Good morning, friends. Another week has passed since my last visit here. Thank you for all your comments on my previous post about struggling to keep up with every single post on my feed right now, and thank you for understanding. I'm behind again after the weekend I've had.
Outside my window... It's currently 56 degrees and a bit chilly inside. It's forecast to be a sunny day with a high of 72. Perfect weather!
My weekend... Friday evening, the whole family attended my granddaughter's preschool Christmas recital. It was so adorable, I wish I could share photos. We went to dinner afterward at a fun little place with good food, great service, live music, and an open area that served as a dance floor right next to where we were seated. The singer was excellent, and they played rockin' Christmas music in between sets. We danced the night away with the girls - and by danced the night away, I mean until 8pm, lol. We all had a great time.
The rest of the weekend didn't go nearly as well. Get a load of this - my washing machine sprang a leak, my ice maker stopped working, one toilet won't stop running unless I open the tank and jiggle things around - no, just jiggling the handle doesn't work. The other toilet is leaking slightly around the base. Then my oven died. It looked like only one little inch or so of the bottom element was heating, and it was white hot with sparks flying. If I hadn't been right there in the kitchen, I probably wouldn't have noticed and likely would have had a fire.
As if that wasn't enough, I started my car to go to the store, and the engine was making a clicking sound. I recognized the sound from when I had an oil leak many years ago. I turned off the car and checked my oil. It was almost completely empty - way too empty to attempt to drive it, even just around the corner to the gas station to buy more oil was too risky.
*Insert a loud sigh and throw in a WTF here*
I was grounded for the weekend and still grounded now until one of my boys can get over after work to put some oil in my car so I can try to figure out if it's leaking or what's going on. I'm not sure what to do with all the other stuff at this point. My older son is pretty handy, but it will probably be after the holidays before he has time to deal with such a long list of things to see if he can even attempt to fix them or not.
This morning... I'm having a cup of coffee and chatting with you. I'll be getting some beef stew going in my slow cooker in a little while.
I am wearing... Yoga pants and another concert t-shirt. This one from Rockville, Daytona Beach, 2021. I have my robe on over the top to keep myself from flipping the heat on. It will warm up quickly now that the sun is coming up.
I am cooking... The beef stew will last me for the next couple of days. After that, I'll probably just use up some leftover freezer meals. I still need to plan some fun holiday meals and snacks for my girls for Friday. That will be the last regularly scheduled day I'll be watching them until after the holidays.
This week... Today, I'll be putting together a doll crib and highchair that I got for my girls for Christmas to go with the lifelike baby dolls I got for them. I think they will really love all of it, especially with their new baby brother or sister on the way.
I need to come up with some holiday activities for them for Friday, too. I had planned to bake cookies with them, but no oven, no cookies. I'm glad I hadn't purchased all the ingredients yet. Maybe I'll buy some store-bought sugar cookies for them to decorate instead. Other than that and giving them a few of their Christmas gifts, I'm not sure what else we'll do yet. Either way, I want to be sure it's a fun and festive day for them.
I still have a few gift cards to buy and a couple of gifts to wrap. I did a good cleaning while grounded over the weekend, so that's out of the way. We still need to figure out a plan for the actual holidays, too, which is difficult with my new grandbaby due on Christmas Day - not to mention the lack of a working oven.
I think that just about covers everything for me this week. How's your holiday season going?
Looks like that you have an eventful weekend..I hope you will have a great time with your girls.
ReplyDeleteThe weekend was definitely eventful; who knows what the next one will bring!
DeleteYour breakdowns are the definition of "When it rains, it pours." I'm sure it's all discouraging, but your granddaughters are a bright spot. Good luck with it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks, June. It always seems to be when it rains, it pours around here. I'll get through it one way or another. My girls are definitely the bright spot! :)
DeleteWow, it never rains but it pours, eh? I hope everything gets fixed soon! In the meantime, enjoy your beef stew, yum!
ReplyDeleteIt always seems to work that way around here, unfortunately. I'll make it through one way or another. :)
Deletewe get to see our grandson's preschool Christmas program this week, I cannot wait!!
ReplyDeleteThey are so cute. Have a great time, Karen. :)
DeleteWOW! That is crazy how many things went at once! UGH!!!! I hope there's a simple (re: cheap) way to fix most of them because that is A LOT! We had 3 of our grands over on Saturday for a mini Christmas party while their parents went shopping. We found some cute plaster 'village' houses for them to paint at Five Below. They really enjoyed doing that. We also had some cardboard Christmas ornaments that they colored in with felt markers that I found for a good price at Hobby Lobby. If you have a mini crock pot, you could melt chocolate and they could dip pretzel sticks in and then put sprinkles on. Just some ideas of things we've done with our grands.
