General chitchat for August

1K? Ouch! We had to replace our A/C last year, it was 30 years old so it was necessary.

lucy wrote:Nothing is made to last anymore! When growing up I can remember my parents having the same appliances for yearssssssssss!

I read that's how they make appliances, now. So you have to get them repaired or buy new. Don't know if that is true or not but, it makes you wonder!

It's pretty cold here where I live so i am expecting a high heating bill! Lucky it is part gas so it shouldn't be as much as yours! I don't even have A/C I use a fan it works ok unless it hits 100 and above then it does nothing. I think you should buy a new one you can get energy saving ones and in the end you do save! My Landlord has talked about putting in an A/C for me but then he also promised me a screen door and some new curtains that was a year ago. Still waiting.....

Here in Germany summer has been either rainy and cold or too hot.
Yesterday I spend one of those hot days in our local zoo and one of the sea lions was so kind to give me a nice shower

How funny, Natascha (I think)! I haven't been to a zoo in a while. The last time I went, I saw the neatest “choreographed” Polar Bear fight ever! One polar bear was swimming back and forth in front of the window. The pond was filled to cover the bottom quarter. The second polar bear was eating something on land in the background. After it finished eating it started walking slowly to the pond. Then the bear that was swimming saw its approach and proceeded to go towards shore. After the one on land got to the edge of the pond it climbed up on a rock and then the one in the pond stood up on his hind legs and they both proceeded to act like they were play fighting, arms swinging and everything. It was the neatest thing I’ve ever seen at a zoo. I wish I would have thought to tape it.

Yes, this shower was funny.
They always do that during feeding time. It's the seal's way to beg for food. At first, they only used to do the splashing towards the caretaker, but then he told them that the people outside the enclosure would love a cool shower in that heat and so we got our share of water, too.

Isn't this cool?
I just don't understand how people can even think about killing these wonderful intelligent animals to make some stupid fur coats.

Cinderella I loved your polar bear at the zoo story. I know, sometimes you really wish you had a video camera. That story would have gone well on a TV show.

I've been hearing a lot about air conditioners being on the fritz. I talked to my daughter last night and she said they need a new a/c condenser. It's tunny though, the house itself is only 7 years old. Don't understand why an a/c should be broken so soon. The a/c's in my development have been running for over 20 years. I told her to get a second opinion.

cindigirl, I've had 4 people this week tell me that their a/c went out. Ours is only 6 yrs old and the guy said he can't figure out why it went out so soon either.

Hi MyGirl, maybe the new a/cs are not equipped to work in these "tropical conditions." It's nice that the new ones are energy efficient, but would be nice if operable also. LOL

Don't know about your electric power companies, but Con Edison in NY, during extreme heat times, have brownouts (cutting amount of power fed to customers) and because of them, A/Cs have to work overtime and this causes many of them to burn out. Happens with Refrigerators too.

cindigirl wrote:Hi MyGirl, maybe the new a/cs are not equipped to work in these "tropical conditions." It's nice that the new ones are energy efficient, but would be nice if operable also. LOL

Now we know why they are energy efficient. They don't work half the time. LMAO

pattygirl wrote:

sisieq wrote:PG, there are ALOT of Italian pizza places (NOT the chain ones) that use imitation mozzarella cheese. Also, you'd be surprised who else does, too.

What is imitation mozzarella? Do you mean domestically produced mozzerella? If that, no argument. However, lelacorb originally stated that all the italian products used in NY were made in China. Just have never seen that.

LOL, you never had fake mozzarella - not sure what by-products are in it, but you can tell by the way it melts. Just not the same.

Nope. Have had mozzerella made in US, but I don't consider it fake as it is still cheese w/ no byproducts. Have had fresh mozzerella, made in Italian Specialties Stores ( in US) using methods brought over from Italy - Mozzerella!!!

I've been looking in the stores around here and have found none with byproducts and none Made In China or any other "foreign" country.

I moved the Italian products conversation over here.

