eliminate all dairy first, and then moved to other foods/veggies that are known problems. He wasn’t 100% dairy free, but pretty close, and his stomach still hurt. He’s not lactose intolerant (we think), and he tested negative for celiac.

He did have severe GERD as a newborn/infant, I’ve asked if that could be related, but they say he doesn’t have it now. We’ve done everything from X-rays, to stool samples, to blood tests and urine tests. The only thing they ever find is constipation. We do medicine off and on. He hasn’t had a regular allergy test though.

Did someone say mojito?
View attachment 300137

My favorite drink!!! That sugar cane and mint look so appetizing right now!! It’s difficult to find a bartender who can make a perfect mojito.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Honestly I have to make T eat most of the time. He hates to eat because of his IBS, always has stomach issues after eating, he would skip meals if I let him .

I’ve talked with his doctors so many times. I used to give him pediasure sidekicks daily, in addition to smoothies that I make for him. His doctor said that she isn’t overly concerned even though he’s only 15th percentile in weight for his height. I’m hoping he starts eating more as he continues to grow. He’s so darn skinny.

Don't know if @figmentfan423 has chimed in but I just watched a video series about IBS being caused by gluten and milk intolerance. Do an experiment and have T stay away from both for a week and see how he does.

 

[21stamps]

Saw this on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/ZOVENCHI-Ult...&qid=1533231803&sr=8-11&keywords=critter+away

Thank you!!

A hawk is what got one of my baby bunnies! DH and I cringe every time we hear the hawk sounds. We run and look out at the backyard to make sure the other bunnies are not out.

I worry about my dog, but everyone tells me the hawk won’t get him. He’s 4.5lbs, so I worry anyway.

I’m so sorry about your bunny . I know it’s nature, but something like this is excruciating to watch.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

My favorite drink!!! That sugar cane and mint look so appetizing right now!! It’s difficult to find a bartender who can make a perfect mojito.

I love mojitos as well, and I do a pretty decent job making them myself. I friend just told me about a maple syrup blueberry mojito I might try, I need to get some mint though. @figmentfan423 might have her mint come back each year in her garden but sadly mine never does so I get some from the farmer's market but I forgot last week. Oh the picture of the mojito in my other post was not made by me, but it was one I drank. It was from the Columbia restaurant, a Cuban restaurant in Clearwater it was all very good.

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Too bad he could get a teenage boy or girl to work cheap and help him out with the mowing. One of my students started his own lawn mowing business when he was a 7th grader so there are some kids that might be willing.

He has people working for him. So he isn't doing the mowing, but with all that he has to pay out like with extra gas, he isn't making any money this summer. His wife is a teacher too, and she doesn't get paid in the summer.

 

[21stamps]

I love mojitos as well, and I do a pretty decent job making them myself. I friend just told me about a maple syrup blueberry mojito I might try, I need to get some mint though. @figmentfan423 might have her mint come back each year in her garden but sadly mine never does so I get some from the farmer's market but I forgot last week. Oh the picture of the mojito in my other post was not made by me, but it was one I drank. It was from the Columbia restaurant, a Cuban restaurant in Clearwater it was all very good.

I like a properly made regular mojito- with sugar cane!.. or mango mojitos.. I’ve tried a strawberry but wasn’t a fan.. let me know how the blueberry turns out!

 

[Figgy1]

Do you have a brand? I haven't liked any stevia that I have tried.

None of us is bothered by the taste so our go to brand is on sale and gf.

 

[Figgy1]

Nope, my department store has a bit, but not belts and has a very small variety. Not full blown store.

Next time you're in the states you should be able to find one unless you can order from Amazon first

 

[Figgy1]

Don't know if @figmentfan423 has chimed in but I just watched a video series about IBS being caused by gluten and milk intolerance. Do an experiment and have T stay away from both for a week and see how he does.

The current protocol is at least 14 days if not 21. It's much easier to do than even 2 years ago. Heck all you have to do is be able to read labels and know the tricky words for dairy. Even better you don't have to be able to cook Amy's and others have a full assortment of frozen and shelf stable meals

 

[Figgy1]

I love mojitos as well, and I do a pretty decent job making them myself. I friend just told me about a maple syrup blueberry mojito I might try, I need to get some mint though. @figmentfan423 might have her mint come back each year in her garden but sadly mine never does so I get some from the farmer's market but I forgot last week. Oh the picture of the mojito in my other post was not made by me, but it was one I drank. It was from the Columbia restaurant, a Cuban restaurant in Clearwater it was all very good.

Sympathy like. My mint comes back and spreads every year. Now what to do with it all edit. We've been trying to get to Columbia forever. Orlando has too many places to eat

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

The current protocol is at least 14 days if not 21. It's much easier to do than even 2 years ago. Heck all you have to do is be able to read labels and know the tricky words for dairy. Even better you don't have to be able to cook Amy's and others have a full assortment of frozen and shelf stable meals

I haven't had issues staying away from dairy or gluten. Been doing it for months now. I purchase red lentil pasta from Lensi. The rotini is really good. I do miss bread though. Sometimes the gluten free stuff in the supermarket contains so many other things I don't want. Better off making your own.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I'm working from home and my grandfather stopped by. He's telling us about all this drama in my mom's extended family we aren't involved in. Me...

 

[93boomer]

Thank you!!




I worry about my dog, but everyone tells me the hawk won’t get him. He’s 4.5lbs, so I worry anyway.

I’m so sorry about your bunny . I know it’s nature, but something like this is excruciating to watch.

It was awful!!! Watch your doggie. DH says they go after small animals but you never know.

 

[93boomer]

Sympathy like

I need two paddles too please!!! ASAP This stuff is getting harder. Flooding all around our area but none for us. Thank goodness for no creeks or rivers close by!

 

[21stamps]

Don't know if @figmentfan423 has chimed in but I just watched a video series about IBS being caused by gluten and milk intolerance. Do an experiment and have T stay away from both for a week and see how he does.

The current protocol is at least 14 days if not 21. It's much easier to do than even 2 years ago. Heck all you have to do is be able to read labels and know the tricky words for dairy. Even better you don't have to be able to cook Amy's and others have a full assortment of frozen and shelf stable meals

The gluten test was either thru a blood or urine test, can’t remember which.

The dairy was tough because I’d have to send meals with him for dinner as well as lunch.. I did do that most of the time, but not 100%.. same with friend’s or even neighbors houses, sometimes he would eat something with dairy. I realize the lack of following an elimination diet to the T sounds irresponsible..especially since I only have one child.. but I don’t pick him up until after 8pm most nights, we get home around 8:30, chat, go over homework, then he gets ready for bed. Then I do laundry, the dishes from the morning, play with dog, try to wind my brain down, lay out our clothes for the next day, then go to bed, or at least lay in bed wishing my brain would let my body fall asleep . Mornings aren’t too hectic, but it’s the one time of day where we just sit together and talk or work out.

Then.. I’d get to work and realize that I totally forgot to make and drop off a snack and dinner for him.

Summer is so much worse with all of the camps. Honestly, I don’t know how people to a complete elimination diet for kids!

 

[21stamps]

It was awful!!! Watch your doggie. DH says they go after small animals but you never know.

The funny thing is, I lived in SoFla with dangerous snakes, crocodiles, alligators, scorpions etc.. but I feel like between deer, coyote, and hawks near a house, there’s a lot more immediate dangers here rather than there!