The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[Cesar R M]

So after I got out of work this morning I went to my favorite park and walked a mile. The fresh morning air was exhilarating.

no "stiffle" happened?

 

[Cesar R M]

And the Trinidads, and the Mint Meltaways, and the English Toffees, and the Buttercreams, and the...

I have never tastes those

but then, my weakness are the ferrero rocher.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Went to the Disney store to get some baby gifts for my 2nd cousin's baby shower on Sunday.

Came out with a bunch of baby gifts...and a new Elsa shirt for myself.

 

[MinnieM123]

Mine is Fan nie May, though since they sold and most production was moved due to high labor costs some of the candy is a bit different than what I grew up with, the Pixies are just not the same but still yummy. We had the same thing when Macy's bought Marshall Fields and the Frango chocolate was moved for the most part also out of Chicago.

Really? Frango moved out of Chicago? (One of my bosses absolutely loves Frango and always picks up a few boxes when out in Chicago. I don't have the heart to tell her this. She'll be devastated; that was always a highlight of whenever she went out there, every few years or so.)

 

[MinnieM123]

I'm well, thanks. It's still spring break, so...just busy, but not with school. Sleeping a ridiculous amount I think because I wasn't sleeping through the night last week. Had a hair appointment Monday, doctor's appointment (check up) yesterday, Tuesday I slept until noon and then watched movies all day, was out with friends this morning, going to the mall with Mom later. We're going to a baby shower Sunday, so we need to go get a gift. Tomorrow...I probably should do some homework.

So... Busy. I've been reading through, just not posting a lot.

Happy to hear what a nice spring break you're having!

 

[MinnieM123]

My poor kitty has spring fever.
She's perched precariously on the kitchen window ledge, making plaintive wails, with her tail swishing furiously back and forth.
Because I am a nice pet-mommy, I just opened the front door to let her sit in front of the storm door, offering a more comfortable seat, and a wider view.

I'd say that you have just edged out @StarWarsGirl95 for Cat Mother of the Year!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I'd say that you have just edged out @StarWarsGirl95 for Cat Mother of the Year!

Hey. I'm sure Jen is a great cat mom, but...

My cat sleeps on top of me. And I let her.
She comandeered my Dumbo pillow. And I let her.
I leave my blinds open year round so she can look out even though it lets light in in the morning and makes the room colder in the winter.

Ergo, I win.

 

[MinnieM123]

Hey. I'm sure Jen is a great cat mom, but...

My cat sleeps on top of me. And I let her.
She comandeered my Dumbo pillow. And I let her.
I leave my blinds open year round so she can look out even though it lets light in in the morning and makes the room colder in the winter.

Ergo, I win.

You do have some very impressive credentials. Could this possibly be a tie??!!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

You do have some very impressive credentials. Could this possibly be a tie??!!

I currently don't have use of my left arm because of the cat.

Factor in that my princess cat does not want to go outside. We open the door for her, wide open, and she turns and walks away.

 

[JenniferS]

Hey. I'm sure Jen is a great cat mom, but...

My cat sleeps on top of me. And I let her.
She comandeered my Dumbo pillow. And I let her.
I leave my blinds open year round so she can look out even though it lets light in in the morning and makes the room colder in the winter.

Ergo, I win.

Yeah, but it's below freezing here, and I opened the door anyway.

You can win though. I'm okay with it.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

 

[Gabe1]

Really? Frango moved out of Chicago? (One of my bosses absolutely loves Frango and always picks up a few boxes when out in Chicago. I don't have the heart to tell her this. She'll be devastated; that was always a highlight of whenever she went out there, every few years or so.)

Oh the Chocolate making became a huge mess with the sale of Fields by Macy's, started when Macy's only bought some of the Field stores, lawsuits over which states could manufacture the candies and where they could be distributed. Many candy manufacturers since then have manufactured the candy. About 10 years ago they reopened a candy viewing window on State Street, the old Mega Marshall Fields. They manufacture a token amount of chocolate there but I'd be surprised if it continued. Frango is not as beloved here since it was yanked from Chicago and returned to Chicago and people became bitter and the brand loyalty isn't what it once was. Likely the chocolate she purchases is made elsewhere in Chicago or somewhere else and shipped to the stores. We were N. Illinois divided between Frango and Fann ie May Chocolate. I grew up more with Fann ie May and am still prefer it, it is smoother and creamier. Frango has a harder chocolate over their mints. I do love Frango too but give me the choice.......
\

Fann ie May

 

[Gabe1]

So after I got out of work this morning I went to my favorite park and walked a mile. The fresh morning air was exhilarating.

