Thread: Alaska, Hawaii, and the Lower Forty-Eight Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
Whee! New thread. Happy New Year!
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
There's about nine hours left of this ole year. But I'll be in bed way before that happens!

I have my orange juice and champagne. Mimosas for my celebratory drink!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
love the new thread title! there's Marmot and I, oh! and the rest of you people, too...
 

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Posted by Geneviève (# 9098) on :
 
Waves at Comet from the east side of the lower 48!
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
My Honey and I plan to toast the New Year in with our friends on the East Coast. That means here on the West Coast we will say HAPPY NEW YEAR at 9PM, and then head off to bed.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Watching the Chick-fil-A (Peach) Bowl and waiting for 2011 to get itself over with. It is half-time and UVA (One of the Gander's alma maters) is trailing Auburn 17-28.

I probably won't be able to stay awake till midnight, but I suspect 2012 will manage to get here without any encouragement from me.

Have a Happy 2012, y'all.
 

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Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
Happy New Year from the middle of Michigan's mitten!
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
And the same, from the other side of the Lake!
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I have little more than an hour left of 2011. Can't say I've loved all of it... But I can say the Lord has tried to keep kicking me back in line where I need to be. Bless His heart.

(see perfect illustration 6:36 and 9:00)
 

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Posted by Liberty (# 713) on :
 
Happy New Year from this great nation's capital.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
New Year's Day! Football, inevitably. Saints are winning, mmmmn-hmmmn.

In the gigantical roaster: two half-Boston butts, surrounded by potatoes, carrots, celery, and a couple of huge green-onion-sausage-stuffed mushrooms, topped with fresh rosemary, a little fresh-ground sea salt, fine-ground black pepper, a splash of chicken stock.

It needs something, some final touch... Aha! That leftover half-glass of forgotten spiced rum! The FG had poured me a big ol' tall glass a while back, probably plotting to get me tipsy and have his way with me. I covered half of it, a good 6 ounces, and stuck it in the 'fridge. That'll do! Toss that in too!

On the stove: a huge fresh cabbage, a jade jewel in a nearby field a few days ago, simmered down to perfumed submission with a little seasoned pork; earthy creamy black-eyed peas; tender fluffy brown rice.

And now, a wordless prayer of gratitude to God, a wallowing in gleeful enjoyment, thanks for His provision of good food, for the plenty that will allow us to share it, and for the grace of a kitchen in which to artfully glorify it in His name:

Bwaahaaahaaaa*snort*haaahbwahahahaha
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
jj is secretly hoping that this year we can have more posts on this thread than the Oz-NZ folks do. They already have three times as many posts and it's only Jan. 1, for Pete's sake!
 

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Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
They just talk too much, clearly
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
Happy New year from New York.
 

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Posted by Scarlet (# 1738) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by jedijudy:
jj is secretly hoping that this year we can have more posts on this thread than the Oz-NZ folks do. They already have three times as many posts and it's only Jan. 1, for Pete's sake!

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Last year I began to post in January with the intention of chiming in regularly throughout the year, but I fell by the wayside.

I must make amends...

Happy New Year, upper and lower states. Hoping it's the best one ever for all North American shipmates.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Last year, for the first time ever, the Brit thread had more posts than the OZ-NZ thread - and it wasn't all about the weather!
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Don't be a stranger, Scarlet!
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I spent Christmas in Washington, DC with my daughter and her family.

My son-in-law was given a wonderful T shirt that said,

WANTED
DEAD OR ALIVE
SCHROEDINGER'S CAT



Moo
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Moo- I want that t-shirt! (Then I think about all the explaining I would have to do, and reconsider).

We spent a wonderful New Years morning in the duck blind. The weather was wonderful and the ducks and snow geese were flying like crazy early so we had a decent hunt. The only slight drawback was one of the guys hunting in the blind with us. It was like hunting with a very chatty, very inquisitive 5 year old. If we weren't actively calling or shooting, this guy yammered on and on asking inane questions until I longed for a large roll of duct tape seal his mouth. And they say women talk too much

After a quick nap in the afternoon, I hit my deer stand for the last day of season, and while I didn't even see any deer, it was still wonderful sitting there in the quiet, watching the critters and birds and listening to the woods.

All in all a great start to 2012.
 

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Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
Happy New Year, Shippies!

I like this take on the contained feline
http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/womens/d415/?srp=4

[ 02. January 2012, 19:43: Message edited by: monkeylizard ]
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
somewhere around 10:30 pm NYE night our phone went dead. we were out watching fireworks. we've just had my neighbor the electrician in and it's fixed. looks like perhaps panicky animal got tangled in the wires and ripped the wall jack all wonky. made for a peaceful first few days of the new year.

twit critters.

they were really wigging out, though, so I guess it's not too surprising.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Bess, when I used to go hunting, the number three rule (after gun safety and licensing) was everyone had to be quiet!!! We didn't want to scare dinner, now did we?
 

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Posted by ebeth (# 4474) on :
 
I think I had my champagne toast around 10:30 and turned in a little while later-- it was midnight somewhere, right?
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
I had a blast yesterday watching the Rose Bowl with my dad. I luuurrrve me those Oregon Ducks- the most entertaining football team (at least on offense) in the NCAA! Tricky little suckers, they are.
 

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Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
Rugasaw is going to end up functioning on less than 5 hours of sleep after staying up to watch the Fiesta Bowl last night. I took a "nap" during the game and really only saw overtime. I think I probably saw the best part of it.

And we both go back to work today with kids.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
We took down the Christmas decorations while watching the Rose Bowl yesterday, and the house now has that quiet, somewhat relieved feeling it gets when the winter holiday season is well and truly over.

After weeks of unseasonably warm weather that has daffodils blooming and tree buds starting to swell, winter is rolling in with a vengeance. In the 20's (Fahrenheit) last night and they're forecasting teens tonight. I realize that comet would probably be walking around in shorts and a t-shirt in this weather, but it's pretty darn cold for here.

I worry about Brunhilde (my semiferal outside cat), but she has a heated bed in the garage and a very warm fur coat.
 

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Posted by Geneviève (# 9098) on :
 
I have to ask: How can anyone take a bowl named "Chik-fil-a" seriously? Instead of being able to boast that one played in the Peach bowl, you have to say I played in the "chik-fil-a" bowl!
My New Year's eve was quiet--I finished grades for a course teach online.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by snowgoose:
In the 20's (Fahrenheit) last night and they're forecasting teens tonight. I realize that comet would probably be walking around in shorts and a t-shirt in this weather, but it's pretty darn cold for here.

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I'm not quite that crazy, but I'd probably wear a lighter jacket.

it's currently a balmy 6 below here, after dropping to almost -30 the last two nights. yuck. yuck yuck. the only good thing about these temperatures is being able to claim you lived through it. otherwise, nothing works right, everything takes forever, and even in full-bundle you can't go for a walk without freezing your nose hairs.

however, after you've ht -30 a few times, when it gets above zero it feels FANTASTIC. that's when those crazy t-shirt and shorts moments happen.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
It has been nice here. Until today. This morning started at 51 degrees, which is OK. Then the sun came up. Then the temp went down to 48.

Tonight is supposed to be down to the upper 20s.

Erin used to have choice things to say on this thread (from other years) about unreasonably cold, non-Florida type weather.

Thank goodness the weekend will have more typical temps for Paradise.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Our high temperature today was in the low 20s. Normally, it doesn't get that cold around here at night. Tomorrow it's supposed to get into the 30s, and it'll be in the 50s by Friday.

We got about a half-inch of snow, which was just enough to make everything slippery. Fortunately the sun melted a lot of it.

Moo
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
It has been beautiful here. BUT rain, snow, whatever we need moisture or we are going to be in big trouble next summer.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Scarlet:

quote:

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Originally posted by jedijudy:
jj is secretly hoping that this year we can have more posts on this thread than the Oz-NZ folks do...

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Last year I began to post in January with the intention of chiming in regularly throughout the year, but I fell by the wayside...

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quote:

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Have any of y'all had uninvited guests come through a cat/dog door?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Mamacita:

quote:

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Have any of y'all had uninvited guests come through a cat/dog door?

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We're above the dog-door line here but a friend in CA once found an opossum in her kitchen, contentedly munching away at the kibble.

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quote:

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Originally posted by BessHiggs:
comet - you mad me think of that great Calvin and Hobbes strip where Calvin walks outside, makes a face and says "Don't you hate it when your boogers freeze?" Ahhh, sweet childhood memories.

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quote:

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Originally posted by BessHiggs:
eta: hey comet - when is that movie coming out?

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World Premiere February 17th. I'm not sure if it will make a tour of horror flick geek festivals etc before going to DVD after that or what. I'll ask the director. he never checks his email but he's a FB blabbermouth so I can find him. there is a trailer, though! I'll try to find the link. I didn't make the cut for the trailer but two of my kids did, plus numerous good friends. it's funny. I don't think it's supposed to be, but it is!

*bonus points of you get the book reference.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
I suspect you are referring to Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

I love that book.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
[ALERT: probably not safe for work. or around small children or those with delicate constitutions or those eating lunch. we ARE still talking horror flick, here...]

for your viewing pleasure: Frost Bite trailer. the knockout who says "welcome to Frostbite, last town on earth"? That's my daughter and your fellow shipmate Chasee#1. (I make talented and purdiful babies) the slightly bored looking kid who's supposed to be all sad at his parents' funeral is Chasee#3, who inadvertently wound up being a bit of the star of the movie. way more talent then the rest of those hacks.

also note - lady getting her face bit off is my closest local friend and workout buddy, currently living large in Antarctica, dangit. the guy with the wicked frying pan skills is another good friend, and owner of the yellow POS truck. (I told him, after this movie that bad boy will be worth HUNDREDS...) most of the zombies are all Chasee#2's classmates at the high school. groovy way to spend spring break!

further note - this takes place a year after the apocalypse. supposedly there's a few people left on earth. so note those heavily used snowmachine tracks Cassie is walking down at the beginning? nice, huh? I'm assuming the moose all took up snowmachining when the world came to an end. in the movie itself we have great battles in the grocery store, in front of the fresh meat and dairy sections. I die in front of a fully-stocked milk case. I love things like that.

yes, I know the acting is horrible. those of us with actual training were given "character" parts, while those who were the right kind of cute or had martial arts training got the leads. not that I acted well in this, I sucked. but whatthehell. the exception to the above is Cheyenne - the tattooed screamy bad guy in the trailer. He's quite good. He and Chasee#3 bonded, which was good because he had to be terrifying to the little guy.

enjoy. or at least don't lose your lunch. this will probably be the only horror flick ever that my mother will attempt to watch.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by snowgoose:
I suspect you are referring to Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

I love that book.

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quote:

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Originally posted by BessHiggs:
I'm thinking of getting a cat flap for them but hubby is worried that small neighborhood dogs will also take advantage of our hospitality. Have any of y'all had uninvited guests come through a cat/dog door?

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There are ways of controlling what comes in a cat door. All you need is someone who understands image recognition algorithms, and can write a program that recognizes only your cats.

Moo
 

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Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
I'm wondering how long the fence will be up on our playground. We've had wonderful weather, but in December, due to the drought, we had a 40' deep hole appear on our field by the playground. (It went so far down we could see the sewer and water pipes) We still have a temporary fence around the area, but it looks like they have filled in the hole.

Is dirt supposed to cure? Or do you think they put cement down there??
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by BessHiggs:
Have any of y'all had uninvited guests come through a cat/dog door?

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Yup. Mom and Dad had a river otter trailing their cats into the house. He was happy to eat the kibble, too.

Of course, the cats also dragged critters into the house. Like five foot long black snakes. Things like that.

(You know a cat is proud when she has to figure out how to get a huge snake in through the cat door, and she does. She was not happy when the snake was taken back out.)
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
JB and I were going to the Fiesta Bowl until we found out how much the tickets were. We were glad we didn't (other than we are still a little sickly) because I would have choked the Stanford kicker, not once, but three times for missing field goals and losing the game.

Our brother and sister were at the Rose Bowl Parade, and said it was AMAZING! I remember seeing the Parade years ago and just loving it.

Right now watching the Orange Bowl. I think I am reaching my football saturation point soon.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Pata, that is really scary!
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
We are having to get new house insurance this year and just received a package of quotes from our trusty agent. A pain in the butt, but there is an upside. I got quite a chuckle over some of the special riders...for instance, we are now going to be covered if an airplane crashes into the house. And while I'm sure the "falling objects" clause referrs more to trees, I find it much more entertaining to picture meteorites or bits of out-dated space stations plummeting directly at my double-wide.

You gotta find your fun where you can

Now that I think about it, I've got to go get some big pink curlers and a tube top so that if a chunk of old space junk does smash up my manufactured home, I can quickly slap my hair in curlers, put on the tube top, and light up a ciggie for my TV interview. One does need to keep up (redneck) appearances doncha know...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
don't forget the turquoise eyeshadow! I assume you have the obligatory truck up on blocks in the yard?
 

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Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :
 
If you mow your yard, and find a car
you might be a redneck.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by BessHiggs:
I'm thinking of getting a cat flap for them but hubby is worried that small neighborhood dogs will also take advantage of our hospitality. Have any of y'all had uninvited guests come through a cat/dog door?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Campbellite:
If you mow your yard, and find a car
you might be a redneck.

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Good one, Campbellite, yours is straight out of "Blue Collar Comedy", but here are some truisms from me.

If you start to burn the pile of old dead branches and a snake and rabbits run out when you light up, you might be a redneck.

If you have a huge manure pile on your property, you might be a redneck

If you have a car on your property that is being used as an anchor for flood control, you might be a redneck.

 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
my old car is storage in the winter and a greenhouse in the summer. I'm recycling.
 

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Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
sounds like comet moved to Berkeley to me.
 

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Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by BessHiggs:
Now that I think about it, I've got to go get some big pink curlers and a tube top so that if a chunk of old space junk does smash up my manufactured home, I can quickly slap my hair in curlers, put on the tube top, and light up a ciggie for my TV interview. One does need to keep up (redneck) appearances doncha know...

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quote:

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Originally posted by Mamacita:

quote:

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Have any of y'all had uninvited guests come through a cat/dog door?

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We're above the dog-door line here but a friend in CA once found an opossum in her kitchen, contentedly munching away at the kibble.

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I got one of the kind with a magnetic lock (kitty wore the magnet on her collar) specifically because I heard multiple stories of raccoons in the kitchen via cat flaps. I also had no desire to host breakfast parties for every cat in the neighbhorhood, with the likely consequence of cat fights continuing into my nearby bedroom.

Worked a treat! I don't have raccoons in my yard that often, but the one time we did and they tried opening the cat door (they must be taught "Tasty Kibble Inside" by their mamas, much like the mama bears at Yosemite teach their young to break into cars), they were foiled. My cat (the late, great Maya) and I were both chillin' in my room when we heard the KATHUNK-THUNK. It got our attention!
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
What a great idea, AG. The problem with my cats would be getting them to keep their collars on. One of my kitties went through so many collars we finally just gave up. The inside cats aren't allowed to go out so they don't have to wear collars.

This morning I went and bought 96 cans of cat food, plus kibble. Next time you see a box that says "free kittens," don't believe it. Mine have delicate systems so it's even more expensive. Oh, well, at least I don't have to pay to send them to college.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
One could have the magnets surgically implanted.

I can't recall having a real cat door -- I've improvised them in a window before. I have suffered visitors though.

There was an unfinished place back in a kitchen cabinet, in an apartment we rented. No prob, you'd think, except that under the kitchen was an unfinished basement where the water heater crouched.

Well, no, that gives too much glory to the basement -- Under the kitchen was a hole in the ground aspiring to be called a cave but not truly achieving even the title "crawlspace".

Anyway, something would come up to the kitchen from down there, come out of the cabinet, get up on the counter and eat anything left out. I assumed it was a 'possum, 'cause 'coons woulda made more mess, and I always saw more 'possums around, that close to downtown Sioux City.

Once there was a whole loaf of fresh bread, in plastic, with the entire top half delicately chewed off and eaten. I mean, no shreds of torn plastic, no bread crumbs, nothing. It was so exactly half the loaf, so straight-line neat, it was an if the 'possums showed up with a bubble level, a chalk line, and a teeny tiny saw...
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Oooh, Pata -- unless they corrected the reason for the sinkhole, no, dirt alone won't do, won't "set" anything like cement -- and even cement ain't the fix for very long, if the "suck" of the sinkhole is strong enough.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NEW MEXICO! 100 years ago at 11:35 AM, we became a state. At 11:35, trains, buses and card honked their horns all over the state.

Last year Santa Fe celebrated it's 400th birthday. Yes, shipmates, it is the OLDEST CITY IN THE US. (I know some easterners and Floridians think otherwise, but sadly, they would be wrong).
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Well, I hope New Mexico has a lovely birthday. Best not light birthday candles for it, though. There was quite enough fire last year.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Which Floridians would you be talking about, MoBo?! Are you perhaps thinking about the city to the northeast of me that was founded in 1565? The one that's over 446 years old?

jj...enjoying the friendly rivalry...
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Tomb, bless his little heart, reminded me of St. Augustine, Florida, which says it is 450 years old. Thanks, T.

However, San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe is the oldest church. and the oldest buildings are in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona as Ancestral Anasazi Communities built 700 years AD.

(Do I remember that 700 AD in Europe was sometime around the Medieval/Dark Ages?)
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Certainly not the oldest city in North America - many precede the johnnies-come-lately in New Mexico. Even in Canada, where the city of Québec celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008, and is the only walled city in North America. The Archdiocese of Québec celebrated its erection in the same year by arranging a ringing of all church bells across Canada at 11 am.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by PeteC:
...The Archdiocese of Québec celebrated its erection in the same year by arranging a ringing of all church bells across Canada at 11 am.

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Pete, this is a family board!



As a mutual friend of Pete and I says:

quote:

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A dirty mind is a great comfort!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janine:
Oooh, Pata -- unless they corrected the reason for the sinkhole, no, dirt alone won't do, won't "set" anything like cement -- and even cement ain't the fix for very long, if the "suck" of the sinkhole is strong enough.

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I'm not sure exactly what they did, as they did the majority of the work over Christmas Break.

I know that they smoke tested the playground to make sure that there weren't any other weak spots. That's how we found out that the hole was 40' deep. Until then we thought that it was a small hole. It wasn't very wide (maybe 18" at most?) but it was deep.

They took down the temporary fence yesterday. The reason for the hole was the drought. And we've tried prayer and fasting...Any other thoughts??

In other news, Rugasaw and I went to a local university to hear an organ concert. The room was 70'+ high so that the organ would fit. (The room was constructed and tuned to the organ). I kept thinking that I did not want to be the one who had to dust the organ!! (The concert was great and the after party was good too. )
 

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Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
We have been so beaten down by family health issues over the holidays that we decided to take a mini-vacation in northwest lower Michigan -- the little finger in the NW corner of the Michigan mitten -- this week.

We were shocked and dismayed by the lack of snow. They'd been promised 4 inches of snow over the previous weekend but received barely half as much. The area is usually quieter during the winter months anyway, but it still depends on skiiers/snowmobilers/ice fishermen to take up some of the slack left by summer people. So businesses there are hurting badly; some well established stores that normally stay open year-round have had to close for the season or drastically cut their hours. It's been cold enough for the ski resorts to make snow, but that's still not the same as the real stuff.

We've also noticed that several of the unique little village shops that add to the local ambience are closing and relocating to Traverse City, to places like the new Traverse City Commons shopping/professional/residential complex, even though that's only 10 or 20 miles away from their original locations...as if, in tough times, people can't be bothered to travel a little farther out into the countryside.

The Leelanau Peninsula is beautiful anyway -- even with an unseasonably brown landscape -- but I just felt so bad for the local merchants. We talked to one person who owns a specialty food store, who says that it if weren't for their Internet sales they'd be in a world of hurt this year.

One little resort town we pass through en route to the Leelanau has for many years had a merchantile building filled with little individual boutiques selling things like yarn/knitting supplies, an art gallery, beads and jewelry, touristy clothing, baked goods and the like...as we passed thorugh this week we saw that it had turned into a resale shop...which, being in the antique biz ourselves, tells us that the community is on a downswing. Again, it's sad. We've lost that aspirational upper-middle-class tourist that's kept these communities prosperous...now we have super-rich and downward-spiraling working class, with few in the middle.

But anyway...the unseasonably warm weather here is NOT helping.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
happy Epiphany! annual bonfire was awesome. good crowd for burning stuff under falling snow. lots of chow, mulled wine, and butter beer for the kiddos. I'm chilled to the bone having stood outside for hours, but it's probably my favorite event of the year.

we had hooping and sword fights and burning of the "old".

i'm pooped. what a great night. facing my kitchen in the morning is a little daunting...
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
I just had to share this. We just got back from the grocery store, and only in Tennessee (I hope) are pork cracklin's sold in the produce section of the store.

Mmmmmm...deep fried lard...
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
Ha, ha. I should have programmed the 49ers game into my online calendar. I seem to have rescheduled my hair appointment (necessary because I have started ukulele lessons) to start at exactly the same time as the game. At least I shouldn't get stuck in a massive traffic jam this time (unlike the Monday Night Football game) because I am heading to/from the South Bay, not San Francisco. I will allow extra time, though - there are places to shop/hang out in the area.

I'm so superstitious that I might not check it on the iPhone while I'm processing.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by snowgoose:
What a great idea, AG. The problem with my cats would be getting them to keep their collars on. One of my kitties went through so many collars we finally just gave up. The inside cats aren't allowed to go out so they don't have to wear collars.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:

quote:

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Originally posted by snowgoose:
What a great idea, AG. The problem with my cats would be getting them to keep their collars on. One of my kitties went through so many collars we finally just gave up. The inside cats aren't allowed to go out so they don't have to wear collars.

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Yeah, I used to keep a supply of the magnets with the spare collars in a drawer.

Currently the door is locked and blocked because Lucy went out it a couple of times and then hid in the basement. It's a royal bear to get her back in the house - basically I have to starve her out. So Maggie-cat (who is my indoor-outdoor model) just has to wait for me to get home.

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quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
so how's everyone this morning?

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It's butt-clenchingly cold here. The temperature might not reach 70 degrees all week!


 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by RuthW:

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
so how's everyone this morning?

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It's butt-clenchingly cold here. The temperature might not reach 70 degrees all week!

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you laugh now, but just wait until I'm standing on your doorstep with my blankie and teddy bear!
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Lola:

My friend tells me her sister has a cat flap that is linked to her pet's microchip which deals with the magical collar removing pussies. The only thing was there is a slight delay as the flap reads the chip so they had to train their cat to push on the door, wait a few seconds and then proceed into the kitchen. Do pets get chipped in the States?

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quote:

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Originally posted by snowgoose:
Here it is: the microchip-reading cat door.

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quote:

---

Stores up to 32 cats in memory

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
Stores up to 32 cats in memory

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That is so cool! But how many people have 32 cats running in and out of their homes?

Comet, it was 81 here today. A bit warmer than the perfect 77 of a few days ago.

We're hoping for some of that rain that's been going on in the North. They promise a hope of t-storms tonight and tomorrow. That's just what we need, lightening to set brush fires.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
further adventures of the boreal backwoods...

the storm dodged us. kind of weird. we got winds, and about 4 inches, but then it just settled. turns out, Trapper Creek (3 miles away as the crow flies!) had places of 20 inches accumulation! maybe god heard my bitching and decided to give me a break. I'm not complaining.

came home after closing the bar tonight, roads slick but fine, all well. turned into the driveway and almost hit two sleeping baby moose RIGHT THERE. Mama jumped out in front of me and I inadvertently ended up herding them right up to the front of the house. thankfully the boys has brought the dogs inside. yeesh. I sat in the car for 20 minutes before they finally figured out it was best to move on and got far enough away for me to feel safe to come out. even then I hustled inside as fast as I could - a very pissed mama moose was probably 20 feet away.

