Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[CalicoKitty]

OK, bread makers.  I need your suggestions. I bought a Hamilton Beach bread maker with a gluten-free setting.  I followed the recipe that someone here posted.  The first time, the bread did not rise and sank in the middle.  The I did some research on using the bread maker at high altitude (I'm at 4700 feet).  I'm using Bob's Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour.  I found a chart from Bob's that gives gram weight instead of cup measures, so I know my flour amount is correct.  This time I added less 1/2 tsp less yeast,  2 tsp  less sugar, 2 TBL less water, and 2 TBL more flour.  Those were the suggestions I found on line. The yeast is brand new.  The eggs were room temp.  I cannot adjust the heat in the bread machine. This time it rose better, but it still sank (but not as much).  Anyone have any ideas?  I'm trying to load a picture, but it is being stubborn.

[CalicoKitty]

[MargeGunderson]

@CalicoKitty, the King Arthur Baking company site might help. I searched for gluten free bread machine and found this article. The comments on the article may be useful as well; the King Arthur team will often answer the questions in the comments section.

[CalicoKitty]

Thank you @MargeGunderson.  I will check it out.

 

[Love2dance]

So sorry, @Happyfatchick, from the bottom of my heart. So very sorry for your DIL and the rest of the family. I wish I had something comforting to say, but I just don’t have the words. Tight, full frontal hugs to you all. 😔

[andromeda331]

I'm so sorry @Happyfatchick. 

[emmawoodhouse]

(((( @Happyfatchick family))))

[Olliesmom]

Quote

@Happyfatchick, I can’t express how sorry I am for your family’s loss.  My prayers are with you and your family for healing and comfort.

 

[awaken]

4 hours ago, QuinnInND said:

Glad we have tomorrow off from school. Although I wish we would have just had the 3 days in a row. One day on and one day off isn't conducive for learning. 

Making tacos for dinner. Since it's taco Tuesday and for me, it's comfort food. And my kids love making their own.  

The DC area is tense. Planning on spending tomorrow watching movies. My husband is off tomorrow too. 

 

Same here. Everyone I know is planning to stay safe inside. Lots of scary incidents and almost-incidents happening around town. 

[Scarlett45]

5 hours ago, Happyfatchick said:

The baby is gone.  DIL had her specialist APPT today, but she already had a feeling going in.  Just last night she texted me that the baby was moving and she felt encouraged.  But she knew today before they told her.  So they’re at the hospital being induced.  😢

ive mentioned before that we’d already lost a baby.  Just so happens today would have been her 16th birthday.  Soooo.  Woot.

I’m so sorry for your DIL. Much love to her right now. 
 

My houseguest and I are settling in just fine. Blake was interested but kept his distance and spent the evening hanging out on top of the mantle in the living room (a fav spot). I’m sleepy. 

[iwantcookies]

@Happyfatchick I’m so sorry dearest friend. Big squishy hug.

[iwantcookies]

Something very traumatic happened to me today. I’m so scared I’m shaking. 
 

This is something separate. my new psychiatrist keeps talking about suicide. It’s creeping me out. It’s like he’s SEVERELY fixated on that topic. I told him I’m not suicidal and he keeps bringing it up. Also he told me to see a psychiatrist as a new patient is a LONG wait period. That’s just depressing. 

Edited January 20, 2021 by iwantcookies

[andromeda331]

47 minutes ago, iwantcookies said:

Something very traumatic happened to me today. I’m so scared I’m shaking. 
 

This is something separate. my new psychiatrist keeps talking about suicide. It’s creeping me out. It’s like he’s SEVERELY fixated on that topic. I told him I’m not suicidal and he keeps bringing it up. Also he told me to see a psychiatrist as a new patient is a LONG wait period. That’s just depressing. 

What? I'd be creeped out too. That's so weird. 

[Jenniferbug]

@Happyfatchick I'm so sorry for your family's loss. That is inexpressibly sad. 

Let's all pray/send good vibes for a peaceful and relatively uneventful day today. 

[Scarlett45]

In sad news on my end, my sister's former weekend caregiver, Ms W just passed away. She was 87- thats a full long life and I am glad she is not suffering any more. Her daughter took great care of her these last 5yrs (since she couldn't live on her own), but is in her 60s herself, and with her mom and an ill husband its been a lot of stress on her. I will be sending them flowers and a card on behalf of our family.

 

I have a lot of feelings about my sister's caregivers dying. First our great aunt B who was nanny to us both, and then Mrs B who took care of my sister and my grandfather during my middle school/adolescent years (complications from diabetes took her in 2011, she hadn't worked for us for years but we still kept in touch) and now Ms. W. We all get older and some things never change.

[Mindthinkr]

@Happyfatchick My condolences on your family’s loss. 

[Absolom]

8 hours ago, iwantcookies said:

This is something separate. my new psychiatrist keeps talking about suicide. It’s creeping me out. It’s like he’s SEVERELY fixated on that topic. I told him I’m not suicidal and he keeps bringing it up. Also he told me to see a psychiatrist as a new patient is a LONG wait period. That’s just depressing. 