I walk at least a couple miles each day minus a handful of days where the weather doesn't cooperate. It helps me keep my weight in check, gives Walt some attention and best of all my legs and feet are always prepared to go to Disney World. I always feel better after a walk.

 

[seahawk7]

I know the feeling, went once in my first time.. we barely could see the lion. Kinda hard to photograph :O

We are talking about Kilimajaro Safari right? If so then one time our driver had to step on the gas because we almost saw too much lion activity if you know what I mean. And there were kids in the truck.

 

[Gabe1]

And the Trinidads, and the Mint Meltaways, and the English Toffees, and the Buttercreams, and the...

Drooling........

Fann ie May was my first job at 15 years old in the town over from where I grew up. I had to wear a little white dress similar to what nurses wore including white hose and white ladies shoes. Not the best color for playing with chocolate all day long.

The chocolate would come in large metal trays and I had to put every freak'n piece into little white cups. Then between customers I had to stuff the most popular boxes cream, colonial, mint meltaways, Pixies, hostess mints, and variety. Then came wrapping those little boxes in the paper of the week depending on the time of year. You can generally tell the packages that were hand packed at stores...they are generally the ones in paper. The ones that are packed these days at the plant and shipped are wrapped in a clear cellophane plastic.

Fann ie May now has a new caramel dipped in either dark or milk chocolate and sprinkled with SeaSalt. It rivals the big honk'n ones sold in Epcot Germany. Smaller but equally yummy but with more chocolate because they are bite sized verses Disney Chunky sized.

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

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Would love to see a pic of the cake, at some point.

I will dig out some pictures on Sunday and post them. I'm going out of town again this weekend, meeting up with old college roommates this time, and why not do it now? Because I'm too lazy to get off the recliner again!

 

[seahawk7]

Went to the Disney store to get some baby gifts for my 2nd cousin's baby shower on Sunday.

Came out with a bunch of baby gifts...and a new Elsa shirt for myself.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Would love to see a pic of the cake, at some point.

I will dig out some pictures on Sunday and post them. I'm going out of town again this weekend, meeting up with old college roommates this time, and why not do it now? Because I'm too lazy to get off the recliner again!

nice photos!
as in biological reasons.. did some kid pooed in the pool? ewww!

I'm not quite sure of the biological reasons, I'm pretty sure it was poo though.

 

[seahawk7]

Hey. I'm sure Jen is a great cat mom, but...

My cat sleeps on top of me. And I let her.
She comandeered my Dumbo pillow. And I let her.
I leave my blinds open year round so she can look out even though it lets light in in the morning and makes the room colder in the winter.

Ergo, I win.

Girls girls, you both are pretty.

 

[MinnieM123]

Oh the Chocolate making became a huge mess with the sale of Fields by Macy's, started when Macy's only bought some of the Field stores, lawsuits over which states could manufacture the candies and where they could be distributed. Many candy manufacturers since then have manufactured the candy. About 10 years ago they reopened a candy viewing window on State Street, the old Mega Marshall Fields. They manufacture a token amount of chocolate there but I'd be surprised if it continued. Frango is not as beloved here since it was yanked from Chicago and returned to Chicago and people became bitter and the brand loyalty isn't what it once was. Likely the chocolate she purchases is made elsewhere in Chicago or somewhere else and shipped to the stores. We were N. Illinois divided between Frango and Fann ie May Chocolate. I grew up more with Fann ie May and am still prefer it, it is smoother and creamier. Frango has a harder chocolate over their mints. I do love Frango too but give me the choice.......
\

Fann ie May

Of the two shown, I also prefer the F. May ones. Anyway, that was a fascinating story about the sale of some stores and how that affected who could make the Frango candy. It's frustrating when stores get sold and some of the best things about the original stores go away, too. In this case, it sounds like a real convoluted mess with regard to the rights to make Frango candy, and where it can be made.

This reminds me a little bit of when one of Boston's major departments stores, Jordan Marsh, was converted to a Macy's. Some of the best things that made JM unique, were discontinued when Macy's came into town. One item that people used to love were the Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins. I'm telling you, there was a cult following for these delectable muffins, made right there in the store! It was odd that a department store could have such a successful in-house bakery, but people would go to the store just to buy their muffins.

Of course, back years ago, the downtown area was bustling with many large department stores, as well as interesting smaller shops along the streets. Everyone went downtown to shop. Now, in the downtown area, there is only Macy's. Gone are the stores that offered different shopping experiences: Woolworths, Filene's, Gilchrists, Raymonds and Jordan Marsh. I may like the Macy's in New York City, where it originated, but I don't like what they did to JM in Boston. I never shop downtown anymore.