I'm looking at them out the window now. I really hope she decides that my driveway is a bad choice for baby bedtime.
 

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Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
And to think I get annoyed when next door's cat decides to sleep on my driveway...
 

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Posted by ElaineC (# 12244) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by snowgoose:
Here it is: the microchip-reading cat door.

---

I've got one of those and it works fine for my 4.

It kept next doors cat out for less than amonth! No it wasn't a mal function on the part of the flap - the cat kept bashing the flap until he managed to get a claw underneath so he could pull the flap towards himself and duck in under the flap.
 

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Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
I'm not sure if this is the most appropriate spot to post this, but...our son-in-law Billy, who lives in the Orlando area, has had a major health crisis that's necessitated blood and platelet infusions as well as dialysis. His family/friends/coworkers are organizing a huge team effort to help him and our son Brian, and part of that is encouraging anyone in central FL who would like to help to donate either blood or platelets at any central FL area blood bank; you can designate your donation in honor of Billy Mick. The donations he received yesterday made a big difference for him. As a helpless in-law who's having to watch this play out from a distance, I've been so heartened by the compassion and goodwill I've seen extended to our boys, and I know that "Team Billy" is going to grow far beyond the original circle, whether that's people rolling up their sleeves and giving blood or sending up a prayer or lighting a candle. Thanks, all.
 

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Posted by sabine (# 3861) on :
 
I'm sorry to hear about your son-in-law, Lutheranchick.

May I add for the thread that donating blood and platlets is not especially painful or difficult for a healthy or even moderately healthy person.

sabine

[ 11. January 2012, 15:00: Message edited by: sabine ]
 

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Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on :
 
LC, if the weather outside is any indication, I'm certainly nowhere near Florida, but your post inspired me to call and make an appointment to donate blood. I'm sure there's a Billy around here who could use some help.

for all of you.
 

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Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
I got a letter from the red cross saying they liked my blood, lots of platelets, but then after I lived in London, they stopped letting me donate blood. I still am not permitted to donate blood. Got a call 2 years ago requesting a donation of blood from the Red Cross and told the gal you won't let me since I lived in London for 3 months. She backed down. I take comfort in the fact my brother donates a ton and others around me, and I also give money to them. When will this law be changed.

"From January 1, 1980, through December 31, 1996, you spent (visited or lived) a cumulative time of 3 months or more, in the United Kingdom (UK),"
eligibility criteria

eta: LutheranChik - I am cheering for your brother in law and hope you get even more people donating blood!

[ 12. January 2012, 13:40: Message edited by: duchess ]
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I'm no longer allowed to, either, but I used to quite a bit. I also used to organize the local drive. I'll give red cross a call and perhaps we can arrange another one.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Campbellite:
If you mow your yard, and find a car
you might be a redneck.

---

Good one, Campbellite, yours is straight out of "Blue Collar Comedy", but here are some truisms from me.

If you start to burn the pile of old dead branches and a snake and rabbits run out when you light up, you might be a redneck...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by monkeylizard:
Our first snow of the season came to middle Tennessee yesterday afternoon. A light dusting on the grass and almost none on the roads. Schools are closed. I guess I need to go buy some bread and milk.

---

Don't even tell my kids.

I remember when we started getting national TV when I was a kid, and I'd see them closing schools Outside for a little bit of snow, I'd be so pissed!

I've come to understand that things are different when you have city traffic, no decent infrastructure, etc. but my boys will be GREEN with jealousy.

the snow has stopped and now word is -25 lows over the weekend. I hope they're wrong. I'll have to get the rest of the shoveling done before that cold turns the snow to concrete.

cat people - I have a new (to me) pair of leather shoes and my cat has waged war on them. I haven't used any mink oil (they're indoor shoes), but he keeps pouncing and beating them up. any ideas?
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Comet, can you get a can of Cat-Away™ or similar and spray the boots? In my experience cat repellents are pretty effective.

(eta: This from someone who had a perfectly good pair of new flats embellished with tiny little cat-tooth holes.)

[ 13. January 2012, 16:51: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
for now I've just put them away in my shoe bin, not really a problem. but I'm curious about the cause - perhaps a way the leather is treated? were my new shoes trash-talking?

I know, I know, trying to understand cat psychology is foolish. that way lies madness.
 

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Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
Four inches of snow here, which finally makes the out-of-doors look normal. And of course all the regional businesses related to winter weather, from neighborhood snow-plow guys to ski resorts and snowmobile-country restaurants/lodging, are rejoicing.

Tip-Up* Town, an annual fair held right on a totally frozen Houghton Lake, has been in peril for several years now because it's taken so long for the lake to freeze to the necessary depth to support the event. I'm hoping this weather system, after weeks of unseasonable 40-something-degree days, will help the now-struggling Houghton Lake community continue a decades-long winter tradition.

*a tip-up is a contraption used in ice fishing, allowing the fisherperson the freedom of not having to hold a fishing pole/being able to work several fishing holes simultaneously with multiple tip-ups.

[ 13. January 2012, 23:48: Message edited by: LutheranChik ]
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I am very, very grateful that there is no snow here. My sister near Atlanta told me it was snowing there this morning.

But that's not what I wanted to tell y'all. Guess what I have? A bottle of Ribena! After more than ten years of being on the Ship, and reading many times of the mysterious Ribena, I will now get to try it myself! Curiosity will be satisfied!
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
We had flurries here in NYC today but nothing stuck. Pretty cold though.
 

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Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
I'm tired of being cold...I'm on the Gulf Coast, it's not supposed to be freezing!!

It's going to warm up, otherwise I'd wonder. I wouldn't mind more rain though. (It's supposed to be coming, but lately I've bet against it and won most of the time.)
 

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Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
In Houston when the temps start flirting with freezing and the chances of rain go up you no what season it is? Soccer season, the time when I get the pleasure of being outside all the time. But wait you may say how can you play soccer in the rain and mud. Our home field is made of artificial turf so is never to muddy to be played on.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
There isn't any snow here in Denver either, other than on the mountain peaks. Who knew this would happen in January?

There is snow in Colorado, along with Taos and Santa Fe are skiing. Looks like PA and NY might have some snow now, too. Good for them if you like the white stuff.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
We volunteer for the Meezer Express, which is
Siamese Rescue's way of getting rescue cats to their new homes. Drove 138 miles today, with 2 cats, both good travelers, thank God. One of them is going to Bayonne, New Jersey. That's over 8 hours away, with a total of 6 drivers.

The way it works is that the trip is broken into several legs. We picked the cats up at 0730, then drove to a rendezvous point north of Richmond and handed them to the next driver in the chain. He drove one of them to its new home in Northern Virginia, then handed the other to the next driver; and so on till little LuLu gets to her adopter in New Jersey.

I am in awe of the (volunteer) transport coordinators, who set these runs up. Having to find volunteer drivers all over the East Coast who are willing and able to be at a certain place at a certain time, really is like herding cats.

We're home now with a fire in the fireplace and a cat on every lap. I believe hot cocoa is indicated---as soon as the cat gets off my lap.
 

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Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
It's cat mating season, and we are continually being awoken in the middle of the night by yowls of passion (and our dogs' reaction). I caught a couple in flagrante in our neighbor's driveway this morning. Doesn't anybody around here get their cats fixed?
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
49'ers.

Patriots

My least favorite teams, That's all I have to say.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I celebrated my birthday by observing New Year's Day watching the Rose Parade, thinking back to the micro-brews I enjoyed two nights earlier and eating a sumptuous dinner cooked by my sister whom we were visiting.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I've already forgotten what I did on my birthday... If I ever develop a dementia-type forgetfulness, no one will be able to tell. It won't look like anything new. I should read up-thread & see if I wrote you guys about it.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Water pipe coming into the house froze this morning. We have some stored water but sure glad I took a shower last night before going to bed. In fact I did it to warm up. No laundry, no doing up the breakfast dishes, no watering the house plants, just sitting here waiting for the sun to warm things up. If it takes to long, Mr Image may have to take me out for lunch.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
When I left the house at about 9:30 this morning, the temps were in the low 70's NOT a good thing in TN in the middle of January. Then temps dropped quickly, and a fun-fill rain/windstorm blew through. We were lucky at the house, but it got pretty bad in some places near here. While I don't particularly crave cold weather, I just wish it would settle down and get on with being winter already.

On other, non-weather related news, I spent the morning treking around gathering information on a possible new business venture. My partner, bless his heart, is worried about whether to use tables with simulated maple or walnut laminate tops while I'm the one trying to round up insurance quotes and generate financial projections. I know he's like this, and I know that I will be the nuts and bolts person, and luckily he also knows he is like this, but if he texts me one more time asking my opinion on the color of the chair cushions I just may scream. However, I really think this thing could work.

Watch this space. In a couple of months, I may actually be in business for myself, with all the headaches and anxiety that entails. I want it, I want it, I want it! I'm not getting any younger and if I do fail completely, then I still have time to pick myself back up. But if I don't fail...
 

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Posted by Oscar P. (# 10412) on :
 
Winter in Missouri:
Jan. 16-High of 68 degrees, thunderstorms and hail
Jan. 17-High of 35 degrees, dropping into the teens overnight.

Maybe I should be wearing my t-shirts and shorts underneath my winter coat?
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Bess Higgs, How nice to hear of someone starting a new business now. Thanks for the share of the happy thought that there is still hope in the crazy economy. Best Wishes and Prayers for successes.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I guess the lack of a "like" button is all that separates the Ship from the lower animals.
 

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Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
Yay, BessHiggs! I'm always happy to hear about new businesses. If your locality is like ours, whenever we see another storefront boarded up our hearts sink, but when we see new construction or a "Now Open!" sign we feel more encouraged.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Good for you, BessHiggs! I hope things come together in your favor.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Taking a drive down from Denver Monday was interesting. We encountered wind gusts that tried to knock you off the road, rain, snow, and hail. Another wonderful winter driving experience! Good to be home.
 

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Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
hi all,

What can anyone tell me about Austin? I shall be visiting the US for the first time in May for a work conference there and am clueless!

Thanks!

Jenny Ann
 

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Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
Probably my favorite city in Texas. The UT campus is very nice, and the bats are awesome. Never lived there, so probably nothing helpful to say unless you have questions, but I've always enjoyed my visits.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Gwai, did you mean bars?

I've heard that Austin has great music, and not just C&W.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
Gwai, did you mean bars?

I've heard that Austin has great music, and not just C&W.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gwai:
Oddly enough, I actually did mean bats. Austin has a giant bat population, and since bats are harmless,* and the bats by Congress Bridge are generally considered beautiful to see when they fly, they are a tourism draw.

---

I have always wanted to see the Austin bats. We have bats here (we once had one get in the house by way of the fireplace, but finally managed to get him outside again), but not in huge colonies.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
There is a slogan you see in Austin on bumperstickers, t-shirts, etc.

KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD

Moo
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
I don't think anyone stayed to see the Bat Flight at Carlsbad Caverns this summer.

As I recall, most of the shipmeet participants were tired out after wandering through the cave.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Bats are as harmless as... foxes, weasels, 'possums, whatever. I mean, if they find a way to move into your house and deposit 50 pounds of poop between your walls, and if they routinely accidentally blunder into your living room and orbit around, frightened, until you catch them & toss 'em out, and if they leave fleas all over the place...

But, yeah, bats are harmless.

They say Austin is no good for surfing... but I bet someone somehow surfs in Austin.
 

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Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
I don't think anyone stayed to see the Bat Flight at Carlsbad Caverns this summer.

As I recall, most of the shipmeet participants were tired out after wandering through the cave.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
There is a slogan you see in Austin on bumperstickers, t-shirts, etc.

KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD

Moo

---

that is just AWESOME.

my musician friends all say Austin is the go-to place for independent music. I'd take in the scene if I was going there.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Well, yeah. Austin City Limits, festival and/or TV program. A city that grows that should grow a nice variety all over the place.

[ 19. January 2012, 03:40: Message edited by: Janine ]
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
All sorts of wildlife, and not just at the bars . A friend of mine who lives in Austin has a backyard owl. (And I suspect not too many mice in her yard.)
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
There's a great horned owl living around here. Sometimes he sits on the roof of the house.

The first time I saw one, I called the fish & wildlife folks and asked them if great horned owls ever get cats. (These are seriously large owls.) They told me that sometimes they do. I was all worried about my (now deceased) cat Gus. The wildlife guy asked me how big the cat was. When I told him "24 pounds" he told me Gus was probably safe.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
We have a trio of Bald Eagles who regularly fly over the field containing our duck blind. It is amazingly cool to stand there on a cold winter morning and watch them soaring around. We always try to make the young 'uns hunting with us how lucky they are to be able to see Bald Eagles in the wild doing eagle stuff.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Daughter-Unit and S-i-L have burrowing owls living very near to them. They sometimes sit on their house. But being only five or six inches high, no cats need worry. They are terribly cute, though.

Aren't we lucky to see wild creatures? Well, most of them. The pythons in the Everglades need to go away.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Speaking of bird neighbors, there is the local roadrunner, actually a pair of them.

JB says "Beep Beep" whenever he passes. "Zippy" appears unimpressed. The dogs ignore the roadrunners; they must have an agreement - or an experience.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gwai:
Oddly enough, I actually did mean bats. Austin has a giant bat population, and since bats are harmless,* and the bats by Congress Bridge are generally considered beautiful to see when they fly, they are a tourism draw.

*I'm sure you knew that, but there are always people who don't.

---

Wow, how cool is that?! I had no idea. My son's Eagle Scout project was making bat houses for a nature learning center in one of the Lake County forest preserves, so I've been lectured many times about how harmless bats are. My daughter, on the other hand, is terrified of the critters, and since she is planning on visiting her best friend who has moved to Austin, I will definitely have to tell her about the Austin Bats.


eta: I would love to actually see an owl in "real life" (as opposed to seeing one in a zoo or nature center). That would be awesome. I grew up hearing screechy barn owls late at night at my grandma's farm -- that sound will give you chills.

[ 20. January 2012, 02:56: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
What an awesome picture!

If you start seeing a lot of empty boxes in your yard that have ACME printed on them, you'll need to have a chat with the dogs.

New Mexico has way cooler critters than most places.

[this was in response to MoBo's post]

[ 20. January 2012, 02:57: Message edited by: snowgoose ]
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Well, I had heard about the famous roadrunners, but never saw one while at MoBo and JB's digs last summer. So, they do exist?

Another critter story:
Wednesday of this week, the staff ate lunch outside. A honeybee (you know how I love the little things) kept landing on the bread, which had a honey glaze or some such on it. The other ladies don't like bees very much and one of them was pretty scared of our personal bee, so I tried to keep it near me. We were under a tree, and a leaf fell onto the head of the lady to my left. She thought it was the bee. She let out a whoop, flailed her arms, and neatly karate chopped the water goblet so that the base and stem was in the original spot, and the goblet part shattered and fell into my plate!

So, now I ask if she's been attacked by any leaves recently.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:

eta: I would love to actually see an owl in "real life" (as opposed to seeing one in a zoo or nature center). That would be awesome. I grew up hearing screechy barn owls late at night at my grandma's farm -- that sound will give you chills.

---

I've had a number of close encounters. They don't get old - owls are really extraordinary; other worldly.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
[Digression] Have you all seen that news clip of Obama doing the Rev Al Green impression at his Apollo Theater event? He really nails it!
[/digression]
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I saw the teensy clip of him singing a few words, but nothing of the context. Maybe he can do that more often.
 

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Posted by CuppaT (# 10523) on :
 
Been a rough couple of days here. I've been looking for the perfect bird to join our family, bought a huge cage and everything. And then our parakeet sneaked out when she wasn't supposed to through a tiny crack, and the dog, who thinks he is in charge of telling her what to do, bit her, and she died in my hand. The dog is still alive. But now I feel like we've lost two birds because why bring a new bird into this kind of a situation. Just pets, but a sad household.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Rough, dear, so sorry. I bet the dog was ashamed, if you showed him the bird and projected "disappointed in you" at him.
 

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Posted by CuppaT (# 10523) on :
 
Scruffy knew right and well that he'd done wrong. But the kids forgave him quicker than we did. Still, I figure they're watching us, and if we don't forgive the dog, then how will they be sure we'd forgive them if they mess up really bad some day. I guess it's good we get practice, hard as it seems.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Oh, there's no question about forgiving an animal. He's just being himself. The making sure he knows he did wrong is to teach him, not to wreak Mommy's vengeance.

I'd say, get whatever birds your heart desires. Make sure of your cautions about cage doors & whatnot, and go for it.

I might do the same sometime -- I'm saving it for an other type of vengeance, though. I like finches, but the FG is driven mad by their chirping. Heh heh heh heh.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
file under Random Observations: there's nothing quite like doing an Oblivion Search to rediscover what a complete dickhead one has been in the past. sometimes I wonder why you all still give me posting privileges.

I was very ignorant (and obviously loud about it) when I came to the ship. I do appreciate this place - more than any other reason - for opening my eyes to there being a whole world out there, and I'm not nearly as special as I think I am.

so, thanks, folks. sorry for my big mouth.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Quite frankly, Comet, I love your big mouth a whole lot.
You are very special to me, missy.

 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
file under Random Observations: there's nothing quite like doing an Oblivion Search to rediscover what a complete dickhead one has been in the past.

---

I was fortunate enough to make my worst mistakes in the days when old threads were deleted, rather than sent to Oblivion.

Moo
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
It is raining, it is raining fire danger less.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Oh, comet --

Maybe I'm not a dickhead, but I still spend plenty enough time impersonating other body parts possessed of piebald presentableness quotients.

So also realizes just about anyone else with a decent portion of self-perception. Therefore they press any evidence of your former case of Penis Pate to their hearts, loving you all the more for it.

[ 25. January 2012, 03:50: Message edited by: Janine ]
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Hoping for some rain here, tomorrow!

It's stinkin' hot. Yesterday we broke a high temp record, and may do it again today. (It was 85 yesterday.)

We look forward to December through March to get some of the perfect weather which is normal here...77 degrees in the day and mid 50s at night. We might as well stay in June for all the relief we've had from the heat this year.

(Then again, you can throw things at me when we're freezing on one of those days we can't even get to 60 degrees!~ )
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
It has been so weirdly warm hereabouts that my semi-stray cat Brunhilde is beginning to shed her winter coat. Fortunately, even her summer coat is heavier than most cats' winter coats, but still...

Up to northern VA today to take my sister (who has been visiting) to her next destination, then to visit a dear friend who is in hospital in Richmond.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I'm going to a local HUGE car dealership today. I don't want a new car. They are giving away seven new cars, and with my sad lack of luck, I am going to be silly enough to sign up to try to win one. I will keep my old car and give the (imaginary) new one to Daughter-Unit and S-i-L. So, wish me less bad luck than normal!!!
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
So jj - did you win a car?

I submitted my paperwork to the county for apporval today. I will know one way or another if my business is a go by the end of the day on February 16. If they say yes, then I will be up and running by March 1.

Say a quick prayer if y'all think of it...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
wow! that would be a quick turnaround! I have all appendages crossed for you.

break in cold snap! thank heaven. we've managed fine, but the thing with a deep freeze is it makes EVERYTHING hard work. just getting to the post office becomes an adventure. my walks involve 20 minutes of dressing up. I have to start the car (praying!) 45 minutes before I plan to leave. and all the dogs are in full time which means they want to play in my very small living room. imagine a 20x14 room full of stir-crazy elephants.

of course, the warm (relatively, it's almost up to 0) means big snow. so I'll be back to shoveling. but I'll freakin' take it. nothing like -30 to make you welcome some time outdoors with the shovel.

still haven't thawed the shower drain, which has me concerned. no sign of damage to the pipes but if the freeze is allowed to continue I'm risking a rupture. plus I'd really, really love a shower. kitchen-sink banyas are getting old. (though the kitchen floor is so CLEAN....)
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
So jj - did you win a car?

---

I think the drawing is tomorrow. Turns out that lots of people I know signed up! It was a madhouse there!!!

Good luck with your paperwork, Bess!

You could come here to thaw and shower, comet! It's cool today, just in the mid 70s. But the rest of the week will be warm!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
18" of new snow, 9 hour power outage, sick teenager. so I have to do a bunch of running around AFTER I dig myself out. yuck.

here's the cool thing, though - in April I will have been in this house 3 years. we have lots of outages. normally, the heater ceases to work when the power is out - it has an electronic thermostat. for some reason, this year it has decided to work when the power is out. magically. so we have warm even with long outages.

I dont get it but I'm not complaining.
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
There were daffodils in bloom outside my place of work yesterday. That's so inappropriate for this time of year.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Some of my daffs are in bud. My neighbor says she saw mosquitoes yesterday. Live ones. In JANUARY! I just washed all of Brunhilde's bedding because if there are mosquitoes flying around there are probably fleas and ticks lurking as well.

Great. That means I have to catch her to put some Revolution (anti-flea-and-tick stuff that smells like kerosene) on her. She sooo hates that.


(Oh, and comet, your pm box is full.)
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
sorry. flushed.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
18" of new snow, 9 hour power outage, sick teenager. so I have to do a bunch of running around AFTER I dig myself out. yuck.

here's the cool thing, though - in April I will have been in this house 3 years. we have lots of outages. normally, the heater ceases to work when the power is out - it has an electronic thermostat. for some reason, this year it has decided to work when the power is out. magically. so we have warm even with long outages.

---

Send some of that snow down here, sister, we could use it. The Rio Grande is really, really LOW.
And, just got a back up propane generator for our occasional power outages. Also have your wrapped all your pipes for cold weather? That really helps our outdoor faucets.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
insulated and heat-taped. I've had only minimal problems until recently, and it's only the shower drain, so I suspect my heat tape might have died on that section.
 

---

Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
With all the @#$% drama this past week, I don't think I mentioned: I'm getting a new car!

I had a lot of car trouble last year. I'd told my folks that I was in the market for a low-mileage late-model Subaru and they said "we can help you so you get a new one instead". They did essentially pay for the last one ... which I've been driving for 16 years.

I took a test drive last night and signed papers. Mom and Dad ( ) will be coming up on Friday to complete the deal.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
WE HAVE DRAINAGE!

and hooray for the car, AG! your parents rock!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
WooHoo Amazing Grace and comet!

I had a request to go into my job #2 considerably earlier than normal today, so I had to get up about 4:20. That's just a mild gripe. I really enjoy what I do. (Being a companion for a 92-y-o wonderful woman.) It's just early mornings I don't appreciate so much.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
We had guests last night for dinner, and Mr Image made his famous pasta sauce. Due to the fact he seems unable to make any less then would feed a small battalion of hungry soldiers for a number of weeks, our freezer is now stuffed with frozen sauce. I think we are supplied until July 2013. No room for even a pint of ice cream.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I love having a freezer full of stuff like pasta sauces or whatever - leftover soup, bread, etc. makes me feel rich. and solves busy worknight problems.

Happy Marmot Day, everyone! six more weeks of hibernation!
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Amazing Grace, why didn't you get a Smart Car?
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I saw a funny message on a t-shirt today.

I WONDERED WHY
THE FRISBEE KEPT
GETTING BIGGER
THEN IT HIT ME

Moo
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Holy Frog Stranglers Batman! The rain was coming down so hard earlier this morning it sounded like the house was under a waterfall. Most of the time, rain on the metal roof is a wonderful sound. At 4:30 this morning, it was like being inside a drum line. It made me very reluctant to get up out of my nice warm bed to get ready for work. Saturdays are big money days for me, but yea gods, they start early...
 

---

Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
Amazing Grace, why didn't you get a Smart Car?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amazing Grace:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
Amazing Grace, why didn't you get a Smart Car?

---

Are you calling my new Subaru stupid!?!

I need cargo space so it's an SUV or station wagon for me.