Okay, Katie. I guess we just get carried away and go off on tangents . Sorry!

Well, I kept opening the Eli topic thinking someone was talking about her next escapade only to find them talking about Italian food, I think it kinda goes together as long as someone else, not Eli, does the cooking!

Sorry, Cinderella. Somehow we just got carried away on Italian food. I guess it was better than taking Eli apart on a regular basis. We should let that die a natural death.

Hope somebody comes up with a new topic for August's chitchat. I think the food debate is just about done, kaput.

How about weekend plans as a change of chit chat topic?

Not much going on here. Yesterday was my birthday, didn't do anything special. It was just me and my 8 yr old daughter, plus I've had this sinus/sore throat thing going for a couple of days. The hubby comes home tonight for 2 days. My dad called yesterday and is going to take us out to eat this weekend. Hopefully will get rid of this summer cold before then.

How about you chicks? Anything exciting?

Happy birthday MyGirl. Nothing exciting yet. I have a date with a beagle and a poodle this weekend while dogsitting. Hey, that's exciting! We can play tug-o-war. LOL

I have to go now and clean my condo. I have someone coming over to watch my cat while I am watching my daughter's dogs. Now, what's wrong with this picture?

Sounds like fun to me. I'm an animal person instead of people person.

Thanks for the b-day wishes. Wonder how many times I can turn 29 before people start to notice?

Happy Birthday MGK. You should do okay. My mom was 39 to her grandkids until way after I turned 39. It was a puzzlement for them.

Hope your hubby makes tonight special for you. Enjoy dinner with your Dad.

I empathize with you and your summer cold. Had one when I went to NM in June. Wen to Dr. because I was flying and I had this horrible cough. He gave me a cough medicine w/codeine. Only took it at bedtime. Work surgical mask on flight there. Gone by the time I came home.

My weekend plans - Sunday is my 75th. 4 of my kids are giving me a surprise party (someone always lets it slip) and I'll be surprised when I get there. Unfortunately I don't surprise easily. Youngest daughter (George's age) invited me out to dinner, I accepted. Oldest son called and invited me over for bbq. Told him about dinner invite. He said to tell her no, and come to him. Asked him if he'd like it if it was reversed. He said he'd call her and see if they could work something out. I played along with all this rigamarole. Let them have their fun. Of course, when I get there, I'll see all these cars around and that should blow their ship out of the water. It should be fun. Will report back when it's over, I promise.

Have a wonderful birthday Patty! Enjoy!!

Pattygirl, have a great b-day weekend. LOL, sounds like the surprise is on them.

I'm wondering if my cold isn't really allergies. We've had air quality alerts all week because the pollen count is so high. Either way, I'm over it.

Happy birthday MGK and Pattygirl! Today is my dad's 75th birthday. Leos are awesome.

I'm off for 10 days after today. We rented a cottage about 4 hours north of Toronto. Cannot wait!! My husband has planned a big menu for the week so I better bring my workout gear if I don't want to gain 10lbs.

Happy Birthdays to Pattygirl & MGK, hope the both of you have wonderful weekends.
Sandwiches, sounds like a great vacation, must be nice to have a husband that plans the menu, if he also cooks it and helps with the clean up you are married to a fantasy!

MGK's birthday too? Happy birthday MGK!

Sandwiches and Cindigirl: enjoy the vaca!

Thanks to all for your good wishes.

Sandwiches, enjoy your vaca. Your hubby sounds like a real gem. Have a blast and hope you don't need your workout clothes. Try something different.

MyGirl - happy, happy birthday.

You know, I'm beginning to hate summer. Just got back from shopping and the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife and I'm having trouble breathing. Maybe allergy. Welcome sweet September!

cindigirl wrote:MyGirl - happy, happy birthday.