ReplyDeleteI hope your week gets better! At least you're not dealing with the snow like we are here. It's been a terrible 'autumn'!
Thanks, Bijoux. It's funny that you ended your comment that way because with all that's going on, I was just thankful that I wasn't dealing with snow, floods, summer heat, or hurricanes. I have a lot to deal with at once, but it always seems to happen that way around here. I'll be waiting for my son to check things out before calling anyone for repairs, even if it takes a while. Luckily, none of it is an emergency situation. I did get oil for my car today, so I'll definitely be going out tomorrow to check out some of the stuff you mentioned for the girls for this week. I'm glad you had fun with your grands on Saturday. Thanks for the suggestions. :)
DeleteOh Ms Martha. My word. I wish I could wave a magic wand and fix everything that broke on you. Glad to read you have a slow cooker. That's cool. Do you have an air fryer? Or an electric pressure cooker like an Instant Pot?
ReplyDeleteGlad to read that you had a wonderful time and to be honest, 8PM is super late to me. I've long done been in my jammies by then.
Hoping your stuff gets fixed soon. Please don't worry about keeping up on blogs. We get there when we get there. I've been unplugged all weekend and it's been great. I'll get there when I get there and what I don't get to, that's okay too.
Soup/stew and leftovers sound good.
Thank you, Ivy. I sure wish I had a magic wand too, lol. I do have an air fryer, a microwave, and thankfully, my stovetop still works fine; it's just the oven itself that died. I don't even use the oven that often anymore, so I can easily survive without it for now.
Delete8pm was very late for me too, lol. I'm usually in my jammies by sunset at the latest. But I made it through the special occasion. :)
I love your attitude! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit me and leave such thoughtful comments. Big hugs! :)
Hi Martha. I had that with my oven where the hob worked but not the inside. It had slowly started to not warm up. It was thankfully an easy fix. Ignitor. If that's the word. Here's hoping that's all it is for you too.
DeleteJust air fried tater tots and warmed some tea!
Thanks for the comment about the snow minis. I really love taking things outside to shoot them in whatever Mama Earth has going on. And that day, the top of the car had snow.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the month and here's to a kickbutt good 2026!
Oh Martha it is frustrating when things stop working and all at once like that is unbearable! You poor thing. -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. I'll make it through. :)
DeleteOh my word! That is too much going on, especially in the Christmas Season. I hope the car issue especially can be taken care of soon.
ReplyDeleteOf course, it happened right at the holidays, isn't that just the way things go? I did get oil for my car, and no signs of a leak, so it's just something I'll have to keep a close eye on. The other things are inconvenient, but can wait if necessary.
DeleteWTF is exactly what I was saying as I read this. That is a lot to be dealing with all at the same time. I always tell TBG when that happens here do NOT ask what next. I hope things calm down and get taken care of. Enjoy your time with your granddaughters.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori. It's definitely a big WTF with it all happening at once, but after everything I've been through in recent years, it doesn't even faze me all that much. I just hope my son will be able to handle most of the repairs - eventually. I'll definitely be enjoying the time with my granddaughters, no matter what :)
DeleteI agree with WTF too. I can relate since our house is now 30 years old and things are going bad at the same time. Have fun with the Grands!
ReplyDeleteExactly Terry. My house is a little more than 40 years old now, and everything just seems to be falling apart. All the damage from the hurricanes last year didn't help. I will definitely enjoy the grands no matter what :)
DeleteMy word Martha you have been invaded by the Grinch and all his extended family.
ReplyDeleteJumpin' catfish I'm thankful you have a crockpot for cooking
Many wishes for easy repairs.
Hugs Cecilia
Thanks, Cecilia. I guess that's what I get for having no decorations outside besides a Grinch guarding my front door, lol!
DeleteUGH. It sounds like an Appliance Conspiracy. I've had several Decembers very similar to this, and it's The Worst. It's enough to make you set up a tent on the beach, isn't it? Hang in there, my friend. Fingers crossed that repairs are possible, inexpensive, and speedy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nance. Now that you mention it, I had one year when my kids were little, the oven died on Christmas Day while the Turkey was cooking! I can do without an oven, an ice maker, and even a washing machine if necessary, but I kind of need a working car and toilet, lol.
DeleteThat's a lot, too much for one person to deal with. I am in awe that you could blog so nicely about it all. I like your idea of store bought cookies and decorating them. It's the time together still and something they will remember.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lot, but that's how things seem to happen around here, unfortunately. The store-bought cookies will work fine. The girls are only 2 and 3 years old.