---

No, A. G, it is just that my sister just loves her Smart car and I've had 2 Subarus, (so I love them,) but my Saturns are the best of the bunch! Darn that evil General Motors for being the ****heads they are getting rid of the Saturn brand.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I am v. happy with my Ford Escape V6 AWD: it is fun to drive, can tow and is decent on gas.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
Frog Stranglers

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
I am v. happy with my Ford Escape V6 AWD: it is fun to drive, can tow and is decent on gas.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemrw:
I'm surprised no one's talking about the Superbowl.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemrw:
I'm surprised no one's talking about the Superbowl. Anyone doing anything for the day? I'm going to watch it with my brother and cousin.

---

The ship may also be less sporty than most places. I personally don't even know which teams are playing.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I'm going to play on the computer and watch the commercials when they come on. And eat hummus and homemade soup! (And frozen yogurt!)
 

---

Posted by Scarlet (# 1738) on :
 
Regarding the Superbowl, I'll just be happy when it's over. Even the supposedly serious news channels have been hyping it today.

I'm not watching either, btw.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
I see that if I stay up another two hours, I can watch it
Iive on BBC1. I have to say I find American football the most tedious and inexplicable game in the universe - they keep stopping! I mean, you blow a whistle, run about a lot until another whistle sounds, and then finish - what is so hard to grasp?
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
normally I'd be working, but thankfully I'm not. I can skip the stupidbowl with impunity. I do enjoy the social event part - scads of humans all together eating and catching up and yelling randomly at odd moments. I'm the one going, "uh.. yay! what just happened? And that's good, right? yay! oh wait, boo! ...sorry. want another beer?"
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Thank you, comet! You reminded me that I forgot to open the wine!!

One needs wine after that horrendous rendition of America the Beautiful.

I should just put the straw in the bottle and be done with it.

And, bad vs. good commercials? Only one good one so far.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Super Bowl ? I'd rather watch paint dry! (Oh, that's what I'm doing today in the kitchen finishing the paint job.)

BOOOOOORINGGGG football game with teams that are boring!
and Madonna
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
...I should just put the straw in the bottle and be done with it. ...

---

Far be it from me to comment!


 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
I see that if I stay up another two hours, I can watch it
Iive on BBC1. I have to say I find American football the most tedious and inexplicable game in the universe - they keep stopping! I mean, you blow a whistle, run about a lot until another whistle sounds, and then finish - what is so hard to grasp?

---

My sentiments too. I find American football even more confusing than AFL down here. I can sort of follow that but not well. I do get a laugh from the fancy dress of players however.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I refused to watch the Super Bowl and I don't care to know who won! If it is not one of our California teams, I don't give a shit.

That said, I do like proper football: I laughed my arse off when Man U scored an own goal yesterday morning. I wish Chelsea had not committed two fouls in the second half which led to Mr. Rooney scoring two goals on penalty kicks. Still, a draw was less damaging to the standing of my Spurs than a win would have been. I am v. angry that I will not see their next match on television this week, and having some Scottish blood, I am too cheap to pay for the broadcast on the THFC website...
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
10 hours and its goodbye 49, hello 50!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
You're going to Hawaii? Wow, have fun!
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
I expect that will be rather a shock to the winter-hardened system, comet. I am recalling one January long ago when I flew from Buffalo to Guam. It took me a while to get used to it.

Last night the Gander watched the Super Bowl (without a lot of enthusiasm) while I sewed cat blankets. We had a nice wood fire going in the fireplace, which was more interesting to watch than the game, actually.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Jedi Judy wrote

quote:

---

I'm going to play on the computer and watch the commercials when they come on.

---

I did not watch the game, did not care, but now if they would just do the half time and the commercials and skip the ball playing I would watch.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Apparently someone was watching -- wasn't it the highest-watched program in all American TV history?
 

---

Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
I didn't watch it because I was still a bit miffed about the Niners not getting in. I also had other things going on.

But by all accounts, I missed a great game ... and a non-sucky halftime show.

The NFL thread in the circus was very active ... and a lot of UK folks who were up very late were on it.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amazing Grace:

The NFL thread in the circus was very active ... and a lot of UK folks who were up very late were on it.

---

All over Britain there were late starts and an above-average outbreak of Mondayitis.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
I went to watch it on a new big screen my friends just bought. How cliched is that? About ten of us had a good old time, watching and munching and kidding about the big money we had riding on the game- $5. I had it riding on New England. Poor old Tom Brady! But Madonna didn't suck and I saw that she was dressed in such a way that there would be no "wardrobe malfunctions". I guess these days she is leaving the risky apparel to Lady GaGa.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
She's not much younger than me, you know!
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
So do you go in for risky attire, Sir Kevin? Like surfing in speedos?
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Daughter #1 just called with more baby news. Our #5 grandchild will be a BOY!!! The girls will now be outnumbered by 1.

Daughter #2 and family are doing very well with #4, I can't wait to drive up to see them. :
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
And now to more or less lighthearted subject......

Did anyone of you watch a program called "Doomsday Preppers" last night. If the local volcano decides to erupt, I'm in deep do-do!
 

---

Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
Did anyone of you watch a program called "Doomsday Preppers" last night.

---

I saw the previews -- the clip of the woman waxing estatic over how many guns she'd have to hoard made me sick to my stomach.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Amanda,

That program also showed people who have put up thousands of jars of food and who don't believe in guns. So it was definitely one interesting TV last night and not all about guns. Let's just say, if there is a bomb or earthquake, goodbye jars.

MB
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
All my guns won't do me a whole lot of good if all the bunnies and deer and 'gators are radioactivitied-to-death or volcanically smothered...

Ah, well, at least I'll be able to shoot and eat all the invading people who come to rob me of my non-existent food.
 

---

Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
We're supposed to get snow tomorrow. I hope it's not to bad.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
The local weather says it is 25F but feels like 12 with the wind-chill. Yay! I would much rather have stayed snuggled up in bed this morning, but the boss man seems to think I should show up to work. Hopefully, not for too much longer. I won't miss getting up at O'dark thirty on Saturdays.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
We'll get a couple of nights a couple of degrees below freezing this weekend. The willows and swamp maples have considered winter over with for weeks now. I hope the early gardens don't suffer too much.

They're rolling with Mardi Gras parades locally, first one was last night. The west side route runs three blocks and a bayou away. Sounds like a party on wheels and a few thousand people dancing and singing, off in the distance.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We had rain last night! Just .2 inches, but we are grateful!

It's supposed to be in the low 40s when we get up tomorrow, and will only get to 62 for a high temp. I guess we can put up with that for a day. It's been in the 80s for weeks.

Oh. I didn't win one of the cars.
 

---

Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
[...] I didn't win one of the cars.

---

Did you win the other?
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I didn't win any of the eight cars!

Wait a minute.

I didn't win any of the eight cars.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
We did a cat run today for Siamese Rescue: 2 cats to Petersburg, where they were picked up by the next driver, and now are in their new homes in South Carolina. There were another 5 or 6 transported from hereabouts to points north this morning. So 7 or 8 homeless cats are homeless no more.

Anyway, we're feeling very warm and fuzzy about that.

To continue with the warm and fuzzy theme, we had a lovely wood fire in the fireplace and sat watching the snow come down. Nothing like watching snow fall outside when you are all warm and cozy indoors.

[ 12. February 2012, 03:28: Message edited by: snowgoose ]
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
MB says she would like to be in front of the fireplace watching snow fall, but we don't have any snow, just wind and cold.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
It's freezing cold here today, (42) and will be even freezier tomorrow.

If the sun would shine, it would be OK. But we'll only have bits of sun today. Maybe it will be good for a nap this afternoon!
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Well, we did get some snow, about 3mm. The bay Thoroughbred has already accumulated enough to look like an Appaloosa

I will try to sell Motherboard on the concept of being snowed in and unable to attend church this morning - or perhaps somewhere closer such as St Mattress here in the valley.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
I am not buying JB's "St. Mattress" idea, as we have been invited to go out for brunch with some people from church, so I'm ready to move with snowshoes on.

It looks so lovely falling. and keeps my orchard from 'budding too early' ideas.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I woke up this morning to a call from my small local bank to hear that yesterday my debit card number had been stolen, they caught it and closed my account down. Three Cheers for my bank, who figured out I would not have been at our local hardware store one hour and in London England four hours later.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Graven Image, you have a great bank!
My bank calls when there is a phone purchase or something that they haven't seen before. I'm glad they are watching, believe me. I don't want to get any surprises at the end of the month statements.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Well, tomorrow is the big day and I'm getting a fluttery stomach already. I have heard through the grapevine that we are going to get approval, but I think I will wait until I have my nice shiny paperwork in hand before I celebrate.

I am so excited about going off on my own and seeing if I can actually put into action years of "when I run my own place, I'll do it this way..." thoughts. I am also a little (lot) terrified. I have a great business partner and my husband is completely behind us, so there is going to be a whole heap of largely self-induced pressure not to let them down.

I'm also more than a little sad to think about leaving my current boss. I work for a father-daughter pair and while I get on very well with the daughter, the father is the one I'm going to miss like hell. He's the kind of boss you want to work hard for because he notices and actually lets you know he appreicates you. He's the kind of boss I want to be someday.

And on the obligatory weather note - cold and grey...winter finally decided to wander into West Tennessee
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
The very best of luck on your endeavor, Bess. You've got a good head on your shoulders and you deserve a whale of a success.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Me, too - though I think a whale might be a rarity in Tennessee!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Good luck, Bess!
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
Me, too - though I think a whale might be a rarity in Tennessee!

---

Not according to my totally truthful fishermen friends. It's a wiley rascal though, they never seem to land it
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
GREAT news, Bess I know you will do well.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We're looking forward to hearing good news, Bess!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Greetings to all from Chez Marmot. I'm sitting on her deck watching the sunset and wishing I didn't have to go home. what a treat to be here.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
What's it like to feel your fingers and toes again, comet?

And best to Marmot.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Are your kiddos saying bad things about you, comet?
Mom...razzle frazzle...Hawaii...cold Alaskan kids...@#$%

Having enjoyed Marmot's wonderful hospitality in another location, I know that you two are having a marvelous time! Please give each other a big hug from me!
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 


As of about one hour ago, I am officially a small business owner! The county hearing, which had my stomach tied in giant knots, was little more than a rubber-stamp - in and out in under 15 minutes. Now the really hard work begins, but bring it on!


 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
WOOT!

 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Woo-Hooooo! Congratulations, Bess!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
marmot sends love back!
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Bess I am so happy for you. ENJOY
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Wonder how far Bess can deliver...
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Yay, Bess!!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Adding my cheers! What great news, Bess!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
So, here I am in the choir rehearsal room, waiting for the choir. Wearing a brace on my right hand. This should be fun today, directing and playing the organ with this fun device.

Hopefully I'll be distracted enough to not mutter an "ow" or two. Apparently I did a loud enough one while I was outside Friday that it could be heard in the house. I didn't even realize I'd said anything.

Oh, typing is wonderful, too. And I can't use the mouse correctly!

Just a little whine. Nothing serious. Back to your regularly scheduled national pride.

[ETA clarification]

[ 19. February 2012, 13:47: Message edited by: jedijudy ]
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
I'm having an outbreak of mealy bugs. The houseplants do not like the dry air, and some of them waaay prefer being outside. I'm trying to explain to them that they aren't frost-hardy, but it doesn't seem to be getting through.

It's a nasty cold-and-wet day so I think I'll make some pancakes. It will be good practice for Tuesday. Yeah, that's it. Excuse me, must go warm up the maple syrup.

[ETA: No, the air is not dry today, obviously, but it is as a rule because the furnace dries it out.]

[ 19. February 2012, 17:40: Message edited by: snowgoose ]
 

---

Posted by marmot (# 479) on :
 
Very much enjoyed Comet's visit to Chez Marmot. She is the very best kind of guest: the one who makes coffee in the morning!
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I was having an early spring cleaning fit and started moving around the living room furniture, looking for a change. I am afraid I have the cat very upset. She keeps walking around the room making low meowing sounds. Mr Image on the other hand has said nothing. Has he not noticed that the sofa is on the other side of the room with bright new pillows?
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We're having our first snowstorm of the winter. We've got about two inches now, and it's supposed to snow all night.

It's very heavy and wet, and the temperature is supposed to turn sharply colder. I think that moving that stuff will be quite a job.

Moo
 

---

Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
Jedi, our organist broke his little toe. He had on a boot on Sunday, so playing the organ was interesting for him. He said that he was happy that the piece he had picked out for us had little accompaniment.

However, he accidentally stepped on some bass notes after the end of the service. It was very rummbly!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
watched the premier of Frost Bite last night. it was hilarious - but mostly just because we know everyone and all the places. not as hilarious if you don't, I suspect. it was still "raw" - final editing not done yet. (good thing, too. the sound was terrible). my kids were great. my friends were great. me - not so much. the acting wasn't bad, exactly. just the character is very 2D. and I didn't do very good in part because I felt out of my element. also - the costuming and lighting made me look HUGE. i was mortified that maybe I really look like that until my son pointed it out also. others have also said something. at least if I have to have such unflattering representation, it's good to know it isn't how I look to the real world! whew!

so all in all - weird experience. but at least it's done!

FYI - the actual release of the movie has been put off until possibly december. has to do with availability of post-production people. I'll keep you all posted. just... don't expect oscar level performances. oi.
 

---

Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
We're having our first snowstorm of the winter. We've got about two inches now, and it's supposed to snow all night.

Moo

---

Now calling for up to 5"+ in Roanoke. Glad I live close enough to my (volunteer) place of work that I can walk. Just hope that there is no interruption of power.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I walked to church this morning. The snow began about the time I left home, but it didn't start sticking until after I'd gotten back.

Moo
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
I feel like someone ran over me with a truck, then beat with a lead pipe for good measure. I don't remember painting being this physically demanding. Yikes. Since getting the all clear on Thursday, I have been scrubbing and painting like a woman possessed. Three plus decades of tobacco residue does NOT look or smell very good.

We found out that one wall was acutally beautiful, old windows, which had been covered up with painted ply-wood. We've dressed them up and will put a pebble glass effect on them to give the illusion of openness and space that the old joint was sorely lacking. Friends have been stopping by through out the day to take a look at what we're doing and ask when we'll be open. Friday is the target date for the soft opening, provided I don't work myself to death before then.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
I might have missed it somewhere up the thread, but is your new business a restaurant, Bess? a bakery?

Post pictures if you can when it is ready to open?
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
Post pictures if you can when it is ready to open?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by duchess:
I just ignore the crows.

---

I like crows. They're very intelligent. I wish we had more of them around here. As it is, our shrubbery has become very popular with rufous sided towhees. I have been seeing more towhees and fewer robins over the last few years.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Have fun and don't forget your sunscreen, Nicole!

We've not been having our Winter robins, snowgoose. And I miss them. Sometimes they like to eat the Brazilian pepper berries, then they roll around on the ground like they've had one too many. Really. If you haven't seen a robin lying on its back, you have really missed something!
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
I might have missed it somewhere up the thread, but is your new business a restaurant, Bess? a bakery?

Post pictures if you can when it is ready to open?

---

I guess I didn't say earlier, but the local honky-tonk bar, The Hill, shut the doors two days before Christmas. A deadly combination of a very unpleasant bartender (she would yell at you for being a drunk when you first walked in the joint) and an absentee, non-local owner who didn't give a rats fuzzy butt about the place had run off all but the die-hard regulars.

The Hill has been a beer joint for over four decades. It's in a fantastic location right on the main north-south artery of this half of the county, outside of town, and it's the only place for MILES to go drink a beer and play pool. The plan is to make the place jump like it used to. It won't be as busy as it was in it's heyday, since there aren't all the factories around anymore, but even modest sales figures will keep the doors open and the wolves at bay. (Can ya'll tell I'm super excited )

So I'm gonna be a barkeep. I've always wanted my own bar and now I have one. I wish I could sell food at The Hill - that would complete the dream - but to get her back up to code, health department wise, requires a lot more capital than I have right now. The plan is to renovate the kitchen in a couple of years, once the place is making decent money.

And all of this just confirms my mother-in-law's fears that I am, in fact, Satan's Little Sister. She stopped by yesterday to tell me in person that she is really against drinking and bars in general and my owning a bar in particular. And to accuse me of looking down my nose at her because she doesn't drink. And to order me to buy some air-freshener for the place. Ummmm....

All in all, it is a win-win for me. I get to live my dream and piss off my M-i-L all at the same time.

[teeny change to the coding]

[ 22. February 2012, 13:19: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Well, yeah, how cool is that?

Sounds like your cup of lager fer shur. (Speaking of which, if you are also going to carry an ale I really recommend Bass over Newcastle- just saying.) Are you going to have darts as well as pool? Arcade video games?

I wish I could come to your opening!
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:

And all of this just confirms my mother-in-law's fears that I am, in fact, Satan's Little Sister. She stopped by yesterday to tell me in person that she is really against drinking and bars in general and my owning a bar in particular. And to accuse me of looking down my nose at her because she doesn't drink. And to order me to buy some air-freshener for the place. Ummmm....

All in all, it is a win-win for me. I get to live my dream and piss off my M-i-L all at the same time.

---

quote:

---

she is really against drinking

---

I hope you invited her back on opening day for an O'Doul's, best non alcohol beer out there. Be sure to tell her you ordered it just for her.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I just had the nicest thing happen. This afternoon, I accompanied two choral groups from one of the high schools for their Music Performance Assessments. They are a nice (if somewhat rowdy) group of kids!

Their director (my very good friend) gave me an envelope before I left. Inside, all the members of both choirs had written messages and signed their names for me! Now, I know their director suggested it, but none of them had to write such lovely messages!

These are some outstanding young folks! And they really made my day!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I think that needs to be hung up in a prominent place in your home, jedijudy!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
I think that needs to be hung up in a prominent place in your home, jedijudy!

---

I was thinking the same thing, Mamacita!

Oh, BTW, the choruses got straight Superiors!

 

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Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
Okay doke, this Saturday, I got the table cleared off and a big space in the main room so I can work out on the floor with weights. I actually took out my work laptop and finished up some things with lots of space. I am trying so hard to get rid of clutter.
Each weekend, I will try to tackle 1 project.

The patio will still be worked on. After I clear out more stuff (plants that died, soil-filled pots, extra bags of soil etc), I need to find some more plants that do well in shady, patio areas. Most don't as they need direct sunlight, which does not happen there. I have still managed to sadly kill off with my not-so-green-thumb ones that should have thrived.
 

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Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Yesterday I looked out the window at a large raven that had landed on our fence. While I was wondering do I or do I not want ravens invading the area a small squirrel jumped from our tree to the fence and stared down the raven. The squirrel at less than half the size of the raven decide to do a full frontal charge. The raven did that bird jump flap thing and let the squirrel fly by underneath. The persistent squirrel turned around gave another stare then repeat the full speed charge finally sending the raven flying off. Apparently our little battle squirrel made the decision for me that we did not need ravens around our yard.
 

---

Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by rugasaw:
The persistent squirrel turned around gave another stare then repeat the full speed charge finally sending the raven flying off.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
I presume you have seen The Birds!

---

haven't as I know it would scare me!
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
O'Doul's is too light and sharp. Coors Cutter (formerly "Cutter" anyway -- maybe now just "non-alcoholic") is pretty good.

I bet the squirrels who chase off the ravens are thinking little squirrel thoughts about little squirrel babies.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by rugasaw:
Yesterday I looked out the window at a large raven that had landed on our fence. While I was wondering do I or do I not want ravens invading the area a small squirrel jumped from our tree to the fence and stared down the raven. The squirrel at less than half the size of the raven decide to do a full frontal charge. The raven did that bird jump flap thing and let the squirrel fly by underneath. The persistent squirrel turned around gave another stare then repeat the full speed charge finally sending the raven flying off. Apparently our little battle squirrel made the decision for me that we did not need ravens around our yard.

---

Some squirrels in California challenge rattlers.

But not in our neighborhood. Our squirrels are fat on city provided live oak acorns. They are pretty good at giving the neighborhood cats nervous tics.
 

---

Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
I wish we had the red squirrels like they do in the UK (which are being terrorized by grey yankee squirrels that were imported over during colonial days). We should import a bunch in and try to breed a stronger, heartier red one.

Edited to add: Lyda, I have heard that tic sound cats give when confounded by a squirrel. So full of awesomeoness whenever that happens.

[ 28. February 2012, 04:16: Message edited by: duchess ]
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemrw:
I head off for a five day trip to sunny Mexico tomorrow morning. Yay!

---

So how was the trip?
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We had actual rain! Yes! Who knew! And, it was accompanied by a festive lightening and thunder show! (Yes, I am one of the weird ones who like lightening. Even though my car was struck by it once as I drove to town.)

There was almost two inches of the divine wet stuff in my gauge this morning!
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
duchess:

quote:

---

Edited to add: Lyda, I have heard that tic sound cats give when confounded by a squirrel. So full of awesomeoness whenever that happens.

---

Isn't it? My dad's Siamese is a master at catching lizards and is no slouch with the gophers, but a squirrel will come most of the way down a tree just to stare him down within a couple of feet. Ming is helpless and he knows it. You can almost hear little gears and springs breaking and boinging in his feline head.

Go prey animals!
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
I have watched a cat stalk our Chihuahua from all the way across the street, step by step by step, for fifteen everlasting minutes. The dog had his head down in the grass sniffing at something. Kitty got within five feet when the dog lifted his head, looked around, and the cat streaked off like a lightning bolt. Clear reaction: "Damn! I thought that was a squirrel!"

The dog just looked mildly puzzled and went back to his business.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 


My mom had this incredible alpha cat that was the bane of dogs. Once Mom was out talking to a neighbor who was quite afraid of dogs. Suddenly this big lummox of a German shepherd puppy -a little less than a year old- came bounding toward them to say "hi!". The neighbor froze in horror, my mom was bemused, when suddenly the dog does an about-face and tears out of there. A few minutes later the cat saunters out from under a bush near the dog's path. One primal hiss had done the trick!
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
My friend had a furry ginger psychopath, lightly disguised as a cat. When another friend was visiting with her fairly large dog, Fidel was exiled outdoors, where he prowled past the windows, looking in at the dog, which by this time was throwing up...
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
My son's cat was said at be an alien who had bought a cat suit (those were the days of "Men in Black") but hadn't read the instruction book. He was awkward, unhibited, and so doglike he would insist on riding in the wheelbarow after I cleaned the horses' stalls.

We wished he had been able at afford the "Arabian Stallion" suit.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:

Go prey animals!

---

At one point, we had two very large fish, Oscars in fact, who lived in a huge tank in our living room. We adopted several kittens right around this time and it was hilarious to watch the kittens stalking the fish through the tank glass as the fish were stalking the kittens. Each kit tried *one time* to get a paw into the tank after the fish, only to get a fairly good chomp from the larger, male fish.

I figured if one of the kittens ever fell into the tank, it was about even odds which critter would survive. (These were HUGE fish).
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Happy Sadie Hawkins Day! I am wiggling my eyebrows at all you ladies who need to remember what the possibilities are today.

BTW, I am an encourager and instigator, not a participant.

Winter apparently lasted for two days this year. One was in December, and one in January. We are breaking and tying high temp records. Very likely will shatter the high for today. So, if anyone is cold, this is the place to warm up.
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
My son's cat was said at be an alien who had bought a cat suit (those were the days of "Men in Black") but hadn't read the instruction book. He was awkward, unhibited, and so doglike he would insist on riding in the wheelbarow after I cleaned the horses' stalls.

We wished he had been able at afford the "Arabian Stallion" suit.

---

Wouldn't he have been a bit heavy to push around in the wheelbarrow in the "Arabian Stallion" suit?
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
Snowgoose, the trip was amazingly excellent. The resort was fantastic and we did a trip to Chichin Itza while we were there, which is stunning.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Ooh, Chichin Itza. I'd love to see it.

Brunhilde, the stray cat who adopted us, was hurt somehow and had to go to the vet. Turns out she had an abscess, so the vet cleaned it out and said we had to confine her to the house for a week to 10 days. She has lived rough most of her life so we were apprehensive about it, but it has been remarkably drama-free.