You know, I'm beginning to hate summer. Just got back from shopping and the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife and I'm having trouble breathing. Maybe allergy. Welcome sweet September!

really doesn't have to be allergy. Just the air being thick, no breeze keeps all pollutants down low. Includes car exhaust. Maybe Hamilton will be better. I know what you mean about Sept. although usually still pretty much the same.

@ Lucy, he's a chef so he will definitely be cooking. I do the clean up.

@Pattygirl, I plan on 'working out' in other ways but I know I'll be eating and drinking a LOT so I need to go for a run or 2.

I love the fall, it's my favorite season. Sorry you're having a hard time breathing Cindigirl.

sandwiches wrote:@ Lucy, he's a chef so he will definitely be cooking. I do the clean up.

@Pattygirl, I plan on 'working out' in other ways but I know I'll be eating and drinking a LOT so I need to go for a run or 2.

I love the fall, it's my favorite season. Sorry you're having a hard time breathing Cindigirl.

You really lucked outl Bet he's great chef. Have a son who is chef, but he's the messiest man I've ever seen in the kitchen. Almost makes you not want him to cook.

Just run around the bedroom a few times, that should do it.

Thanks patty and sandwiches for your concern. Now that I'm back at home with a/c I can breathe again. LOL

I'm on my way to Hamilton tomw. to play with puppies. Can you believe it, their central air just went on the fritz and they're not replacing it until next week. Do I have good timing or what?

I'd tell them if they want you to take care of puppies, they should provide a/c or you won't be responsible for consequences

Cinidigirl, sounds like it was just the stale humid air making the breathing difficult. Perfect timing on the a/c. Darn that Murphy's Law. LoL

Thanks for the birthday wishes, ladies. Mine was actually yesterday but plan on celebrating this weekend since I've had this summer cold/allergy crap going on.

Sounds like a nice getaway, sandwiches. Have a nice time.

Consequences being me and puppies melted on floor. LOL It won't be so bad-they're in the country and I think it may be a little bit cooler. I also have to take care of bunnies in bunny hut in back. The things we do for our kids. Well, I'm sure you all know that.

Too True!

Won't be back on-line until some time on Tuesday. See you all then!!

Try to enjoy yourself.

"And although I like George a lot I have to confess that I like Clive Owen better, but I'm forgiven right?"


We'll think it over and get back with you Vilma. hahahaha

melbert wrote:"And although I like George a lot I have to confess that I like Clive Owen better, but I'm forgiven right?"


We'll think it over and get back with you Vilma. hahahaha

Yep. Now I will be banned....

Nah! We'll let you slide this time. Some of our girls have been drooling over Ryan Gosling (not my cup of tea) so CO is okay.

And although I like George a lot I have to confess that I like Clive Owen better, but I'm forgiven right?.

totally forgiven! As one of my exes said once: Clive Owen is the man!


ps: Why should we just have a__________ for George? There are plenty of handsome + talented actors out there. My list is long...lol

Who the hell is Clive Owen? Please forgive me Clive fans. I just have Clooneyitis. LOL

cindigirl wrote:Who the hell is Clive Owen? Please forgive me Clive fans. I just have Clooneyitis. LOL

There is no cure for this condition Cindi, but I can't feel sorry for you,

Well, a C.O. fan is allowed as long as there is no George and C.O. feud! If that happens then you could be in a little trouble on here!

cindigirl wrote:Who the hell is Clive Owen? Please forgive me Clive fans. I just have Clooneyitis. LOL

At least I know who he is Cindi!!!! lol But, I agree, I have major Clooneyitis and so far, THERE IS NO CURE!!!!

Well I don't follow a site about CO, RG, or anyone else, they are both handsome talented men that I enjoy spending a couple of hours with now and then. So it's OK by me Vilma.

Phew! I will enjoy my dose of Clooney here and CO somewhere else. But CO was asked in an interview what is his response being George Clooney's man crush. He said that he has a crush on Clooney too. So the guys like each other. And now on I will focus on GC while I'm here.

Vilma, hope I didn't sound snarky on my previous comment. I was just kidding you.