DeleteNo one would blame you for getting store bought cookies to decorate. They'll still look very special, especially made by your grands. As far as dinner for a family on Christmas, many stores now offer dinners already made and all you have to do is heat up in the microwave. Still cheaper than going out to eat. Take care and try to enjoy a stress free holiday! I've learned the easy way out is sometimes the best for me. Love, ma
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ma. We will be going out for dinner on Christmas Eve, and then we will all go to my son's house on Christmas Day for brunch, where we each bring something - unless we're at the hospital waiting for the new baby to arrive. We'll see how it goes!
DeleteOh, Martha, you've truly been through the wringer!!! Hope everything can get fixed/straightened out before Christmas. I do love what you're getting the grands for Christmas. I know they'll be thrilled. May this week be a much more peaceful one for you. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Martha. Hopefully, none of this will turn out to be a major issue - fingers crossed. I know the girls will love their gifts, and of course, there are more things that I didn't mention. Blessings to you, too!
DeleteBless your heart ❤️ 💙, Martha. Sending you much love and warm 🫂 🤗 hugs. Don't let stress affect you. Do what you can, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda, that's all I can do. I'll get through it.
DeleteI have to say, my 0 degree weather and 6 inches of snow, all outside, is way better than the fun you are having! Too many things going wrong at one time for you. I'm trying to keep the bird feeders full and chipping ice out of the plastic bird bath a dozen times a day because they eat seed, they need water. My only outdoor exercise for now, lol.
ReplyDeleteThat's so nice of you to do for your sweet little birds, especially in that kind of weather!
DeleteI hate it when things quit working. How awful. I hope all these things work themselves out with little expense.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day and week, Martha. Big hugs. ♥
Thanks, Sandee. I sure hope so, too!
DeleteYikes, what a mess. At least with the toilet you didn't just leave it running. (Unlike my upstairs neighbor who did leave theirs running until it flooded us downstairs. That was a good month's worth of cleanup work. Had to tear out half a bathroom and half the kitchen.)
ReplyDeleteTotally worth it to bring in the repair people. They'll get it all fixed quick (although, could be expensive).
What a mess, Liz. I hope they were responsible for the damage! I won't be calling in repair people until after my son has a chance to take a look at things. I just can't afford any unnecessary expenses.
DeleteThat is just TOO MUCH! Even one of those things would undo me but all of them at once? I would have suggested getting away somewhere although your non-working car eliminates that suggestion. One of my toilets is ghost flushing which is annoying at 2 a.m.
ReplyDeleteIt all has me pretty frazzled, but it is what it is. Maybe you have an actual ghost between the flushing and your smoke detector!
DeleteThat's a whole lot of aggravating stuff to happen. i hope things improve and you have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill. I sure hope so too!
DeleteWow, that is definitely a lot of stuff going wrong all at once. Praying that your family can help you with the repairs or something...somehow it will all come together, but I can well imagine the frustration you must feel. I hope that your time with the little girls will be a time of fun and just doing things that you all enjoy. Sometimes we just have to come up with a Plan B and be thankful for whatever we can do. Still, (((HUGS))) and prayers might help. Take care my friend. I'm sure it will all work out and you will have a wonderful Christmas. The baby is due on Christmas? How exciting is that? Sounds like your Christmas will be anything but "boring". (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam. It definitely won't be boring for sure! We have one baby girl due on Christmas Day, and my other daughter-in-law is also pregnant and due in June. We should find out the gender of that one the day after Christmas. :)
DeleteThanks so much, Belinda. Friday evening with my girls was so great. I can't believe I didn't think about AAA. I actually got the free trial last year when I broke down and decided it was worth the fee to keep it, considering I'm driving an old car. Thank you so much for mentioning it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry to hear that it all hit at once! Be careful with the leaking toilet, I had to have my bathroom floor replaced last year due to an improperly installed toilet. A "professional" install it too! I couldn't see the leak, but the floor got soft and my son step through in one spot. My oldest son was tricky. Asked me how much it was to repair, just to know in case it even happens to them, to be ready. Then he sent me the amount for my own floor!
ReplyDeleteThe cookies that come naked are a good idea. The Dollar Tree has some cute small gingerbread house kits too. Small enough not to be overwhelming.
Thanks, Lisa. I'm so over the so-called professionals. I went through thousands of dollars last year between 5 different plumbers and several visits from the septic company before finally getting the problems I was having then properly fixed - unrelated to the current issues. Luckily, I was able to find where the leak was coming from; it's at the bolt where the tank is attached. I have a cup under it to catch any drips until it can be repaired.
DeleteI'll definitely take a ride to Dollar Tree today to see if they still have any of the gingerbread houses, thanks!
When it rains, it really pours!
ReplyDeleteGood thing you had some fun with the girls.
Happy Tuesday, Martha!
It sure does! Thanks, Veronica.