Daffodils are everywhere, and my cherry tree is blooming. Rain and thunder today, but snow is predicted for Monday. I wish it would just make up its mind.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We had a delightful mini-Shipmeet in Bradenton tonight with Motherboard and JB! As always, there was nonstop laughing and talking (and eating! We do that well, too!) on our side of the Cracker Barrel. With us were our good friends A and D, who have met several Shipmates, in spite of not actually being on the Ship!

It's always a very special treat to spend time with JB and MoBo!
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
I am being very brave right now. My husband pretty much took the bar keys away from me and bundled me into my truck so I could go home earlier (midnight rather than 3AM is) and get a bit of rest. He is amazing, and has been so supportive and I know he will do a great job without me there hovering, but I'm still nervous. I keep telling folks it is kind of like I gave birth to an 1800 sq ft baby a week ago. And just like with a baby, it will take me some time to relax a little and let someone else care for it for a while.

The first week has been amazing. The support from the old regulars has really touched me. One guy spent about 3 hours the other day piddling around fixing stuff that needed seeing to and wouldn't take a dime. Not even a beer on the house for his trouble. He said he was just happy to see the place back open and a smiling face behind the bar. (Sorry, I really do sound like a proud new parent, don't I?)

Anyway, I'm finally getting to relax and enjoy a beer myself.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Dang it. No "Like" button. I usually think that's a good thing, but sometimes one feels the urge.

This will have to do:


 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Dang, Bess, burning the candle at both ends, already? You can't do the best with the new job unless you are in the best shape, sleep-wise. You'll make mistakes, and you don't want that, now do you?

If this is your dream, by the way, you have got to follow it, Bess. I expect you to make yourself proud, because I am proud of you, girl.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
BessHiggs, many congrats on your successful launch, and I hope things just get better and better. I like the image of the old customer puttering around and being helpful. Take care of yourself -- it will be a good investment for yourself and your business (and for your helpful husband too).
 

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Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :
 
We're staying in Clermont, FL, helping our kids this month while our son-in-law is in the hospital...anyway, when I went to the local ELCA church this morning the pastor surprised the congregation by announcing that the organist/pianist/music director had given his two weeks' notice. It sounds as if this was rather unexpected.

If anyone knows any church musicians in this area (which is about a half-hour's drive from Orlando and is also very near Winter Garden)who might be interested in taking on this church's music program, can you please direct them to the church website, shephillsclermont.org/? The worship is MOTR Lutheran...about 200 folks show up for worship each Sunday between two services...the congregation uses newer, WOV liturgical settings plus the LBW for hymns, and has a small choir. My take, as a 3-weeks-and-counting visitor, is that most of the congo are retired Midwestern snowbirds, with a smattering of middle-aged couples/ tweenage kids.

[ 04. March 2012, 19:21: Message edited by: LutheranChik ]
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Why is it that when I make a cake just for household consumption it turns out perfectly but when I make the exact same cake using the exact same recipe and it's for someone else, there is always something wrong with it. In this case, it has risen unevenly so it looks all caterwumpy.

We are getting new gas logs for the living room fireplace. We want the kind that actually heat the room as opposed to the ones that are purely decorative. The new ones are on order, and as soon as they arrive and are installed, we are sure to have no more cold weather and will have to wait for next year to use them.

Sorry. Having a bit of a gloomy day.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Don't wash your car. It'll rain for sure.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Excellent advice. And I'll be sure to carry an umbrella as well, so it definitely won't rain.

Oh, by the way, the cake turned out looking OK thanks to a whole lot of strategically placed buttercream frosting.
 

---

Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
I wanted to say YAY Bess! Awesome! Living the dream.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
mmmmmmm...butter cream frosting. Made right, that's the best part of any cake anyway!

And speaking of food. One of my day-time regulars is a fantastic, inventive cook. Since he lives by himself, he has decided to use me as a (completely willing) test subject for his culinary creations. Monday he brought me braised pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon, poached sweet potato spears and wilted greens in a lovely spicy sauce. Pure food awesomeness.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Happy guinea pig, ain't ya.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Bess, don't loose that man - he's a "FIND" as my husband says. And, the regulars might even decide that their home cooking doesn't measure up and be at your door daily. Now won't that be a wonderful thing?
 

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Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
Traveled from Houston to OKC yesterday, and brought the rain all the way with us.

Ugh!!

We need the rain, but it's not fun to drive in for hours on end!!!
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Speaking of driving:

SF Peninsula Moment

There is something iconic about oozing down El Camino Real while blasting "The Very Best of WAR" from your stereo. I almost want to buy a hopped-up '74 Lincoln Continental just to complete the image.


Cisco Kid was a friend of mine...

[ 12. March 2012, 07:32: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I miss my '79 LTD. I loved it so much, I then bought a '78 LTD. This was in the 90's.

yay WAR!
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Oh, HELL YES, Janine.

( on face, assumes Gangsta Lean.)

Seriously, from about 1953 till now, this is El Camino every Saturday night, from San Francisco to San Jose.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Parents' lack of understanding of phonetics drives me nuts. Two patients I had business with today were, given how a literate person would pronounce the names -- Aryan and Totty Anna.


 

---

Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
I just want to say that I have finished paying off my daughter's college! Yay! After worrying for all her life how I would afford it, it is done.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Congratulations Nicolemrw!

[ 16. March 2012, 03:20: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Parents' lack of understanding of phonetics drives me nuts. Two patients I had business with today were, given how a literate person would pronounce the names -- Aryan and Totty Anna.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemrw:
I just want to say that I have finished paying off my daughter's college! Yay! After worrying for all her life how I would afford it, it is done.

---

That is a major victory, Nicolemrw. Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Yeah, that's amazingly fantastic.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Yay Nicolemrw! What a relief you must be feeling! (Happy Dance Emoticon)

Today makes three full weeks that the bar has been open and things are going fantastic business-wise. My partner, OTOH, is about to stomp on my very last nerve. He really likes owning a bar. What he doesn't like so much is running one. There is a Come-To-Jesus-Meeting in the very near future. The coolers don't stock themselves and the floor-mopping fairies haven't shown up yet so I'm feeling like the labor needs to be a bit more evenly distributed. Sigh

Just a little whine before I start the weekend. I guess I knew in my heart this was how it was going to play out, and I'm putting on my big-girl panties as we speak, but . There, now I feel better.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
 

---

Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
I used to work with a woman named Yvette. Not pronounced ee-vette, as one would think.

---

Likewise, in my office there was a Michelle who pronounced her name MISH-uh-lee.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:

Today makes three full weeks that the bar has been open and things are going fantastic business-wise. My partner, OTOH, is about to stomp on my very last nerve. He really likes owning a bar. What he doesn't like so much is running one. There is a Come-To-Jesus-Meeting in the very near future. The coolers don't stock themselves and the floor-mopping fairies haven't shown up yet so I'm feeling like the labor needs to be a bit more evenly distributed. Sigh

Just a little whine before I start the weekend. I guess I knew in my heart this was how it was going to play out, and I'm putting on my big-girl panties as we speak, but . There, now I feel better.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

---

Bess, If you would be willing to sell tickets to that "Come-to-Jesus-meeting.I would buy one. "I want to get a few pointers because JB thinks the house gets cleaned by itself and darned if my cleaning elves are on strike! In all other ways JB is an exceptional husband, but on occasion there are cracks in his suit of armor and his halo.

I will NOT be having a wonderful weekend, as I will be trying to save my orchard yet again. They are calling for a freeze and I have all these lovely buds on my trees due to a hot spell this week. Does anyone have one of those heater thingies that they use in orange groves? I could use one right now. <SIGH>


But, y'all have a great weekend!

P.S. Nicole isn't paying off bills so satisfying? We killed off some credit cards this year and it's like this huge boulder has been taken off your shoulders.
 

---

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
I used to work with a woman named Yvette. Not pronounced ee-vette, as one would think.

---

Likewise, in my office there was a Michelle who pronounced her name MISH-uh-lee.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemrw:
Thanks to everyone for their congratulations! it is indeed a major, major relief.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
They finished with two modern hymns, one of which was a poem of e. e. cummings set to music.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
MoBo, didn't they once save the orange groves from killer frost by burning tires in them?

---

Actually, I would get arrested is I burned anything right now. Today there were such high winds, that we put the dogs and horses inside. You couldn't see across the road in places, let alone any view of the mountains.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
i love that shaped-mote stuff, moo!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
The jacarandas are blooming! They're only about six weeks early...

Love, love, love seeing masses of bluish-purple along the streets where they grow.
 

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Posted by jugular (# 4174) on :
 
Hello Americans,

I will be visiting (from Australia) New York City in June. I'll be there for a month staying at House of the Redeemer.

Forgive my ignorance, but are there many NYC shipmates, or people who go to NYC sometimes? I'd love to have a meet. I'm pretty flexible with my time - I've got the whole month after all.
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
Hi, I'm in NYC and I love shipmeets. Get in touch!
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Happy birthday to J S Bach! An amazing genius with such a creative way with ordinary notes-on-the-page turned into heart swelling vistas of sound.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Well, the spring planting has begun

(YES, I KNOW THERE IS STILL A CHANCE FOR SNOW AND FREEZING, BUT I LIVE IN HOPE)

Today are 4 raspberry bushes, spinach, broccoli outdoors and starting tomatoes in those upside down thingies. Also will kick start the beans and peas in time for the next lunar cycle on April 1st for them. I have to wait for the 13th of April for the potatoes, onions, carrots. The water is now on and the orchard made the last freeze, so my little buds and seeds - GO FORTH AND PROSPER!

Sadly, I think the asparagus didn't make it.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
My crazy cactus is gone. (Uncle Pete is going to be so sad.)

I looked under the oak tree yesterday, and expected to see some new growth poking around the basket. Nothing. When I hurried to the tree, there was nothing there at all. Do squirrels eat Crazy Cacti?

I've had that thing for probably twelve or thirteen years.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Aw, jedijudy, I've enjoyed your photos of that crazy cactus for years!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Mamacita, I'm so glad that the photos are in existence. I'm going to miss that plant.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
My plants are in some danger here, from voles. I have had fewer of them than most of my neighbors have for the last few years; but now that my Better Mousetrap is indoors learning how to be a house cat, I fear that will change. I planted a lot of things in pots this year to keep them from being rodent chow.

It is a good thing Brunhilde (the mousetrap) is doing so well indoors, though, because we just had a report of a rabid raccoon quite nearby. With cat food out all the time, we were getting quite a few 'coons coming around the house, and now they don't have as much reason to do so.

A friend of mine (a foster mom for Siamese Rescue, who lives in my neighborhood) was bitten by a stray cat recently and had to have the whole miserable course of Rabies Shots, because they couldn't find the cat afterwards. I do not want to go through that

[Saw the epelling error even as I hit the "post" button.]

[ 25. March 2012, 18:27: Message edited by: snowgoose ]
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Sorry about the voles, snowgoose, but I'm glad to hear that things are coming along with Brunhilde. I'm in awe of your patience and dedication.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
My crazy cactus is gone. (Uncle Pete is going to be so sad.)

I looked under the oak tree yesterday, and expected to see some new growth poking around the basket. Nothing. When I hurried to the tree, there was nothing there at all. Do squirrels eat Crazy Cacti?

I've had that thing for probably twelve or thirteen years.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Maybe we should compose a photojournal for the magazine.

---

I would expect people to throw things at me in that case!
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Maybe we should compose a photojournal for the magazine.

---

I would expect people to throw things at me in that case!

---

The nice thing about the Ship is that only one person on it is close enough to hit me.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
We had some wildfires in the area. Read here for the update

During all this fire danger problem, there is always a laugh in the midst of it all.

To bring you up to speed, the local emergency system calls all the house phones in the area in any emergency. We get the call telling us where a fire is and to prepare to evacuate. So, we check where the fire is on the map, and we have time to prepare or not. We realize it is too far off from us, though, and go to bed.
At 4:22 in the morning is the 'All Clear" signal call on the phone and to go back to your homes.

Now think about this --- you are gone, your phone rings, so WHO is going to answer it to know you can go home?

More brilliant minds than mine can work on that one.

[ 27. March 2012, 15:12: Message edited by: Ye Olde Motherboarde ]
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Y'all mind if I whine for just a minute?

The bar has been open for a month now. Business has been good, the old regulars have all come back and lots of new folks have started turning up. There have even been a couple of times I was dead scared that I was actually going to run out of some brands of beer. Yippee! Yay! I'm pretty happy about it all.

Now the whining part.

I couldn't give a rat's fuzzy backside what color anyone's skin is. The only color I care about is dollar bill green. As a result, I've had one or two folks try to lable my bar a "N***** Bar". The bar is motorcycle-friendly, (although I don't care a flip about patches or colors) so I get labled as running a "Biker Bar". One of my Saturday regulars is rumored to be gay, so it seems I'm also running a "Gay Bar". The final kick in the head got back to me yesterday. Now, it seems the rumor is that the DEA is watching the bar cause it is a notorious druggie hangout. Really?!? I'm just waiting to hear that because my husband works in Waste Disposal, the bar is really a Mafia front.

I'm fairly sure where most of these nasty rumors are coming from. It just chaps my giant white ass that some folks can't seem to stand seeing anyone else doing well. The only really effective way to deal with rumors around here is to ignore them but I'm thinking of getting a sign for the front door made up to read: Welcome to West Tennessee's Only Gay-Black-Drug Dealing-Biker-Redneck-Beer Joint.

Grrrrr!

Thank y'all, I feel better now.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Get yourself a sign made:

quote:

---

House Rules:

We welcome everybody! If you behave yourself, you're welcome to stay - you misbehave and you're out!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by monkeylizard:
You forgot "Mafia"

---

quote:

---

Welcome to West Tennessee's Only Gay-Black-Drug-Stoner-Biker-Redneck-Beer Joint. We welcome everybody! If you behave yourself, you're welcome to stay - you misbehave and you're out!

---

Just so some humorless trooper or deputy doesn't take exception. Stoners are people with a little weed in their pocket, a dime a dozen. Dealers, however...

I think laughing at the rumors is even better than ignoring them.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I really like the idea of having a Biker-Lepidopterist-Black-Turophobic-Mafia-Phlebotomist-Gay-Philatelist-Druggie-Drinker Bar. Or one would hope it's at least partly a drinker bar, or what's the license for?

Older minority churchmates have told me in conversations over the years about this business or that grocery where they wouldn't have been welcome when they were younger -- or where, if allowed in, they certainly wouldn't have been permitted to use the restroom.

I can't relate, though I know the stories are true. The first thought in my mind, from a business-owner's POV, is "everybody's money is green." (Well, U.S. money. Mostly green. These days it all looks like it got stuck in the wash with new jeans and a red bikini. Y'all know what I mean.)

MoBo, wouldn't that "all clear" call after the fires need to go to cell phones?
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
... I'm thinking of getting a sign for the front door made up to read: Welcome to West Tennessee's Only Gay-Black-Drug Dealing-Biker-Redneck-Beer Joint.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
I'd actually get that sign made with one little tweak and Wodders' addition:

quote:

---

Welcome to West Tennessee's Only Gay-Black-Drug-Stoner-Biker-Redneck-Beer Joint. We welcome everybody! If you behave yourself, you're welcome to stay - you misbehave and you're out!

---

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
I'd actually get that sign made with one little tweak and Wodders' addition:

quote:

---

Welcome to West Tennessee's Only Gay-Black-Drug-Stoner-Biker-Redneck-Beer Joint. We welcome everybody! If you behave yourself, you're welcome to stay - you misbehave and you're out!

---

---

with an addition:

Tweakers, Hippies, or Politicians use side door.

---

And another addition:
Baptist Parking in Back

I think I'm gonna need a bigger door LOL

Hell, I am proud of my bar. There have been more folks out on the weekends since I re-opened it than have been there in YEARS. And not just the crusty old regular bar people...I'm getting to corrupt a whole new generation.

Plus, we're the only place for MILES that serves anything besides the usual Bud/Miller/Coors. I think I'm about the only place within 30 miles that offers Stella Artois. I had two guys from Belgium in a couple of weeks ago and they were so tickled that I sold it, they had to buy a bottle just to take home with them.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Speaking of driving:

SF Peninsula Moment

There is something iconic about oozing down El Camino Real while blasting "The Very Best of WAR" from your stereo. I almost want to buy a hopped-up '74 Lincoln Continental just to complete the image.


Cisco Kid was a friend of mine...

---

I wish my 43-year-old Plymouth convertible was restored and back on the road. It could seat seven!
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Today a group of Tech student volunteers came and cleaned up my yard. They bagged the leaves that had blown from elsewhere onto my property, and they picked up the branches that had fallen from the trees. Now I can concentrate on planting things.

I do like living here.

Moo
 

---

Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
*collapses*

Well, I survived Palm Sunday with all of the singing the choir did. (Whose idea was it to sing the entire passion??)

I'm ready to sleep and sleep....
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Yeah, Pata! (Congratulations on making it through yesterday!)

Our choir is done until Easter, but I have services this week, and a six-hour prayer time to play for. I will gets some breaks. Immediately after, there will be a Good Friday service.

Good thing I have Monday and Tuesday off next week!

It's Holy Week! Easter is almost here!
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
Today a group of Tech student volunteers came and cleaned up my yard. They bagged the leaves that had blown from elsewhere onto my property, and they picked up the branches that had fallen from the trees. Now I can concentrate on planting things.

I do like living here.

Moo

---

Well, God bless those volunteers! What a nice surprise, Moo
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Of all the !#@&@)$)@ things to happen! It's SNOWING HERE! @^#$$)@)#!

I don't need this, I really don't. I want good strong buds from my trees to grow fruit. And I planted some spinach and cabbage in the cold frame. It's coming down like a house on fire.

I don't mind the moisture, but why did it have to be SNOW! We need RAIN not snow!

I'm saving up for a greenhouse that covers all the trees and planting beds. I'm not a happy camper tonight.

<screaming out loud>

(Whoops, scared the dogs.)
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Imagine, in a state not far away, that hundreds of thousands of Medicaid patients had not maintained updated contact information with said government health insurance entity. Or, perhaps that Medicaid had not maintained said up-to-date information. Lay the negligence where you will.

Imagine that five separate other entities -- some well-known national insurance agencies, some perhaps newbies born especially for a time such as this -- imagine that these five intrepid, brave entities bid for and won the right to administer the state-funded Medicaid. (Y'know, not the doctor-patient stuff, but the approval and denial, the billing and the paying, that stuff.)

God bless them, the poor poor dears. Our section of the state "went live" on April Fool's Day (combien prophetique!). They are now discovering just what a mare's nest Medicaid has dumped in their laps.

All those patients uncontactable, and all the patients who chucked the info packet thinking it junk mail, have been automatically randomly linked to one of the Five Entities. Also, there are patients who chose badly among the Five Entities based on what freebies were offered rather than other more cogent reasons (like, "Which plan does my doctor actually accept?")...

Can you see it? Dozens of patients every day, probably a solid third of up to 300 patients daily, needing help!

Needless to say, there's a supernova of determined acquisition of out-of-network pre-authorizations a-boomin' at my desk for the foreseeable future. My clinic refuses to turn anyone away for lack of usable Medicaid. Many clinics will. Some that were accepting Medicaid patients dropped them as this unwieldy change deadline approached.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
That all stinks, Janine. Poor folks.

And now for the comic relief...

Last night, son-in-law was walking up his driveway about 11 at night. All of a sudden, he noticed a possum heading right for him...at a trot! S-i-L is thinking, "what do I do? Do I run into the house? Do I move out of the way? Is he just wanting to get into the garage? I don't want to hurt the little fella."

Saved by the owl!!!

Out from under the bushes in front of his house flies a cute, adorable burrowing owl that's about five inches tall. It goes after that possum and squeals at the top of its little lungs that this is his territory, and no possums allowed! By the time D-U comes out of the house to see what's happening, the possum is half way across the yard, ducking and running while the owl is kicking it and screaming bloody murder!

Animals seem to favor my s-i-l. He favors them, too, fortunately.

He was pulling parts of a dead tree to the side of the street for yard waste pick up when he noticed a bunny rabbit (yeah! fluffy bunnies rule!) following him. He stopped to let the bun go where it was traveling to, but the bun stopped. When s-i-l started toward the street again, the bun was walking right beside him close enough that s-i-l could have reached down to pat the little thing!

Thus endeth the cute animal stories.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Either he really puts out a soothing smell/vibe/whatever... or all these critters are diseeeeeeeeeeeased. Y'know, too sick to care. Since they all seem perky enough, it must just be that the Soninlaw is, like, Dr. Doolittle. How cool is that?
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Maybe I should start calling him that!

He really likes little animals, and is very good with little kids, but don't tell him! He thinks he's not a kid person.

They have always had bunnies in the yard. It's very strange, there are buns and owls all over their neighborhood. Not so much cats and dogs, however.
 

---

Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
Some people are just like that. My father was; animals just loved him.
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Mr. Lamb is like that; he managed to charm a rare bird at the zoo so thoroughly that it was hopping from one side of the exhibit to another, trying to find a way to get out at him. Its mate looked MOST disgruntled. (So did the zoo guard, who thought he'd slipped it something)

This is why we always have abused and rescued animals in our lives (and people); something about him is healing. (Though the awestruck love is usually confined to Mr. Lamb, and I morph into the general bird/dog/whatever servant. Humph.)
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I once had a faux-fur coat that a male baboon at the Lincoln Park Zoo was, um, shall we say, in love with. It was embarrassing.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
One hopes it was a distant, unrequited love.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
unrequited, and unconsumated.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Yes to both, thank God. One of my friends was so amused he kept picking me up and carrying me back in front of the baboon cage. Awkward.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Are you sure it was only the faux fur alone that was so exciting? Could it also have been the very "I've got power over you, you furry little female" gesture of your friend carrying you around like that?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


Y'all recall the recent hullabaloo over Mary J. Blige getting the Burger King fried chicken advertising gig? The spot was pulled pretty quickly -- Heaven forbid a person of apparently African/American descent should say anything positive about fried chicken.

So, of course, you know all that goes through my contrarian, devil's-advocating head: "When will a Black woman be free to advertise anything she darn well pleases? And is it some kind of faux pas if an American of African descent admits to actually liking fried chicken? Thank God BK doesn't offer a healthful fruit snack including watermelon, there'd have been people storming their neighborhood Burger King restaurants with torches and pitchforks. <cue swooping preacher cadence> Reeeed an' Yellow, Blaaaack an' White, they are preeeecious in His sight... Why can't we all just get along?"

On Good Friday, my vegetarian boss hands me a couple of Popeye's Famous Fried Chicken gift cards, given to her husband by a patient. They're vegetarians, what are they gonna do with fried chicken? So, she wanted it donated to the battered womens' shelter. I was glad to go pick it up.

So, of course, you know what comes out of my contrarian, devil's-advocating mouth, the first time I need to order fried chicken since ol' Mary J. went through her kerfluffle... I presented the gift cards and asked if I could order black meat.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
( back from Palo Alto, covered with powder.)

Man, do Holi before you die. Seriously.

If anybody is interested and has access to my FB page, I have posted some video of the par-tay. I can't even tell you how much fun it is.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Saw the video. Where were you? Stanford? Looks like fun. What is Holi?
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Yeah, it was the Stanford Polo Fields. They do it every year.

Here's a nice brief description of the origins of Holi. The people I talked to, though , say there is very little if any religious import to the contemporary Holi celebration-- it's just an excuse to have fun.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
...The people I talked to, though , say there is very little if any religious import to the contemporary Holi celebration-- it's just an excuse to have fun.

---

I can live with that!
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Amen!

One of the articles I read (linked at the bottom of the thing I just posted) says that in India, people toss their friends into mud puddles during Holi. My kinda people.

[ 09. April 2012, 03:33: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
There's a lovely scene in Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy where, if I recall correctly, they dump a starchy professor in a bath of coloured water! I can think of many professors who would be much improved by that sort of treatment.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Everybody is improved by Holi.