Perhaps he is potentially suicidal or another patient recently committed suicide.  It happens.  Keep redirecting him if it happens again.  Just don't entertain the topic unless YOU need the discussion.  Keep returning to your discussion points.  

 

[Scarlett45]

9 minutes ago, Absolom said:

Perhaps he is potentially suicidal or another patient recently committed suicide.  It happens.  Keep redirecting him if it happens again.  Just don't entertain the topic unless YOU need the discussion.  Keep returning to your discussion points.  

 

That's what I was thinking. Still- your sessions are for your well being @iwantcookies. You have the right to direct the sessions to what you need/want to talk about.

[iwantcookies]

11 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

I’m so sorry for your DIL. Much love to her right now. 
 

My houseguest and I are settling in just fine. Blake was interested but kept his distance and spent the evening hanging out on top of the mantle in the living room (a fav spot). I’m sleepy. 

I’d cuddle that beautiful doggy all day. 

[Turquoise]

I'm so sorry @Happyfatchick

[ozziemom]

So sorry @Happyfatchick for your family’s loss.

Also big hugs to @Scarlett45 it’s hard to lose people who were an important part of your life 

[emma675]

Wooo, Scarlett45, he is a big, sweet boy! I hope he and Blake get along. And condolences on your loss, but cheers to a long, well-lived life. It sounds like she had a unique, wonderful relationship with your family. 

Here's to a nice, quiet day. And to hopefully many more in the near future. 

[marypat57]

@Happyfatchick and family:  many hugs and prayers to all of you at this time.  
I would like to think that both this little one and the one that your family lost 16 years ago are now becoming best angel buddies in Heaven.  👼👼

[QuinnInND]

Fresh banana bread.   Well fresh out of the oven at least. The kids wanted to bake something today. 

[iwantcookies]

This place is better than my psychiatrist haha. Thanks ladies.

If he brings it up again I will ask for a new doctor. I keep telling him about all the improvements I’m doing in my life and hoping to get better. I am trying to stay positive in this COVID time. 
 

Also he wants to switch my medication that’s working for me. He says other medication  is better. I don’t want to switch my medication if it works for me. 
 

Rant over.

Edited January 20, 2021 by iwantcookies

[iwantcookies]

53 minutes ago, QuinnInND said:

Fresh banana bread.   Well fresh out of the oven at least. The kids wanted to bake something today. 

That looks yummy. Save me a slice ! 

[QuinnInND]

11 minutes ago, iwantcookies said:

This place is better than my psychiatrist haha. Thanks ladies.

 

And cheaper! 

[iwantcookies]

Just now, QuinnInND said:

And cheaper! 

Can’t beat free!

[iwantcookies]

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/s/a-separate-peace/character-analysis/phineas-finny
 

Justin Timberlake named his son Phineas. Wonder if he got it from that book? It is one of my favorite books.

[rue721]

@Scarlett45 You might want something for him to chew on and/or puzzle toys for him to play with. Not sure if this is all dogs, but my dog needs something to occupy her mind during the day or she gets bored (and a bored dog is a destructive and annoying dog!). Another way to exercise his mind is to work on tricks or obedience. And if he likes to play fetch, then a ball for you to throw at the park. Portia also likes watching movies or listening to music, and your guest might like that, too.

Also, I've been to Chicago for a few times with my dog and a nice thing is that there are lots of dog parks, but an obnoxious thing is that they're often small and dull. If you take him to a park (which is probably a good idea), then bring a ball, water, bowl, and treats. Be careful about playing with the ball and giving the treats, though, because other dogs can get jealous.

I also have my dog in a winter coat in the winter (if I'm wearing a coat, I put her in a coat), but I noticed that most people don't do that in Chicago. Your guest's breed might like cold weather anyhow.

I LOVE the picture of him "smiling," he seems like a sweetheart and I'm sure your godmother is so relieved that you can take care of him for the next few days.

@HAPPYFATCHICK, I'm sorry for your DIL's loss, that's devastating.

@ all my fellow DMV people, I'm so happy that today went well and everyone is safe. Last night was very creepy driving home from work, it felt like basically just me on the road except for the cops blocking tons of highway entrances/exits, and a military humvee that drove alongside me for a while. What a way to see the city. Under quarantine, militarized...it's wild.

[CherryMalotte]

I'm so sorry HFC - hugs to you.  

 

[Scarlett45]

25 minutes ago, rue721 said:

 

@Scarlett45 You might want something for him to chew on and/or puzzle toys for him to play with. Not sure if this is all dogs, but my dog needs something to occupy her mind during the day or she gets bored (and a bored dog is a destructive and annoying dog!). Another way to exercise his mind is to work on tricks or obedience. And if he likes to play fetch, then a ball for you to throw at the park. Portia also likes watching movies or listening to music, and your guest might like that, too.

 

Thanks. My friends did give me a kong toy that you put kibble in for the dog to get out, but so far hes mostly been sleeping. We went out at lunch time for a decent walk, I have the pet safe de-icer but when we crossed the street I noticed him limping so I let him walk on the snow. I wiped off his paws with a wet towel rag to make sure he didnt have salt on them. I dont have a coat for him, his Momma has never put him in a coat or booties and he is 8yrs old, but he had so much fun playing in the snow in my backyard which made me happy. 