DeleteI am so frustrated for you. I hate when things break and/or don't work!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. Like others have said, when it rains, it pours.
DeleteDang! Too many negative things happening at once; I'm so very sorry for all the house repairs and the car to boot. I wish I could be of some help to you.
ReplyDeleteMartha, how did I not know you had another baby coming? Christmas? Wowza! That is so exciting.
I had a giggle at you dancing all night, until 8pm. Sounds perfect to me! We've had some nice weather this week. I mean, it's only Tuesday, but you know what I mean. I turned off my a/c, so that's always nice.
Sending positive vibes that things look up for you, your home and your car this week. XO
Thanks so much, Suz. 8pm was late for me, lol! I'm such an old lady for my age. I agree that it's so nice to have the AC off for a change. We have a baby girl due on Christmas Day, and my other daughter-in-law is also pregnant, due in June. We don't know if this one is a boy or a girl yet, but we should be finding out the day after Christmas. :)
DeleteHaving car troubles is such a pain.
ReplyDeleteIt is, and so is all the rest when you're a homeowner - sigh.
DeleteMy Goodness!! You have had one thing after another go awry. The clicking noise/car is the last straw. Hopefully someone will help sort things.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the Littles when they come. Make some memories.
Thanks, GM. It was a very frustrating weekend, but I'll get through it one thing at a time, and won't let any of it stand in the way of making memories with my family. :)
DeleteAs others have said, "When it rains, it pours"! I am glad you got the oil for the car and your son can take a look at the other things to see if he can repair them. I've a few things to deal with, myself, including a blocked sink, a running toilet ("self flushing" as I call it!) and a leaky kitchen faucet (it spurts out water from the side of the spout!) I am waiting until things quieten down a bit after the holidays to get someone to come out and take care of things for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad M doesn't have some handyman skills, or maybe you should ask him if he does. Between my eldest son and a very nice neighbor, I can get some of the little things taken care of without too much expense. The cost for so-called professionals is just outrageous these days!
DeleteThat was quite a week but I often find they keep coming for a while until the fates have given up on us, and we can get on with a regular time, big smile here! I hope this week is a more peaceful one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Denise. That was all just over the weekend, but I agree that's just the way things seem to go - especially living in an older home. I'll get through it and hopefully with a smile on my face, somehow. :)
DeleteWell, I'm pleased your granddaughter's preschool Christmas recital went well because things did go downhill after that!!!
ReplyDeleteYou've had a lot to contend with ... things can only get better :)
Sending my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Thanks, Jan. Things will get better one thing at a time. :)
DeleteANY time you want some crafty ideas, hit me up. I probably know at least a million. Slight exaggeration. Isn't it typical that everything goes wrong all at once?? My car ran out of oil not too long ago, I didn't know what the sound was so I drove home. All is well, but it could easily have NOT been.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I'm so sorry. What rotten timing with so many things breaking at Christmas. I hope your son is able to fix them soon. And here I was feeling sorry for myself that my fridge/freezer wasn't working,but I think appliances are crap these days.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the time with the grand girls. Sending lots of good wishes for a wonderful Christmas. So exciting about a Christmas baby.
I cannot believe all of these things broke one right after another. What on earth is happening? I did have not one but two of our cars stall on me/refuse to start while I was out and about on Monday. Two separate cars. Two separate times of day. All of the incidents happened in crazy cold weather. *sigh* fortunately I was not far from home either time. Did I have PTSD later that day when I drove a 3rd car to my writing group? Uh, kinda. I hope everything requires easy/quick fixes and you are up and running again soon.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve had occasion when several things broke or died at the same time. What a miserable time for all of those things to go though! Good luck with it all.
ReplyDeleteI understand perfectly about the oven. I had to purchase a new one as fixing the old one was way too expensive. Now my new one won't keep the oven at the temperature I set it. Sighs, at least this one is still on warranty. Hope this week goes better for you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Oh my gosh! Truely when it rains it pours! I hope all of your issues get resolved soon! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteWhat bad luck...hope you get things fixed soon! You can buy a kit to replace all the guts inside the toilet tank. You can easily replace the element in your oven...it usually just plugs in:) There are some no bake cookies out there... maybe that is an option to make with the girls:)
ReplyDeleteDear Martha, I am just stopping by to let you know that I am thinking of you. I wish you all the best now and always.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I'm so sorry it all happened at once!!!! I know you and the girls had a great time yesterday even without baking cookies! I know JoJo will come to the rescue as soon as her can. I hope all of the issues are truly just a quick fix, well all but the oven, I think that one will need a bigger intervention!
ReplyDeleteOh no.. that is a lot to deal with. Wishing you the best.
ReplyDelete