I spent most of the day hunting and being hunted by preteen boys. Fearless. The older folk will tend to stick to pummeling their friends. I just threw in my lot with the troublemakers.

That, and I just have a twelve year old boy in me that needs to get out and run around once in a while. It's always been that way.

"Don't mind, it's Holi!" (Hindi = Bura na mano, Holi hai.)

[ 09. April 2012, 03:41: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
I, on the other hand, would stay indoors and bar the door till it was over. Or even leave town. It sounds like a horrible sort of April Fool's Day gone mad. But I am a timid and highly unadventurous sort. Fortunately, participation is, apparently, totally voluntary. (unless you're a professor).
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
What I noticed at the event was that people were really good at reading the difference between "back off" face and "bring it" face.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
After the face has been painted multiple colors the reading of it might be more iffy...
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Nah, people who wanted to stay out of it did. And even though no signs were posted, people stayed away from the vending areas and the picnic areas. So, if you really needed a break, you just ducked out over there. The party was pretty much concentrated around the center of the field, and at the water refill areas. You moved to the side, you were out of action.

There was also an area for the smaller kids who hadn't had that much Holi under their belt; the event staff gently corralled the ones that looked particularly panic-struck and ushered them over. The MC kept reminding people where it was.

Now that y'all are making me walk myself through it, I am totally impressed at how chaotic and well--organized something can be at the same time. They really got it going on at ASHA Stanford.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Having a Pepsi and MoonPie* sort of day and it's not even 10 AM yet. I feel so let down and hurt and angry at someone, and I have no idea what to do about it. It is a complicated situation that has me shaking with frustration and anger.

'nuff whining, I just needed to vent a little bit.

*I often tell my husband that someday he will have to bring me Pepsi and MoonPies in prison while I am doing life for murder.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:


*I often tell my husband that someday he will have to bring me Pepsi and MoonPies in prison while I am doing life for murder.

---

Well, you told us, too, so you be covered on all fronts.


( )
 

---

Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
Pepsi and MoonPie

---

Your Yankee credentials are solid.

Southerners know from birth that MoonPies are to be paired with RC Cola. Coca-Cola will do in a pinch, but never Pepsi.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
[Roman] Catholics have their own Cola?
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:


*I often tell my husband that someday he will have to bring me Pepsi and MoonPies in prison while I am doing life for murder.

---

Well, you told us, too, so you be covered on all fronts.


( )

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
[Roman] Catholics have their own Cola?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
[Roman] Catholics have their own Cola?

---

Vaguely related tangent- in class the other day I was telling my fellow seminarians that Garamond was the official font of the Episcopal Church, and that we hardly had time for that Papist "Times New Roman Catholic" font.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sine Nomine:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
[Roman] Catholics have their own Cola?

---

Royal Crown Cola.

---

Anglo-Caths pour a little out for King Charles the Martyr.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
My eight year old nephew is mad at me. He can't understand why I won't let him come out to the bar and sing karaoke. And my niece wants a T-shirt like Aunt Bess and Uncle Pooh. Now, I like to push the boundries of propriety just as much as the next girl, but even I draw the line at letting a three year old wear a t-shirt advertising a beer joint.

(Although just imagining the look on my M-I-L's face makes me laugh )
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Here you go, HiggsNeph.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Bess, your bar may have another market: afternoon kiddy karaoke parties.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
my 16 year old's entire wardrobe comes from the freebie beer t-shirts from the distributer at work. the patron one is my favorite. lot of button-downs to cover the booze advertising at school.

(naughty mama)
 

---

Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
We had an amazing storm with lightning a few days ago. The sun is out now and it's quite beautiful. There was lightning hitting the Golden Gate bridge photos.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
That was a fantastic night. Best part was the Facebook Support Group/ Color Commentary that evolved.

"Didja feel that?" "Yeah, that one was close!" "I'm terrified!" "You're a wimp!" etc.

Kinda like the little California Earthquake FB chains that crop up. "Whaddaya think, 6.0?" "Oh hell no, couldn't have been more that 5..."
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
I've always enjoyed thunder and lightning if I felt I was in a safe place. The one time I got freaked out was when I stepped out into the narrow stairwell at my old apartment. A big flash lit it up followed by a huge KABOOM! half a second later. I was a wuss; I shrieked and scooted back into my living room. But the adrenaline rush was pretty cool.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
When I was a kid, my bedroom window had the best view of the north Bay Area. everybody crowded into my room on the Fourth of July.

On lightning night, I would sit up in bed and watch the storm like a light show. My sis would eventually run upstairs at some point and hide under the covers at the foot of my bed. (she HATES thunderstorms.) And like the insensitive little jackass I was, I'd be sitting there chirping, 'Pretend it's fireworks! Pretend it's fireworks!"

However, there was some pretty bone-rattling thunder on the night in question. Freaked me out, a little I guess. Karma.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:

Kinda like the little California Earthquake FB chains that crop up. "Whaddaya think, 6.0?" "Oh hell no, couldn't have been more that 5..."

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
Have you noticed that the first news estimates are usually high? And then the final figure is about .3-.5 points lower?

---

Yeah, because the jokers in the southwest USGS regional headquarters waste the first five or ten minutes shouting out guesses.
 

---

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
It doesn't always work that way -- the early estimate for the Northridge quake was 6.6, but it turned out to be 6.8.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
same here - our big one back in '02? '03? something - initial magnitude 6.8, eventually upped to 7.9, if memory serves. it's about waiting for all of the remote seismographs to check in.

interesting factoid - the Richter Scale is actually defunct, has been since the 70's, I believe. the way they measure now is called the Moment Magnitude Scale. subtly different except for the lower magnitudes, and the MMS doesn't have a top "cap" like Richter did. I know this because I made an ass of myself live on the air once. nothing like displaying your ignorance for all the world to hear. got about 10 calls correcting me. yeesh.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
It may be gone, but it lives on in our hearts.

"Richter" sounds so much more badass.Like the CRACK of a seismic fault.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
agreed! and being able to say "magnitude 7.9 on the Richter Scale" is just more toothsome than "magnitude 7.9...yeah."
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Hereabouts it's not earthquakes, it's hurricanes. "That had to be a category 3 when it hit here." "No way, it was more like a 1." That sort of thing. not nearly as impressive as earthquakes, though.

The winter was so mild it didn't kill as many of the blood-sucking vermin as it usually does. I have already picked up a tick that was carrying lyme disease. Fortunately, they put me on antibios quickly enough that it's no big deal, but apparently you don't always get the characteristic rash, so it's a bit nervous-making to know they're out there right near the house..

As I haven't been walking in the woods lately the miserable little critter had to have been lurking in my little garden, where I have been doing a lot of weeding.

Loathsome, disgusting pests! No gardening in shorts this summer. It's a good thing Brunhilde is living inside the house now.
 

---

Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
I used to have TruGreen fertilize/weed control my lawn. I had a bad tick problem at our first house when we moved in. I asked them about it and they came and did a flea/tick treatment. Supposed to be done 3 or 4 times a year according to them (and their accountants), but once did the trick for me. I never saw another tick for the 7 years we lived there with a once-a-year spraying by them.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Today's the Football God's 52nd birthday. Despite his opinion to the contrary, I think he's held up pretty well so far. Yay FG!
 

---

Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
Hey Janine, you came to mind 2 weeks ago when my brother called from Florida. He said he found a gun at a yard sale and wanted my opinion on it. It was one of those J.A. Nine's
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Mine's nice. Shiiiiiiiny.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Today's the Football God's 52nd birthday. Despite his opinion to the contrary, I think he's held up pretty well so far. Yay FG!

---

A little late, but my best to the FG. He's a good ol' boy, with a emphasis on the "good".
 

---

Posted by maleveque (# 132) on :
 
So who saw the space shuttle?? I thought I would miss it because it was going to fly over the Mall, and I'm in Maryland, but then while I was in the drugstore I heard a deep rumble so went running outside. There it was - huge and glorious! Then about 10 minutes later it came back around.
My spousal unit got some GREAT shots (see my FB page for the best) from his 20th floor perch.
- Anne L.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
It smelled like summer today. I don't know if it was the bits of rain that fell this morning, or if the trees and plants have passed that stage when the flowering and leafing out occurs. But the smell was unmistakable!

Mockingbirds are fussing and fighting, too. Definitely a sign.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
It felt rather like summer today. It went over 90F on my dad's patio. I keep repeating to myself, "It's not really hot until it gets over the temperature of the body". After a few days in the 100s, it indeed feels better below 98F.
 

---

Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 
Phoenix has been in the 90s all week. It's predicted to get to 102 this weekend. We usually don't see 100 degree days until Memorial Day at least. Let's hear it for global warming.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Went driving around West Sonoma yesterday and the weather was Gooorgeous-- warm, but with a nice breeze blowing through. Hung out in Downtown Cotati, had a great breakfast at a friendly place and walked around the block to find the coolest preschool ever. And the sunset was magnificent, as usual.

Example of West Sonoma sunset.

Best preschool ever.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
it's all relative. sun has been out and hot and amazing. hot, in our terms - almost 50!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
After our early spring heat wave, we're back to near-Alaska temps. Almost freezing overnight.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Best preschool ever.

---

Looks great. {Gross observation coming up, so feel free to skip over this:] Every preschool I know requires kids to be already potty-trained so their approach is pretty amazing. I like their overall laid-backness.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
That's a licensing thing in this state at least; if you allow diaper-aged kids, the ratio changes. So yeah, I like a place where they transition kids through smoothly instead of just dividing the line between infant/ toddler center and preschool care. Every kid learns this stuff at a different pace.

Different thread, maybe. I love toddlers, though.
 

---

Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
My daughter's place takes them at two and was a very helpful part of the potty training process.
They also are very play-based (Montessori) so maybe it goes with the territory. And I do love that school too. I recommend it whenever I get the chance. I'd never expected her to actually learn school stuff in pre-school (as opposed to socializing, which I knew she'd learn.)
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I was planning to set out some impatiens plants today, but it snowed!

This weather is completely crazy.

Moo
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
...and we're having delightful weather here!

After weeks of being way above normal temperature wise, it was so nice to wake to temps in the low 60s and I think the high (according to my car) was 77! Plus, we got a couple of inches of rain over the weekend! Perfect!

The AC is off. At least for a day or two. It's supposed to be 90 the end of the week. Sadness.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
<begin: whine>

just home from an 8 hour intensive rehearsal. my. brain. is. full.

holy cow I forget how hard work that is. very productive, but I doubt I could spell my middle initial right now.

hour to power nap, then off to work all night. living the dream, baby. living the dream.

you know you take on too much when you have THREE different shows you're rehearsing for at once! and all together they pay less monthly than my bartending gig. I obviously have really screwy priorities!

oh yeah, and? I started back at the radio, part time and reluctantly. but I do need the money and they so basely appealed to my vanity, telling me how they can't live without my shining brilliance (whatEVER) that I said yes. very limited - 2-3 stories a week. it's kind of nice, really. the money will certainly smell pretty. (she says while eyeing her electricity shut-off notice)

so that makes 3 concurrent jobs for the summer. oi.

</whine>

[ 25. April 2012, 01:02: Message edited by: comet ]
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
How can you burn the candle at three and four ends, Comet? You are making me feel so lazy.

But, that radio station is crazy to have left you go in the first place. You're a star and they know it.


 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Weather has been wonderful. Plants are growing beautifully and in a couple of weeks I will plant some more seeds. I am counting on this being the first year to get fruit from my orchard.

I have 2 guys on the roof which leaked during the last rain storm into the living room! There may be some rain this week, so they need to move quickly.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Spent the day at Monticello yesterday. There was a lecture about Jefferson and his approach to gardening followed by a tour of the gardens. I hadn't been to Monticell in years.

If any of you remember the shady lawn in front of the house, it is not shady any more. Storms have taken some of the trees down and the curators (last year, I think) have cut down the huge tulip poplar the stood near the copper beeches. It is still beautiful, though, and well worth the trip.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Have you ever been to Poplar Forest, Jefferson's second home near Lynchburg? It is remarkably similar to Monticello.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Oh, one thing I forgot to mention about my West Sonoma sojourn-- I would up driving right by Zone Studios, which is one of the places where Tom Waits does post-production work. It's not behind a ten-foot brick wall with security entry, it's in a freaking strip mall. Bubble-gum pink exterior. Beside a freaking Valero gas station. I about broke my neck turning around and going, did I just see that?

Sorry, fangirl moment. If anybody out there is a Waits fan, though, I encourage you to visit rural Sonoma county-- all of a sudden all those weird songs about people burying bodies in the barn start making sense.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Sigh. I came to the realization last night that I am going to have to end my relationship with a couple of friends of mine. This is making me rather sad, but I don't see any way that the situation is going to get any better.

Long story shorter:
There is a couple with whom my husband and I have been friends for a couple of years. I really like(d) them until a few weeks ago when I discovered that he, at least, is a truly horrible rascist. It started with his making a couple of comments about how he was worried my business was being taken over by black people. (Although he, of course, called them Ni*****.) That's how he put it. "They are only going to cause trouble." Really? The only problems I have had so far were from stupid little white boys with too much alcohol and not enough sense. But last night was the last straw. He was telling me how he was talking to another local bar owner about my "Ni**** Problem" (his words) and said I should do like she does to keep out "undesirables". "Don't post your prices," he said, "then, when one of them comes in, tell them beer is $5.00 a bottle. They'll leave."

Seriously WTF? This person, who calls himself my friend, is telling me to BREAK THE FREAKING LAW as well as do something that is wronger than a wrong thing that is mistaken.

The kicker is, this couple may spend a grand total of $4.00 on soft-drinks between the two of them in an entire night. I think I may just raise my price on Cokes to $5.00 a can and see if these two will leave.

Discovering that people you thought were friends and you thought were good and decent people, are in fact, complete asshats can really get you down. I hate, hate, hate this.

So, I'm kind of bummed about this, but rascists, like other folks with strongly held, but IMNSHO stupid beliefs are not going to change their ideas just because they hurt my heart.

Sad Bess.

But at least the weather is pretty and I'm breathing, and this too shall pass.

(Sorry I keep boring you nice people with my stuff. I just feel so flumoxed by some people 'round here, and ya'll give me perspective. Thanks )
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Bess -

I've lost friends the same way in the past and also have had good results by being open about my feelings - I was giving some friends a lift one evening and one of them made a racist remark and I just said, quite calmly, that racist remarks were not permitted in my car - we're still friends and they know I have limits.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
what wodders said. I'm so sorry, Bess. that's really challenging. But you have to excise that from your life or it will drag you down, and you won't be able to live with yourself.

I have had to tell people (whom I considered friends) that I would not tolerate racial slurs in my home and in the bar. it causes a very uncomfortable confrontation at first (because people full of hate can't be objective) but that passes. then you get an awkward phase, and then either they fade from your life or stay friends while understanding your rules. But it has to start with that uncomfortable talk.

I'd say work on a "script" first. take out any emotional language or judgmental language. just "I will no longer tolerate racist language or slurs in my home/bar/car." This will lead to them acting incredulous; acting as if they pity you for being so deluded; and you need to avoid defending yourself - it's pointless. you're not a witness at the trial of whether or not an entire race of people are good enough - you are stating that you won't allow the talk. But they'll try to make it sound like that. it's very useful to say "I'm not getting into this with you. I have said what I will and will not tolerate, this is not up for discussion. if you don't like it, you don't have to be here."

yes, it will feel yucky and it will suck, but you'll feel so much better that you did that. tolerating racism is enabling it. No, you're not going to single-handedly change his mind, but you don't have to put up with it - any more than you would allow people to smoke in your house or for children to cuss at you.

You can do this. and it's important that you do. I'm here for you if you need help coming up with a script or just a peptalk of whatever.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
So sorry Bess. The prayer mat is down and the candle is burning for you.

For what it is worth I had, "The Talk," with a close friend about her on going words about homosexuality. After said talk she chose not to speak to me for 8 years. "I failed to believe what the Bible said. and she had great worry for my soul." This past Christmas I received a letter from her. People can change even if it takes 8 years.

Do be clear about what you believe, otherwise they think you agree with them.
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
That sucks big time Bess. ((hugs))
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Wow. I don't envy you, Bess, having to deal with such a thing.

And what comet said.

And just .
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Comet, as usual, is right on.

Let me add a tiny piece:

• What she laid out is an "I message" - as in "I am offended by your language" - about your opinions and principles.
• The thing to avoid is the "You message" - as in "You are a racist" - that conveys your opinion of the person.

The first is a statement about yourself, which no (thinking) person can contracict.

The second is an accusation, likely to be received as aggressive violence upon their self-image. And likely to cause confrontation.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Yes to all the above - and the scripting is good, it's a great tool - write it down, edit it so it is clear and concise and try saying it out loud. If you do that it will be easier to say when you have to.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
See, this is why I whine at all y'all. {{group hug}}

So:
Script it out
Use "I" language
Understand and accept that it may sever the friendship.
Stand my ground

And most importantly:
Remember that folks all over the world have my back.

You all Rock! (or whatever your musical tastes might be )
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
And don't use the word Sorry as in you are sorry to have to say this - you're NOT!

If you start off apologising for what you are going to say you send the completely wrong message.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I'm very fortunate that either most of my associates are not racist, or if they are so far as who they pick for their own friends etc., they at least have enough tact that I don't hear about it. I am an equal-opportunity hugger when friends or family or church family appear, so it's pretty apparent without saying so that I don't want to hear any tedious racism from any side about any other.

I am still left with the handful of situations where I don't have an effective option to speak up -- if I'm in the stylist's chair or finishing my breakfast at the coffee shop, I have to weigh factors. Was I included in the conversation, or was it a chance remark by a stranger across the room? How much do I want to disturb the atmosphere when the stupid racist is as much a guest or client as I am?

Most recent situation was a stranger, guy I'd never met, who came in loudly proclaiming several socio/political concepts I absolutely agree with, but doing it in such a... childish, self-centered, socially inept way, I wanted to strangle him.

Since one of the topics I agreed with him on was his right in Louisiana to walk around with his loaded gunbelt on, I felt I might not get the point across if I tried to talk with him about his obnoxious manners, at least not in such a way that the business wasn't disturbed and the other patrons upset. Just because this is a gun-friendly region, doesn't mean every grandmother and schoolboy in the place would have been happy to see me possibly go nose-to-nose with an armed man while they tried to calmly eat their waffles.

So, I let it lie. I have a right to tote my gun under lawful guidelines set by my state and community, and so does an obnoxious loudmouth like that guy. The staff are used to smoothly handling all kinds of nuts -- I go there every week myself, they handle me just fine -- So I let it slide, despite wanting to shake him until his teeth rattled to teach him some couth.

The kicker was, when I was just leaving, the same idiot, in a conversational tangent, proclaimed to all and sundry that the President -- people like the President, hint hint -- need to be hung.

Significant glances passed around, the staff were handling him, I didn't need to put my oar in the water... But, oh Lord, I so wanted to smack the guy. Or at least tell him I'd just emailed the FBI that an armed man had just threatened to lynch the President.

It was about time to leave, things were handled in the calm way the staff like to handle it, I would've been late to work had I jumped in verbally swinging... And, I firmly believe, his gun was all the weapons he had. One simply does not enter into a battle of wits with an unarmed man.

I do, since that day, look out for the man when I eat there. It would be so satisfying to see him again, to try to address his stupidity, if the situation arises in a way I could actually do it.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
My guess is that you'd be wasting valuable breath.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I'll be leaving in a few minutes to go to the Scotland-Florida meet!

Five of us will meet with Wet Kipper and Little Miss Chatterbox and Littler Miss for lunch and laughs and general fun!

We do so enjoy getting to spend time with WK and LMC! There might possibly be pictures...
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We had a wonderful time and ate at Carrabba's (my first time!) then had ice cream at Coldstone. Yummy!

Littler Miss discovered the joys of visiting Bass Pro Shop and we enjoyed the air conditioning since it was pretty hot and muggy outside.

I think we maybe had a few seconds of quietness during part of the meal, but between the eight of us, it was pretty much constant conversation and laughter!

Oh, A and I had a wildlife adventure or two on the way to the meet. There was a very skinny raccoon acting strangely on her street. It was walking back and forth across the pavement, and even walked under my car! I didn't hit it, but was sure worried about it. (Could it be rabid? )

Then, a bald eagle flew low right over my car! We see them off and on here, but normally they fly pretty high.

So...it was a very good day!
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I wonder if the eagle was looking for the coon.

Meet pics! Meet pics!
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Sorry! There's just the ice cream pic linked above! We were so busy talking and eating that I totally forgot to get the phone out to record the happy event!

That's not the only thing I forgot, but it's nothing new with me.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

Oh, A and I had a wildlife adventure or two on the way to the meet. There was a very skinny raccoon acting strangely on her street. It was walking back and forth across the pavement, and even walked under my car! I didn't hit it, but was sure worried about it. (Could it be rabid? )

Then, a bald eagle flew low right over my car!

---

Perhaps explaining odd racoon behavior?

Baldies are prime predators. They can take a red fox. Lil 'coon probably knew the baldie was circling overhead.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I didn't say that very well, comet!
Me talk funny when I tired!

The coon and the eagle were about 10 to 15 miles apart from each other.

It's always fun seeing bald eagles! I remember taking the train into Seward and just outside of town there were dozens perched in snags right by the train tracks!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
ah! yes. I guess the raccoon's actions go unexplained, then. does sound like illness, but not necessarily rabies. he wouldn't have much of a chance to get skinny from it, and would be more likely to act aggressively, rather than just wandering around like a drunk. poor thing.

I love it when the eagles all decide to hang out in a tree like that, looks like odd christmas ornaments.

a couple of days ago I was driving past a known nest site and saw a raven harassing the two eagles there. Ravens like to fly above the eagles, then drop down and tap them on the back with their feet. they're essentially counting coups. drives the eagles nuts, but it's cool to watch.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
We've got three eagles that are often seen flying above our duck blind. Absolutely amazing for this reformed city girl to see eagles out just doin' eagle stuff. We've also got lots of red tail hawks that sort of hang around the place looking beautiful. I must admit, one of the small thrills of riding in the combine during harvest is watching the hawks hunt. They know that there are chubby, tasty critters hiding under all that wheat and corn. They hang around waiting for the combines to flush out bunnies and mice, then swoop down for supper. Sucks for the bunny, but pretty cool to watch.

Oh, and speaking of bunnies... We have a large rabbit population living in our various brush-piles around the house. My girl kitty has been stalking them for weeks and the other night, proudly marched into the house with a half grown bunny clutched in her jaws. She made a bee-line for my lap, and since the bunny was not dead, all I could think was that I was going to get pooped on and then bitten by a pissed off rabbit. Hubby kindly put it back outside, and my cat was puffed-up pleased with herself for hours.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Bess, bunny pee is a lot worse than bunny poop. That's what I would be concerned about if gifted with a bun from my kitties!

Well, I really don't expect the old girls to bring me any gifts anymore. The best I can expect is a palmetto bug leg or lizard tail. Actually, I think they eat the tails and leave me the head.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Watching the Weather Channel is like watching the plagues in Egypt lately. (Or is it just me? ) I'm praying for those people in the midwest, east and Florida right now.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I have been going to the same hairdresser for 8 years. I am going to swimming a lot this summer so I decided to cut my hair very short. It is just to the top of my shoulders now. I found all kinds of pictures of short hair cuts to take to my appointment. My hairdresser threw them all in the trash can and showed me how to fix my hair when it was wet after a swim. She is right, I really would not like very short hair. I love a hairdresser who knows what I want even when I don't. LOL Tip, she said when swimming in a pool wet your hair down before getting in the chlorine water and it keep your hair from absorbing so much of the chemicals. Then wash your hair when you get out of the pool.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Good idea about pre-loading your hair.