Things you know but dont think about- the dogs are way louder than cats. LOL.

[Ohiopirate02]

5 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Thanks. My friends did give me a kong toy that you put kibble in for the dog to get out, but so far hes mostly been sleeping. We went out at lunch time for a decent walk, I have the pet safe de-icer but when we crossed the street I noticed him limping so I let him walk on the snow. I wiped off his paws with a wet towel rag to make sure he didnt have salt on them. I dont have a coat for him, his Momma has never put him in a coat or booties and he is 8yrs old, but he had so much fun playing in the snow in my backyard which made me happy. 

Things you know but dont think about- the dogs are way louder than cats. LOL.

Yours never felt the need to sing the song of their people at 6am????  

[QuinnInND]

32 minutes ago, rue721 said:

@Scarlett45

@ all my fellow DMV people, I'm so happy that today went well and everyone is safe. Last night was very creepy driving home from work, it felt like basically just me on the road except for the cops blocking tons of highway entrances/exits, and a military humvee that drove alongside me for a while. What a way to see the city. Under quarantine, militarized...it's wild.

My husband said the same thing. He was driving home from the Pentagon and said it was eerie. We're Air Force, so used to military vehicles, but not like this. Wild indeed.

[Scarlett45]

2 minutes ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

Yours never felt the need to sing the song of their people at 6am????  

Yeah but I am the worlds heaviest sleepier, behind a closed door it never bothered me. LOL

[QuinnInND]

Just now, Scarlett45 said:

Yeah but I am the worlds heaviest sleepier, behind a closed door it never bothered me. LOL

With 2 doxies, you could be in a soundproof room and they'd wake you up with their song.  😂😂

[Ohiopirate02]

1 minute ago, Scarlett45 said:

Yeah but I am the worlds heaviest sleepier, behind a closed door it never bothered me. LOL

I can hear the cranky old lady in my home through multiple closed doors some mornings.  I was spoiled before, my late cat liked to snuggle and as long as her food and water dishes were full, she never bothered me.  The only thing she would do is bat my face for me to roll over so she could cuddle next to my heart.  

[CouchTater]

@Scarlett45, I'm very sorry for the loss of your sister's former caregiver.

[Scarlett45]

8 minutes ago, CouchTater said:

@Scarlett45, I'm very sorry for the loss of your sister's former caregiver.

Thank you! 87 is a full life, and she was much loved but it still hurts. 

[CouchTater]

1 minute ago, Scarlett45 said:

Thank you! 87 is a full life, and she was much loved but it still hurts. 

Yes, even when it's expected (and welcomed in cases where someone is suffering) it's still so hard.  Sigh.

But you're right, 87 is a good number.  Many don't get that.

[GeeGolly]

Hugs to those of you suffering losses.

On another note. Oh happy day.

[zoomama]

'@ all my fellow DMV people, '

 

what is DMV?  besides the obvious, i mean. 

[rue721]

1 minute ago, zoomama said:

'@ all my fellow DMV people, '

 

what is DMV?  besides the obvious, i mean. 

DC/Maryland/Virginia

[iwantcookies]

For those who took the COVID test

do they use one swab for both nostrils or each nostril got its own swab ?

 

Update: 

Okay I’m relieved. I got 1 swab for both nostrils. My throat was not swabbed.

Thanks!

Edited January 21, 2021 by iwantcookies

[QuinnInND]

28 minutes ago, iwantcookies said:

 

Nvm 

Edited January 20, 2021 by QuinnInND

[zoomama]

18 minutes ago, iwantcookies said:

For those who took the COVID test

do they use one swab for both nostrils or each nostril got its own swab ?

one swab, first throat then nostrils.

and can i say that i really like lady gaga?!!!   

[emma675]

I have a pit mix who likes to sing the song of her people at all hours of the day and night. And she's LOUD and very talky in general. Plus, she's a nudger, meaning that she'll knock her nose into your leg if she wants your attention or you're not walking fast enough or preparing her dinner quickly enough or if she's bored or excited or anything else. She's got a big personality behind closed doors but she's shy with strangers. She's the world's best noisemaker but not a great guard dog. 

[marypat57]

@iwantcookies:  I’ve had 2 swab tests for COVID .  Each time they only swabbed one nostril (my left both times).  My throat was not even looked at either time.  In fact, I kept my mask on both times, and just pulled it below my nose.

[Minivanessa]

My only COVID test was last May. One swab up one nostril. Results were in within hours (negative). 

I had the first injection of the Moderna COVID vaccine this morning. So far, that arm seems to just slightly be thinking about maybe being sore, but that's it as far as reactions go. (There's not a load of things about being 70+ years old that rock, but being in a second-tier priority for the vaccine ain't bad.)

@iwantcookies, I hope you can get onto a better footing with that shrink; what you describe is creeeep-y. You deserve better!

[Rabbittron]

Well I  graduated to a step down unit now I am in progressive unit. For all my friends here I am keeping you all in my prayers.

Mommy Tron