Annual company crawfish boil Saturday. I may crank up the camera, I bet there'll be some interesting shots. Lots of lovely color, anyway, can't miss with the scarlet crawfish and glowing lemons and green grass and silvery brown oak trunks and boughs overhead.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Zeke got her master's degree in education yesterday!
 

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Posted by Ann (# 94) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Zeke got her master's degree in education yesterday!

---

Woot!
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Hooray, hooray, hooray! Well done, Zeke!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Well done Zeke.
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
Congrats Zeke!
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
WooHoo and big hugs, Zeke!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Zeke got her master's degree in education yesterday!

---

YAY! Brava! Please give Zeke big hugs from the Shippies.
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Go, Zeke!
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Happy Star Wars Day, everyone!

Where is the little lightsaber smilie when you want one?
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
Where is the little lightsaber smilie when you want one?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
en garde! \o_/

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
Where is the little lightsaber smilie when you want one?

---

en garde! \o_/

---

Yup! That works!

The Book of Face had many nice things to steal to commemorate the day.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
YAAAAYYYYYY

*swish* *slash*

After the High Drama of the city council meeting (see: prayer thread), I was pleased that Fr. Temp gave a shout-out to it (as a place where you could see all the world's ills on parade) in his sermon. Rueful laughing from the congregation.

I also got a couple of (good natured, humorous) questions about how I was dealing with my new ill-fame in town.

Did get some background on one of the persistent opponents to our project from dear friends, who write for the local rag (on other subjects). Basically: he never met a grudge he didn't like. He also seems to be one of these people who always thinks he knows more than YOU, whatever the subject.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Lordy-lord, Amazing Grace.

I was thinking about "scare quote lady" today as I was driving around, and I still boggle. What a sad, demented soul.

[ 07. May 2012, 03:40: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
The scoop I got today (from two of our members who have known Grudge Guy his whole life) is that Scare Quote Lady met Grudge Guy within the last year or so and fallen for his sad, sad story. I'm pretty sure he hasn't told her about all the harassing and disrupting he did (etc.). She also seems to be just crazy enough to not wise up and not go along with his schemes. (If she did, she'd be screwed over by him like the rest of us.)

From my friends who write for the local rag - they say that their Boss Lady will print any letter they're sent, so kooks tend to be frequent fliers.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
I realized after edit window that there are two Grudge Guys. The one I meant above is the unmedicated homeless one, not Mr. Prosperous White Male Know-It-All.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
How about Grudge Guy and Grudge Lord?
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Cold, but absolutely beautiful sunny day with Cumulus clouds all over the place. Too bad about the cold front and wind or else I would be moving dirt on the tractor.

And those !#@$^#%@$ aphids are on my peach and cherry trees after I have nursed them through freezes this is the thanks I GET?
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
I'm just back from spraying the fruit trees. Now let's see if it rains tonight.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
Isn't that a rain-maker similar to washing the car?

Instead of going to the City Council meeting again tomorrow, I get to do something *I* like. The sequel to _Wolf Hall_ drops tomorrow and I ordered a copy at My Friendly Local Bookstore.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Its one of my favorite times of year right now. The wheat has started to turn gold and ripen, and it won't be long before its time for harvest. I know I've said this before, but wheat is my absolute favorite crop. I really don't know why wheat fascinates me so much more than soybeans or corn or cotton, but it does. Looking at a wheat field tugs on a little something deep in my soul and makes my heart glad.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Sigh...

Hubby has been helping the oldest nephew work up a truck patch (garden grown for sale at market.) He and the boy have been working so hard on it, and it was looking great. Tomatoes and sweet corn were on pace to be some of the first to hit the local market and the purple-hull peas were not far behind. The kid stood to make a decent amount when the crops came in.

However, last week one of the big farmers nearby sprayed some kind of methyl-ethyl-bad-shit on his corn and failed to inclued a drift retardant. The boy's patch, along with several other nearby fields got and unhealthy dose of what ever it was they sprayed too.

The maters are looking rather crispy, the corn is struggling and the peas have to be replanted. The farmer did come by to say he would "make it right" with my nephew, but the poor kid is really upset. Its not really about the money, although he is saving up for a couple of big-ticket items. Its more about seeing a kid who is really trying to work hard and make a dollar getting his hopes crushed by someone elses carelessness.

On the bright side, and also related to the truck patch, hubby and I now own a rather elderly tractor. She's not a Deere, but it is still pretty cool anyway.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Thank you, Lord, for the minuscule rain but the hail was unwelcome to my tender plants and little fruit on the trees. Not happy!

Darn @*#*$((*!! aphids are still a problem but I still hope for the best when I do another planting at the end of the week.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Of course, I sprayed the fruit trees this morning.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
hail here, too. twice in a few days now - often we go whole years without. luckily the trees haven't really leafed out much yet.

if I remember correctly, Mike McGrath recommends battling aphids with high pressure water - like a power washer. something to consider.
 

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Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 
Motherboard, have you considered releasing ladybirds in your patch?
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We were languishing on page 2, so here's a bump!

I went to my folks' Saturday to give Mom her Mother's Day present. Before I even got to the house, I saw this butterfly and had to take a few pictures of it! There are quite a lot of the beautiful creatures fluttering around now!
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
That's a beautiful picture!

ETA: "a"

[ 16. May 2012, 09:52: Message edited by: Lyda*Rose ]
 

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Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
popping in to just say how nice all of you all! I was greeted by a wonderful security lady in Atlanta who coped brilliantly with me presenting her with all the possible forms she might want and not being able to work her fingerprint machine.

I'm really sad that when I arrive home on Sunday people won't say to me 'Wow! England'.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Welcome to the New World, Jenny Ann! Give us hell!

[ 18. May 2012, 05:06: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

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Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
I have drunk frozen Margaritas, danced to an 80s tribute act and nearly ended up with 20 packs of cigarettes rather than 1 pack of 20 cigs. I have been chatted up by 4 men (and refused them all) and have amazing (not) hair from the humidity - am I doing ok?
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Sounds average.

Enjoy! Enjoy!
 

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Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
I am - it's amazing!

Thanks!
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jenny Ann:
I have drunk frozen Margaritas, danced to an 80s tribute act and nearly ended up with 20 packs of cigarettes rather than 1 pack of 20 cigs. I have been chatted up by 4 men (and refused them all) and have amazing (not) hair from the humidity - am I doing ok?

---

Good girl.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
As for the Humid Hair -- roll wid it, gah. Plot you a style that's s'posed to look that way. People will think you paid good money to have it done to you a-purpose.

signed,

Wild Witch Hair Woman, Queen of the Swamps
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Gris-gris woman, preach it!
 

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Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
I've given up today and tied it up.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Sometimes that's the best way to go. Thus my racks and drawers full of silky scarves and tie-dyed bandanas and so on.

They also come in handy during alopecia episodes. There's a positive side to alopecia -- there's no such thing as a "bad scalp day".
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Here's a nice website to check out, if you like fishing and outdoors living and nature and whatnot -- a local lady living a dream, I'd say.

Life In The Louisiana Wetlands
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
We are in Minnesota for my niece's graduation and commissioning (as a 2d Lieutenant in the Air Force). The commissioning ceremony was this morning. The Gander (Commander, USN, retired) administered the oath of office and did it beautifully. I would never have been able to do that without completely losing it. As it was I had tears streaming down my face just standing there.

We are so proud of her.

We just had a lovely dinner with the new officer and family. Everyone is overfed and sleepy. A wonderful day.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Congrats to all, snowgoose! What a wonderful day that must have been.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Correction: my wife has a Master of Arts in Education: English Language and Literacy and she graduated with honours and a GPA over 3.7 .
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
After a serious Road Warrior week (600 mi driving as opposed to my normal-work-week 300), I am considering hopping in my car after church and driving 120 or so miles north to the Land of My Birth to get much closer to the "complete" zone for the annular eclipse.

MoBo and JB have a front row seat!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
OMG we're officially over run with tourists and climbers. let the marathon begin!

blech. I'm also feeling supersick - just MS symptoms, but they're kicking my ass. I basically slept through Friday and didn't even know it.

And... *ahem*... I was not aware that an apparent pretty common MS symptom involves your intestines taking long breaks from functioning. I cannot even begin to tell you all how much that sucks. like, big suck. like, I'd rather donate a vital organ without anesthesia. I'd rather have my spleen tattooed. and it's not like other MS symptoms that have a certain "poor suffering hero" sex appeal.

there is just nothing sexy about 16 days of constipation.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Oh, comet. That sounds awful.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
comet:

quote:

---

there is just nothing sexy about 16 days of constipation.

---

But there is something unique in a macabre way about adding it to my prayer list.

I pray your gut will sort itself out very soon.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
I'd say that was sh*tty for you comet, but in fact, it's the opposite. (sorry, I couldn't resist) I do hope it sorts itself out soon.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Dang, comet. Starts to make enemas look good, 16 days.

Thanks for the way y'all all update here. It's nice to be able to keep track like that.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Still trying to find a discreet way put Comet's problem on my prayer list.

Anyway, had a great eclipse party on the porch. Good food, my great neighbors and got some photos. Now, I can e-mail them from my phone, but JB has the rest in his camera and I have no clue about moving to show you. It was pretty cool, by the way.

So here's a nice photo of what you missed
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Missed it, due to being distrated on the job: worked a long day, which ended with setting up telescopes and furniture on the back lawn of a large hotel for the conventioneers to see it. Oh well, didn't have the special view goggles anyway...

Cool pics, MB!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
Anyway, had a great eclipse party on the porch. Good food, my great neighbors and got some photos. Now, I can e-mail them from my phone, but JB has the rest in his camera and I have no clue about moving to show you. It was pretty cool, by the way.

So here's a nice photo of what you missed

---

It must have been magnificent to see, Motherboard! If you ever get those photos out of JB's camera, be sure to post them.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Will post the eclipse pictures today, as JB is on his way home from yet ANOTHER trip and I have his list of things to do for when the kids get here tomorrow. First on the list is that the daughter and I will be soaking at OJO! to get all the kinks out of arthritic bodies, and have some girl time.
JB is making green chile, of course. And we have another list of things to do with the granddaughter.

AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL TODAY!:

Happy Anniversary, Janine and F.G.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
*Sigh*

I see by the calendar it's almost time to call the rental car company and the hotel to kill my reservations for the Red Earth and Beyond Meet that I cannot attend. Bleeegh.

OTOH, it's a good day, 31st wedding anniversary and all. For which I will grill some beautiful steaks.

Oh, also -- I just heard this from AP news, and it bears watching: pod Poisonings.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
One more killer shift then it's two whole glorious days off up at the lake. As hot as the weather has been lately, the water should be just right for swimming, we've got a load of wood for the fire pit and a big ole cooler filled with beer. I am so looking forward to getting away, even if it is only for a couple of days. My cell phone doesn't get reception at our campground, so any crisis that pops up at the bar will have to be dealt with by someone other than little old me .
 

---

Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
Memorial Day three day weekend, Yay!

Predicted thunderstorms for the weekend, boo.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
We're getting ready for our annual Memorial Day cookout. I have been baking since yesterday, and the Gander is outside doing manly things with grills and so on. I have to get into the garden to dig some plants for folks I haven't seen since Easter. The iris need dividing and the snowdrops are out of control.

There is something very satisfying about giving garden plants to (and receiving them from) friends.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Holiday, y'all!
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
I only just noticed---that would be SUNdrops, not snowdrops. Way different.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Any snowdrops here would fizzle on the way down. We're approaching a record high of 95 today. Thank God for that "cooler near the lake" effect. It's a mere 84 here.
 

---

Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
We got our "June Swoon" here by the ocean a little early. There are supposed to be fireworks for the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary, but it looks like the fog might come in.

Eloise has her parents visiting from Australia so they might go out to Chrissy Field for a first-hand report! I told them that the traditional Berkeley way to enjoy the bridge was to go somewhere (in the hills usually, or down by the bay) with a view and admire it.

(I was part of the 50th anniversary bridge walk - where over a quarter of a million people were on the bridge. They aren't doing that again, LOL.)
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
So, did y'all see TS Beryl?? According to our radar, it has an eye!!!

Of course, by the time you see the radar, it will be all smooshed or dancing back out to sea, or something. But, take my word for it, there's a big ole wrapped around eye going on there.

Wouldn't Erin have just been rolling her eyes?
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I remember how much Erin hated that hurricane that came inland and just sat there for 4 or 5 days pouring rain on her. I don't remember the name of it, but you probably will jj. BTW, I had a chuckle over your link. I click on it thinking "eye" and the first thing I see is the station logo for WINK.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amazing Grace:
(I was part of the 50th anniversary bridge walk - where over a quarter of a million people were on the bridge. They aren't doing that again, LOL.)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
Back in 2002 a friend of mine and HWMBO walked over the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol and back, whilst I waited for them on terra firma - the Golden Gate is longer and higher and NO WAY!!!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
... and then you toss your cookies. Right?

---

And THEN! you go right up to the suspension tower, lean against the base, tilt your head back snd look straight up! (delicious shiver.)

And sometimes the fog rolls in just at the right moment and hides the tops of the towers-- so, are they about to topple in on you? Have they just sprouted 50 feet? Who knows?

@Moo: Holy Cow, I think I peed myself just looking at the picture. And I so wanna try it.

[ 28. May 2012, 21:42: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I've been over the bridge in a car, and I've also seen it from underneath in a tour boat.

My sister-in-law has a hair-raising story of driving across that bridge when it was icy. As she approached the bridge she saw a car sliding all over the road. She slowed down as much as she could before she reached the bridge, then kept her steering wheel straight and crossed the bridge without incident. The driver who skidded probably hit his brakes or turned his wheel when he realized there was ice.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
I'm thinking next year, (after the knee operation, of course), we could have the

SHIPMATE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE WALK

and then have a ship meet along with the festivities.
MAMACITA, you are the first on the list, SNOWGOOSE,(remember, if you can go up the tram, you can do anything! ) and any other fearful person. I will personally hold your hand and help you over, at which time, we will have a celebratory bubbly something and a car van back.
How does that sound for a plan?

ON ANOTHER TANGENT........

I thought I would have a lovely quiet weekend with the kids and grands, but that was not to be the case.
Firstly, the wind was blowing a gale and we all had allergy aggravation.
Secondly, on Sunday night, some planks gave way on the guesthouse porch and JB fell through to the ground necessitating a trip to the E.R..
And thirdly, earlier in the day, my daughter and I went to Ojo Caliente spa and I now have water in my ears that will not go away even with a trip to Urgent Care this afternoon.

I'm not leaving the house tomorrow (or maybe NEVER!).

[ 28. May 2012, 22:23: Message edited by: Ye Olde Motherboarde ]
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
I'm thinking next year, (after the knee operation, of course), we could have the

SHIPMATE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE WALK

and then have a ship meet along with the festivities.
MAMACITA, you are the first on the list, SNOWGOOSE,(remember, if you can go up the tram, you can do anything! ) and any other fearful person. I will personally hold your hand and help you over, at which time, we will have a celebratory bubbly something and a car van back.
How does that sound for a plan?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
... and then you toss your cookies. Right?

Still, I would so love to try it, in a "conquer-your-innermost-fears" type of rush. I've heard that the Sydney Harbour Bridge has a special bridge climb tailored to people with fear of heights. That would be intense.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Here's the Harbour bridge climb website. Safety chain which slides along a rail.

While you're there, have a look at the gallery page. Lots of great photos.

You get a certificate for your climb too. Show your grandkids type stuff!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
However, I see your GASP! and raise you one
"No fucking way."

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
SNOWGOOSE,(remember, if you can go up the tram, you can do anything! )

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Oh, for... Here, try this.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
Secondly, on Sunday night, some planks gave way on the guesthouse porch and JB fell through to the ground necessitating a trip to the E.R..

---

That is seriously scary, Motherboard. I hope JB is OK! And your ears too!

[ 29. May 2012, 03:44: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
JB is walking, of a sort, without cane or crutches.

I used the cane a bit, though, for Motherboard's expedition to the faith healers. I understand they are to kill a chicken.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Holy crap, so wrapped up in bridge talk I missed that, Holy crap, JB!

Kill several chickens!
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Another bridge I don't want to walk across.


And another one.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
I don't know what's wrong with me, but I totally wanna walk both of those.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
Another bridge I don't want to walk across.


And another one.

---

I have more trouble mounting and sitting on a horse.

See, if I'm convinced that I can't fall off, I'm fine. And a chest-high barrier convinces me. But I'm damned sure I can fall off/get thrown off a horse.

Now the Indiana Jones bridge is a whole 'nother ball of wax.

ETA: And I hope you are ache and pain free very soon, JB.

[ 29. May 2012, 05:19: Message edited by: Lyda*Rose ]
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Horses are natural companions and (usually) protect and obey their food supplier. Bridges are objects working against the Law of Gravity.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
Horses are natural companions and (usually) protect and obey their food supplier. Bridges are objects working against the Law of Gravity.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
I don't know what's wrong with me, but I totally wanna walk both of those.

---

You and me, girlfriend!
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I'm trying to imagine the Guest House Porch being so uncouth as to give way beneath JB's perfectly reasonable weight. I mean, it's not like the planks could plead they were helpless against damp rot. Poor JB.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
Horses are natural companions and (usually) protect and obey their food supplier. Bridges are objects working against the Law of Gravity.

---

Be careful what you say! I have always believed suspension bridges to be held up solely by the combined faith of generations of scientists and engineers. It is your duty as a scientist to keep on believing, for all our sakes.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Kelly, do you and Amazing Grace want to be in charge of the Golden Gate Bridge Meet?
Tell me the date for next years walk and I'll make up the teeshirts!

RE: JB's fall from the porch.
JB is full of it - no chickens were killed to get him feeling better. He would not take the hydrocodone prescription only Advil for pain, then, just like a man, he said "I'm fine" Although, if you could see the huge bruise on his leg, you would think otherwise.
The two guys (JB calls them "my minions") who work here doing little things around the house, are here today fixing the structure so that no else will be harmed walking into the guesthouse. Knowing them, they will make it so totally sturdy a ton of bricks could fall on it and not do a thing!

A WEEK plus one day FROM THE RED EARTH/SANTA FE MEET!
 

---

Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
[The Golden Gate Bridge Walk]

The regular walkway looked stable enough to me, if a bit exposed to the elements because of its position.

I didn't get all the way across that day because of the crowd. I may not have even made it to the second tower.

I generally hate big crowd scenes and that was one of the biggest I've been in. Happily, despite the density, it was incredibly chill or things could have gotten very ugly, very fast. As it was, my legs were pretty banged up from all the strollers and bicycles bumping into me. I remember limping through the Presidio, catching the 1 California home, and sleeping for the rest of the day.

Note for churchgeek: it was a Sunday morning and I saw your now-boss on the bus heading for church! She was working there even then.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
Another bridge I don't want to walk across.


And another one.

---

I'd like to cross both of them, especially the one at the Grand Canyon!

By the way, JB, I am starting to see a lot of Saturn SKYs: dunno if they are turbocharged or equipped with a manual gearbox like yours though. Our Old SW200 estate is still soldiering on, though it is starting to nickel-and-dime us with ailments not covered by our last extended warranty...
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Sadly I bet the little ailments now cost rather more than nickels and dimes!
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
This is one of the very rare times where living in the boonies is a serious inconvenience.

The dehumidifier that keeps everything in my basement from growing mold has died. I need a new one. There are three stores nearby that carry dehumidifiers--Home Depot, Lowe's, and Sears. Each store carries only one brand and only a few models of that brand. (Each store carries a different brand.)

I could order one over the internet, but I am not strong enough to carry it to the basement. I have to buy locally.

I have done some Googling and decided that a certain Sears model would be best for me. I really wish I could walk into one store and see several different brands and models.

These hassles don't arise very often, and you couldn't pay me to leave here. However, right now I'm disgruntled.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Seems like all three stores would have more styles available online - if you ordered and picked up at the store, they could deliver?
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
a quick check-in from self-imposed internet blackout. we're opening our summer show tomorrow, and opening our production of "Agnes of God" in 6 days. I've been rehearsing two shows, both big roles - we're talking 8-10 hours of rehearsal a day. plus night shifts at the bar, and somewhere in there attempting to raise my children.

and my health is the pits.

BUT! I think both shows will be phenomenal. Especially Agnes. I can honestly say I've never had to work so hard for a role my entire life, but our cast is very good and I think we have gold on our hands. Chasee#1 is in the title role - I've aways known she was good but this is a tough role and she's amazing. apparently I raise talented kids.

So anyway - I'm alive over here and all is well. prayers would not go astray that my health holds steady until we close Agnes at least. I have had to go off meds to avoid bad side effects so I feel I'm playing a bit of roulette. hopefully my body behaves a little longer!
 

---

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
I'm with Lyda*Rose - as long as I don't feel like I'm going to tumble to my death, I'm fine with bridges and heights of all kinds. But I hate scrambling over rocks when hiking because I could easily fall, and the few times I have been on horses I did not enjoy the experience. And I wish platform shoes would go out of fashion; I like to wear heels, but my toes need to be close to the floor!
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
comet must have to schedule herself an appointment with her bed... once a day if she's lucky...
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Agreed, and a thousand sorries for what I am about to do, but

SHRIEK! SHRIIIIEEEK! JOE JACKSON IS PLAYING THE MASONIC ON OCTOBER 5TH! SQUEEEE!!!

The answer is yes. No other answer will do.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Who?
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
You're just dicking around with me, right?
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Yup!

I love the slight smokiness to his voice.

Enjoy the concert.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 


His live act is fantastic; he's like a B12 capsule with legs. He has a gift for broadcasting happiness.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
...just like you!
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
(blink) Wow.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Kelley,

Joe is cool, I will give you that, but this is one group, (other than I just love Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which I hear put on a great show), that I would love to see in concert.

THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Wow, haven't heard of them in years!
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Kelley, I have all their cassette tapes, and thank heaven I still have a cassette player in one car to play them on. Rolling down the highway singing, "Eye in the Sky" is fabulous! ;-)


P.S. I just voted in the NM primary, did you all vote today? They moved our polling place closer to our house, which is a big plus. And some cute little boy came up and asked us at to vote for his uncle- (they are getting younger every day to work at the polls).
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Yep, I voted. We're going to get a new mayor for the first time in eighteen years. I hope my man makes the run-off election.

Ye Old MB:

quote:

---

And some cute little boy came up and asked us at to vote for his uncle- (they are getting younger every day to work at the polls)

---

Doesn't New Mexico have any poll politicking laws?
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
New Mexico bans politicking within 100 feet of the poll place; he was probably at 101 feet.
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
And who else is watching the transit of Venus?
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
And who else is watching the transit of Venus?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
And who else is watching the transit of Venus?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amazing Grace:
My eclipse glasses got good use at the office - unfortunately our welder was gone for the day, or we could have borrowed his kit!

---

Be glad he was already gone. Most welders use around #5 shade glass. If that was the case, his glass would be insufficient to protect your eyes. You need the solar film stuff like your eclipse glasses or #14 shade glass. Contrary to what some people think, layering a #5 and a #9 is NOT the same as a #14.

[ 07. June 2012, 13:15: Message edited by: monkeylizard ]
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
In an effort to avoid going grocery shopping on an empty stomach I just ate a very frightening micorwave burrito. I bought this particular gastronomic delight the last time I went to the store when I was hungry. It was not money well spent...
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
We had v. good steak breakfast burritos from our local Dunkin Donuts for breakfast as well as donuts and some v. good coffee.

Bad news when we get back to the house: we have a choice between getting a brand-new water heater or replacing a part that costs about 60% as much! Dunno which we will end up doing yet...
 

---

Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
Hello all! Just poking my head in, life is slowing down, the kids have moved back here near us from Italy and I'm thinking, hey, haven't been around here lately. I need to feel the deck under my feet again. Good to see you all!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Hi Lady A! *waves*

Sir Kevin, I hope you make the most prudent choice for you water heater. That's a tough thing to compare. (Don't you hate when household things break? They should last forever, IMHO, she said unrealistically.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Ground floor , row M, ticket purchased for Joe Jackson in October!

I don't care if it's a crap seat, I do care if I get stuck next to some asshole who talks through he set, like last time. Luckily it was at the Mountain Winery venue in Satatoga, and I just walked away and sat on the grass.
 

---

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Timothy the Obscure:
It was raining here in Oregon(imagine that!) I watched it online.

---

No windows, huh?
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I have decided at the age of 70 +, to learn how to swim. I have paid my money and start lessons next week. I am not sure which is worse my fear of the water, or my fear of my public body display in a bathing suit.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Enjoy yourself!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
last night we had a big crowd at the bar. loud music, lots of dancing, all of us running our feet off. around midnight, an outdoor bar was broken (after just being put up!) because a bunch of muppets decided to sit on it. around 12:30, the ice machine gave up the ghost, and in trying to fix it by punching it, one of our bartenders busted the water line and flooded the kitchen. around 1:30, the big speakers over the dance floor overheated and died on us.

I left at 2:30. I have no idea what else might have died afterwards, but I'm not even going anywhere near that place until our handyman has had time to work through his inevitable meltdown and temper tantrum.

oh - and opening night of "Agnes of God" tonight. just to add spice. ARGH!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Good to see you again, Lady A! And brava to you, Graven Image. That's awesome.

A virtual champagne toast to comet (because I know the show will be amazing) and a virtual roll of Tums to BessHiggs.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
... a virtual roll of Tums to BessHiggs.

---

Man, I missed that. Who do we call on, St. Sebastian?

(ETA: No, Timothy, of course.)

[ 09. June 2012, 01:34: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
Decided to do some foodie things in San Francisco on my day off today (in honor of Birthdaytide beginning). A beautiful sunny day, easy parking (!), traffic that wasn't too bad, and some completely awesome food.

In two weeks I might be there again to try out one of the famous local food trucks ... it's called Bacon Bacon so you can guess what the menu is like!

Came back to news that there was a small fire in the Oakland hills when a car hit a power pole - fire out, but about 7000 people are without power. Scary reminder of the '91 Hills fire.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Yeah, I was thinking of you when I heard that, AG-- you'd mentioned something on FB about "the wind kicking up."
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Yesterday, one of my regulars brought me a new kitten. I was in the market for one, so that was fine, but what made me laugh was his improvised cat carrier. In true red-neck fashion, he used a 5 gallon bucket with holes punched in the top. I think my husband was more excited to get a new bucket that he was about the kitten.

We had an amazing band playing last night at the bar, and I was off-duty so I actually got to relax and just enjoy the evening. This morning, from the state of my head, I think I may have enjoyed just a wee bit too much . Things that seem like a good idea at 2am often turn out not to be.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
...Things that seem like a good idea at 2am often turn out not to be.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
...Things that seem like a good idea at 2am often turn out not to be.

---

Preach it, sister!

I had a LOT of experience of that over the years.

---

quote:

---

Yesterday, one of my regulars brought me a new kitten.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Graven Image:
Posted by Bess Higgs

quote:

---

Yesterday, one of my regulars brought me a new kitten.

---

Color, sex, and name please.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
...Things that seem like a good idea at 2am often turn out not to be.

---

Preach it, sister!

I had a LOT of experience of that over the years.

---

Me too...sadly, I never quite seem to learn from those experiences...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemrw:
Added two new pets to our home, two lovely little green anoles.

We haven't names them yet but they seem very happy and cozy in their cage.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
I don't know her name yet. The guy who gave her to me was calling her Donald Trump because she does look rather like she's wearing a very bad toupee. It's a cute name, but I don't think it's her name if you know what I mean.

---

How about Trumpette?
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
So long as it's not Strumpette. Unless you plan to breed more toupees.

Oooh, Mamacita, those are fun, those anoles! Sometimes I see browner ones, sometimes greener. You find their eggs in the flower beds around the house. I've seen the oldest/largest males get almost a ridge down the back. When I was a grade-schooler, one of the kids down the road had trained (?) hers to bite onto her earlobes, so she could wear them like earrings. (Unknown what the anoles thought of it. She still has earlobes today, according to her Facebook photos. )
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
The name I'm using for right now is Squeak. Short for Pipsqueak, and also because she more squeaks than meows. It's wonerful fun watching her doing kitten stuff and watching my hubby watching her. He has very very limited experience with kittens and so is amazed by the randomness of it all. And there is something so very endearing and heart-warming about watching a Very Large Man cuddle a Very Small Kitten.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Continuing the theme, I just found three yellow kittens with their tortoise shell mama behind the AC unit for the choir room at work!! Made a run to Publix to get some food, and the babies are really digging in!
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
I wonder if I may impose on you for some travel advice.

Liberty and I will be in Seattle for a week or so in mid-July. There is one particular date that we have to keep in the city, but we will have a few days to take a drive somewhere else nearby. We were wondering if Portland would be a good destination, for example. Or maybe some of the scenery in the mountains near by.

What would you recommend?

And thanks in advance.
 

---

Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Imaginary Friend:
I wonder if I may impose on you for some travel advice.

Liberty and I will be in Seattle for a week or so in mid-July. There is one particular date that we have to keep in the city, but we will have a few days to take a drive somewhere else nearby. We were wondering if Portland would be a good destination, for example. Or maybe some of the scenery in the mountains near by.

What would you recommend?

And thanks in advance.

---

I don't live up there, but I have been there enough times. Portland is a long drive from there - about 140 miles. It's a a lot like Seattle in some ways, great book store, great seafood, great beer, great coffee, hipsters and cultural. But if you want a more outdoorsy feeling, I would drive up into BC, also about 140 miles. If I were you, I would just hang out in Seattle since it is the center of everything and there is plenty to do.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I'd rent a car and hit the Olympic peninsula. very beautiful country.
 

---

Posted by Imaginary Friend (# 186) on :
 
Oooh yeah - Olympic National park looks very nice. A couple of days of hiking could be rather therapeutic.

duchess - Our trip out of the city would be for a few days, so a 140 mile drive is not long at all. But if Portland is just a smaller version of Seattle then perhaps it's not worth it.

Thanks for your thoughts.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by duchess:
great book store

---

Best flippin' bookstore on the planet, I'm glad someone pointed that out. And I say this coming from the area that birthed
City Lights.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
YIKES! My two nephews just stopped by the bar to drop off something for me and told me how cool it was that I had hung a big rubber snake over the flat-screen TV. It's NOT FREAKING rubber.

Sadly, its proximity to expensive electronics prevents me from shooting it. It's got itself halfway tucked up in the ceiling and hubby can't get it out. Luckily, my shift ends in about 30 minutes, then the snake will be my partner's problem
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
That has got to be the coolest post I have seen on this thread yet.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Bess, I am awestruck that you are willing to stay in a room with a loose snake for another 30 minutes. I'd be outta there in nothing flat.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
That has got to be the coolest post I have seen on this thread yet.

---

ditto!
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
And that's got to be the most open-ended post on the top of a page.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
So Bess, did you desnake the TV? Personally, I think a shoot-em-up in the bar would be a great draw for the neighborhood. Well, assuming no damage would be done!

 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
"Get these mother*&^%ing snakes off my mother*&%^ing TV!" BLAM BLAM BLAM

[ 14. June 2012, 19:14: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
The snake was finally removed thanks to the help of a customer who is much much braver than I am. It was about 5 feet long but "only a harmless chicken snake" and was set free to slither about doing snake-y things in the field behind the beer garden. I get that snakes keep vermin under control, but I would really rather that they did so out of my sight.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
It helps when you know your non-poisonous snakes as well. Gopher snake and garter snakes have my affection, rattlers sunning by the road have my long-distance respect.

Heck, I'm gonna share a story I shared on FB, in which Kelly tried to be a badass and was schooled by an 18 inch reptile:

quote:

---

My first job was at my church's preschool and there were lots of gopher snakes just like this one crawling around in the fields outside the fence. I have never really had a problem with snakes that I know to be non-poisonous (wanna freak me out? point me to a rattlesnake basking in the sun, like I saw at Crystal Springs a few months back. Anyway.)

So, at the preschool one afternoon, a gopher snake crawls through the yard, and the teachers begin freaking out, standing on benches, acting all female, etc. I am disgusted. I tell them they are being bad role models. I tell them the snake is a mere gopher snake, friend to gardeners, completely harmless. I finish my speech by picking the thing up by the tail and danging it in from of me, while the poor thing writhes in terror and waves its nose around.

Then I yelp and drop it.
Because it had just shat all over my hand.

They loved it, of course. "OK, Xena, what are you gonna do now?" (Wash my damn hand, grumble grumble.)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
Personally, I think a shoot-em-up in the bar would be a great draw for the neighborhood. Well, assuming no damage would be done!

---

Bess' shoot-em-ups are on Friday and Saturday nights. A shoot-em-up on a Wednesday would just be tacky. Everyone knows that.
 

---

Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
As for snakes, I was canoeing the local river 2 weeks ago with my "little" from "Big Brothers Big Sisters". A city kid. He was enjoying the trip with one hand drifting beside the boat in the water. Then he spotted a snake in the river (a cottonmouth).

Him: "Uh....is that poisonous?"
Me: "No."
<<delay while his hand stayed in the water>>
Me: "It is venomous though."

That hand came back in the boat in a hurry and never went back in the water for the rest of the trip.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
So, Kelly, was it you or your axe that scared the sh*t out of that poor snake?

My cousin jumped into a local swimming hole that had a bunch of water moccasins in it. I am shuddering just typing that sentence. This was about forty years ago and it still gives me the heebie jeebies.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Now, that is just nucking futz.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Hubby was a driving sports car though the mountains with the top down a number of years ago. He came around a curve in the road and there was an eagle with a snake in its claws. As he drove closer the eagle took of and flew over the car dropping the live snake on the hood, where it rolled up and hit the windshield. A few more seconds and it would have landed in the car.
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
He screwed up, is why. He was supposed to follow it to found Mexico City or something.

Ahem.

Snake stories, yay. There's a place by Kern River where my family has gone camping lo these forty years. And during all these years we've been told to stay away from t'other side, as that's where the rattlesnakes live. So we did.

Last time we were there, we were fishing on the RIGHT side of the river when suddenly a blasted rattlesnake comes SWIMMING straight for Mr. Lamb. Who stood there going "Oh, how interesting," while everybody screamed for him to get the hell out of there.

How he survived re-education camp I'll never know.

I tell you this, swimming rattlesnakes make me reconsider tent camping at the Kern now. On either side.

[ 16. June 2012, 00:16: Message edited by: Lamb Chopped ]
 

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Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Thinking about snakes. My grandfather had a small reservoir on his land. One Saturday afternoon we my dad, a younger brother, and I were in a jon boat fishing. While we were headed back to a small wooden dock we saw a cotton mouth swimming along some 15 to 20 yards from the boat. My dad got the wonderful idea to cast over the snake and hook it*. As we get to the dock my dad hands the rod with snake still hooked to my older brother who is standing above us on the dock and he attempts to step off the boat up to the dock. In mid step the boat slides away from the dock and my dad goes into the water. My brother takes it over to the bank where he tries to figure out how to kill the thing. In the mean time this dachshund we had decide to take matters in his own hands/jaws and snatch up the snake and run off into the woods with it. The dog made it back having not been bitten, no idea how the snake made out.

*sadly this was not the first nor the last example that I was given on how alcohol and the great outdoors do not mix.
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
No snake stories but just popping in to update on the anoles, who are doing fine, and have been named Hide and Seek.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Snakes alive, rugasaw! Sometimes I wonder how we all manage to live past the age of ten.

I was walking behind my parents' home and went to check the neighbors' yard since they weren't home and had asked us to keep an eye on the place. Nothing was out of place, except for the water moccasin that I couldn't see in the longish grass and stepped on! Thank goodness it made a beeline to the canal as I jumped the opposite direction!

Yuck.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
He screwed up, is why. He was supposed to follow it to found Mexico City or something.

---

 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
The last time I did community theater down home, before the years up in Iowa during the Oil Bust, I met a guy who had a lovely palomino-pale python. I played with it a couple times. It used to like to crawl up my arm, thread itself through my hair and drape itself across my shoulders like a cape. Maybe it was cold.

Yeah, I know, a pet's no rattler, but I thought I'd toss the tale into the pot to freak out the snake-fearers.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
and you all wonder why I live in this crazy cold, damp, wild place.

no goddamn snakes. that's why.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
and you all wonder why I live in this crazy cold, damp, wild place.

no goddamn snakes. that's why.

---

You're in Ireland??
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Janine that reminds me of an article about the movie From Dusk Til Dawn. The journalist had the belief that you could split the movie into two parts. The first part ending at the snake scene and the second beginning at the snake scene. Either way the snake scene must be included.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
the thing about Salma Hayak---well, one thing, anyway-- is she has attitude.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
and you all wonder why I live in this crazy cold, damp, wild place.

no goddamn snakes. that's why.

---

You're in Ireland??

---

no, we also still have trees.
 

---

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Comet are you perhaps getting Ireland(and thats just in the North) mixed up with Orkney?

My guess although I can't establish it for certain is that in St Patrick's day large swathes of Ireland was forrested with as part of the Great Wood of Caledon.

Jengie

[ 17. June 2012, 10:00: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
According to Beckett's History of Modern Ireland, the trees in Ireland were cut down in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to make barrel staves.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I ran over and killed a cat on the highway this morning. I felt really bad, but there was a car right behind me and on coming traffic. No place to go, when the cat ran across the road. What made it worse is he/she was the same color as my own cat. Sad day.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
That is sad, Graven Image. I may be strange, but a possum or 'coon or other wild critter dead in the road doesn't phase me a bit, but a cat or dog always amakes me sad thinking that someone is missing it. At least you care that it happened. Some buttholes don't even blink an eye.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I saw a deer in my yard this afternoon! It is quite common to see them in the less built-up areas a few miles from here, but I never heard of one so close to downtown.

Fortunately, it didn't appear interested in any of my plants.

Moo
 

---

Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
I finally cleaned out the patio. Full of the Magician's clutter-stuff and he puts out nuts for squirrels. Since he and the Girl left for about 2 weeks, he left a till full in a glass vase. I chose to overlook this trainwreck on my patio (ah, the things you do for love) but it kept invading my thoughts, especially at night. So I cleared out the clutter, put the nuts into one of the various yogurt containers he would fuss over my tossing out, and swept the area. I also made some trips to the trash bins and the recycle. I have one more trip and then my work is done there for a bit. I now can sleep better at night. It looks now like somebody actually cares. If I left him have his way, this whole condo would look like a science experiment. <3
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Graven Image:
I ran over and killed a cat on the highway this morning. I felt really bad, but there was a car right behind me and on coming traffic. No place to go, when the cat ran across the road. What made it worse is he/she was the same color as my own cat. Sad day.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Graven Image:
I think it must be some test to become a deer gang member.

---

 

---

Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
Heat here, in the 90s or higher the next few days. Thank goodness for air conditioning! The city has declared a heat emergency for today and the next two days.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Still hitting high 80s / middle 90s daily down home -- intermittent rain, not yet really into the pattern of daily afternoon showers drawn up from the Gulf of Mexico -- Kind of a steambath effect.

I, OTOH, have a couple more days to enjoy the same temps but with extremely low humidity here in New Mexico.

The first thing one notices upon getting off the plane in New Orleans -- the day wraps herself around your face and head like a barber's steamed towel.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Janine:

quote:

---

...the day wraps herself around your face and head like a barber's steamed towel.

---

Great description! I'm glad I visited in October.

In the book Red Sky at Morning, the story of a Southern teenager who moves with his mom to New Mexico during WWII, there is one scene where the local Bohemian takes in a new artist's model, hot off the bus from New Orleans. (A perfect model, in fact, having a great bod and a low thyroid that sends her off to sleep in any pose that she is set in.) She says that she had to leave Louisiana because she had a constant sensation of drowning.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Been there! Football God feels that way frequently, too.
 

---

Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
My former colleagues at the Port of NoLa told me that October was usually a good month to visit.

I am contemplating a short visit in mid-Carnaval season, if the lodging isn't too dear. I presume February won't be too bad, either .
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
No, should be good.

Let me know when you might be able to do dinner or something. Hopefully I'd be able to get to the city & see you!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
...the day wraps herself around your face and head like a barber's steamed towel.

---

Our weather folk call it "air you can wear". Yup. We're back to hot and steamy instead of hot and pleasant.
 

---

Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
And I'm thinking of visiting in July...oy....
 

---

Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :
 
OK, that was weird.

As I was taking the trash to the curb (today is our pick-up day) I spotted a rabbit sitting in the middle of the nearby intersection. Right in the middle of the road.

He (I am guessing "he", but I don't know that. I suspect a doe would have more sense) came up the middle of the road, then crossed from one side to the other (twice!) before coming straight toward me, and then he ran (not hopped, RAN!) along the sidewalk.

Not once did he set paw on the grass.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
You're being watched.

(oh and Hey! Today's our pick-up day, too!)

[ 21. June 2012, 14:06: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Anyone coming to New Orleans area, if you will have a Saturday to sight-see or time for brunch or lunch, whatever rolls along -- let me know! I would like to see y'all.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
This talk of garbage pick-up brings to mind a buddy of mine who, bless his heart, means well. I had mentioned several months ago that my recliner was in sad shape and I was going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new one. My friend has left multiple voice mail messages for me since this conversation telling me where I can find abandonded furniture on the side of the road. Now, I have nothing against picking stuff up from the side of the road, but this man seems to be on a mission to find me a free chair. I actually stopped to look a the last one he called me about, but the strange random stains kind of freaked me out and I left it laying there for some other lucky person
 

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Posted by lily pad (# 11456) on :
 
Forgive me, please, for venturing into your territory.

I am curious to know whether or not anyone has personal experience of Kenneth Hagin Ministries? website here If so, please pm. It may be worthy of a thread but doesn't seem to be as yet. Many thanks.

<Lily Pad backs out of the room and carefully makes her way back to her side of the border.>
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
You haven't figured out yet that an American thread would tend to sweep you up in its wake as a beloved visitor?

I don't thrill to Hagin's type of preaching, but I know it takes all flavors to get the message across. You have a praise? A problem? What gives?
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by PataLeBon:
And I'm thinking of visiting in July...oy....

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

quote:

---

Originally posted by PataLeBon:
And I'm thinking of visiting in July...oy....

---

Florida? Or Janine's neck of the woods? (Hoping to hear that you're coming here!) (And not when I'm gallivanting!)

---

Janine's neck of the woods is the thought...Florida might be possible sometime as we now have family that moved that way.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
JB walked into the garage and saw our local black snake, so he shoed him out. We don't have any mice this year, so I'm thinking the snake has taken care of the little critters.

A couple of years ago, I took photos of the snakes mating and invited the neighbors. JB says I'm a snake voyeur
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
... I took photos of the snakes mating and invited the neighbors. JB says I'm a snake voyeur

---

It's not like you sold tickets.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
ANNOUNCING THE BLESSED ARRIVAL OF GRANDSON #3

DANIEL ISAAC born this morning at 11:22 at 7 lbs, 1 oz.



Now the girls are outnumbered, 3 to 2
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Very best wishes, and what a lovely name your grandson has.
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Motherboard and Janine dragged me off to see Men in Black 3

Actually, it was clever. But who would have thought that about Andy Warhol?
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I would! I would've thought he was another historical/celebrity "cameo", as has been done so well in the last two movies. That's why the little twist of the actual "truth" about Andy was so neat.

Watching the weather in the Gulf of Mexico with a jaundiced eye...
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
why do people have to be so stupid?

Some complete jackass decided it was his sole purpose in life to try to get in a fight with our door guys at the bar tonight. They're both big (one of them is probably nearing 400 lbs) and both mellow - we only hire mellow door dudes. But there's something floating around in that testosterone soup that when some guys have a few they need to try and agitate other men. unfortunately it was working, and when I went to check both of my door men were in a shouting match with the guy.

so, all 5'2" of me goes storming over and roars my terrible roar and gnashes my terrible teeth and sent the door boys scuttling back inside and douchebag backs down and has the decency to look ashamed of himself.

why??? why is it that these ego freaks feel challenged and wont back down from two guys who could turn him into creamed corn without breaking a sweat, but when a relatively tiny woman with a large voice gets in his face he tucks tail and runs?

I'm starting to think we're taking the wrong tack. We don't need big guys on the door, we need disapproving mamas.
 

---

Posted by ken (# 2460) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
That's why the little twist of the actual "truth" about Andy was so neat.

---

What they let on that he was a devout Catholic?

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

why??? why is it that these ego freaks feel challenged and wont back down from two guys who could turn him into creamed corn without breaking a sweat, but when a relatively tiny woman with a large voice gets in his face he tucks tail and runs?

---

quote:

---

I'm starting to think we're taking the wrong tack. We don't need big guys on the door, we need disapproving mamas.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
I'm starting to think we're taking the wrong tack. We don't need big guys on the door, we need disapproving mamas.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:

I always tell people that working at a pre-school gave me most of the necessary skills for running a bar. Let's face it, drunks and toddlers have a lot in common. Both can be head-strong, both can throw tantrums, both often have very little in the way of impulse control, and sometimes, both are slightly lacking in the potty-training department.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Where does the Dreaded Mom come into the hierarchy?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Keeping an eye on Debby, all us Gulf-ites...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Where does the Dreaded Mom come into the hierarchy?

---

I believe she rates just below the sewing circle. That group of older ladies who have been in the church for a minimum 70 years.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
This thing with Google stalking me is getting ridiculous. First since I hang out at purportedly Christian website ( ) and sometimes look at art, they are convinced that I'm ripe to buy the gorgeous, multi-volume St. John's Bible for beaucoup bucks. Like that's gonna happen. The pop-up for it follows me hither and yon. The final straw was that it followed me to The Urban Dictionary where I was idly looking up some pretty disgusting slang (don't ask ) looking accusingly bright and holy. Now I feel the need to say ten rosaries and I'm not even Catholic.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Can you go into your browser settings and disable pop-ups?
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
That happens a lot. People see incongruous ads, sometimes it's funny.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I agree that sometimes it is funny but often it is ****** annoying!
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
I might do that, Wodders. But first I have to sort out my Firefox and Flash programs which are arguing right now, and the fallout is that they won't let me listen to YouTube. So I'm probably going to have to see about upgrading Firefox or Flash or both and it might not be pretty, since I am such a complete Luddite. Rebooting is about my speed on computer fixes.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
You know that nice splash, plop, plop sound you get while sitting in a boat. Well, that's what I had on my way to work today, in my car!!!! The water was about 12 inches deep in some places where I was driving. There were signs that said 'road under water'. Gee! Ya think! There should be 'no wake' signs, too.

A semi went through the cross street while I was floating at the traffic light. At one spot, the water was half way up his wheels!

TS Debby's wind is blowing the Gulf waters onshore, and the river and canals are up to the top of the banks. We got through high tide this morning, and will see what happens the next high tide.

She is also providing my exercize program. Lots of tree debris in my yard to gather and put by the roadside. Yay.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Debby's track looks terrible for Florida.

You may have to start rounding up the animals two-by-two.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
* Fed the animals, check.
*Must call re: insurance plans, need to buy one.
*Oh Lord I need a pedicure.
*Can there really be 43 baskets of "dirty" or "clean" or "needs sorting for donation" clothing lying around here?!?
*I need to go in person to pause or possibly kill off my gym membership... FG is supposed to be free to exercise with me soon, so we'll walk more.
*Eye appt? Dental appt?
*Has that new life-form starting in the refrigerator begin its higher civilization phase yet?

I'm too busy to go back to work! There's too much work to do at home!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
it's ridiculous that the best source I could find for the news on Colorado's fires was the BBC. just sayin'.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Try Facebook.

Spouse gets newsfeeds from BBC and some Russian news agency, among others. He figures nothing mainstream/US is sufficient.

Could always try local/regional Colorado news.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Janine, including a pedicure in one's disaster planning agenda? You're a girl after my own heart.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
If you call returning from vacation a disaster. You might, especially if you come home to find 43 baskets of misc. laundry, untouched.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Try Facebook.

---

Yeah, I'm getting updates from my cousin in Fort Collins. And her local news.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Mamacita, we are a Prepared People, us Cajuns, ever since Le Grand Derangement propelled most of us into Hurricane Territory. My church even has a Zombie Apocalypse Contingency Plan. Therefore, if it comes down to me and a toe tag in a stainless steel drawer, those little feet are gonna be baby-soft and adorable. (I would say "baby-soft and kissable", but that's fetish-thread material...)

Lyda*Rose, it's not so much the sheer number of these baskets and other assorted projects -- it's the way they get dumped out and trampled upon in a frantic search for a lost T-shirt, or combined so now the whole needs a re-wash. I am only grateful I haven't found an nest of illicit kittens in one of them.

comet, Kelly, that's one thing the Ship does, and Facebook as well -- when you're monitoring a natural disaster, if you can find someone in there living it, you can get the inside look at it, better than Dah Medja can do. I'm grateful for that factor.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Hot hot hot for the next four or five days at least. 100 today, and projected to be higher Saturday and Sunday. Upside and downside to this weather though. Downside, my truck's AC does not work. I have to rely on 2-55* AC, and that really doesn't cut it. Upside, when it's hot, I sell one heck of a lot of beer

*2-55AC = roll both windows down, drive 55 mph.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
The 2-55 AC plan can be very effective, I know, but it's no good if you had planned on looking nice upon arrival.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Janine:

quote:

---

Lyda*Rose, it's not so much the sheer number of these baskets and other assorted projects -- it's the way they get dumped out and trampled upon in a frantic search for a lost T-shirt, or combined so now the whole needs a re-wash. I am only grateful I haven't found an nest of illicit kittens in one of them.

---

My sympathies. And best of luck with the theoretical kittens.
 

---

Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
Bess, you're in the cool part of TN. 109F in Nashville. An all-time record.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Aaauugh. 109 is terrible for Nashville.

And to think the SoG is considering moving his little family to Alabama or Tennessee, to get the wife out of the heat!
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Can't speak for Alabama, but Tennessee is NOT where you go to get out of the heat. NOAA names a period of uncomfortably and abnormally hot temperatures, usually lasting two or more days a Heat Wave. In Tennessee, it's just called July and August.

I had no idea when I moved 1000 miles north of South Florida that I would acutally be moving to a hotter summer.

(Adding a super-fun Summer Cold to the extra hot weather is NOT helping either)
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We had a tremendous windstorm last night. Two small trees on my next door neighbors property came down on my fence and squashed part of it. A large branch which I believe came from a tree on my back neighbor's property landed on another part of the fence and squashed it.

I spent about an hour with a saw and loppers getting stuff ready to drag to the curb. The job is less than a quarter done.

The only bright spot is that the fence needed repairs and I hadn't gotten around to having it done.

Moo
 

---

Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
Calling on the Chicago shippies. Any restaurant suggestions in the water tower area? Pretty much anything north of the river up through rush street and more or less along Michigan ave. I'm at Gino's East now. Could use some ideas for the next few evenings.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Greetings from frosty-cool Florida. The temps were only in the mid 90s today, chilly by comparison to northern temps. Well, it was hot and steamy outside, but I was definitely thinking of y'all in the hotter heat.

I took a ride to see my kids in Sarasota today. A much shorter ride for me than when they lived in O-town! Anyway, the whole way up the interstate, water was standing, and it almost looked like the highway had been built on a very long pond. Trees were down all over the place. Palm trees had been snapped off at the base by TS Debby. Now, God made palm trees to just bend and bow when hurricanes and such blew around them. The storm must have been really special to break so many of them!

I wish we had a way to transport all this extra water to where the fires are. I believe in sharing.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by monkeylizard:
Calling on the Chicago shippies. Any restaurant suggestions in the water tower area? Pretty much anything north of the river up through rush street and more or less along Michigan ave. I'm at Gino's East now. Could use some ideas for the next few evenings.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by JB:
Motherboard and Janine dragged me off to see Men in Black 3

Actually, it was clever. But who would have thought that about Andy Warhol?

---

I loved that part.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
According to today's paper, the storm that hit us was a derecho, that affected a very wide area. Looking at the pictures of huge trees downed, I guess I escaped lightly.

We didn't get any rain, which we could have used. Apparently all the moisture had been squeezed out before the derecho go to us.

I'm still not happy, and it's still extremely hot.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Anti-Monkey Butt Powder is definitely our friend right now.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by me in response to monkeylizard:

You could also hop into a cab and go to Greektown (Halsted St.) which is touristy but the restaurants are all good, not too expensive, and you don't get Greek food everywhere.

---

I just reread this and think it may be confusing. What I meant was, you don't always have the opportunity to get Greek food in many cities.

Anyway, monkeylizard, I hope you're enjoying your stay. Are our hot and sticky temps reminding you of home?
 

---

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
Just popping over to the USA thread with news of Mr Boog.

He leaving Jackson, Wyoming today on his USA coast-to-coast bike ride. He is one of the elite 'EFI' group.

Here is a clip from his latest email explaining the 'EFI' acromym.

"There can be up to 80 people on the tour in any one week but only 37 left Seattle intending to do the whole thing. The current number of riders who have not been in the support wagon now total 27. We have become known as the EFI riders. It stands for Every F****** Inch. I'll leave it to you to fill in the blanks!"

Well done him - so far so good!


 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Wow! Hang in there, Mr. B!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
already in Wyoming? right on! kick it, Mr Boog!
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We had a thunderstorm last night that brought down some more large tree limbs. I worked for about forty minutes this morning sawing them and lugging them to the curb. (The town won't collect anything longer than eight feet.) I hope I have taken care of everything that has to be sawed. I also hope I have finished with the heavy stuff that has to be dragged to the curb. I will rest tomorrow and tackle the job again Wednesday morning.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Oh, Moo!

I hope someone can help you. What a task!
 

---

Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
Seriously! My thought when reading that was that I wish I lived nearer, because I remember helping my mom with exactly that task as a teen, and I would totally offer to help.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
We have been having the same Mighty Impressive thunderstorms that have been playing havoc with Moo's trees, but have been more fortunate than she. We have a few branches broken, the storm tossed some of our flowerpots around, and we still haven't found the cat's food dish, but nothing major. There are quite a few trees down in the neighborhood, though, and the hail did some damage. I hope this isn't a rehearsal for hurricane season.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I don't want to wish a lousy hurricane season on you but I do wish they wouldn't get this desire to 'cross the Pond' once they are done with The Americas. They aren't half as severe by the time they get to us but we aren't set up to deal with dramatic weather: rain stopped play is about our limit.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
We are all for sharing.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Holy Crow, MOO! You rock, sister!

Checked in on Maleveque and Snowgoose. Waiting for Ebeth to text back.

All we've had is heat, heat and more heat. The fireworks are cancelled for the whole state and I'm thinking Colorado and Arizona will be doing the same thing. I look to the mountains and I see rain falling, but none here in the valley. SEND RAIN.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Anti-Monkey Butt Powder is definitely our friend right now.

---

And don't forget the pink version for us ladies!

Moo, I hope there are some church youth or some folks somewhere able to help you. I was lucky, I only had to drag my yard debris to the street without having to cut them first.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Janine:
[qb] Anti-Monkey Butt Powder is definitely our friend right now.

---

And don't forget the pink version for us ladies!

I thought this was a joke until I looked it up. What a crazy name for a product!
 

---

Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
[QUOTE]
Anyway, monkeylizard, I hope you're enjoying your stay. Are our hot and sticky temps reminding you of home?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
Moo, I hope there are some church youth or some folks somewhere able to help you. I was lucky, I only had to drag my yard debris to the street without having to cut them first.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
I thought this was a joke until I looked it up. What a crazy name for a product!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
I'm annoyed at the way the national press has reported this. They implied that the damage and deaths in Virginia were confined to the suburbs of Washington, DC. In fact, we had one death here in Blacksburg, another in Franklin County, which is not very far away, and two in Botetourt County, which is just north of Roanoke. The reporters don't seem to realize that southwest Virginia exists.

Moo

---

I noticed that as well. 65% of Roanoke City and Roanoke Co. were without power. 80% of Lynchburg. We were lucky that our lights flickered, but did not go out. We have had two refugees camping out with us until their power is restored. It could be next Saturday, AEP says.

At one point, 780,000 homes were without power in Virginia alone.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
a propos of nothing and just 'cause I need to whine - I'm allergic to something in my room.

I suspected mildew (another wet summer) so gave it a very healthy scrubbing up today and changed all the linens, inspected and flipped the mattress, etc. now it's worse. uncool.

I feel like the marching band in my sinuses just gave en epic solo to their most manic and meth-addled base drummer. I've got enough pressure in here to can a herd of elephants.

[ 03. July 2012, 09:23: Message edited by: comet ]
 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Ah, well, there's your answer - dust. Sadly, it will improve now you've dusted, it will get worse if you don't dust again and it will get worse when you do the dusting. Apparently, according to my cousin with allergic rhinitis with dust as a trigger, the answer is a housekeeper or cleaner. Or not if you're skint like me.

(and Yorick took that description to the Quotes file)
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Moo - do you have a church youth group? that's what they're for.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

all right, gang, I need some advice. I have to work on the fourth - 5 pm until probably 5 am. (great tips! not complaining!) my boys will be home by 4:30 or so and likely bored and resentful because their friends will all be floating the rivers or at bonfires. so - does anyone know of any big city fireworks displays that will be streamed? fireworks here in the summer suck because it's never dark - but I thought they might enjoy watching a show vicariously over the net.

other ideas welcome, also. they've already seen The Patriot a zillion times. and I'm thinking something more interesting than being a vidiot but that can be done by unsupervised boys - 16 and 10.

thanks in advance!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Moo - do you have a church youth group? that's what they're for.

---

We don't have many teenagers at our church, and most families are out of town. Our lives are very much governed by the Tech academic schedule.

The work isn't that bad. I work until I feel tired, and then I don't work again until two days later.

AFAIK I only have lightweight stuff to drag to the curb now. I hope the job is half done. I can't be sure until I've moved everything and seen what's underneath it.

Moo

---

Moo, over here a heck of lot of people would be phoning the local council to 'get some men to clear the street' or even calling the police to do it. They would step over it rather than move the stuff! I hope someone can drop by to give you a hand.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Moo, So wise to pace yourself. I have found a call to local boy scout leader once was very helpful when I was taking care of two ill family members and firewood needed to be moved.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Yeah, I was just going to suggest the scouts. Them merit badges are a powerful motivator.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
fireworks here in the summer suck because it's never dark

---

One of my very favorite Fourth of Julys ever was in Alaska. We were in Seward and sleeping, when a huge BOOM woke us at midnight. We went onto the balcony and watched the fireworks display in a fairly light sky with alpenglow on the mountains. After the day's festivities, we took the train to Anchorage and were surprised by another fireworks display at about 10 that evening. Again, not a dark sky at all, but really lovely!
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
I heard from Hart, and the novitiate in Colorado Springs was evacuated and the novitiates sent elsewhere. One small building was lost, but the main house is safe at the moment.

Keep praying against this fire getting any bigger.

Thunder and lightning on the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range right now, sounds good but we are not getting any rain. We need rain, Lord.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
It's icky here. Don't even feel like going to the lakefront for the fireworks (yes, we have them on the Third). I'm sitting inside in the A/C and sending prayers upwards for everybody out east, sitting in the same ickyness with no power.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
I heard from Hart, and the novitiate in Colorado Springs was evacuated and the novitiates sent elsewhere. One small building was lost, but the main house is safe at the moment.

Keep praying against this fire getting any bigger.

Thunder and lightning on the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range right now, sounds good but we are not getting any rain. We need rain, Lord.

---

Jeez! I didn't realize he was so close!



Yeah, rain all around. The Pacific is beginning to show a promising, dark cloud bank; let's hope it keeps moving east.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday America,
Happy Birthday to you.



236 and counting!
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Yes indeed - Happy 4th to you all.
 

---

Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
Happy 4th to you all! I am so enjoying my day off. Slept in, drinking a coffee made with wuv by the Magician. A bevy of geese just oddly flew by over the high school I live in back of, honking. And Golden Key got accolades for her post by RooK in hell. All is alright with the world.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
WooHoo! Happy Fourth!




/\People at a fireworks display/\

To celebrate, I vacuumed and steam mopped all my floors. (Celebrating a day off, that is!)
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
dah DAH da da DAH da da DAHHHH! (hummed to the tune of "Stars and Stripes Forever")

A beautiful Independence Day here in Williamsburg. Always a thrill to go down to Colonial Williamsburg on July 4. For the rest of the year (because it is set up to reflect the way it was in colonial times, of course) Union Jacks fly over all the old buildings; but on the 4th of July they haul 'em all down and raise the Stars and Stripes. The first time I saw it it made me all teary. (It still does, actually.)

Then, in the afternoon, folks gather under the big oak beside the courthouse and the Town Crier (doesn't your town have a Town Crier? Ours certainly does.) reads the Declaration of Independence. Everyone BOOOOOs when they mention King George, of course, and cheers at appropriate moments.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
All best wishes for a happy Fourth of July to all my southern neighbours, from sunny Newfoundland.


 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 


Am watching the end of John Adams, the miniseries. Adams is scolding John Trumbull for the historical inaccuracies in his painting,The Signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Happy Independence day, y'all.
 

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Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
Didn't go to any of the firework displays yesterday, but did go to a little ceremony at our replica of the Liberty Bell (#16), down at the Capitol Building. I had no idea that there were 55 replicas made in 1950 and given to each state to ring out on the 4th! The fellow who started this here two years ago dressed in colonial garb and read about the replicas, a woman from the DAR spoke and we read the Declaration out loud. We had about 5 people step up to read and great kudos to the two young girls that read and did really well on some of those words! Then at 11am, to coincide with the ceremony at the real LB, we could step up to strike the bell with a rubber mallet and let it ring 13 times for the original states. The last ring was by a young boy wearing a tricorner hat - too cute! Here is the list of the bells and where they are now and most with pictures: Liberty Bell replicas

[ 05. July 2012, 15:23: Message edited by: Lady A ]
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Lady A, my browser [Firefox with Kaspersky] didn't like that link at all and wouldn't go there. Are you sure it is okay?
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
the link worked fine for me, WW.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I clicked on the link and got a message that this had been reported as an Attack Page.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
Yeah, I checked my first link and got that message, so I had a chance to edit and went back and it seemed to work then when I did the preview. Maybe if you just google it, it'll come up right.
 

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Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I got the big ol' Firefox explanation about it, first time I've ever seen that "attack page" warning. Using Linux I generally never worry about that stuff.

I forced the computer to show it to me. The list is interesting, seeing what the different states have done with their bells.

I didn't even make it a point to look & see if PBS ran "A Capitol Fourth", or whatever they call the thing, with the entertainers in an outdoor venue in D.C. Most years I watch that, but I lazed about all day for my 4th, ate my son-in-law's grilled meats extravaganza at The Outlaws' house while watching Jeff Dunham, then wandered over to drink coffee at the bookstore to close the day.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I have been celebrating since July 1st. Sunday was the day the fireworks went off in our area. Not sure why, Friends invited us over for dinner and to watch the works from their porch. The next day a group of us women fixed a thank you dinner for all of our local fire fighters. One Wednesday we were again invited out for dinner. Thursday because the Senior Center had been closed on the 4th we had a little celebration there.
Today I get to cook for myself for the first time this week. Kind of nice. I am ready to move on.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Thank God, our multi-day run of 100-degree temps has broken. There's a lovely cool breeze coming out of the northwest and we're sitting here with the Windows wide open enjoying it.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
And I can't believe autocorrect capitalized Windows. There, it did it again.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
holiday weekend marathon run of work officially over. tomorrow - nothing but my play. yippee. suddenly, "just" putting on a show seems practically like a day off!
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Perspective.

Godlet having moved to New Jersey a few days ago -- (*sniffle*) -- he left a box of things he wasn't going to bring up there. At least not in girlfriend's car. They weren't going so far as to be all packed up like the Beverly Hillbillies. Godlet experienced that when we moved back down home from Iowa. I'm sure he has fond memories from that.

Atop that box was the skunk skin I gave him, brought it back from Red Earth a couple years ago. I've been enjoying the thing, just having it around and petting it. thinking about making it a purse. Then, when the girls at work show off their designer handbags, I can show them my original LePew.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Don't skunk skins have a residual odor?

Moo
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Naaah, smells like fur.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Naaah, smells like fur.

---

Old, wet fur, that's been left outside awhile.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
I fell asleep last night to the sound of rain on the roof I've always loved that sound, but after over a month with no rain at all, it was pure music!
 

---

Posted by monkeylizard (# 952) on :
 
Yep! And more rain on the way today! Time to retire the tree watering contraption, AKA the 5-gallon bucket with a small hole in the bottom of it.

[ 09. July 2012, 14:57: Message edited by: monkeylizard ]
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janine:
Naaah, smells like fur.

---

Old, wet fur, that's been left outside awhile.

---

Silly. My skunk pelt smells gorgeous, like well-preserved soft leather and a clean furry pet.

I might also give him beady little glass eyes and stuff him so he looks alive...

Weather Channel said we had over 100% humidity this morning. Well, at least my skin looks dewy and young.
 

---

Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :
 
OVER 100%?

What, were you swimming???
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
Summer finally arrived, just in time for July 4th and the Blues Festival, where I spent the last four days immersed in music, beer, and unhealthy food...
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I had such a great time yesterday afternoon, so now I will bore you with the tale.

We had a surprise birthday party for Daughter-Unit. It was really a surprise, since her b-day isn't until the 31st of this month.

She had wanted a tablet of a certain model, and her hubby, mom-in-law and I put our pennies together and got it for her. (It's a significant birthday, so we told her not to expect anything like it next year!)

In order to get to the gift, she had to unwrap the outer box, which had lots and lots of tape, and prettily wrapped in pink tissue paper (she is NOT a pink girl) was one of my old shirts with cloud-like smears of pink and purple and sparkles, which she really doesn't like. The look on her face was priceless!!!!

Then she had to de-tape the smaller box that was hidden under the decoy shirt. Again, the look on her face was priceless!!!

And a good time was had by all.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I have finished with all the stuff that was big enough to be dragged to the curb. I had planned to load the smaller stuff into the garden cart this morning. Unfortunately, it's raining, and it's supposed to be rainy for the rest of the week. Not a lot of rain, which we could use, but the nuisance kind.

I really had hopes of finishing the cleanup today. The next thing is to arrange for the fence repair.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Right now it is 105F. I am hot. I would be cooler but every time that I sit down the cat has to lay touching me. I don't get it she could lay on the cooler floor under the cooling fan, but no she must push up against my hot body with her fur. I tried moving, but she just follows me from room to room. By the way a slice of cucumber in a glass of water is very refreshing.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
It actually dropped to 78 degrees F today! That was while the sun was blocked by thick clouds, and between rain showers. I can hear the mold growing...
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
It's cooled off some, and I'm beginning to feel more human. The temperature in my bedroom was 70°, which was a pleasant change from last week, when it was in the high 70s and low 80s.

We're also getting intermittent rain, which means I can't complete the cleanup.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Feels a bit like a rainforest floor, then your yard? Mine does.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
After an entire month with no rain, and temps soaring above the 100 mark, it has been rainy and cloudy for several days now. Of course, folks being what they are, we are all now complaining about being damp, soggy and needing to mow our lawns again. I guess if we didn't have the weather to bitch about, we'd have to focus on something we could actually control

I got given a lovely great heaping bunch of ripe maters yesterday and whipped up some kick-ass homemade pico. Nothing like using veggies fresh out of the garden. I put enough hot peppers into it to temporarily clear up my poor aching sinuses. Summer colds are rotten, horrid things, and this one seems to have settled down for a long stay. Spending the majority of my time in a smoky bar is not helping matters at all either. hack, hack, snurk...
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I saw two young raccoons in my yard. It's the first time I've seen raccoons in the thirteen years I've lived here. Some weeks ago I saw a deer for the first time.

The wildlife appears to be moving to town.

Moo
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
Spending the majority of my time in a smoky bar is not helping matters at all either. hack, hack, snurk...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
Spending the majority of my time in a smoky bar is not helping matters at all either. hack, hack, snurk...

---

Move your bar to California where it's illegal to smoke in bars! If you were local, I would consider it my Christian duty to help keep you in business.
 

---

Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
From another state with mandatory smokefree bars, I was momentarily very confused until I realized that in many states bars are usually smokey places.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Well, the part I didn't say was that it's not just my customers who smoke (I know, I know...)
 

---

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
A friend who owns a winebar found the ban on smoking in bars very helpful when she decided to quit. There are reasons why California has one of the lowest smoking rates in the country. As a non-smoker, I very much appreciate being able to pollute my liver with bothering my lungs. But I realize mileage varies.
 

---

Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
So goes California, so goes the nation.
Nah, so goes...THE WORLD.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
No smoking anywhere in public in the whole country here! I think the only places you can smoke are private houses [but not ours!] and private cars [again not ours] - not universally enforced as some people still smoke on the street but it is the law.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
It's a shame to get all dressed up and put on the war paint for a night on the town, then to have to undress & get another shower and wash the smoke from your hair after you come home. Much rather go out, have fun, come home, have fun, sleep.

I think we've a bar downtown advertising itself as smoke-free.
 

---

Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
Well, we haven't had to build an ark, but Rug isn't looking forward to mowing the lawn.

Anyone know how to drain a swamp?? That's assuming it will stop raining soon. I hate to tell CNN, but the drought is over in H-Town.
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
I really wish we could pump it all lover to Colorado & New Mexico.
 

---

Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 
Talk about a public works project! A network of pipelines stretching from flood-prone to drought- and fire-prone regions. When can we get started?
 

---

Posted by Janine (# 3337) on :
 
Aaaaugh. Think of the protesters, throwing their bodies before the cement trucks coming to pour the footings for the pipeline.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Janine posted

quote:

---

undress & get another shower and wash the smoke from your hair

---

Yes, if we go to the Indian Casino for dinner you have to walk though the smoke filled casino to get to the closed off dinning area Mr Image and I have been know to strip in the garage before going in the house to shower. Yes, we do have an attached garage.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I just want it on the record that tomorrow will be my first full 24 hours off from work since May 23rd. and possibly my last until September. I'm going camping and hiking the K'sugi Ridge Trail and no one is going to stop me. except perhaps the weather. then, perhaps just a long drive?

either way, I'm leaving my phone at home.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Good on you, comet! Go kick some wilderness butt, and fight the mosquitoes to a draw!
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
... Go kick some wilderness butt, and fight the mosquitoes to a draw!

---

Or filet a couple for dinner...
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
We are just back from the weekend. Rugasaw started something with our trip to Red Earth Festival for the ship meet. We are just back from the Taos Pow Wow. It was smaller, but still spectacular.

And we spent the night at the Mable Dodge Lujan House, now a bed-and-breakfast. Again, a very special experience, including the bathroom. We had a room on the second floor with its own porch and the glass bathroom with windows painted by D. H. Lawrence.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
GAHH!

I just got bent over and hacked in exotic ways. Please pray that I remember all my new passwords.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
I hate hackers! Could I righteously curse the evil hackers and still be a Christian?
 

---

Posted by art dunce (# 9258) on :
 
Motherboarde, have you read this book? I found it a fascinating read after visiting her place in Taos.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Here's the thing: I really want to suggest this as a meet, but given how squeamish the NoCal Anti-Fun brigade seems to be when faced with the relatively harmless thought of powder being tossed at them-- translation: they keep wimping out on Holi-- I am pretty sure this will just provoke psychological shock.

I feel so alone in the world.
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
I WANNA GO!!!!
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :