Thread: The USA thread Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
A bright shiny new thread, There's red thread, there's blue thread.

[ 13. February 2013, 07:28: Message edited by: Spike ]
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
You mentioned red and blue, but, where is the WHITE thread!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

P.S. PeteC, you usually think up some cute thread starter name, I guess you didn't think of one this year, eh? You could have asked me!

[ 01. January 2013, 00:10: Message edited by: Ye Olde Motherboarde ]
 

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Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 
Oh, don't ask for a white thread or someone may think you to be a racist.

Happy New Year to all of you. "Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear."
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Happy New Year! I'm going to be a party pooper and go to bed in a few minutes.

See y'all next year!
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:


P.S. PeteC, you usually think up some cute thread starter name, I guess you didn't think of one this year?

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Oh we thought of plenty. But we decided 2013 was going to be minimalist. Trendsetters, us.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
oof.

this was my fourth New Years worked, and by far the busiest. I earned my keep for sure. I'm one tired puppy.

it's 3 am here, which means 2 am in Hawaii, so everyone has rung it in by now - so, Happy New Year!

my feet hurt.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Happy New Year! Our first NYE party at the bar was a huge success. We couldn't have packed anyone else in the place with a crow-bar. Like comet, my feet hurt. My bartender's birthday is 1/1, so I gave her the night off to play and my ex, his girlfriend, and my hubby all worked our tushies off keeping the beer flowing. Got home at 4:30am and I've just gotten up some 4 1/2 hours later to go back to work to clean up the remains of the carnage and cook New Year's Day Dinner of hog jowl, black eyed peas and cabbage. Exhausted but very happy about the way 2013 started...
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Happy New Year's, everyone. I spent it at home with my daughter and a friend, nothing very exciting.
 

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Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
Happy new year! OK state won, my bedroom has been cleaned and laundry is caught up.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Oh Yummy, Bess Higgs, hog jowl, black eyed peas and cabbage!

JB forgot to buy the black eyed peas,(which he eats every New Year). Since I married him, and he doesn't like my German sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and pork, I have done without and baked ham, scalloped potatoes and collards.
I also baked an apple pie, which I am eating during the STANFORD game. GO STANFORD, beat Wisconsin!

Happy New Year!
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Went to the Rose Parade ready for an Artic expedition wearing a down coat, fuzzy long undies, a fuzzy hat, and fuzzy gloves. After walking the few blocks up a gentle rise on Colorado Blvd and up to our Orange Grove Blvd grandstand seats, I was entirely warmed and slipped off the down coat and the gloves (but not the fuzzy hat or the fuzzy undies ) and watched a thoroughly lovely parade. Some of my favorite entries were the "Cat in the Hat" and "Cars" floats, the "Love Float" where a marriage was performed, and the slackerly Stanford marching band.

Happy New Year, everybody!

And don't spend all your tips on foot rub, comet and Bess.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Stanford Band is "Very Special".

At one time they didn't appear on network TV, perhaps because of the incident where they started to undress as the other band finished their halftime show........and then marched onto the field in shorts and swim suits to play surfer music.

Stanford Band is an acquired taste. Let's just say they are unique, and always fun to be around. Not your traditional band, and they make every effort to stay that way.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
We older Cal fans can always find a smile for the Stanford Band .

I'm trying to find Youtube of their halftime performance. Which I hear they had to run by the network beforehand, due to their, um, previous shenanigans.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
Went to the Rose Parade ready for an Artic expedition wearing a down coat, fuzzy long undies, a fuzzy hat, and fuzzy gloves. After walking the few blocks up a gentle rise on Colorado Blvd and up to our Orange Grove Blvd grandstand seats, I was entirely warmed and slipped off the down coat and the gloves (but not the fuzzy hat or the fuzzy undies ) and watched a thoroughly lovely parade. Some of my favorite entries were the "Cat in the Hat" and "Cars" floats, the "Love Float" where a marriage was performed, and the slackerly Stanford marching band.

Happy New Year, everybody!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:
We older Cal fans can always find a smile for the Stanford Band .

I'm trying to find Youtube of their halftime performance. Which I hear they had to run by the network beforehand, due to their, um, previous shenanigans.

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My mom had us fully rehearsed in the Cal State Drinking Song by the time I was 8 and sis was 12.

Thought you'd appreciate that, AG.
 

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Posted by Niteowl (# 15841) on :
 
I worked on the floats for the Rose Parade one year and it was a fabulous experience being able to work on and see all the floats up close. Very meticulous, detailed work.
 

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Posted by Josephine (# 3899) on :
 
We always have an open house on the afternoon of New Year's Day, so even if we had a TV, we'd be too busy setting up for the party to watch the Rose Bowl Parade. But I have fond memories of watching it when I was a kid, and being amazed at the floats.

Our New Year's party is always loads of fun. We have a ham, cheese, rolls, black-eyed peas, a coconut cake, and about a bajillion cookies. A friendly teenager looks after little ones, so parents can eat and chat and play Boggle.

We have a mountain of leftover food, because I am certain that there is a special circle in Hell for hosts that run out of food or drink. However many people we estimate that we might have, I make sure we have enough for twice that many and to spare. Leftover cookies and coconut cake for breakfast? Yes!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
big quake in southeast -7.7 - very far from here, we didn't feel a thing. but it's created a tsunami warning that will be very far reaching, including the town my mother lives in (she's uphill, no worries) and where I'll be moving to.

just wanted to let you all know we're fine, here. probably more than a thousand miles away.

prayers for SEAK and all of the pacific NW are probably in order.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
tsunami warning stood down after a few tiny waves at various places. whew.

my mom slept through the quake, though others in her town were jolted awake. powerful sleeper!
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks for posting Comet, I read about this elsewhere and came over to check. 7.7 @ 5 metres deep is nasty.

for all those affected.

Huia
 

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Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
That area has lots of coves, inlets and passages that tend to amplify the effects in specific places. Tidal differences of 3 to 5m aren't uncommon in some areas, and many communities are built right at the water's edge.
 

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Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
Ugh...cooked tonight, and it was fairly inedible...

Rug still thinks I should try again!! I don't know what that means...
 

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Posted by CuppaT (# 10523) on :
 
Our city got hit by a big ice and snow storm on Christmas day and the next. Trees and branches fell all over and the FEMA trucks are going to come soon for the debris, although city workers have been going non-stop just clearing streets. My street was blocked for a couple days and two neighbors had trees on their houses and cars, big pines. Most of the city was without electricity, but our few houses around us maintained ours, although we lost all internet and cable for a week or so. It just got fixed Jan. 3. We were thankful for heat especially and that the ice began to melt. Eventually, we could get down our hill, get our car fixed from the window that got smashed on it, and start picking up and chopping up branches. It has certainly been an adventure!
 

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

I'm glad you came out as well as you did. Surely the rest of the year will be on the upswing.
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
I'm going on a date with someone I met on a dating site. My first time doing this. It's just a minor meet for coffee, not a serious date but I'm all nervous about it, I wish we'd messaged longer before I agreed to meet with him, not that I'm worried about him or anything but it just feels too soon.
 

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Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
Nicole, FWIW, YMMV ... I did the blind date thing way back in the 90s when it was done via ads in the local give-away newspaper, and my experience was that it was better to meet sooner than later -- 30 minutes over coffee told me way more than a couple of hours on phone calls.
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Well I met him, and it went OK, well enough that we're going to see a movie on Saturday.
 

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Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
Cool! I hope it goes well.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
So i kicked out this lady (and 12 men, all at once, personal record) two years ago after the infamous Naked Pushup Incident™. Today, she comes back into the bar while I'm working for the first time. I go to take her order and she says, "If I ask you for a Bloody Mary can I trust you not to put poison in it?"

Well....


I was never angry, but I had to use the Evil Mama Voice so I guess these last two years she's been living in fear of my fury.
Makes me feel so powerful!
 

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Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Comet - that first sentence would be one heck of an opening for a novel. Please write it!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
there's definitely a book in there just waiting to be written.
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Get with it kid: A working title: Talking my life away: radios and barkeeping


 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Last night I happened on a TLC program called "The best funeral ever". I laughed all the way through. If you have ever wanted to do an over the top funeral for your loved ones-this is the TV program for you!
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Wow, it's hot here! We broke an all time Florida January record on Wednesday. 88 degrees. Way too stinkin' hot.

But...my oak tree is beautiful! It's all leafed out in bright green and the tomatoes are growing very nicely!

It just stinks to turn the A/C on. When I was younger, before my Personal Summers™ became part of my life, I refused to use the A/C until June. That sure went out the window.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Comet, your life is so much more eventful than mine!
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Comet you are so sweet to call her a lady.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
We had the most beautiful day here today...I had all the doors open, lots of bikers running the roads, amazing in January. Of course, they are predicting sleet and ice for Monday, so I guess we'll just enjoy it while we can...

I can't possibly top the Naked Pushup story, but last Saturday nite, I did have to stop an ole gal from unzipping her boyfriend to show off his dubious charms...

I really should ask my insurance agent if my coverage includes treatment for mental anguish...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Graven Image:
Comet you are so sweet to call her a lady.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
Went to the Rose Parade ready for an Artic expedition wearing a down coat, fuzzy long undies, a fuzzy hat, and fuzzy gloves. After walking the few blocks up a gentle rise on Colorado Blvd and up to our Orange Grove Blvd grandstand seats, I was entirely warmed and slipped off the down coat and the gloves (but not the fuzzy hat or the fuzzy undies ) and watched a thoroughly lovely parade. Some of my favorite entries were the "Cat in the Hat" and "Cars" floats, the "Love Float" where a marriage was performed, and the slackerly Stanford marching band.

---

Did you see it last year? It was on my birthday! A facebook friend of mine who was soon to retire as Pasadena's Public Information Officer found herself riding a float then, thanks to some important people she knew.

I did enjoy this year's parade. I watched it on HGTV. One of my friends is an elementary school principal and he dresses up like The Cat in the Hat . I miss living three blocks west of Orange Grove in the San Rafael neighborhood, selling parking in our driveway, walking to the Parade and sharing a ladder or chair with a stranger. Someday when I am older and wealthier, we'll get a room with a view at the Saga to see it again in person.

This year isn't too horrible, thus far. I think it's going to be OK - a belated Happy New Year everybody!

By the way, it is freezing at our house!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
it's snowing. predicted to turn to freezing rain (in JANUARY?!?!) so today's plans are: shovel the hell out of this stuff before it turns to the consistency of ice cream.

blurgh.
 

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Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
Oh YUCK Comet.

And I think our non-stop rain is bad...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
at the moment it's lovely, warm out but still soft fluffy snow. Shoveling in my t-shirt! I'm going to be sore tomorrow. it's falling fast enough It's almost pointless to shovel, but I'm trying to think of it as my daily workout.

(checking in from momentary coffee break)
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
predictions came true.

foot of snow, then turned to freezing rain. the roads are sheet ice with water on top. My driveway has two FEET of standing water at the end of it.

I drove my neighborhood road (almost a mile) in first gear the whole way tonight, never got above 10 mph and flirted with the ditch twice. god bless standards, if I'd have touched the break I'd have been done for.

fun stuff. just another night at the office!

on the fun side - the bartender's fashion statement today involved a lovely little black dress and knee-high green "Ketchikan sneakers" aka fisherman's rubber boots.

Classy.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I am heading in to clean the back bedroom spare closet that has not been really touched for about 4 years. If I do not post again by the end of the week please call rescue.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
bring rescue flares!
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
The closet is clean. My goodness there was a lot of forgotten stuff, that seemed like treasures at the time I stored them there, but since I did not use or even remember I had them got placed in the thrift shop box.
 

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Posted by lily pad (# 11456) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
predictions came true.
...on the fun side - the bartender's fashion statement today involved a lovely little black dress and knee-high green "Ketchikan sneakers" aka fisherman's rubber boots.

Classy.

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Around here, those are called, "Tignish Hush Puppies".
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I've heard them called "Homer Hush Puppies", too. I assume Tignish is a very wet town?
 

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Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
Green certainly is a fashion statement! When I bought mine in Ketchikan I had my choice of Uniroyal or Goodyear, but they only came in red.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
oh, they're not just green. Bad Camo Green.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We had about seven inches of extremely wet snow Wednesday evening. I lost power for a little over an hour. Some people in the northern part of town are still in the dark.

Yesterday was sunny, so I didn't start to move the snow until afternoon. I managed to dig out my car and shovel the sidewalk in front of my house. That's all I had energy for. The sun took care of a lot of the snow, and it's sunny again today. I'm hoping I won't have to do any shoveling on the driveway.

This is the first significant snowfall we've had all winter.

Moo
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
NO snow here. In fact it's disconcerting how warm (for January) that it's been here.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
The sun has cleared all the snow from my driveway. I am so lucky my driveway has a southern exposure.

Moo
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
We got a few more inches last night. not really enough to shovel but I think I will anyway. I need the exercise.

it's actually been lovely here since last weekend's rain storm. not too cold, not too warm. There's still a lot of ice not yet fully covered up yet so walking is tricky, but I can't really complain. however, another warm front is predicted. please pass us by!
 

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Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
I'm beginning to wonder about our church...we are growing and losing staff at the same time...

We're currently going with "God will sort it all out in time" right now, but seriously, can we not be forming search committees for a few months please??

Oh well, at least the weather is wonderful here, although I'm not sure why one of our neighbors is shooting off fireworks tonight. The Texans lost didn't they??
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
I hear we're supposed to get some snow tomorrow. Just when I was planning a day out on the holiday.


 

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Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
We had a cold spell here in Northern California that had frost out on cars and grass. It was too cold for me to walk about for a stroll. Today the sun came out and it was warm enough to take a walk.

The HOA peeps decided once again to take down the ground so that we are prepared for the spring rains when everything starts growing like gangbusters all over the place.

I am so ready for spring.
 

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

quote:

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Oh well, at least the weather is wonderful here, although I'm not sure why one of our neighbors is shooting off fireworks tonight. The Texans lost didn't they??

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Yeah, but fireworks are fireworks and if ya've got them ya gotta fire them off, right? And Chinese New Year is weeks away!
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
It's cold here and currently snowing. Lots of lovely birds at the feeder today: bluebirds, cardinals, chickadees, song sparrows (I think--I can't always tell one sparrow from another), dark-eyed juncos, rufous-sided towhees, and tufted titmice.

One of those huge flocks of blackbirds that we get in the winter has descended (with a loud *whoosh* of many wings) in and around my back yard. They'll move on in a few minutes but it is pretty impressive when this whole black cloud settles on the ground at once.
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Rejoice with me, all! I have gotten a new computer, after finally getting fed up with my balky, cranky, exceedingly old desktop.
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Yay! It is so nice to have a machine that is fast. But new computers really should come with their own "new computer smell" that you can revel in when you take it out for a spin on the information highway.
 

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Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Hey there.

So, this USA place is really darn big, right?...

I'm having some time off this year and trying to plan a trip. And not getting very far yet. One of the issues for me is the question of transport.

On previous trips to Europe I've made extensive use of rail. But I get this sense that it might not be very viable in the US, other than perhaps in the major north-eastern corridor.

I've not done a trip before where I'm doing plane travel 'within' the trip, if that makes sense.

So seriously, what are the transport options in the US? What do people use for intercity travel, besides their own cars? Should I just accept the fact that all my travel is likely to be by plane, with all the cost and inflexibility that implies?
 

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Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 
Inter-city train travel really isn't an option except in the Northeast Corridor. And perhaps Los Angeles to San Diego. Otherwise you're better off with buses or renting a car.
 

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Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Forget cars. You don't want me attempting to drive on the right hand side!!

Buses? They're reasonable?

Any pointers about the main companies so I can look at websites/routes/timetables?
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Sometimes airlines are the best idea. Consider Southwest, the pioneer low-frills line:

http://travel.southwest.com/travel/exploreTravel.html?int=GNAVTRVLGUDE

And most cities have extended public transportation to the airport.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
On the bus side, the largest is Greyhound,

http://www.greyhound.com/en/RoutesAndServices/default.aspx
http://www.greyhound.com/en/dealsanddiscounts/default.aspx

BTW, where are you planning to go?
 

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Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by JB:
BTW, where are you planning to go?

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I'm scared to tell you, given that I just sketched out an idea of my trip over 3 months and screamed in terror once I worked out it had 10 main flights and about 20 stops...

Within the USA, the main targets are southern California (friends live there), San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest (Portland/Seattle), Chicago, New England (Boston but also more generally), New York and Washington DC.

Oh, and Hawaii on the way back home.

Just a little jaunt...

Suddenly, long service leave and 6 months off work to play with is looking like a crazy idea.
 

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Posted by Zach82 (# 3208) on :
 
Unless you want to spend your whole holiday on an uncomfortable coach with uncomfortably bizarre people, air is really the only way to go for long distance travel in the United States. So long as you are traveling between major hubs, it won't be terribly expensive either.

Bus is OK for short to medium distance- the bus trip between Boston and New York, for example, is OK.

[ 25. January 2013, 14:40: Message edited by: Zach82 ]
 

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

quote:

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Originally posted by orfeo:
Within the USA, the main targets are southern California (friends live there), San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest (Portland/Seattle), Chicago, New England (Boston but also more generally), New York and Washington DC.

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quote:

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Originally posted by orfeo:

Within the USA, the main targets are southern California (friends live there), San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest (Portland/Seattle), Chicago, New England (Boston but also more generally), New York and Washington DC.

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Ariston:
Welcome to the States. Trains are slow, they ain't cheap, and air travel, especially if you book through, say, Southwest or Airtran, can be fairly reasonable. And before you start having Ryanair and EasyJet flashbacks—you know, the fare's cheap, but seats are extra—don't worry, SW is actually one of the better airlines about that.*

But trains . . . unless they're scenic or you're in the Boswash megalopolis, don't bother, really. The Empire Builder is lovely (it passes through Glacier National Park at one point), but takes two whole days to make what would be a four hour plane flight. Cross-country train travel? Forget it.

*It may just be that SW started out as a low-frills airline that never cut basic services, but, these days, they're one of the less oppressive carriers in the States.

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If your trains are slow and "not cheap" look at ours: If one travels from the extreme south-west of England (Penzance) to the extreme north of Scotland (Wick) then it takes 24 hours for a journey of about 950 miles and costs about £260 of our English pounds!
 

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Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :
 
orfeo, instead of Greyhound you may want to look at some of the low-cost express buses like Megabus. They're cheaper than Greyhound because they don't have bus stations - they just stop on the side of the street like a city bus. You buy the tickets online.

I've never ridden on one myself, but church acquaintances say they're pretty comfortable and less liable to have drunks and crazies than Greyhound.
 

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Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Plus, they have a network map on their website that immediately lets me see which cities are connected to which other cities, and they don't have unbelievably stupid responses to e-mails!!
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
We're getting a winter storm (bet you never thought anyone could get so excited about a storm!) but it will be a rain event instead of snow event for us. If I lived a little higher in altitude, it would be snow, though.
HECK, I'll take any source of moisture here in the desert. After having a frozen well and no water for 2 days because of freezing weather. It was almost 50 today, so we are having a bit of a break with a warmer air mass. Then, back to cold weather. <sigh>
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Within the USA, the main targets are southern California (friends live there), San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest (Portland/Seattle), Chicago, New England (Boston but also more generally), New York and Washington DC.

Oh, and Hawaii on the way back home.

---

• Hawaii is worth the trip.
• Having lots of time may give more options than the rest of us usually consider.
• But there isn't anything in the Southwest on your list.

quote:

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Originally posted by orfeo:
And in fact I'm well aware that the whole 'south' isn't on the list. No Texas or Florida or Tennessee or anything in between.

---

So I noticed.
 

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Posted by lily pad (# 11456) on :
 
Orfeo, I really want to go to the Grand Canyon and to Australia. Maybe you should consider a trip to the Atlantic coast of Canada so we could figure out a wee plan for 2025. Then again, I'm off to Florida next week for a conference so I could take some photos and send them to you to tempt you.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by lily pad:
... I'm off to Florida next week for a conference so I could take some photos and send them to you to tempt you.

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Pictures to tempt people to visit? Here are some.

And some more

And even more.
 

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Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 
There are also Shipmates in Arizona and New Mexico who would be happy to show you around.

 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
less liable to have drunks and crazies than Greyhound.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Zach82:
I ain't never been, but I hear the Grand Canyon can't be beat.

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quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
you could spend your whole vacation getting lost in the wilderness.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe:
Inter-city train travel really isn't an option except in the Northeast Corridor. And perhaps Los Angeles to San Diego. Otherwise you're better off with buses or renting a car.

---

quote:

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Originally posted by Ann:
Well done, Chasee-17!

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quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
So suddenly, I'm revisiting my childhood of hauling buckets of water and living the "outdoor plumbing" lifestyle again.

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quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
let me know when you're in the Seattle/Vancouver/Victoria area. I probably won't be able to get away, but you never know.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Josephine:

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
let me know when you're in the Seattle/Vancouver/Victoria area. I probably won't be able to get away, but you never know.

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Seattle Shipmeet! Yes!

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I'm in Seattle mid-August
 

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Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Well, maybe so am I... define 'mid'! Mine might be more 'early' August no the scribbled plan I freaked myself out with over the weekend.

At the rate things are going, there might be Shipmates at every stop.

Who are all you people again?

[ 29. January 2013, 01:36: Message edited by: orfeo ]
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
New York City for me.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Within the USA, the main targets are southern California (friends live there), San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest (Portland/Seattle), Chicago, New England (Boston but also more generally), New York and Washington DC.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Mamacita:
Whatever you do, be sure to stop in Chicago. It's a great place, lots to do and see, and people to have a Shipmeet with.

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That, and it also seems to have a ridiculously unfair number of good-looking gay men.
 

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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Well, maybe so am I... define 'mid'! Mine might be more 'early' August no the scribbled plan I freaked myself out with over the weekend.

---

We are going out on about the 5th - ish, staying with friends for two weeks. Mr Boog is then off on a bike ride to San Francisco - I'm looking for a residential photography course involving Rockies.


 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
I might be able to make it up to Seattle (depends on what's going on at that moment), but if you pass through Portland we can surely arrange something.
 

---

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

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
You can get sleeping accommodations but they are very expensive.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
Whatever you do, be sure to stop in Chicago. It's a great place, lots to do and see, and people to have a Shipmeet with.

---

That, and it also seems to have a ridiculously unfair number of good-looking gay men.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
Whatever you do, be sure to stop in Chicago. It's a great place, lots to do and see, and people to have a Shipmeet with.

---

That, and it also seems to have a ridiculously unfair number of good-looking gay men.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
You can get sleeping accommodations but they are very expensive.

---

Don't waste money on sleeping car accommodations on a train. You won't get a wink of sleep.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
You can get sleeping accommodations but they are very expensive.

---

Don't waste money on sleeping car accommodations on a train. You won't get a wink of sleep.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Random thought partly caused by a Hell thread: do you know what one of the things that scares me most about America is?

Tipping.

Australians have a pretty bad reputation at tipping. And that's because we don't do it, anywhere except restaurants (and even then we'll probably do one that would seem miniscule in the USA).

I'm going to spend half the time scared that I don't have suitable money on me for tips, or that I'm going to get the amounts wrong, or that I'm not going to realise a tip is expected.

I seem to remember you also don't include taxes in prices either. What is UP with that?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe:
S In that case, the tip is customarily added to the check, and you need not tip above and beyond what has been included.

---

this is important, and I think they're confused on the hell thread. if an autograt is added, you don't tip above and beyond that unless you are really excited about your service. and if so, there is a chance the server will think you're hitting on him.

quote:

---

The above is also true in bars if you are served at table. If I order a drink from the bar and then take it and walk away, I usually don't tip. But if I remain seated at the bar and, perhaps, engage the bartender in conversation, I will tip.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Coffee kiosks?

See, that's exactly the kind of thing I mean. I would have no clue that a coffee kiosk is a situation for tipping.

---

tip jars. dump in your loose change. or not. it's not as big a deal.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
as of tonight, I'm officially not on any boards of directors. not a single one.

it's so... FREEING!
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Tipping cabs is easy. Just go to the side and push hard.

Otherwise look at the fare and round to the nearest 5 (10,15,20) and pay with suitable bill(s)

If that would make the tip excessive, offer what you have and ask for less than full change back.

Since my situation is unique I usually grab some loonies and toonies on the way out the door. Most cabs won't sniff at a big handful of quarters either.

Note that this is Canadian experience, not American. I rarely take a cab anywhere when, on the rare times, I am in that country.
 

---

Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
It's a minefield, isn't it? I am also a member of a forum for Brits going to Disney parks, and on that board, tipping threads are the equivalent of a Dead Horse as they usually turn nasty!

On my only two visits to the US, I have pretty much followed the 'tip everything that moves' principle. One piece of advice I was given (but never had to use) is that if the service is awful, leave a tip of a few cents, rather than no tip - that way you're making a point, rather than have the restaurant think you don't know about tipping.

Frankly I'm uneasy with this; if anything is wrong in a restaurant I usually (politely) let the manager know, rather than playing passive-aggressive games with small change.

But it does raise the question: what if the food is awful but the service is lovely? Or you get bad service from some staff but good from others?

Another reason why I tend to tackle any problems at the time!
 

---

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

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gill H:
what if the food is awful but the service is lovely? Or you get bad service from some staff but good from others?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gill H:
what if the food is awful but the service is lovely? Or you get bad service from some staff but good from others?

---

The quality of the food is not the waiter's fault (unless he let it sit until it got cold before serving it). To address the second question, I sometimes hand the tip directly to the "good" waiter rather than leave it on the table, so that the "bad" staff won't get any of it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by monkeylizard:
so that they don't try to stick you with stupid international conversion charges for shopping in USD on your AUD-bought prepaid card.

---

Yeah, that's one of the issues. I have to figure out which is better, getting a conversion fee on every transacton, or getting a fee when I get local money out of an ATM...

EDIT: I should probably just accept that the exchange rate at the moment is providing me with my conversion buffer and be done with it.

[ 02. February 2013, 04:11: Message edited by: orfeo ]
 

---

Posted by Bostonman (# 17108) on :
 
Don't leave no tip/a small tip at a restaurant. It's just mean. If someone was personally rude or offensive, maybe, but for "slow service"...give me a break.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
I have to figure out which is better, getting a conversion fee on every transacton, or getting a fee when I get local money out of an ATM...

---

Before my trip to Great Britain, we did some research and found one particular credit card that charged no conversion fee at all! My debit card also charged no fee. So, is that a possibility for you, orfeo?
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Well my debit card already happily charges me a conversion fee any time I buy things from overseas on this here internet, so no.

And I am not the kind of person to go hunting for a new one to switch to for that reason alone.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
80's night at the bar last night. when all us 30- and 40-somethings get together to relive our glory days.

only I'm not a kid anymore.

I don't recommend head-banging, folks. even if you're just demonstrating for the younger set. I can't move my neck.
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Comet, was that a Super Bowl party? I have to say I'm surprised no one on this thread mentioned it.

I went to my cousin's for a family party to watch it.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I didn't realise that Bowls was so popular in the US of A,


 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemr:
I have to say I'm surprised no one on this thread mentioned it.

---

There were several of us on the Book of Face commenting on (and complaining about) things.

Bleurgh. I think I'm getting sick.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemr:
Comet, was that a Super Bowl party? I have to say I'm surprised no one on this thread mentioned it.

I went to my cousin's for a family party to watch it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
I didn't realise that Bowls was so popular in the US of A,

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
Yesterday, was the anniversary of the loss of KENWRITEZ.
I still miss that guy so much.

---

I think he passed (at far too early an age) on All Saints, MoBo. Which seemed a pretty special time to go to the Heavenly BBQ, to me, at least!
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
I think he passed (at far too early an age) on All Saints, MoBo. Which seemed a pretty special time to go to the Heavenly BBQ, to me, at least!

---

Yup (well, actually the day before).

quote:

---

Originally posted by Scot:
Ken passed away just before noon today, Saturday, October 31, 2009. Ken was a good friend to many of us here on the Ship. I'm going to deeply miss his big heart and ready wit.

---

 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
That's right, Pigwidgeon! I remember that I was able to add him to our necrology for All Saints.

Wow. Time flies, doesn't it?
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
So how is everyone on the east coast doing after the blizzard? We're OK here, got about a foot of snow, but soft and diggable.
 

---

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

I hope you are sitting warm and cozy in your house and are not one of the people who have no power.

Talked to Marybeth and she is sort of snowed in in her area, but she was prepared for it. Don't know how DC is doing, but Snowgoose missed the storm.

We are supposed to have some snow here, too. The mountains look beautiful surrounding us, but we have not a drop here in the valley. I say. "Bring it on" but no one is listening!

Skiers are happy as clams, though. Oh, well, the snow blesses some and not others, I guess.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
The snow falls on the just and unjust alike, MoBo.

We are experiencing the weirdest, rapid-fire changes in weather condition. After getting a good 6" snowfall on Friday, it warmed up into the 40s yesterday and turned it all into Slush World. Temps are way down again and what's left is frozen solid in treacherous little chunks. Plus, the wind is howling like crazy. I know the old joke about Chicago weather is "if you don't like it, just wait an hour" but this is ridiculous!

Farther to the east, Daughter Kate in CT posted a photo she shot out her front window, mid-blizzard on Saturday, of her car parked on the street below. There was snow up to the door handles.

[ 11. February 2013, 17:30: Message buggered about with by: Mamacita ]
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
This is why I live here. It is 78, sunny and beautiful outside. My tomatoes are delicious and I've been enjoying a few sapotes from the tree!

But, it's not all good news. It's going to get cold in a few days. We won't be out of the 60s. Don't you feel sorry for us here?

Just messing with you. I've been sick at home, and that's my excuse.

Really, I don't miss the snow one little bit.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I wish our daughter was a Shipmate: she seems to be currently in Seattle, a lovely place, if a bit rainy....
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:

Skiers are happy as clams, though. Oh, well, the snow blesses some and not others, I guess.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
I wouldn't give up on he idea of A car. It isn't called New England for nothing. Driving there can be like being in actual Hampshire.

Just cling to the white line.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Firenze:
My husband's driven in the US and says that once you are in a car with the controls on that side, then you adjust automatically. Nor is rural New England scary driving - many of the little places are just a Main Street - you'd be hard pushed to find an intersection.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

Comet...there were some snow shovels at the local hardware store a few years ago. Apparently the corporate office didn't understand our location and weather conditions. The shovels were all sold, BTW. I think a couple of them went home as curiosities.

---

pooper scoopers for really large dogs...?

our local grocery store got a shipment of sunblock in in December. they put it out on special with the Christmas stuff. why not? the manager said it was a shipment meant for Hawaii, and too much of a pain to send back. but we all got a kick out of it.

if we block out any more UV from our bodies we'll all be see-through.
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
When I moved from Michigan to Oregon, I didn't bother to bring the snow shovel. Within five months I regretted it, and bought a new one. However, I've only had to use it once in the last five years, and I really wonder if I'll ever have to use it again (global warming and all that).
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Where is everybody? Surely we have something to post about!

So, I'm worried about my outside kitty, MamaCat. She's always here. This morning she hasn't shown up for breakfast. I hope she's OK.
 

---

Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 
It looks like our "Arizona Winter" may have finally come to an end.

Daytime temperatures are supposed to reach 80 degrees F. (26 degrees C.) by the weekend.

Nighttime temperatures have been comfortably above freezing for well over a week now, although we had previously been advised to wrap our outdoor pipes against the possibility of freezing, and quite a bit of foliage had been damaged on those few nights where the temperature dipped below the freezing mark.

But the groundskeepers were around yesterday to trim away all the dead foliage, and they also trimmed the two gigantic pine trees outside my front window. So my condo is now bathed in sunshine. I'll probably miss those pine trees when summer finally sets in, though, with temperatures well above the 100 degree F. mark.

[ 28. February 2013, 16:25: Message edited by: Amanda B. Reckondwythe ]
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
MamaCat was home when I got home from work! She was bedraggled, and had apparently just gotten there (the food had only a bite or two out of it), but I was very grateful to see her safe.

I asked her where she was. She didn't answer.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Hooray! Welcome back, Kitty!
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
It is lovely here today. 70F and lots of sunshine. Makes me want to plant something, but I know it could well snow here in Northern California next week. We do so need rain, but I sure am enjoying this spring like weather.
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
A really typical March day here; sunny but cold and very windy.

March winds and April showers
Bring the little May flowers.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
After spending a freezing week in Tampa, I came back to warmer weather here in the desert. Crazy but true.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
MoBo, it is, of course, starting to warm up here. But the fellowship was certainly warm and comforting! IMHO!
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Here it is! The photo from the Florida ship meet

[ 09. March 2013, 04:30: Message edited by: Ye Olde Motherboarde ]
 

---

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

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Was that just last Saturday? We did have a great time together...we always do, don't we?

It's a gorgeous day here in Paradise. 73 degrees, light breeze, and sun and clouds. It's why we live here. Unfortunately, sometimes we get the weather that MoBo and JB had to endure. Too bad we can't schedule icky weather for times we have no guests.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I was out looking around in the garden yesterday making plans for the next planting season when I noted my strawberry plant is missing Gone! Not a sign of it. Garden is fenced in so no deer could have had it for lunch. Not frozen, not dead, just up and disappeared. Very strange. Both of our banks in town were robbed last week. Do you think there is a connection with my missing plant? Turns out the same guy held up both banks but he has yet to be caught, Makes me feel like I am living in the old West. Mind you this is in a town of less then 2,000 people and a main street which is six blocks long. Thankfully no sign of a gun nor was anyone hurt. Just before he robbed the bank the girl scouts tried to sell him some cookies. He did not buy any even when he left the bank with the cash.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Graven Image:

quote:

---

Just before he robbed the bank the girl scouts tried to sell him some cookies. He did not buy any even when he left the bank with the cash.

---

Just the kind of cold-hearted bastard who'd steal a defenseless strawberry plant, by gum!
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
DEATH TO THE EVIL HEARTLESS STRAWBERRY THIEF!
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
If he steals too many strawberry plants he could find himself in a jam!

Okay, I'll get my coat.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
probably a squirrel.

...

the bank robber, I mean.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Or a vole. We have huge problems with them here. Or maybe even a rabbit.

The daffodils are blooming here and the birds are house-hunting. We need to put our bluebird houses up.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
photos of my childhood church. makes me terribly homesick. hasn't changed much at all.

I broke the original bell rope when I was about seven. I was so excited to be allowed to ring the bell for church that I hung my entire bodyweight on it and swung to really rock that ringing. ops!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
photos of my childhood church. makes me terribly homesick. hasn't changed much at all.

I broke the original bell rope when I was about seven. I was so excited to be allowed to ring the bell for church that I hung my entire bodyweight on it and swung to really rock that ringing. ops!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
photos of my childhood church. makes me terribly homesick. hasn't changed much at all.

I broke the original bell rope when I was about seven. I was so excited to be allowed to ring the bell for church that I hung my entire bodyweight on it and swung to really rock that ringing. ops!

---

What a lovely little church!
 

---

Posted by Coffee Cup (# 13506) on :
 
I've been here on the east coast of these United States for 6 weeks today, so I guess I am starting to settle in a little. Even though I'm normally here in lurker-mode I though I should say hello (I've not quite mastered "Hi y'all" yet!).
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
If there isn't one thing, it's another........
A couple of crazy days. The neighbor came over yesterday and said the water faucet was in exploding mode. The outside corral faucet unfroze and there was water everywhere! Now, of course, I didn't know where the shut off valve was so I had to ask the neighbor's son.
Today, JB and a friend replaced the faucet, refilled the water trough for the horses and moved dirt.

Word to the wise here.......We all should know where to shut off the water, electric, gas, propane (or whatever) in our houses in time of an emergency. Now I do, thank heavens.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Motherboard, that is a very important reminder! Thanks!

Hey Coffee Cup! Glad you de-lurked to post here!

And before anyone says anything, I have a lot of !!! left over of my monthly quota.
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Hi Coffee Cup, don't worry you won't need to use the "hey ya'll" greeting until you end up in the south.
 

---

Posted by Amos (# 44) on :
 
Popping into this thread to say hello, and especially to tell y'all that if you have a chance to meet Coffee Cup, she's lovely. Quietly intrepid, brilliant, and fun. Britain's loss, your gain.
 

---

Posted by Coffee Cup (# 13506) on :
 
Thanks for the welcome! And Amos you have made me blush

But part of your 'things which are different in America' intel was so true it has caused me to post a question (which maybe should be in Heaven, not A.S., though it is US specific):
The birds here are different. I don't know anything about birds, but I'm living by a lake, and there are lots of unfamiliar ones. Can someone recommend a simple, small book? Pictures vital, anything which requires binoculars is probably a bit too involved. Thanks!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
it's not simple or small (or cheap) but the bible of bird books for north america is Sibley's. check it out from the library first, because it isn't cheap. but having used a lot of different ones, that one is the best and easiest for identification. his illustrations are spot on, descriptions perfect and easy to understand, and it's easy to use. no binocs necessary.

I recommend putting out feeders to see who shows up and learn them at your leisure. remember it is a BIG continent so your location can make a big difference.

and feel free to PM me descriptions and I'll look them up for you. my sibleys sits right next to the window!

Come to the dark side, future bird nerd. the company is grand...
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
it's gotten way cheaper since I got mine! (no fair!)
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Cornell labs online guide. by far the cheapest option! they are also great. I believe they have a good app for phones, too. my mom is the queen of all bird nerds and she highly recommends them. one of the nice things is they have a HUGE library of calls and songs to help in your identification.

PS - for extra fun on a quiet day, play the songbird calls and watch your cat loose his little MIND.

I'm easily entertained.

[ 18. March 2013, 01:50: Message edited by: comet ]
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
it's gotten way cheaper since I got mine! (no fair!)

---

You can get a used copy from abe books.

That's even cheaper.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
At the moment the abe books server seems to be down, hopefully it will be back online soon.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I have been training Blue Jays to a bell. I ring the bell and then put out the food. This morning as soon as I rang the bell they flew to a near by tree and waited for me to put out the food. It has taken about two weeks for them to make the connection.
 

---

Posted by Coffee Cup (# 13506) on :
 
Fantastic! Thanks, especially to comet, for the recommendations. I don't have any outside space to hang a feeder (and I don't have the tools to drill into a brick wall), but I will acquire a copy of Sibley's guide to live by the big window

[ 19. March 2013, 01:15: Message edited by: Coffee Cup ]
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Happy to help!

soooooo.... I'm just come from the doctor's, the proud owner of a new knee brace that I have to wear all the time I'm up. ugh. My knee has been hurting for months, especially after long shifts at work, and had gotten quite debilitating, so I sucked it up and went in. no damage to bone, but obviously unhappy soft tissue. So, I'm using the brace, and anti-inflammies, and focusing my strength training on buffing up the knee. worst of all - no running for up to SIX MONTHS. just as I had started training again. HATE. EVERYTHING.

it started the day after our Bachelor Auction. I was on my feet all day, then the auction all evening which is also lots of running around and putting out brushfires. then I go over to the bar for the party and arrive right when one of the bartenders messed up his hand, so BOOM I'm behind the bar until 3 am. then... *sigh* the crowd started to thin. and us bartenders needed to blow off some steam. so... (don't laugh) we took some time out to dance.

on the bar.

(stop laughing)

and little miss rock star here, with a few too many shots in her (I can hear you laughing) decided to take a great dramatic leap off of the bar.

(all right, go ahead)

I totally stuck my landing (despite the shots) and I was AWESOME if I do say so myself.

the next day I couldn't walk. (actually couldn't really talk, either. screaming at bachelors. yay.) the pain faded but then started coming back whenever I had a busy night on my feet. then it got to where it hurts after EVERY shift. So when I started my training for running this week, I figured I'd better get it checked.

and here I sit in a knee brace that will NOT go well with short skirts for work. grumph. and my summer activity? Speed walking? doc says I can try running in a month or so and see how I do.

but I'm pouting.

and yes, I KNOW. It's totally self-inflicted.

but hey, you know. I totally stuck the landing.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I am fed up to the teeth with the weather here. The average daytime temperature is supposed to be in the fifties. Today the forecast is for the low thirties. It snowed about a quarter inch last night.

I have yard work which has to be done by next Monday. The town collects brush twice a year, and the day for my neighborhood is Monday. There are a lot of sticks and small branches that have blown down from my trees over the winter. I have to pick them all up and get them out to the curb.

The temperature right now is twenty-one degrees, and the windchill is sixteen degrees.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
it's gotten way cheaper since I got mine! (no fair!)

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Whatever happened to Roger Tory Peterson? We had one of his bird guides when I was a kid.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
I am fed up to the teeth with the weather here. The average daytime temperature is supposed to be in the fifties. Today the forecast is for the low thirties. It snowed about a quarter inch last night.

Moo

---

You may find this relevant, Moo.

"In his indictment, the prosecutor stated, 'Punxsutawney Phil did purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the people to believe that Spring would come early.' Gmoser cited a snowstorm and record low temperatures in Butler County as evidence that Phil's prediction was grossly inaccurate."
 

---

Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Reading reports of a tornado in Orlando. Hope all Floridian Shipmates are OK. I think all those I met in 2010 live far enough away. Let's just say anyone going to Universal Studios needn't bother going into the 'Twister' attraction...
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Thanks, Gill! It was very windy here yesterday...really over the whole weekend. But, no twisters down here.

I take them very seriously, as a few years ago a cousin and her husband who lived just north of Orlando were killed in one, leaving their little tiny girl as the only survivor of that terrible event.
 

---

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 
Well, we're finally getting that snow the kids have been waiting for since Christmas. Seriously, snow this late in March is ridiculous. However, it's a balmy 35 degrees, so it won't stick.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Grits:
Well, we're finally getting that snow the kids have been waiting for since Christmas. Seriously, snow this late in March is ridiculous. However, it's a balmy 35 degrees, so it won't stick.

---

Our temperature is a few degrees cooler, and it will stick.

Yesterday there were several disgruntled robins in my yard.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
I don't envy your cold weather, but SoCal could use some serious watery precipitation. We are deep in drought. But it's not likely to happen at this point.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
OK, means nothing to most of you, but I just had to share: today I drove down to Pacifica and took my very first ride through the new Devil's Slide tunnel.

It's beeeaaauuutiful

[ 26. March 2013, 22:37: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
Cool, Kel. You're the first one I've heard from who's made the drive.

Here's a picture of another Bay Area tunnel, from a much earlier day. It's the first tunnel from Berkeley to the wilds on the other side of the hill - the forerunner of the Caldecott today. Makes yours look even shinier, doesn't it?
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Rain, Rain, Rain they say all through Easter week-end. As I no longer drive at night or in rain I am unhappy. Looks like I will be spending most of Holy Week at home as all services are in the evening.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
We have had two wonderful days in a row near 70 here. (Although, I talked to Snowgoose back east and she's having SNOW!)
We got a tree moved, worked on the garden planters, moved yucca bushes and generally soaked up the sun. The buds on the fruit trees are happy, but we have put Christmas tree lights on the trees, which keep the buds warm in case another cold snap arrives.

The living room is still in the state of mess. The walls are gone, New and warmer insulation is being put in, wiring (over 50 years old) is being replaced. We picked up a more efficient fireplace insert, which I do not want to use before next winter. And I think we are going to do a coffered ceiling. Old houses are a pain sometimes, but we are looking forward to better soon.

I'm so ready to go to the local spa and take a mud bath, or as JB calls it "the mud wallow". Soaking in the 100 plus degree water is great for arthritis and muscle aches. Belle, Janine and I love our spa days and after you take off the mud, your skin is soft as a babies butt - plus, the mud has medicinal properties, too.

So, spring is here in the desert. Easter weekend is looking pretty good. So I hope that you will enjoy your Easter weekend, too. God bless you all.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
This afternoon I made the dough for the four dozen pecan rolls I will take to church on Sunday. The dough is in my fridge; I punch it down every now and then.

On Saturday, I will make the rolls and bake them. My mother-in-law taught me the trick of chilling yeast dough thoroughly so that it is easier to shape.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Happy to report sunshine here today so I will be able to drive to church. Local bank robber is behind bars. All and all a good day so far.
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
...We got a tree moved, worked on the garden planters, moved yucca bushes...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by basso:
Cool, Kel. You're the first one I've heard from who's made the drive.

Here's a picture of another Bay Area tunnel, from a much earlier day. It's the first tunnel from Berkeley to the wilds on the other side of the hill - the forerunner of the Caldecott today. Makes yours look even shinier, doesn't it?

---

Sweeeet.


Also, You're gonna think I'm a big dip for this, but I actually had tears in my eyes as i went through. No big sobbing melt down or anything, just happy little tears.

Maybe you remember me gushing about the fantastic Nancy Hall of Pacifica.
Here she is with her band, taking one last ride.

[ 31. March 2013, 23:19: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Maybe you remember me gushing about the fantastic Nancy Hall of Pacifica.
Here she is with her band, taking one last ride.

---

What a fantastic video!
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
She's a really awesome lady. We chat all the time on Facebook, but when I introduced myself at one of her art showings she had no idea who I was. Whatever. The internet world is weird...
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Temps in the 50's here, but we're due for a freeze tonight. I wish it would stop doing that, because things are leafing out. I want to start planting my glads but am waiting because the weather has been so indecisive.

We have quite a few rufous-sided towhees this year, and they have discovered Brunhilde's food dish. A bird will sit on the hedge next to the porch, look around for the cat, and then, if it thinks the coast is clear, hop over and snarf a piece of (dry) Fancy Feast. I have moved the food dish right up against the house and behind a flower pot, which hasn't stopped them; in fact, the jays and mockingbirds have also discovered it.

Sometimes I see Brunhilde the mighty hunter just sitting on the porch a yard or two away, watching them eat. She is more a mouser than a birder.

[ 02. April 2013, 17:30: Message edited by: snowgoose ]
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Sunny but chilly here. Feels earlier than April!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
My AC is back on.

I'm really glad to have it; summer would be difficult without it. At least in the houses that are constructed as they are now. But it has been great having electric bills less than $30! I should be grateful for the months I had them, right?
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
It snowed last night; there were about three inches on the ground when I went to bed. Apparently it rained later and disposed of most of the snow on the roads. The ground is still covered.

I have some Virginia Tech students coming tomorrow supposedly to clear my yard of the sticks and leaves that came down in the winter. Unfortunately the leaves and sticks are under the snow. This is a volunteer service day, and if the students can't do the work tomorrow, they won't be able to do it.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
The snow melted almost completely. The students came and filled twenty-four lawn-and-leaf bags with leaves, twigs, etc.

Now it's time to buy gas for the lawn-mower.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Holi Hai! (It's Holi!)

[ 07. April 2013, 00:30: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I am having trouble remembering all of my passwords. @#%***&()%%% is this just me and a sign of old age or are others like me.

It just seems I need more different ones with longer mixed codes then my brain can handle. I am tempted to write them all down and post them on the wall above my computer. LOL

I learned a lesson this week..After working all day at the church and coming home tired and very hungry do not let yourself go grocery shopping. Let me just say words such as chips, cookies, soda, cheese, none of which I should be eating, only starts to cover what was in those bags. It was bad, very very bad.
 

---

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
I always think I'm going to avoid doing that when I stop at the grocery store on the way home from work, and I'm always wrong.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Years ago now I had a really tense meeting somewhere then came out with a colleague and we went to a coffee shop where I had TWO Viennese coffees before hitting Safeway - it was a rather expensive performance!
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Passwords. Little alphabeticized notebook in inconspicuous location.

If you can't even remember whether you are a Returning Customer, let alone the sodding username/password.
 

---

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :
 
Graven Image, have you tried a service such as Lastpass? You only have to remember the one password to get into Lastpass itself, and then it will store the passwords for all the other sites you use and automatically log into them for you.

I tried the free version but the main reason I wanted it was to generate secure passwords, and you have to buy the premium version for that.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Antisocial Alto suggested

quote:

---

Graven Image, have you tried a service

---

I might give that a try, thanks if hiding them around the house does not work out.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
April 11, twenty-freaking-below this morning.

I'm officially grouchy.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Is there a discernible difference between official and unofficial grouchiness?

Just askin'.

It's a lovely warm and sunny morning here - and no permafrost!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
when it's official, the Whole cotton-pickin' World gets to hear about it.



you're welcome.

(point of information, sir: there's no permafrost where I live, either. 'cause I'm in the tropical southlands of my state...)
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
...and there's me thinking that anywhere north of the 48 was permafrost!


 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We had our two days of Spring, and are now in Summer season. It's supposed to be 90 today, but so far it's only 85 out. But, the humidity stinks! I could see the big, puffy cumulus clouds over the Gulf today. Looks more like June or July.

And...my big gripe...those two lovely Spring days? I was (still am) way too sick to be able to enjoy them.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
my son was voted Prom King last night.

he's not a jock. he is strongest in history, poly sci, and debate. He wears glasses and quotes Descartes and Dr. Who.

Prom King!

when did I somehow raise "popular" kids? so weird!

and - power to the geeky kids!

[ 14. April 2013, 19:41: Message edited by: comet ]
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Once again, I act out my frustrated maternal instinct via auntie-fussing

IOW, Go, Chasee#2!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 


my kids love you, Kel.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
back at 'em. Hopefully in person some day.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Oooh! King Chasee II! Geeks and Nerds are da bomb!

Queen Mother comet...has a ring to it. I'm sure I must be saying that all wrong, but it sounds nice to this 'Murrican.
 

---

Posted by Zach82 (# 3208) on :
 
Two bombs just exploded in the packed Copley Square on the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
God have mercy.

Take care of yourself, Zach!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Zach, please be safe. all prayers to your and your loved ones.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
Geeks and Nerds are da bomb!

---

Who knew that at the time I was typing that...

If that was supposed to be a cosmic joke, it wasn't funny.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
don't be silly, Judy. we all understand what you meant. no harm, no foul.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
*bump

Yesterday, while I was warming the church choir up, and old friend came into the choir room! We've talked on the book of face, and have had a few phone conversations, but I haven't actually seen him for about two years. (He's also a church musician and a fabulous tenor!)

I twisted his arm to sing in the choir. Normally he would be playing for his own church, but an evil witch woman made his last position intolerable.

I think he liked the music and the preacher's sermon at our shack...so I think we have a new choir member! Hooray!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Speaking of warming up, I wish I could, literally! I am SO tired of the cold and the rain. It was warm(ish) today for a change, but now it's back to days in the 50s and nights in the 30s. Come on, Spring! Don't be shy!

[ 23. April 2013, 03:33: Message edited by: Mamacita ]
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
spring is here, at least! Bluebird days, highs in the upper FORTIES! (yes, that's a lot) and everything from the knee down is absolute snot. the sun is now up around 6 am and going down in the 10 pm range. good stuff.

now, if I just had a tank to get in and out of my driveway....
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Mamacita, Florida is warm-hot. Just mentioning that in case you need an escape!

Oh, and the Gulf water is about 80 degrees now.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Lovely warm weather here. Turned on the sprinklers for the first time this year. High fountain quickly falling to low fizzle. Just had to repair the car, the sink, and now the yard, all in the same month I bought new eye glasses. BAD TIMING.
 

---

Posted by Michael Snow (# 16363) on :
 
Here in South Dakota, we had a blizzard on Monday.
The yellow light in this picture is attached to a big snowplow truck on the road going out of town.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/mikesnow/P1080337_zpsb62c0f10.jpg

It was in the 20s yesterday morning and this morning. But temps are supposed to jump about 10 degrees each day till we hit 70 on Saturday.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
After years with very few cardinals in my neighborhood, we are having them everywhere this year! I love hearing them call, and am especially thrilled to see them flitting through the trees. Such a beautiful day today.

This morning, I was on the phone when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a movement on the outside windowsill. Expecting to see Mama Cat, I turned my head to see a squirrel! The window is less than four feet from me, and the sill is about 18 inches above the floor. The little thing stood on his hind feet with his little front paws leaning on the window screen just looking at me! He stayed there for a few minutes before running off.

Yes, I'm easily entertained! This is the first time I'd seen an adult squirrel so close. (Babies, yes. We've helped rescue the little ones frequently.)
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
It's snowing. Heavily. One day until May.

Not cool.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Heh, I read about that earlier. Nature getting one last shot in?

I had the neatest dream last night-- I dreamed I went up north to visit Clan RooK. He was futzing around with a baby carriage and complaining about his annoying neighbors-and for some reason he resembled Tomb, just a little- but the most vivid part of the dream was that I was so happy to see Nurse again I threw my arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. (for those who haven't met her, she's very sweet.I would have no problem actually doing that, though it might startle her. )

And then we went camping in some woods with just a station wagon and a bunch of sleeping bags. I buried myself in my sleeping bag and just as I was drifting off, I thought, "Wonder if there are bears around here? I bet I resemble a tamale..."

[Actually that would be a "tamal."]

[ 30. April 2013, 20:13: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by tomb (# 174) on :
 
I'm a little confused, Kelly. Is it RooK who resembles me, or the annoying neighbor? Lord knows I've annoyed RooK enough in the past....
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
RooK had grown a beard and that Frank Zappa hair you used to have.Never saw the annoying neighbors.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Showed up to a film crew at work. Completely forgot. I get to play the bartender. Such a stretch.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Showed up to a film crew at work. Completely forgot. I get to play the bartender. Such a stretch.

---

Hope the on-set customers aren't too much like the sad bastard you described on TICTH a day or two back.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
no, thank God. instead there was a 2 hour long bar fight that I didn't have to break up! it was awesome.
 

---

Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by tomb:
I'm a little confused, Kelly. Is it RooK who resembles me, or the annoying neighbor? Lord knows I've annoyed RooK enough in the past....

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
(perks up!) Inland Empire, you say? California Inland Empire?

There are a few of us out here, but most have gone low-key on the Ship. But others might be able to come from L.A. or San Diego.

Details!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by basso:
And let us know when you'll be in SF. We haven't had a NoCal meet in quite a while, and your visit would be a great excuse.

---

Roll up! Roll up! Come see the Antipodean Hellhost!


I'm in SF for the last full week in July. I fully expect to be crash tackled by Kelly Alves at the airport.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:
(perks up!) Inland Empire, you say? California Inland Empire?

There are a few of us out here, but most have gone low-key on the Ship. But others might be able to come from L.A. or San Diego.

Details!

---

I thought I was showing off my impressive credentials just by knowing the name 'Inland Empire'. Lol

Murrieta, specifically. Staying with friends. Who've just told me I'll be all alone on the evening of May 18, as they have a party to go to in Orange County. This may be useful information!

---

Erm. I'm booked in Riverside at 7:30PM. My dad takes me to the local symphony on season tickets and this is the last concert of the season. The late morning or the afternoon 'til 5PM would work for me (and anyone else?) I quite understand if your friends are entertaining you the rest of the day until they leave for Orange County.

And certainly the NoCal Shippers will show you a good time.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Er. Um. I think they said they were leaving around 3pm...

I don't know. Thought it was worth throwing that out there as a possible time. It's all complicated by my limited grasp of the local geography (specifically, distances) and a lack of easy self-transportation (not planning on driving in that first week, I'll not have adjusted to the RHS yet).
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
When will you be in New York?
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemr:
When will you be in New York?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by basso:
And let us know when you'll be in SF. We haven't had a NoCal meet in quite a while, and your visit would be a great excuse.

---

Roll up! Roll up! Come see the Antipodean Hellhost!


I'm in SF for the last full week in July. I fully expect to be crash tackled by Kelly Alves at the airport.

---

Let me know your flight info.
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Er. Um. I think they said they were leaving around 3pm...

I don't know. Thought it was worth throwing that out there as a possible time. It's all complicated by my limited grasp of the local geography (specifically, distances) and a lack of easy self-transportation (not planning on driving in that first week, I'll not have adjusted to the RHS yet).

---

I'm very impressed that you know of the Inland Empire.

Okay. I could come for you at, say, 3:00 in Murietta and pick you up from your friends' place. We could go for a nosh, I'd drop you back at your home-away-from-home (you'll have a key?), and leave for Riverside at about 5:30 (it's about 50 to 60 mins to get there). I'd really enjoy meeting you, but unless others could meet us there (anyone? anyone?), it would be a short meet for two.

Your call.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Chicago

---

Let me know your schedule. Would love to meet you, play tour guide, or help out however I can.
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
We will have to get together at some point when you're in New York.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

*sigh*

I'll just enjoy this nice bowl of worms...
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Chicago

---

Let me know your schedule. Would love to meet you, play tour guide, or help out however I can.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

*sigh*

I'll just enjoy this nice bowl of worms...

---

I know, I know. We've been through this in the Hosts lounge. Your continent is so darn big that I can't actually get to very much of it in the space of almost 3 months!
 

---

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :
 
I hope you do get to visit the South sometime, orfeo- it may look frightening to outsiders but it's where all our best food is!

(Regional barbecue argument starting in 3... 2... 1...)
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
Darn right. Nobody can beat Texas BBQ. Except Oklahoma BBQ.
 

---

Posted by Grits (# 4169) on :
 
Shoot. It ain't EVEN barbeque less'n it's pork.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
Chicago

---

Let me know your schedule. Would love to meet you, play tour guide, or help out however I can.

---

I've been in touch with Gwai a little bit, so it'd be great if we could all coordinate up. Chicago is the week after next, basically.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

*sigh*

I'll just enjoy this nice bowl of worms...

---

I know, I know. We've been through this in the Hosts lounge. Your continent is so darn big that I can't actually get to very much of it in the space of almost 3 months!

---

I would be considered evil if I didn't keep reminding you of an invitation!
(One more for the Hosts' Lounge, too!)
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

*sigh*

I'll just enjoy this nice bowl of worms...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

*sigh*

I'll just enjoy this nice bowl of worms...

---

Somehow, not a great argument for southern food, right there.

---

Ahh, but it's the preparation and presentation that make the difference! Imagine, if you will, slightly gritty spaghetti-esque packets of protein, lightly sauteed in peanut oil. Toss in a handful of toasted almonds, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. A side of fresh asparagus, steamed with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and freshly baked cornbread round out the meal. And for dessert, a warm mango cobbler topped with homemade vanilla ice cream. We're talking good Southern fixins!
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
jj, will you be putting that on the recipe thread in Heaven?
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Probably not, WW! I usually have measurements and cooking times for the recipe thread. This particular dish is cooked until one feels it is done.
 

---

Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
I hope you do get to visit the South sometime, orfeo- it may look frightening to outsiders but it's where all our best food is!

(Regional barbecue argument starting in 3... 2... 1...)

---

I volunteer to be the taste-tester!

Does that make me a Barbecue Agnostic?
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Geez, now I'm hungry.

And I find that a little disturbing...
 

---

Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by rugasaw:
Darn right. Nobody can beat Texas BBQ. Except Oklahoma BBQ.

---

• Somebody in the western plains should do prairie oysters.
• We in the Midwest can have a casserole-off. Lutherans and Methodists receive a handicap.
• There would have to be an entire bracket for barbecue variations.
• Shellfish Smackdown: Gulf Coast vs. New England
• In the Dairy Death Match, Wisconsin vs. Vermont.
• ???
• Profit!

quote:

---

Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:

Shellfish Smackdown: Gulf Coast vs. New England

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Look guys you are talking of your barbecue skills to an Australian. Next you will be trying to sell to the French, coming to America to try wine.

Jengie

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
Working title "Ariston Shares His Crabs"?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Look guys you are talking of your barbecue skills to an Australian. Next you will be trying to sell to the French, coming to America to try wine.

Jengie

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
PS Southern California is lovely today, and I've stopped panicking every time my host turns onto the right hand side of the road.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
PS Southern California is lovely today, and I've stopped panicking every time my host turns onto the right hand side of the road.

---

I bet that you are quite relieved that it is feeling more like spring than high summer again. The last weekend was Not Fun weatherwise in the IE. It is not supposed to reach 104F in early May.
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
So orfeo, when are you going to be in Portland?
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ariston:
3. Comet, my Chincoteague oysters, blue crabs, grilled rockfish and smoked eels could...well, if not beat whatever you've got, at least get some grudging respect, especially once the Flying Dog and Oliver kegs got involved. Which, having seen yer crabs, is something.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Timothy the Obscure:
So orfeo, when are you going to be in Portland?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
PS Southern California is lovely today, and I've stopped panicking every time my host turns onto the right hand side of the road.

---

I bet that you are quite relieved that it is feeling more like spring than high summer again. The last weekend was Not Fun weatherwise in the IE. It is not supposed to reach 104F in early May.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
Maybe the next time a Hellhost visits the lower 48, we shippies in flyover-land can have some kind of Survivor-like competition for who gets to demonstrate their regional cuisine for the visitor.

Working title "Ariston Shares His Crabs"?

• Somebody in the western plains should do prairie oysters.
• We in the Midwest can have a casserole-off. Lutherans and Methodists receive a handicap.
• There would have to be an entire bracket for barbecue variations.
• Shellfish Smackdown: Gulf Coast vs. New England
• In the Dairy Death Match, Wisconsin vs. Vermont.
• ???
• Profit!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
PS. Why the blazes do you call the main course of a meal the entree? That's just silly. Look it up.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Any warm shippies accepting refugees to your couches? I'm tidy and make great coffee.

Grumble.

---

Here! Actual bed available. Gulf water is over 80 degrees. It was a bit chilly this morning...65 degrees. *shiver*

The salmon from Publix is not quite Alaskan quality, but it tastes pretty good when I grill it! (To get back to the food tangent!) So, you won't starve here, comet!
 

---

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ariston:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Look guys you are talking of your barbecue skills to an Australian. Next you will be trying to sell to the French, coming to America to try wine.

Jengie

---

First, the aftermath of the Judgment of Paris, especially thirty years later. UBB is complaining about the link having a parentheses, so I'll fix it when I'm not trying to rush off to work.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Any warm shippies accepting refugees to your couches? I'm tidy and make great coffee.

Grumble.

---

quote:

---

JB- YES! NM chile is the best! I'm always trying to bribe the family into shipping me bales of green. It's worth it for the smell of the roast alone.

---

New Mexico didn't occur to you? It's warm here (in the summer).
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Not sure I could stand residing in the same state as my beloved family.

The thousand or so miles are perfect for our relationship.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
On a somewhat related note-- warmth, that is-- what the bleep is going on in So Cal?

Anybody affected by the fires?
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
I just got a brand ne phone, my first smart phone! I have moved into the 21st century.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I'm getting tired of the rain. My lawn is seriously overdue for mowing, but the grass is too wet.

Lately it's been raining four or five times a day. I would really like forty-eight hours without rain.

Moo
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Hallelujah, we had rain today! Hopefully this means that rainy season is about to start!

...Even if it does mean mosquitoes, 99% humidity and 95 degree heat.

Oh well, can't have everything!

[Interesting X-post with Moo]

[ 19. May 2013, 23:48: Message edited by: jedijudy ]
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Okay, you two (Moo and Jedi) you got rain for heaven sakes.

I watch the clouds come in and see them just sit there. The mountains are getting rain, South of us is getting rain, North of us is getting rain, West AND East! (you get the picture!) But here in the hight desert, we are totally without the lovely wet stuff. My well parts had to be lowered to get water. Be blessed with the water you have.

Keep the prayers going for the people who are also getting TOO much rain along with tornadoes!
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Prayers for all in tornado alley
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
I'm expecting some emails from Chicago... or phone calls. Are we still looking good for Wednesday?
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Prayers for all in tornado alley

---

Yeah I was just wondering who's there or who has people there.
 

---

Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
I've gotten multiple phone calls from my parents who live in OKC. They have gone to shelter once, but it seems to be staying south and west of them. It was north and east of them last night.


 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
I'm expecting some emails from Chicago... or phone calls. Are we still looking good for Wednesday?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Prayers for all in tornado alley

---

TV showing utter devastation in the town of Moore. Two schools flattened and parents helping search thru the rubble. I can't imagine what they are going through. Lord, have mercy!
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Do we have any shipmate in Oklahoma?

I had a friend I lost contact with from a website I used to post on years ago who lived in OK City. I hope he's all right.
 

---

Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on :
 
Just heard back from various cousins, parents, etc. Seems everybody made it through just fine (sometimes in a community shelter—the heavy clay soil of central Oklahoma keeps most people from putting in basements or underground shelters), as did their houses.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 


Earlier today, I went scrolling through the directory for OK residents-- most of them seemed to be 0/ 1 post folk who had long since departed from the boards. The one exception, on research, looked to be part of the Curious Buddha collective.

Please check in with your status and prayer requests if you don't turn up on a directory location search and have any information/ prayer requests to offer.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Lord have mercy

Praying for the trapped and for rescue workers, for those who wait in horror of news


 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Lord have mercy, searching through rubble for your kids at school is almost the worst nightmare you can imagine.

Prayers for everyone and for the rescuers etc who always do such a good job in awful circumstances.
 

---

Posted by Emily Windsor-Cragg (# 17687) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
PS. Why the blazes do you call the main course of a meal the entree? That's just silly. Look it up.

---

LoL!

I never thought about that.

Of course, it's silly.
 

---

Posted by Emily Windsor-Cragg (# 17687) on :
 
Just for reference, I'm in north-central California in the forest, 1200 ft elevation, and we haven't had rain here for a month. Our fear is fires and our economy is built on vinyards and cattle ranches.

I live on a mountain, Mt. Cobb, covered with terraformed Annunaki sculptures, hot-springs-electric generation plants and spook bases.

San Francisco is about 80 miles south of us. They're getting fog but no rain either.

Wish I could show you the Google MAP image. Oh well.

EEWC
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Oh NORTH Bay? For some reason, I thought South Bay. Anyway, I love it up North. I envy your locale.(Peninsula, here.)
 

---

Posted by Emily Windsor-Cragg (# 17687) on :
 
All the angry hippies are up here. Google Harbin Hot Springs. And their dogma follows them wherever they go.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Don't have to Google, I've been there! And who can listen to dogma when it is so. friggen. gorgeous up there. The loudest radical can't drown out those trees.

I love hippies, but I tend to hang with the mellower, arty version, in Petaluma and Cotati and Bodega. I hear tell if you go to the spaghetti feeds at the Bodega Firehouse often enough, you will eventually run into Tom Waits and Les Claypool slurping pasta after a marlin hunting expedition.

[ 22. May 2013, 04:27: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
The difference between a shitty bar shift and a great bar shift is when you count your tips.

I had a huge amount of the Really Cheap Drinkers who can't follow orders and were rowdy as hell. No barback, no door. So I did everything. By the time I got them out i hated them all. Counted tips, and bless their stinky little pot-smoking patchouli-wearing dreads, they'd averaged 30%. so we bought a trailer for the move today. RELIEF!

Still, I hope tonight is less young-and-rowdy.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
I hear tell if you go to the spaghetti feeds at the Bodega Firehouse often enough, you will eventually run into Tom Waits and Les Claypool slurping pasta after a marlin hunting expedition.

---

I'll add them to my "How do you eat spaghetti" poll (with the comet family).
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Waits probably eats his with chopsticks.

Claypool probably just buries his face in the plate.

[ 22. May 2013, 19:23: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Big thank you to Gwai, Mr Gwai and Mamacita for fine pizza and excellent conversation last night. Great to meet you all!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
It was great to meet you, orfeo. It was a good time.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Where are the photos, people?

And Mamacita. expect the Santa Fe contingent for Hart's ordination in September. Just made the plane and hotel reservations.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I'm so excited!

I may be knee-deep in moving boxes by then, but we will *definitely* be getting together!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
...moving...?
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde:
Where are the photos, people?

And Mamacita. expect the Santa Fe contingent for Hart's ordination in September. Just made the plane and hotel reservations.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

*sigh*

I'll just enjoy this nice bowl of worms...

---

Somehow, not a great argument for southern food, right there.

---

Ahh, but it's the preparation and presentation that make the difference! Imagine, if you will, slightly gritty spaghetti-esque packets of protein, lightly sauteed in peanut oil. Toss in a handful of toasted almonds, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. A side of fresh asparagus, steamed with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and freshly baked cornbread round out the meal. And for dessert, a warm mango cobbler topped with homemade vanilla ice cream. We're talking good Southern fixins!

---

The classic medal winning preparation is Creamed
Angleworms on toast
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Orfeo, what a shame about the lack of photos. Missed opportunity, darn it. It's a shipmeet requirement! But, we'll give you another chance.
Didn't anyone have a cellphone that takes photos?
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
We had photo equipment, we were just chatting so furiously we forgot to use it.
 

---

Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
It appears that a multi-vortex tornado is heading toward south Oklahoma City (yes, back toward the Moore area).

I know it's tornado season, but this is ridiculous!
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Enough already!
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Yup, thoughts and prayers again for Okies
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
The Weather Channel just announced that not only is there a huge amount of tornados already this year, hurricane season is starting, and we are expecting more hurricanes than last year.

Add to that, where I live it's going to be drier (meaning fire danger is HIGH)

Oh, great. <silent scream>
 

---

Posted by Coffee Cup (# 13506) on :
 
I've been here on the right-hand-side of the USA for just over four months and I've just about settled (thanks for the bird book recommendation comet). I'd hate for the USA thread to slip into oblivion in the next clean-up, so I'm waving *hello*!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
hi Coffee Cup!

We're under siege at the moment from Stellar's Jays, who are beautiful and BIG and the cat is getting delusions of grandeur.

it's been dry and HOT here in the northern rain forest. We have a burn ban in place, in fact. views are spectacular, but we're none of us prepared for this heat. No place in this town has AC. Normally, it's always breezy, but not this week! I've been worshipping the fan.

otherwise, it's generally lovely here. I haven't been able to put much time into job hunting as the allergy problem is really awful. I've never been particularly allergic, but this year - BAM! it's terrible. on and off since late March.

just found out last night about a PERFECT JOB for me - High School Drama and Debate coach. please cross your fingers!
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Everyone should try cycling in Vermont at least once in their life. Blissful, happy results may ensue.
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Timothy the Obscure:
So orfeo, when are you going to be in Portland?

---

Arrive 16 July, leave 20 July.

---

That should give us time to round up the usual suspects (Carex, Lady A, Spiffy, Rook? You out there?) Do you have any schedule complications to work around?
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Only schedul complication is a fellow Tori Amos fan to meet, but I haven't organised any particular day or time with her yet.
 

---

Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
We'll be in the middle of trying to sell our house. Any proposed time will be equally unpredictable as to whether or not I can make it.

But I'm sure you'll manage to have a good time without me...
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
So orfeo, what part of town are you staying in? If you don't know Portland geography, just go by the street address: NW, SW, NE, SE, or N.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
It's a little bit east of the river. The street claims to be NE. I know I am close to your legendary public transport system, on a line that leads to the airport I believe.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup! Two goals in 17 seconds! YAY!!!
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mamacita:
Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup! Two goals in 17 seconds! YAY!!!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
deep fried turkey!

Isn't that a tad unhealthy? Do people really eat it? Is it as good as the characters say it is?

---

It is wonderful!. When done properly it is no more greasy than a roast turkey, and can be much jucier, as good hot oil seals the juices in. They also cook a lot faster, IIRC an hour to an hour and a half.

We shall not speak of the (un-)healthiness crispy-crunchy-crackly skin, yum yum. Nothing to see there, move along, nothing to see here, leave us crispy-skin fans to our once- or twice-a-year treat.

A friend of mine hosts a big pre-Thanksgiving party, for which he typically fries 2-3 birds and roasts one. And I carve them. And carve and carve and carve. By the time I'm done carving/snacking I've had enough turkey, and its time for side dishes and dessert.

Now I'm all hungry for turkey...
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
I'm of the bake my turkey camp, although I have eaten deep fried turkey and Mars bars, etc.

You can have your duck and goose, I'm for a well baked turkey everytime. And then days and days of turkey leftovers. OH JOY!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
up here our "speciality" is smoking the whole turkey. devine.
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
Here's an alarming video of an encounter with a yellow jacket nest taller than a person.

Warning: NSFM [not safe for Martians (or others squicked out by flying arthropods)]
 

---

Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
I'm just reading a story that takes place somewhere on the East Coast of the USA and Thanksgiving is approaching and there is talk of deep fried turkey!

Isn't that a tad unhealthy? Do people really eat it? Is it as good as the characters say it is?

---

Unhealthy as in unsafe.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EYkRF_FmD40

[coding adjusted for link]

[ 28. June 2013, 04:45: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
I personally know someone who lost a garage that way.

Personally, I prefer my turkey brined and then barbecued very slowly over mesquite. That's if I have to eat it at all--I always argue for goose.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Well, I think we all enjoy the occasional goose
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
There's certainly way too many turkeys and not enough goosing in my life.

...

*ducks*
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
[QUOTE]Originally posted by comet:
[QB] There's certainly way too many turkeys and not enough goosing in my life.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
[QB] There's certainly way too many turkeys and not enough goosing in my life.

---

I think so, too!
Comet strikes again!
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
There's certainly way too many turkeys and not enough goosing in my life.

...

*ducks*

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

We also eat grouse and ptarmagin, here.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

love the idea of the brut deoderent (would it get in the meat, though? eww!) probably worked better than my packing peanuts and lysol spray.

---

He was taking it to the taxidermist rather than the kitchen, I believe.

Which reminds me of the ferry from the Cyclades back to Athens: so universal was it that passengers were carrying bags of fresh fish/seafood that the boat had a walk-in fridge. Which is way better than spending 4 hours on the Aegean in summer temperatures in close proximity to a simmering octopus.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Goose Grease Tale #3

I was young and learning to cook. used a cake pan rather than a deep roasting pan. duh! using a wood stove oven and the grease overflowed within the oven. I hear all sorts of fireworks and open the oven to find my goose en flambe' as well as the whole of the oven compartment. very exciting operation getting that bad boy out of there and out into the snowbank. And the oven was also used to heat the house so the place smelled like burnt goose fat for weeks afterwards. NASTY.
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
May I be the first on this side of the Big Pond to wish all our chums south of the border a happy Fourth of July?

Have a good one!
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
I sit here on the eve of the fourth, still over thirty minutes left, after a day of helping my mom prepare for her wedding and for the general festivities. Looking toward to tomorrow for the celebration.
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
Amazingly, it doesn't yet sound like Beirut 1982. Just the occasional random bang.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I must say that I quite enjoy a random bang...

...but leaving that aside for a moment

HAPPY FOURTH!!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
crossing my fingers and squeezing my eyes shut that some hotshot with a lighter doesn't burn our state down tomorrow!

happy fourth, everyone! stay safe, enjoy midsummer and party like a revolutionary!
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Happy Independence day, y'all! It's a beautiful clear day here for the first time in about a week, so it should be perfect for fireworks. So it's time to raise a glass, sing the National Anthem like nobody's listening, and party like it's 1776!
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
A bit late but...

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday America,
Happy Birthday to you.

237 years, looking pretty good.
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
I did end up with a hyperventilating dog sleeping next to me half the night, until things quieted down. But on the whole it wasn't too bad. Then spent the day at the Waterfront Blues Festival, as I do every year at this time.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
And the beat goes on. We have been having fireworks in our county for 3 days now and one to go. Each town seems to have them for the 4th on a different night. Town down the road had them on the third, two other towns had them on the 4th, the Indian Casino had them tonight and our area is having them on Saturday. No reason why, no plan that I know of, but it is fun to keep the party going. I am running out of red, white, and blue outfits however and getting tired of eating hot dogs, and watermelon to support all the local fund raisers. It is just kind of nice to get out of the house once it cools off in the evening. Very thankful with this hot dry weather we have not all gone up in smoke.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
How does one get tired of watermelon?

I just had a big slice with my turkey sandwich, and feel so contented! God did a good thing making those melons. And especially since She knew to grow them on the ground instead of from a tree.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
the image of a watermelon tree is a little frightening!

doggy fireworks antics: We went downtown for the show (happens at 11 pm, here). I left my car at home, and put Frodo (the dog) in the car, as that's his place of comfort. We live about a mile from the waterfront up the side of a steep hill in deep hemlock forest, so I knew the booms wouldn't be too bad up here.

When we drove home, we came around the corner to see the brake lights on my car erratically going on and off. Frodo had climbed into the footwell under the steering wheel and was stuck. He's over 100 lbs, not a small dog. so we had to do a wedged doggy extraction; took 3 of us.. All the rest of the night I was power snuggled and he's STILL jumpy. I assume someone in the neighborhood was setting off fireworks, also.

poor big baby!

[edited for grammar. geez.]

[ 06. July 2013, 19:30: Message edited by: comet ]
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
One time my choir director brought her newish puppy to rehearsal. Isabella really loves me and got excited every time she saw me.

One night I had to go upstairs to get some music. Isabella decided to accompany me to the loft. She took it into her mind to dive under the organ bench, where she discovered that the footing was less stable than she expected. (Bark, yelp!)

When I got her calmed down and returned to rehearsal, I announced that while I'd heard of a Kitten on the Keys, that was the first time I'd seen a Puppy on the Pedals.
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
I've learnt to turn the pedal stops off when I see one of our congregation, who is very partially sighted, and his guide dog heading over in my direction to say hello after the service.

In his early days of coming to say "hello" the dog would tread on the pedals! He didn't connect the hideous sound of C and D pressed down together with his paw action, it was just a useful step to a friendly voice!
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Had a wonderful Fourth with the son and family, spending it in Silverthorne/Dillon Colorado area.
Frisco had the most impressive eclectic Fourth of July parade (I've never seen so many trucks, tractors and I think everyone in Frisco was in the parade. Lots of churches, children on bicycles, costumed dancers, "Colorado Queens", people on horses, and some huge earth moving equipment). Yep, it was one different parade.
Spent some time in Vail, which is like being in a Disneyland German village, but more pretentious and way more expensive.
Then drove to see Tomb and Julie up in the mountains and had a mini meet at a local ski resort. Great day!
 

---

Posted by Otter (# 12020) on :
 
We started the 4th out with a trip to take our older dog to the vet. Came home with him drugged up to the eyeballs with a morphine-relative, so he spent most of the day semi-comatose on the couch. Of course, the drugs started wearing off in time for fireworks, but The Otter Pup to carried him up to the bedroom, where the window air-conditioner, two fans, and a white-noise generator drowned most of the noise out.

The other dog perked his ears up and looked around to see if the bigger booms were something interesting, or boring not-food noises.
 

---

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
My previous pair of cats spent July 4 under the bed most of the time, especially when they were young, so I was wondering how the new pair would take it. At the first ka-boom, one half-raised an eyelid; the other didn't budge.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Checking in from camp- by the fire with a new-to-me Jo Nesbo book, having just pigged on pel meni, on the shores of a lake at the foot of a glacier with birds and critters all over and great towering spruce and hemlock above, with thick moss below. Green paradise.

I needed this.

(and yes! Full cell service! Crazy!)
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Part of my brain is thanking God for giving you this great vacation. The other part is breaking the last Commandment at the top of my mental lungs (coveting ya know): I wanna! I wanna!.

Well, the better halfa brain is now telling the unruly half to shut the feck up. So here's to having a good time for yourself, comet.
 

---

Posted by Lady A (# 3126) on :
 
Timothy poked me to say there was a shipmeet about (which I missed) and so I'm looking in. Just got back from a trip to Ireland with my daughter and we had a blast! Yes, it was hot over there - came back with a tan for heaven's sake! We had two weeks off and about with a car, hostel rooms and directions from megolithic Ireland - traipsing over sheep pastures and cow fields, hitting pubs every night for music - really had a marvelous time. I'd go back again. Truly was amazing.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
*bump*

Page two? Really?

The weather man from one of the local stations was wending his way toward the station for the 5AM show, when he found cows standing in the middle of one of the main roads in town. Surprise!!!

I know. Lame post, but nothing exciting is happening. Yet.
 

---

Posted by rugasaw (# 7315) on :
 
We are winding down a trip to the UK and unfortunately brought the weather we were trying to escape from.
 

---

Posted by PataLeBon (# 5452) on :
 
Clarification -

We brought heat to the UK. Unfortunately, we did not bring cool temps and rain to Texas.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Once in a while you get a sign that you've been spending waaay too much time on the Ship:

I'm on the annual vacation with my huge hilarious extended family of in-laws, and we were playing Reverse Charades, which is a hoot. It's played as teams, and my team drew the word "Limbo." All I could think of was the Ship's board, and I completely froze, thinking of Deep Theological Thots™ and of famous old Ship threads. Fortunately my teammates kicked right into gear and started pantomiming the Limbo dance, because I was useless!
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
I'm dragging this thread up from the second page to tip my hat to our local transit agency.

Usually, when the bus monopoly announces service changes, it means that the buses will be running less frequently.

The new weekday service on El Camino Real (the main corridor around here) now runs every 15 minutes instead of every half hour. The PR person for SamTrans said that the goal is to make carrying a schedule unnecessary: just walk out to the road and a bus will be along any minute.

It sounds obvious, but the obvious is rarely simple when you're trying to get somewhere.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
(unsettled)

So, we are having this bizarre lighting storm that involves no rain and no thunder. Just a big flash over the fog every 5 minutes or so.(At least in the Bay Area.)

It's really creepy. I prefer my lightning with a warning signal.
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
I walked to the bus in the midst of that non-storm. I kept waiting for the other shoe (and the rain) to drop.

An FB friend reports that the whole thing was very much present in La Honda. Don't know why I didn't hear any lightning where I was.
 

---

Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
We are also getting lightening and no rain. We are on red alert for forrest fires. Not sure what good it does to know we are on alert, we can do nothing about lightening strikes. So far so good, no smoke.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
report from the Canvas Palace, late night edition: snuggled in blankets next to the fire and witnessing not just nature but NATURE! in the form of rain and howling winds coming down the mountain, followed by swiftly moving, glowy clouds, followed by glorious MOONSHINE of the bazillion-watt variety that I could probably read by if I wasn't happily snuggled up and just watching and listening and witnessing.

Despite everything, living in a hard shell means you miss a lot. squirrels waking me up at 4 am - not so good. Hearing ravenwings and living a storm is glorious.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
See, that I could dig. I kinda like storms-- much more than dry spells, for sure.Passive-aggressive stealth lightning is just-- weird.

Didn't help that I was deep in the Fog Belt, though. I wish I had been in Pacifica.
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
Impressive pic, Kelly.

We almost never get real lightning storms in the Bay Area. I remember driving home through one. I was heading north along 280 (almost as high as you get on the Peninsula) with great sizzly lightning strikes hitting the ground on either side of the freeway. These were the big, fuzzy-edged things that look like an inspiration for the Star Wars movies. I was very glad to get home that night.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Hey, a tree in the back of my house got hit years back-- that was pretty real to me

Fond memories of my older sis running upstairs to cower at the foot of my bed while I chirped,"Just pretend it's fireworks!"
 

---

Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
report from the Canvas Palace, late night edition: snuggled in blankets next to the fire and witnessing not just nature but NATURE! in the form of rain and howling winds coming down the mountain, followed by swiftly moving, glowy clouds, followed by glorious MOONSHINE...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Hey, a tree in the back of my house got hit years back-- that was pretty real to me

Fond memories of my older sis running upstairs to cower at the foot of my bed while I chirped,"Just pretend it's fireworks!"

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Campbellite:

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
report from the Canvas Palace, late night edition: snuggled in blankets next to the fire and witnessing not just nature but NATURE! in the form of rain and howling winds coming down the mountain, followed by swiftly moving, glowy clouds, followed by glorious MOONSHINE...

---

'Round these here parts, Moonshine has a whole 'nother meanin'.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Campbellite:

The next morning, we went out to gather firewood as Boy scouts are wont to do and found the campsite we had been assigned to. In the middle of that campsite was a tree. Shattered into a million splinters from a quarter inch up to fifteen feet long. They covered the entire site. Had we found the site were supposed to have been in, I would not be here to tell this tale.

---

,,,but what a fantastic tale!


We had the boomflash thing right above out house-- the next morning we saw the redwood sapling* in the backyard had a limb dangling off of it.

The last lightning storm we had around here-- last year? Year before?-- I sat on FB teasing my sis about her fear of lightning. (also I figured staying on line with her and chatting about dumb, non-storm related stuff would calm her down. I remember my attempts to soothe her interrupted by somebody-or-another gasping at the fact that we were on the computer during a lightning storm-- something about the conductivity of the electrical system? Not sure. Did nothing to help my sis's panic.

*redwood sapling= I think it was about 30 years old at that point.

[ 22. August 2013, 02:44: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I lay in bed last night and looked through the skylight to watch the lightning. It wasn't a big storm.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Had thunder this morning on my way to work. Made it to the bus just as the rain started, and there was a deluge while I was en route. By the time I got off the bus, it was down to not much more than a drizzle, then it cleared up entirely.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
See, that I could dig. I kinda like storms-- much more than dry spells, for sure.

---

I really need to do a good carnauba wax job on my new Ford Focus - it is metalflake black and water spots do not just wash off. I have only washed it four times in six months but I do like rain! Too bloody hot otherwise.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Ugh.

Said freaky lightning storm started a rim fire up in Yosemite, which is defying firefighters efforts to control it (at this point.) One of the big problems about this, aside from the obvious destruction of a treasured national park and danger to the people living in the area, is that the ash and soot from the fire is threatening the Hetch Hetchy water system, which provides water and hydroelectric power all the way down to the Bay Area, and farther if I am not mistaken. What a mess.

Yosemite is a special place to everyone in my family-- years of visiting it. I first read the Lord of the Rings while sitting in a tree overhanging the Yosemite River. I hope those gloomy clouds off the Pacific mean rain.

[ 24. August 2013, 06:41: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Not to be outdone, a Louisiana bayou decided to start inhaling trees.


Mother Nature needs a Midol.
 

---

Posted by Palimpsest (# 16772) on :
 
We had our weird lightning here two weeks ago.
After midnight, I was driving home from a performance of Gotterdammerung when I started to see occasional flashes with no thunder coming from various different places. I seriously was worried that my retinas were detaching after six hours of Wagner. Eventually it was happening frequently enough that I knew it was lightning.
As I got home it started to rain. A half hour later it was pouring with lighting and thunder for a half hour, which is rare here. Then it moved on leaving only the heavy rain. A great night to listen in bed to the storm.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Palimpsest:
th no thunder coming from various different places. I seriously was worried that my retinas were detaching after six hours of Wagner.

---

I can understand your confusion.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
A friend told me an interesting story.

When she went to her dentist, his receptionist asked her if she would like to adopt a puppy--a beagle-lab mix. It turned out that the mother dog had been killed by a bear, and they were trying to find good homes for six unweaned puppies.

As my friend said to me, a puppy that has received no training from its mother may be difficult to get along with.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
So, MOO, it's cleaning and adoption for you? I'd rather have a root canal and no puppy, thank you.
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
This week, we've had some lightning displays up in the mountains, but no precipitation to speak of. I heard tell of some tropical depression that will be sending up some rain, but frankly, I'll believe it when I see it.

When we do get a lightning storm, I crank up the cameras and try to catch a strike, but I'm always a shutter stroke off. DARN IT.

I think we got a photo of the meteor shower, though. JB says he might have some with his film camera, so we'll see the photos this week. Nobody does film processing anymore, so it takes a week to send it out. <sigh> Digital has spoiled us, no more anticipation, it's all right there immediately.
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
My daughter's wedding is less than a week away!
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Is it that same day as Hart's final vows? Maybe I can light a candle for y'all at Notre Dame...

OK, I know there are a lot of NPR fans out there, so I need to share this moment-- I get into my car after running errands to hear Selected Shorts starting-- a host I don't recognize right away announced that the first story will be "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury.

"Cool!" I thought.

...and it will be read by Stephen Colbert.

"SCORE!" I yelled aloud in my car.

He did it brilliantly, of course, and then the host came back on It turned out Elijah Shepherd had been replaced tonight by Neil Gaiman ("COOL!!") who then announced that the next story was one of his absolute favorites, "The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber.

Cool! (and Thurber is one of my favorite authors, too, so I like Gaiman so much more now knowing if I ever wind up at a cocktail party with him in it, I can just steer the conversation to Thurber.)

Station break, and Gaiman re-introduces the story, which he says will be read by Leonard Nimoy!

So, in a nutshell, it was one of the most stellar episodes of "Selected Shorts I have ever heard, both in story quality and in voice quality. And Gaiman did well as a host-- the cherry on top.

[ 01. September 2013, 04:12: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
.. and then I turn on the TV, and the first thing I see is Kirk and Spock fighting the hot lava pizza monster thing.

What is the Universe trying to tell me?

[Seriously, that thing looks like the crappy cardboard pizza they used to serve us in my elementary school cafeteria. We used to beg for seconds. ]

[ 01. September 2013, 04:21: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Yay! A day off!

I'm mostly relaxing today. Some friends and I will have a pizza party later on. What are y'all doing?

Tomorrow, I hit the ground running. It's the start of the new music season at church with rehearsals and planning (my personal planning is completed ) and all that. The next thing you know, it will be Advent...then C********!!!!!
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Had me a genuine day off yesterday for the first time in a very very long time. Lounged around the house in the morning, went to a dove shoot in the afternoon, drank beer and ate BBQ bologna with some old and new friends, then watched the race with my best buddy. Never even once set foot in the bar. It was awesome!
 

---

Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
... I like Gaiman so much more now knowing if I ever wind up at a cocktail party with him in it, I can just steer the conversation to Thurber.

---

Always good to be prepared for things like running into Neil Gaiman at a cocktail party!

And thanks for telling us about this -- I'm off to find it on the web ...
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
My daughters wedding was yesterday and went wonderfully!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
mine gets married saturday and I'm beginning to lose my mind, so you give me hope!
 

---

Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
You too will survive, Comet. Relax and enjoy it.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We've had a bit of rain here recently. Eight inches so far this month. My swales were full of little tadpoles (and other less nice things). Apparently, the wee froggies have decided that my bedroom is an appropriate nursery. Yesterday I found a tiny frog, about a half inch long and maybe 3/16ths wide. It was just hanging out on the floor. So I took him outside.

Today, I found four little frogs, and a baby lizard in my bedroom.

How the heck did they get in my house? They are way too small to jump onto my window and find a way in.

But, it could be a whole lot worse. At least they are cute things rather than roaches and snakes and such.
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I wish you would send some of that rain our way. We don't have a drought because it was extremely rainy earlier in the year, but it hasn't rained hard for a month or so.

Moo
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I wish we could equalize all the rainfall in the country right now, Moo! I'd be very glad to share with you, and I bet those folks in Colorado would, too.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
Aaaargh, me hearties! Tis talk like a pirate day!
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Tired of all this rain, you can have some of ours, MOO

(tried to put this in Pirate Talk, but couldn't)

AAARRGH

[ 19. September 2013, 19:38: Message edited by: Ye Olde Motherboarde ]
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
It's just after 1 AM, my time, and later this morning, I'm serving as liturgist at church. This will be the first time I've had any formal role to play in any organized church setting since 2005. I'm a little nervous, but also pretty excited.

I think I've finally found a church to call home here in my little notch in the Bible Belt. What I do for a living tends to make me a bit of an outsider when it comes to church around here. It's hard for folks to understand that I can run a den of sin and iniquity and still be a believer. When I started going to my current church, I met with the pastor and one of the first things I told him was what I do. His response was, "That's so cool!" He's come out to the bar and hung out with my regulars, just as an average guy, not trying to save them, not trying to preach, just talking sports, farming, travel and the weather. For someplace like where I live, this is bigger than huge. And, he recognizes that a lot of what I do is prety much the same as what he does, just with cigarette smoke and cold beer.

Long-winded way of saying I'm really happy that I've found a church to attend again.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
That's brilliant Bess - all the best for later, you'll be fine.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Thanks. It feels like coming home after a long journey.
 

---

Posted by Palimpsest (# 16772) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Is it that same day as Hart's final vows? "Cool!" I thought.

...and it will be read by Stephen Colbert.


He did it brilliantly, of course, and then the host came back on It turned out Elijah Shepherd had been replaced tonight by Neil Gaiman ("COOL!!") who then announced that the next story was one of his absolute favorites, "The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber.

Cool! (and Thurber is one of my favorite authors, too, so I like Gaiman so much more now knowing if I ever wind up at a cocktail party with him in it, I can just steer the conversation to Thurber.)

Station break, and Gaiman re-introduces the story, which he says will be read by Leonard Nimoy!

So, in a nutshell, it was one of the most stellar episodes of "Selected Shorts I have ever heard, both in story quality and in voice quality. And Gaiman did well as a host-- the cherry on top.

---

Neil Gaiman was in Seattle last month as part of a book signing tour and teaching a SF writers workshop. He said it was the last signing tour because he now instantly sells out 500 seat auditoriums and feels obligated to chat for a moment with anyone who wants to while having the book signed. So the reading is followed by 4 hours of signing and usually a plane to the next city.

His newest book "The Ocean at the end of the Lane" is fabulous btw.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Poor guy. Nice guy, sounds like, too.
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Kelly - don't you follow Neil Gaiman on Twitter? He really does come over as amazing. They serialised The Ocean at the end of the Lane as the Book at Bedtime on Radio 4 earlier this year and I really want to read it now. When it's out in paperback.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
Kelly - don't you follow Neil Gaiman on Twitter?

---

Well, he hasn't sent me a personal invitation.



(I don't do Twitter much at all. Facebook is more than enough for me. He has a lovely speaking voice, though.)
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Apparently, according to offspring - really worth following on Tumblr
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Bess, that sounds like a wonderful pastor and a wonderful church.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Lord, save us. Can we just do without huge rainstorms? Had another storm last night that was loud and very wet. North of us, rain and snow ------ YES, SNOW! west of Denver in the mountains.

I don't mind a little rain, but arroyo running, roof leaking rain is NOT FUN!

We have guys doing the roof this week after the solar panels come off. Got the supplies from the hardware store to start work and the weather should be sunny.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
bunch of snow on the mainland overnight. here, just rainrainrain which is unfortunately normal. the clouds lifted enough to show us all the fresh snow on the peaks, though. here it comes!
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We got three-quarters of an inch of rain on Saturday, which was very welcome. However, there was a football game that afternoon, and thousands of people were drenched.

Moo
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Oh no - someone mentioned the "s***" word! According to a member of our choir, any sn*w that falls before about the beginning of December is classified as "fat rain".

Seriously, though, I hope all of you who are getting mental amounts of rain are coping with it - the pictures we've been getting on the Weather Channel would make Vancouver look like a desert, and the default forecast there is "rain".


 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Almost five inches of rain fell here between yesterday morning and this morning. Most of that was in the evening and all night long.

For the week so far, I've had nine inches here. Downtown had over seven in the last 24 hours.

At least we aren't having any wild fires!
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Every cloud has a silver lining, eh? Pity the lining's made of more raindrops ...
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
[can't resist]

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
For the week so far, I've had nine inches here.

---

Aren't you the lucky girl?

[couldn't resist]
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Comet, comet comet.

You just get yourself down here and wipe off all the milk I just spit on the laptop.



[duplicate post deleted - Piglet, AS host]

[ 26. September 2013, 02:25: Message edited by: piglet ]
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
[can't resist]

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
For the week so far, I've had nine inches here.

---

Aren't you the lucky girl?

[couldn't resist]

---

I have a confession to make - I thought something very similar when I read JJ's post, but unlike you I did resist ...
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
My community got four inches all last season.

Yep, folks, it's a drought.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Had a weird day today. Got a call at the bar from the 14 year old daughter of the guy who lives across the street. Her dog had just got hit by a car, and her dad was working and she didn't know what to do. My husband went over to help, and to comfort her. I hate that it happened, but it's nice to know that she felt like she could call the bar, knowing that someone would come over and be there with her. I'm glad she knew she could do that...

Like I said, a little weird...
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
not weird. awesome. she knew you were the people she could count on. and you proved she was right. good job!
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Well done, BH - you're absolutely the sort of neighbours that anyone would want.

Sorry about the wee dog though.
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Thanks. I guess I found it a bit weird because here in the rural Bible Belt there is such a huge divide between folks who sit in church pews and folks who sit on barstools. I’m not only comfortable in both worlds; I honestly don’t see a whole lot of difference, from a practical stand-point, between the two. I’m the closest thing most of my regulars have to a pastor. I go to weddings and funerals. I visit folks in the hospital and in jail. I know who is fighting cancer, who is terrified that their son is going to jump bail, who is estranged from their parents. I make sure there’s always extra food in my fridge for the 22 year old who doesn’t think I know he’s living rough, and isn’t getting enough to eat. I know who is struggling with addiction and depression. I know the children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and partners of most of my flock. I am the emergency contact for several people who live alone, out in the country with no family to speak of anywhere nearby. And yes, I occasionally pray with someone, and we have some amazing conversations about religion and faith and God.

The fact that these relationships are forged and nurtured in a dark, smoke-filled beer joint does not make them any less valid or powerful or worthy than the relationships built at bible study or on mission trips. My church pew friends have a hard time understanding what really goes on at my shack. Sure, I sell a lot of beer, and we tell dirty jokes, and make silly sports bets, and dance and flirt. But we’re just as much of a community, a congregation, as the fine, upstanding citizens I worship with on Sunday mornings.

I realize that there are always going to be people who look down on us. I can think of several folks who will speak to me on Sunday morning in church, but not on Saturday afternoon when I’m in the grocery store, wearing my bar t-shirt. That makes me sad for them. All the sinning happening in this big old world isn’t confined to beer joints, and you’re just as likely to be sitting next to an adulterer or an addict in church as you are in a bar.

I don’t mean to sound like I’m ranting, or even upset. Just trying to figure out a way to keep crossing the divide here in my part of the world.

FWIW
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Sounds like you hang out with Jesus' kind of people- and that's a good thing.
 

---

Posted by Coffee Cup (# 13506) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
...
Just trying to figure out a way to keep crossing the divide here in my part of the world.

FWIW

---

I think it sounds like you are crossing the divide really well already. People are slow to change. Up here most meals at my 'new' church seem to come with an invitation to bring some wine or beer; I guess it has been like that for a while.

My emergency contact lives several states away and doesn't drive, but would be here if I called and said I need her. Being there when someone needs you is an act of love towards your neighbor.
 

---

Posted by Taliesin (# 14017) on :
 
Hey Bess, awesome bar community you got going there, sounds a bit like my church course, I can never convince my lot to allow a little alcohol, even on a Saturday night. Pity, cos it would loosen everyone up some, and encourage a few more passing souls in.

I dropped in on this thread expecting to hear you all talking about the lock down, stand off, shut down thing you have going on out there. Are you all ok? No one too anxious about no pay or no services?
 

---

Posted by Antisocial Alto (# 13810) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Taliesin:

I dropped in on this thread expecting to hear you all talking about the lock down, stand off, shut down thing you have going on out there. Are you all ok? No one too anxious about no pay or no services?

---

Well mostly we're huddling in our homes, waiting for the aircraft to start falling out of the sky. (Not really. Most Americans won't be affected much, except for the ocular damage from rolling our eyes at Congress.)

Please, please seek out Glen Weldon's "During the Government Shutdown 2: Pig in the City" tweets if you haven't seen them yet. He's done them the last couple times there was a shutdown looming- it's sort of a spoof of post-apocalyptic Washington DC.
 

---

Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
I'm one of the Americans who will be affected a great deal, because my husband works for the federal government. Around 800,000 federal civil servants will be without work (and without pay) until this gets worked out. A lot of Americans won't be much affected at first, but things will get more and more inconvenient as time goes on.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Yeah, one of my childhood friends works for that "nonessential" service that is the EPA, but anything I have to say about that is better said in Purg or Hell.
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
One of the links that flashed by yesterday was this one, about a book showing the edges of SF Bay from the air.

The one that caught my eye was the one of Point San Pedro. I grew up in Marin County, and lived in San Rafael for about a dozen years, but I never knew that great hole in the ground was there. I can't believe that I never thought much about where all the material for the bricks they made for all those years came from, but there's the hole. It nearly matches the one I think I've got between my ears.

Anyway, it looks like a good book, and I thought other locals might like the link.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Boy, oh boy, was that cool!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Yesterday, there was a mini-Shipmeet in SW Florida. Ye Olde Motherboarde and JB traveled two and a half hours south from where they are spending their vacation to meet with me at a favorite restaurant. (Well, of course we have to eat!!!) We had a great time laughing and talking and catching up.

Thanks for coming down, JB and MoBo!!!
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I know I'm a simple foreigner (and a Bear Of Very Little Brain), but having read a bit about the government shut-down in the British press on the web, I can't understand why closing the Statue of Liberty is going to make a difference to whether Mr. Obama's health-insurance reforms are going to happen.

Or have I got completely the wrong end of the stick (it wouldn't be the first time ...)?
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
This would give you a better idea of what's going on.

Add to that-- all of those agencies represent a certain amount of employees who are on furlough with no hope of back pay. That is thousands people who are suddenly jobless and can't make their bills. And probably will not get a chance to catch up.I hope credit card companies, utilities, etc are making plans to work with these folk.

Anyway-- lovely crisp fall day in NoCal!
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Add to that-- all of those agencies represent a certain amount of employees who are on furlough with no hope of back pay. That is thousands people who are suddenly jobless and can't make their bills. And probably will not get a chance to catch up.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Antisocial Alto:
... rolling our eyes at Congress ...

---

And who would blame you? There doesn't seem to be any mention of the politicians being put on enforced leave without pay ...

I notice from Kelly's link that all 111 members of staff of the Defence Nuclear Facilities Safety Board are expected to turn up for work - that's comforting, isn't it?

for a quick and satisfactory outcome for all of you.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
last government shutdown, I was married to a GI and my mom worked for the Peace Corps. I was a SAHM. suddenly I'm grabbing a late-night server shift and supporting two households. We got through, but it was interesting.

Thankfully for those of us in storm season, the weather service and coasties are still able to go to work. I hope they get paid for it and it's not essentially volunteer work.

further to all of this, is anyone else finding themselves shrieking at the ignorant bullshit being spouted all over facebook (and probably those other social media joints)? my lord there is no limit to people's fear and ignorance. my favorite was the widely shared text of the 28th amendment. the wha...?

for those who know me on FB, I'm going to take a few days away from it. normally I try to post some inanity at least once a day as it keeps my extended family off my back, but this great emotional chaos is frying my last little shriveled vestige of self-control and I really try to keep Hell in Hell and not release my inner ME on facebook where elderly aunts can read it.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Add to that-- all of those agencies represent a certain amount of employees who are on furlough with no hope of back pay. That is thousands people who are suddenly jobless and can't make their bills. And probably will not get a chance to catch up.

---

AIUI last time the government shut down at least some employees got paid for the time they were on furlough. I don't know whether all did.

Moo

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
who needs rain?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
[location] is a rain forest? never knew that.

---

home sweet home.

pretty sure I'm growing gills.

Ruth - if I could figure out a way, I'd send you all you could handle!
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We had a nice day here! The temp this afternoon was 87, so cooling off a bit. We can see the outside edges of the tropical storm over the Gulf, but beautiful weather here today.

There was a very tiny, minuscule Shipmeet today. St. Sebastian came over, and we had lunch at one of our (my?) favorite restaurants! There were very few pauses for breath during our conversations.
 

---

Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
We just went from the hottest week of the year into rain--Cascadia doesn't actually have a temperate four-season cycle, it's really a subtropical rainy season-dry season pattern. We had temperatures in the 90s in early September, then torrential rains for most of the last two weeks. It was nice today, possibly tomorrow. Then it will probably rain for the next six months. At least when I lived in Africa it only rained in the afternoon...
 

---

Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Exhausted but wired at the same time. My girls and I suckered a buddy of ours to act as body-guard/designated driver for us Friday and Girls Night Out turned into Girls Out All Night. I spent Saturday afternoon, when I should have been taking a nap, watching college football and hanging out with good friends. Worked til 2AM this morning, and need to be up in 6 hours so I can take a friend of mine to church with me.

Will someone please remind me that I am 45, not 25? This heifer needs some serious sack time...
 

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
[location] is a rain forest? never knew that.

---

home sweet home.

pretty sure I'm growing gills.

Ruth - if I could figure out a way, I'd send you all you could handle!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
... The new replacement Christmas cactus is not ...

---

It's not an Easter cactus with an identity crisis, is it?
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Sadly plant psychiatry is, for the moment, in its infancy - but give it time!
 

---

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

---

Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
The problem is that we have been taught to talk to our plants. We haven't been told anything useful about how to listen to them.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Uncle Pete!

I talk to my plants, and they may not make audible responses, but they sure know how to get my attention. Feed me! Water me! Get me out of/into the sun!

Piglet, my fear is that it might turn out to be Useless Cactus! The light is just changing, so there is still time for buds to pop out.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I HAVE A PART! I'm so excited. it's been over a year since I was last on stage. I've been directing, which is a whole different high, but I HAVE A PART! whoopie! and even better, someone else is directing!

I get to play a crazy lady. a stretch, I know...
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Break a leg, Comet!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
I HAVE A PART! I'm so excited. it's been over a year since I was last on stage. I've been directing, which is a whole different high, but I HAVE A PART! whoopie! and even better, someone else is directing!

I get to play a crazy lady. a stretch, I know...

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Yay comet! How exciting!
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
You'll be a natural, comet!
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
For your amusement - some random weirdness from the Bess-files.

I have a 23 year old friend who is pretty much my adopted son. He's an absolute mess, but I love him dearly. He's fond of sending me random pictures and yesterday, he sent me a pic of him standing next to a 20 MPH speed limit sign. My phone is old school, so I couldn't really make out what was on his shoulder. "Is that a monkey?" I ask, because his uncle does indeed have a pet monkey. "Squirrel," he replies. "Live?" "Nope, dead." "Ummm, honey, fresh or stuffed," I reply, praying its some random bit of taxidermy he's run across. "Fresh. Me and JS saw it get run over," is the disturbing response.

So for some reason, my young friend decided to pose fresh road-kill on his shoulder and stand next to a traffic sign and thought I would like a picture to memorialize this event.

This kind of weirdness is not all that uncommon in my world either...
 

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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by piglet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
... The new replacement Christmas cactus is not ...

---

It's not an Easter cactus with an identity crisis, is it?

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I had one of those or was it a Christmas Cactus with an identity crisis. It flowering time changed every year anyway and by far more than the date of Easter.

Jengie
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Bess - at least with random happenings like that, you'll never complain of life being boring ...
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Boring it is not

Today's randomness was twofold. One conversation started out with the words: "I've got a funny story about Aristophanes," the other started out with, "Hey, Bess, guess what this is," as the speaker handed me a racoon penis bone.

I swear I could make millions with a reality TV show...
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Oh, God. I think you just won 2013.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Life in these United States:

Statement from the granddaughter (aged 5)

She is counting down to Thanksgiving by listing what she is thankful for. Today's item was:

"I am thankful to President Obama for giving us God, and spying on us."

Her access to television news is now banned.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Daw! yeah.... more Sesame Street, less news network!

not allowed to be paranoid until you're at least old enough to vote. *looks around furtively*

speaking of paranoia....

At rehearsal tonight one of the other cast members told us about a bear trying to break into her house while she was in there, and the walls actually moving from his effort. I'm sitting there, all relaxed, thinking, "aw, poor thing! you'll be fine, blah blah blah..."

When I drove home, she was behind me all of the way, I thought she was following me. then she drove right past and pulled into her driveway.... two driveways down from mine!

well, shit. now I'm going to be jumping at every noise all night.

Hello?!?!? it is November! isn't it WAY past their bedtimes?
 

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Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on :
 
Speaking of wildlife: I was waked by the dog yipping and whining, then realized the bigger noise was turkeys. The closest-sounding one was squawking and gobbling really loud, and sounded very close.

I wasn't quick enough to see Tom in action, but I saw the hen-flock panic and take off when I tiptoed out through the back yard. Turks are very sensitive. When they spring up to fly away the noise is huge. And they look huge too.

I love it when a flock wanders through. Not so much for the semi-domestic deer.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
If I were a turkey in America in November I'd probably be jolly jumpy too ...
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We're back on Standard Time.

It was daylight when I went out to get the paper.

Moo
 

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Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 
We don't observe Daylight Savings Time in Arizona, so the event passed without our notice. I did, however, used to enjoy the "extra hour" on Saturday night when I lived in a different time zone.
 

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Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on :
 
The raccoon kit we rescued in late August has been cleared for release by the wildlife rehabilitator. So this afternoon we will go pick him up and take him across the James River to a friend's place in Surry County. They have several acres of woods and fields so he should do OK there.

At first they will put puppy chow out for him until he gets settled in and starts finding his own food.

Anyway, I am bursting with maternal pride even though the wildlife rehabilitator did the actual work of looking after him up until now and my friends will be looking after him from now on.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Goodness gracious, Snowgoose, I didn't realize that you are now a wildlife rehabber!
But with the wildlife around your place, I'm guessing it would be easy - you are good with feral cats.
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe:
We don't observe Daylight Savings Time in Arizona, so the event passed without our notice. I did, however, used to enjoy the "extra hour" on Saturday night when I lived in a different time zone.

---

Well, at least the Navajo Rez and the rest of the Arizona are on the same page for some months again.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
An old friend of JB's went home to glory on Saturday and they had a graveside service today. He was 93 and were married to over 60 years. On their last anniversary, they both wore their wedding clothes and could still fit into them!
The man's wife sang him to sleep every night, singing, "Goodnight Sweetheart" to him. She did the same song to him at the end, too. Up until 3 years ago were skiing and hiking! (we should all be this strong!) They were thrilled that after a certain age they had free lift tickets at local ski areas.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

My Granpa used to sing my Gramma that song.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
I made 12 jars of jams and jellies today for the upcoming church annual Christmas sale. I am pooped making jelly for Jesus, but the house smells wonderful and the jars look so pretty, well worth it.

Next comes cookies, and angels. I love looking at all the home made stuff on display, but the days I do it I have second thoughts.

I will sleep well tonight.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
About 4 PM I felt a big bang throughout the house, like someone slammed a door shut. I ran downstairs and confirmed that it wasn't in fact someone slamming a door, it was an earthquake-- but really weird, not much rattling, just that big thump.

Turned out it was a smallish magnitude quake that just happened to have its epicenter right under our feet-- USGS called it directly in the five-or-six block unincorporated area in which I live.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
I have devoted most of today to avoiding reality. It feels good

[ 15. November 2013, 01:41: Message edited by: BessHiggs ]
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Graven Image:
... Next comes cookies ...

---

One of the ladies in our choir has established a cookie exchange party as part of the festive round - this year she wants us to bring 12 dozen cookies each. Sadly, none of us has the nerve to tell her that the whole thing is a monumental faff that we could well do without.

The upshot is that we all end up with about 70 wee buns, 40 of which we probably won't like. I'm planning to try and resurrect a recipe that my mum used to make called Tiffin, which was scrummy when she made it, but may be rather less so when I do ...
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
A gross of cookies!! Try 3 dozen maximum. Gah!
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
She will insist on inviting more and more people - she loves cooking and entertaining, and her motto seems to be "the more the merrier".

It's become so big she doesn't hold it in her house any more - she uses the Cathedral crypt, which can be easily re-arranged for large parties.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Turned out it was a smallish magnitude quake that just happened to have its epicenter right under our feet-- USGS called it directly in the five-or-six block unincorporated area in which I live.

---

Good heavens!
Smallish is still too big in my book.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
I have devoted most of today to avoiding reality. It feels good

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me next!

please?



Too. Much. Shit. And none of it pays. at least, not even minimum wage. So, all this stress, PLUS the stress of finding income. I'm going to go hide in a corner and cover my ears and say "la la la!" until all the needy little dickheads in the world shrivel up and blow away.

PS - winter finally got here. roads are exciting and my toes are cold. otherwise, biz as yoozh.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
I have devoted most of today to avoiding reality. It feels good

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
I have devoted most of today to avoiding reality. It feels good

---

I wish I could have done that "avoiding reality" thing today. Today we turned on the fireplace and darn does this new firebox throw out some heat! Wooohoo!
We had painting in the living room, moving bricks, cleaning, making Cock-a-leekie soup, doing 4 loads of clothes, doing a load of dishes, and a trip to the dump. Sadly this is my reality, Bess. I wish avoidance was possible.

And then, there was this gorgeous sunset after the rain and snow today, which made life all worth living.

I now need a good shower now, lots of Advil and a long, long sleep. then tomorrow? well, there is more work to do.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
UGH, what a day.

A couple of weeks ago, a buddy of mine asked me a another boy to help her move. "Just a dresser, bed, table and couple of chairs," was all she said she had. Luckily, I also roped the ex and his girl friend into helping, as well as bringing a second trailer, because it turned into: 3 chests of drawers, a queen-sized matress & box spring, bed frame (that won't fit the matress btw), a loveseat, a recliner, a big-ass rocking chair,a computer desk and chair, a hutch, a table and chairs, a TV, and the world's heaviest fridge. Now, all this stuff was in five different places, so this turned from a quick hour or so helping someone out into an all freaking-morning ordeal. And several pieces of furniture smelled like someone had recently died on them. And did I mention that this ole girl has never, ever, ever, had an unspoken thought? She talks non-stop about nothing. Bless her.

I've got to learn to start saying "NO" LOL
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
You'll get your reward in Heaven, BH.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Bess, you are a blessing to all who know you.


 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Brrr.... it's cold here!
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemr:
Brrr.... it's cold here!

---

 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
We've had some weird weather here lately. Warn, then cool, then cold, then warm, with the odd nasty storm thrown in for good measure. I used to think the weather in South Florida was odd, but it wasn't anything compared to West Tennessee.

In our house, we're praying for rain. Duck season starts in 8 days and we need water at our blind.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Yesterday Mr Image and I spent the day waiting in doctor offices. Just routine check up kind of things which in themselves took about 15 minutes max but required almost 3 hours waiting time between the two. I hate it when you arrive on time for your visit and you wait for about 15 minutes then they take you back to the exam room where you wait for 45 minutes more. We both came home tired? Funny how doing nothing can wear a body out. I am ready for a restful day of working around the house.
 

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Posted by Michael Snow (# 16363) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemr:
Brrr.... it's cold here!

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Low tonight, 2
High tomorrow 14

My friend in Canada would think that a heat wave right now! (He had minus 40)
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Having been mild enough earlier in the week for me to cast off my socks, we're back down to low single-figures Centigrade here - par for the course for this time of year.

No sn*w yet, thanks be to God, as we haven't got our winter tyres on yet ...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
8" of fresh snow overnight... followed by pouring rain. slushie, anyone? roads are a nightmare in many places in the state. they even cancelled classes at Chasee#2's university! nothing cancelled here, though. still had to go to rehearsal. damn hills.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Some very nice students came and raked my leaves the other day. They had sent around a flyer saying that they were eager to do yard work for free. They would also gratefully accept checks made out to the cancer society, but they would rake your leaves whether you donated or not.

I do like the students here. With a small number of exceptions they are very polite and eager to help.

Moo
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We're promised a cool down for Thanksgiving Day. I hope. It's been brutal recently.

The oak leaves are starting to fall and I have buds on my Replacement Cactus. Still miss my Crazy Cactus, though.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
The great snow storm which hit over the whole state is finally gone. Motherboard and I missed church on Sunday and many places just cancelled services altogether. Schools are either cancelled or on delay today..
Watch out anyone east of us, this is heading your way the day before Thanksgiving. It is going to be a mess!
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Got the tail of that storm here, sleet, cold, rain and yuck, but no major weather issues.

So today, while it's rainy and sleeting and cold and yuck outside, I've got two dear friends who are working in Florida, texting me pics of beaches, and seafood, and sending me sounds of surf on the sand.... Grrr... I'd at least better get some fresh seafood when they get back on Wednesday LOL
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
On the weather radar map, I can see the storm heading towards us. It's supposed to start around midnight, and the icy part is supposed to be over by noon. Then it's supposed to rain buckets.

Moo
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Record breaking cold for November yesterday. Actually got some snow the day before.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Getting cold at night here, too - drops below 70F some nights.


 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Gee, Weasel, can you guess how many fingers I'm holding up?
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
It's hard to tell, comet, as long as you're wearing those mittens!

It's not just cold here, it's effingcold. I'm not handling the change of seasons well this year.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
On the weather radar map, I can see the storm heading towards us. It's supposed to start around midnight, and the icy part is supposed to be over by noon. Then it's supposed to rain buckets.

Moo

---

I hope the temps will stay high enough that the rain doesn't turn back into an ice storm.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
It's about -1°C here at the moment, which is barely cold, let alone effingcold, with just a wee dusting of sn*w. Forecast to go up to 8° on Wednesday or Thursday though ...


 

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Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on :
 
York PA - we alternated between rain & sleet yesterday. By bedtime it was all ice pelting on my roof, which drives my little blind dog crazy, which he is close to anyway.

Warmer this morning. Church at 10 tomorrow, and then Thanksgiving Dinner at the Rector's place, which will be posh I'm sure.

Be careful all ye who drive on slippery highways and byways.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Turkey's in brine - check. Cornbread and biscuits made and crumbed for dressing - check. Eggs boiled for deviled eggs - check. I'm pooped and I haven't even really started cooking yet.

Last year, we had about 25 people come eat Thanksgiving Dinner with us at the bar and I'm expecting about the same number this year. I do love cooking for a crowd, but I'm glad I don't have to do it very often...

Happy feasting everyone, and safe travels for all those going over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house...
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We are supposed to be in the low 40's tomorrow morning. Thank goodness that will only last one night! After all the extra heat this month, most of us are looking forward to the coolness. Well, yeah, freezing coldness would be a better description. (I remember the Blessed Erin whining when it got cold!)

My Thanksgiving tomorrow will be very different. For the first time in a quarter of a century, I'm not cooking dinner. There are only three of us able to come, so we're going out.

Bet they won't give me the carcass to make soup. *whine*
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. We're going up to Connecticut to spend the day with cousins.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Wishing all our American chums a happy Thanksgiving, and safe travelling for those going hither and thither.

I could exhort you not to eat too much, but that wouldn't be very kind, would it?


 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Happy Thanksgiving from over here, too.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
TURKEY is in the oven. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
Two grandchildren came down from Denver, bringing their parents. Now Motherboard is about to fix things for the Thanksgiving Dinner at church. It started years ago because everybody came from far away and going home for the holidays wasn't always an option. Turkey is provided and everyone brings side dishes - and a guest if they can catch one. We plan to exhibit the grandchildren.

And yes, the Brown Chile has been simmering since ten last night….
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Jedijudy posted

quote:

---

Bet they won't give me the carcass to make soup. *whine*

---

We always go out with a few of our friends, but I must fix a small turkey so we have leftovers. My favorite part are always those leftovers. Sandwiches, pot pies, and of course the carcass soup OH MY.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
We recently got a book called Save with Jamie by Jamie Oliver, which has some brilliant ideas for using all sorts of left-overs; I imagine the chicken ones would work with turkey.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
We're going to have a post-Thanksgiving celebration with our kiddos on Sunday! I'll bet if I ask nicely, Daughter-Unit's mom-in-law will let me take the carcass if I promise her some soup!
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I am shameless. I took my own jumbo ziplock bag to my brother- and sister-in-laws' house and asked if I could take the carcass home for soup. They were glad to oblige. Tomorrow the house will be filled with good smells!
 

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Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
A whole turkey seemed rather a lot of bother for just the two of us, so we got a stuffed turkey roll from the butchershop in a local market. No carcass for soup, but a lot less work, and it would have taken us forever to finish off a big bird. But then we have another Thanksgiving on Sunday afternoon with some other family who were elsewhere today.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you have lots to be grateful for.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
solution: multiple small turkeys, one per household represented. Everyone gets soup stock. plus it cooks quicker.

so full. very satisfied. We shared a feast with former co-workers of mine, and when we worked together it wasn't great. but we're inlaws, so I sucked it up and dealt. turns out, when they're not co-workers, they're kind of lovely. a nice evening and not a hint of football. (sorry, but I hate the stuff.)

a few years ago, I had tgiving with friends, one of whom made a pumpkin pie that was to die for - with a gingerbread crust. last year, I tried to replicate it by making gingerbread, pressing it into the pie plate, and baking. but I whoopsied and added baking powder, so it rose and became a giant cookie. I scooped out the soft center and added the filling anyway, and it was delicious, but ugly.

I asked the friend what she did - apparently it was like a graham cracker crust but with stale gingersnaps. So I tried that this year. it tasted delicious, but was really butt-ugly.

So, oh well. I fail at copying my friend's crust. next year I'll just make her fly up here and cook for us.

I also made way too much pumpkin pie this year - only ginormous pumpkins at the market. so we're surrounded by very ugly but yummy pies and leftovers coming out the wazoo. I see a week ahead of pie for three meals a day, which works, because it's going to be tech week at the theater - no time to cook.

here's hoping I can fit the damn costume tomorrow!

happy thanksgiving, my fellow Americans. I'm grateful for you all, and for this silly tug.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
I see a week ahead of pie for three meals a day, which works, because it's going to be tech week at the theater - no time to cook.

---

quote:

---

happy thanksgiving, my fellow Americans. I'm grateful for you all, and for this silly tug.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
I'll bet if I ask nicely, Daughter-Unit's mom-in-law will let me take the carcass if I promise her some soup!

---

I have the carcass! Saturday will have to be soup day, but better then than never. (And I am sharing the results with D-U's in-laws, of course.)

I have a carcass! I have a carcass!
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Mmmmm ... you really can't beat home-made soup made with proper stock.

I'm going to be doing some soup manufacture soon as well - we've got about half a chicken in the fridge, and a leg of lamb that D's planning to cook for tomorrow's supper, both of which have bones ...


 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Going down to 20F tonight. I have a box full of bubble wrap I have been saving, I am going to try wrapping the outdoor pipes with the stuff. It seems like it should work. Snow due on Friday.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
Another thing you could do is allow the faucets to trickle. Moving water does not freeze as quickly as still water.

Moo
 

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Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:
I'll bet if I ask nicely, Daughter-Unit's mom-in-law will let me take the carcass if I promise her some soup!

---

I have the carcass! Saturday will have to be soup day, but better then than never. (And I am sharing the results with D-U's in-laws, of course.)

I have a carcass! I have a carcass!

---

MMMM. I usually grab out carcass, but let my brother have it, as I had bigger plans. Saturday, I ran down to Whole Foods and purchased a turkey split breast and leg. Rub with a special spice mix, into the smoker over pecan wood for three hours, and you have the best turkey you have ever had. Based on the current Thanksgiving logistics, smoking a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't work out. Too bad for my family.

Re: the cold, we are looking at our fist sub-zero temps tonight. Not to call you out over your 20s- I am a firm believer that cold is cold. But thanks to my brother, who purchased and restored an air compressor off of Craigslist, my pipes have been empty for about a month now.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Graven Image - another thing to consider is heat tape. ask at the hardware store. it's pretty easy to instal (assuming you can get to your pipes) and then you just need to plug it in. for bigger oomph you could then wrap the pipes with insulation and cover that all with tyvek, but temps in the 20s probably don't need more than heat tape.

you're looking at maybe 30-40 dollars (depending on how much you need), carefully reading directions (don't buy the strong stuff if you have pvc! trust me! melts stuff!), and then perhaps 45 minutes on the outside for installation. I'm not a handyperson type, and I can pull it off.

Also ask about the heat trace - it's harder to install, but works better and is easier to maintain. if your plumbing is pretty easy to accommodate the trace, it's worth it.

plug it in when you drop below freezing, unplug when you're above freezing (it does use a lot of electric, but not as much as, say, a fridge or something)

trickling water does work if you expect the cold snap to only last overnight to a full day or so, but eventually the ice builds up anyway.
 

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Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on :
 
My Th'ing hostess (Rector's Missus) was bagging up some of everything to take home with me, and asked if I wanted some turkey. I said 'sure!' I'll take the wings please. She looked at me kinda funny, but said OK. I made wonderful broth out of them, which I turned into "highly flavored gravy", LOL.

So I had more dinners for days: mashed taters, stuffing, and quite a lot of meat off the wings.

I just looked at the North Dakota forecast- yikes, lots of -O HIGHS coming for them. [Son2 and his family]. And what in hell is the need for giving names to these "storms"? It makes me cross, giving a cold front or a snow storm a name with personality and whims and motives. GGGRRRRR
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Dare I say that we could possibly break high temperature records? It'll be in the mid to upper 80's here, so no frozen pipes for us. But then again, we only manage cool water from the tap instead of cold when it's so warm.

Should I get me coat?
 

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Posted by JB (# 1776) on :
 
The son near Denver has 12 degrees going down to -5 tonight. We expect the cold air to slide down the mountains to freeze us tomorrow.
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Hi from an Aussie, currently visiting family in Ohio. Unseasonably warm here at present. In fact, back home it was unseasonably cold in Oz.... Colder than here. Weird. But I am informed it will get very cold soon.

Arrived here three days ago. Still getting over jet lag. It is fabulous to be with my sister and her family. They are amused by what I think is amazing, like.... The range of grocery products... Driving on the wrong side of the road.... The absence of good cups of tea in cafes.... And being with them!

Oh, and coming into this thread, and posting!
 

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Posted by Photo Geek (# 9757) on :
 
Rowen,

Beware warm December weather in Ohio. It never ends well. Hope the Buckeye state treats you kindly.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Thanks for the freeze tape advice folks. Woke to water on the kitchen floor. This cannot be good. Pipes inside the house frozen even though I left heat on. My guess is they are frozen someplace on the outside. RATS
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Aw nuts! the plan there is to climb under the house (or wherever) with a hair dryer. could take an age. sorry 'bout that.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Everyone here is in hunker down mode expecting the weather to turn seriously nasty over the next 12 to 24 hours. My regulars have all been stocking up on beer to go, in case the roads are bad tomorrow LOL.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We're supposed to get that storm by Sunday morning. Our church is having its annual meeting on Sunday. I hope no one asks for a quorum count.

Moo
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
In a refreshing change, our local weather man, nicknamed "Guessing Gary", was actually right. It's pretty nasty here, wind, sleet, freezing rain, with temps hovering right around freezing.

My husband had to go to work this morning. He drives commercial truck, a local route, hauling industrial waste from factories. His bosses, who preach safety with the fervor of a Baptist minister, decided that it was safe for him and his co-workers to get out in this mess today. Dangerous enough on the roads in a personal vehicle, treacherous in a semi with a fully loaded trailer of sloshing waste from the papermill, along winding country roads that are slicker than snot. I'm going to be on pins and needles until he calls to tell me he's coming home. Not very All-Saints-y, but I really want to punch his bosses in their collective noses today...
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Comet you are now taken as the voice of authority in the six houses in my California neighborhood. All I need to say is, "Comet said," and all ears perk up. Thanks again.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Really? that just made my day!

it has been a day filled with hassles and difficult people and explaining and re-explaining things and trying to keep a cork in the drama spewing (and all of this before I go coach my teenagers or act in a show!) and I've been feeling like I'm holding my mental shit together with dental floss knots and prayer.

And now, I can say somewhere in Cali there's a neighborhood who thinks I'm a keep-your-shit-from-freezing expert. That. Is. The. Best.

tell the rest of the 'hood I'll be coming begging for advice next time it gets above 75 and I think I'ma gonna DIE.

PS - if I tell my contractor buddies this, they will laugh until they pee themselves. So I'm not going to tell them.

Hey, if you learn stuff by making every mistake in the book, so what? at least you learned, right?
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
...Hey, if you learn stuff by making every mistake in the book, so what? at least you learned, right?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jedijudy:

I have a carcass! I have a carcass!

---

I have soup! Yummy, thick, full of goodness, soup.

*happy sigh*
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
mmmmmm ... Where's that drooling smilie when I need it?

Having said that, I've got lots of home-made chicken stock in the freezer, and some I made today that's about to go into the freezer, and D. has made his magic chicken casserole with dumplings for tomorrow's lunch, so I really can't complain.

 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Well, another cold snap is on it's way and probably snow. Breaking out the 4 wheel drive truck to take us to church tomorrow, because I'm on the Praise Team leading music.
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
Another morning of roads covered in sheets of ice here. Yesterday, my neighbor's dog, a rat-like car-chasing mutt, slid completely across the road trying to chase us as we drove by. The look on his face as he slid into the ditch was pretty entertaining.

We met some new friends last night. A couple of boys from out of town were up here duck hunting and came out to the bar afterwards to watch the football. Hubby's never met a stranger and gets to talking to them. Next thing I know, it's 9 at night, the grill is fired up outside (in 25 degree and sleeting weather) and we're having an impromptu wild-game BBQ. My weekend bartender, who swore she would never ever ever eat wild game, chowed down half her body weight in duck and deer. All in all, a really great evening.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I'm living in fear of the hairdresser from Hell.

at the Talkeetna theater, most of the time we had to do our own hair and make-up. I suck at this, but I did my best.

at THIS theater, we have hair and make-up people. Awesome! but the hair lady doesn't understand that my hair philosophy is "low maintenance" and so the orders she gives me are... alien.

my role requires BIG hair. my hair naturally goes big, but not in an attractive way. (think, Medusa) so after she figured me out, I have marching orders. I'm to wash my hair every goddamn day (who does that?!?) put mousse in it wet, and dry it before I see her. so far, every day I've done it wrong. either no mousse, or not enough mousse, or it's still wet when I go to her, or something. Yesterday I left the mousse she gave me at the theater. So rather than risk her wrath (she's very difficult!) I have to go buy mousse (I'm assuming it can be found at the store?) so I can be properly prepped for her to have her way with it.

I must do this because I'm getting paranoid about her yelling at me.

I've learned a new rule: do not piss off the backstage queens.

I assume buying grocery store mousse is going to get me in trouble for not getting the good stuff, right? I can't win.

I'm really looking forward to having low maintenance hair once again.

PS - our weather is lovely. 16F (above) and overcast and NO WIND!

I'm sure your all's weather will calm down shortly and mine will go to hell. just in time for a 24 hour ferry ride on Thursday. yippee!
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We got our ice-storm as advertized. I had planned to go to church, but when I saw how much ice I would have to scrape off the car windows, I decided to skip it.

It's supposed to be warmer tomorrow; I will let Mother Nature's ice removal system take care of the problem.

Moo
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
It was a gorgeous morning!
On way to church at 7:30 (we practice an hour before 9:00 service and it takes us 1/2 hour to get up the hill for church) I was taking photos of the fog over the mountains and snow covering everything. Magical. The road crew did a good job, and JB ended up shoveling the walkways at church because only he and a deacon were there at this early hour.
Praise team went well.
Christmas music always makes me smile.
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Snowing here. It's supposed to turn to rain though, with no accumulation. Bah, humbug.
 

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Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on :
 
What an unholy mess trying to drive home from church yesterday. While we were singing & praying etc. 3" of snow came down on top of icy roads. A normal 20 min. trip turned into 2.5 hours! Cars and 18-wheelers skidding everywhere. Miles of stand still and creep East out of Hanover. Main roads blocked by big trucks crossways the road, either front end or back end off the road in the ditch.

And then the crap announcement that the road crews were "caught off guard" by the horrible road conditions. This is HORSE HOCKEY. We've been promised ice and snow on Sunday AM for at least 2 days.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
comet, I love the idea of you meeting your "hair consultant" and presenting her with moose.
 

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Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 
Great idea - strap on a pair of antlers and call it "big hair"!
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Having just had a birthday and being of a certain age I noted that it is possible that I could go to bed one night and not awake in the morning. So one should at least have on matching PJ's should the undertaker come I had started to think. All of that is out of the window now that the weather has gone to below freezing for over a week. If I die during the night this is what they will find me in. Two pair of socks, silk long johns, flannel PJ's and a knit cap. Yes I said a cap. and sometimes I add a hoodie. About 2 AM I warm up and start peeling off the layers. So if I kick the bucket abut 5 AM I should be fairly presentable to those who morn. Also cremation is starting to look like a warm and friendly option. I WANT SUNSHINE, AND I WANT IT SOON.
 

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Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Graven Image:
...Also cremation is starting to look like a warm and friendly option...

---

You and Sam McGee.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
There are strange things done 'neath the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold
and the northern trails have heard strange tails that would make your blood run cold.
and the northern lights have seen queer sights, but the queerest they ever did see,
was that night on the marge of Lake LeBarge I cremated Sam McGee.

all from memory, but I'll bet I'm close.

some of us have to memorize Service in High School. in Anchorage, he actually has a high school named after him.

the Cremation is good, but for sheer evocative ... ooomph of what interior AK (and Yukon) wilderness is like, real Spell of the Yukon. He got it PERFECT.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Here's "The Spell".

Gah. he made me cry again.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Good poem!
 

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Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Here's "The Spell".

Gah. he made me cry again.

---

quote:

---

Have you gazed on naked grandeur
where there's nothing else to gaze on,
Set pieces and drop-curtain scenes galore,
Big mountains heaved to heaven,
which the blinding sunsets blazon,
Black canyons where the rapids rip and roar?

Have you swept the visioned valley
with the green stream streaking through it,
Searched the Vastness for a something you have lost?
Have you strung your soul to silence? Then for God's sake go and do it;
Hear the challenge, learn the lesson, pay the cost

---

quote:

---

Then listen to the Wild -- it's calling you.
Have you known the Great White Silence,
not a snow-gemmed twig aquiver?

---

quote:

---

Have you whistled bits of rag-time at the end of all creation?

---

We're living in the city now, but sometimes you find the end of all creation in unexpected places, such as outer reaches of the Costco parking lot...
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Good poem!
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
(I'm wondering how many times we can get Mama to post that... )
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 


A bunch of the boys were whooping it up at the Malamute Saloon...
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
The sun has returned. Now I can understand those who once worshiped the sun. Graven puts away her 4 layers of assorted underwear, turns off the heat, and opens all the windows.
 

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Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on :
 
If you opened the windows here, you'd have snow drifts up to .....here. All I can think of are the beautiful words, "snow had fallen snow on snow; snow on snow" Pennsylvania snow, that is. My boss wasn't too happy that I cancelled a choir rehearsal for this afternoon. I was SO tempted to tell him "Stick it, Sir". God will provide.
 

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Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on :
 
Snow here in NYC. I am warm and cozy inside after a long cold trip home from work. Made myself a cup of hot chocolate with dark rum. Mmmmm.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Mmm ... hot chocolate. What a splendid idea!

Not with rum though - I really don't like it. I wonder if Drambuie would work?
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
We were supposed to have freezing rain, but it was mostly just rain.

I'm not complaining.

Moo
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
(I'm wondering how many times we can get Mama to post that... )

---

Goddam phone.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I just got back from a delightful Christmas pageant.

There are two churches within a block of my Episcopal church. One is A.M.E. and the other is Church of God. The three churches had a joint Christmas pageant that moved from church to church. It began at the A.M.E. church with the story of the Annunciation and the story of Gabriel appearing to Joseph in a dream and telling him that the child Mary was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Mary, Joseph, and Gabriel were played by members of this church. Then we went to the Church of God, where the story of Mary's visit to Elizabeth was read. Elizabeth was played by a member of this church.

Then we came to my church. By this time all the principal roles had been taken, so we supplied lots of shepherds, a few sheep, and a few angels. (Both the other churches had supplied angels also. The different halo designs were interesting.) The one innovation at my church was a few toddlers playing the part of sheep. They were young enough to require guidance from the slightly-older shepherds. I enjoyed that.

At each church we sang hymns chosen by that church, and at the A.M.E. church there were dancers.

I enjoyed the whole thing very much.

Moo
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
... a few toddlers playing the part of sheep ... were young enough to require guidance from the slightly-older shepherds ...

---

Isn't that exactly what shepherds are for?

The whole thing sounds delightful. I can't see it working here though. There are two other churches (one United, one Presbyterian) within easy walking distance of the Cathedral, but I can't see Mary, Joseph and the rest negotiating the 3-foot snow-banks in their costumes ...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Chasee#1 played Mary many years ago.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she whacked him with he broom she was holding.

I can't help thinking if the first Mary had taken such action, it could have changed a lot of history...
 

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Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on :
 
Except that the broom would probably have gone right through him, angels having no corporeal form.
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Chasee#1 played Mary many years ago.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she whacked him with he broom she was holding.

I can't help thinking if the first Mary had taken such action, it could have changed a lot of history...

---

Reminds me of that scene in Dogma where Bethany turns the fire extinguisher on Metatron, the seraph, when he shows up in her bedroom.
 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Revenge is sweet, even if it takes 65 years.
Back in the dark ages when I was in grade school and they still had Christmas plays with Mary, Joseph and a cast of angels the rule seemed to be that if you were female and wanted a part on stage you had to have long blonde hair. So from 1st grade thought 6th my small reddish haired self raised her hand and hoped each year to be chosen for a part . No chance for Mary I had bangs and a bob but surely they could fit me in as an angel. Alas it was not to be. This year I am making a choir of fancy paper angels for my Christmas tree and every single one of those heavenly beings in either a brunette or a red head.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
for brunette angels!

Now I think about it, I may have been Gabriel in a nativity play at school, but only in my own class - not the Big One Attended By Mummies And Daddies. IIRC at my first school Christmas I had to sing a verse of The First Nowell as a duet with somebody, which felt quite important.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lyda*Rose:

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Chasee#1 played Mary many years ago.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she whacked him with he broom she was holding.

I can't help thinking if the first Mary had taken such action, it could have changed a lot of history...

---

Reminds me of that scene in Dogma where Bethany turns the fire extinguisher on Metatron, the seraph, when he shows up in her bedroom.

---

In the Koran, Mary basically calls Gabriel a skeevy creep and runs away from him. He has to chase her down to deliver his news.

[ 23. December 2013, 05:47: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Hey, pedants! I heard Louise Erdrich on NPR today soberly discussing "The Dissolution of Smaug."


She did pronounce Smaug perfectly.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
my son the other night called it The Dissertation of Smaug which could be an interesting movie, though perhaps with less action.
 

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Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on :
 
Yes we had the Sunday School Pageant yesterday evening. The only run through occurred 1 hour before "curtain time". One little boy discovered that if he blew into the microphone, or loudly mooed, he could drown out anything else being said. I had a 'score' to play from, but it wasn't a lot of help. Madame Director called for stopping The Organ Music many times, as the widdle actors were in place after about 4 seconds. Parents were popping flash pics constantly.

So, I can't really say it was a Good Thing. The wound is too fresh. I had a very strong Egg Nog soon as I got home. Peace be with you all.
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Now I'm trying to figure out how we could get some of those really cool angels with the wheels and eyes all over into a nativity play. You know, the ones in Ezekiel? Pity Gabriel is an archangel, I think they're more ordinary looking.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
my son the other night called it The Dissertation of Smaug which could be an interesting movie, though perhaps with less action.

---

It would explain his general pissiness.
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I have my Christmas lasagnas in the fridge ready to bake tomorrow. (A potentially new tradition. Maybe!) My son and his family are planning to be here noon-ish. Unfortunately, D-U and her hubby both have to w*rk tomorrow.

My parents are coming over, but not staying to eat. They're too tired to stay long.

My bestest friends are coming for dinner, though! And my Granddaughter is coming and will stay with me for a few days!! That will make for a very Merry Christmas!!
 

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Posted by Jahlove (# 10290) on :
 
Wishing all my US friends and acquaintances a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Merry Christmas to all my southerly neighbours from a v. snowy Newfoundland.
 

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Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
A Merry Christmas to all, and God bless us every one....
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
snowed in, overstuffed, surrounded by loot, kid's noses buried in books when they should be asleep, hot tea, buttflap jammies, new book myself after a delicious hot bath.

yes, all is right with the world.

Happy Christmas, everyone.
 

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Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on :
 
Ho-Ho-Ho Merry Christmas
It was 70F Sunday, youngsters out in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops. We were on the southern edge of the snow & ice storm. It got very cold very fast.
Ive been without hot water since this past Sunday. Finally getting the new water heater tomorrow. I certainly will enjoy a nice hot shower. No doubt anyone closeby will be pleased, too. Haha
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
I just got off the phone with my husband and had to share this. Hubby drives a commercial truck for a living. He's been doing this for 20+ years and has more than 2 million miles under his belt. Today, the company he curremtly drives for had their weekly safety meeting. The drivers all had to sign a piece of paper stating that they had been properly trained on how to use their seat belts . Because, somewhere in the big company he works for, some driver couldn't figure out how to buckle or unbuckle his belt and got hurt... FWIW, this is the same company that trained drivers that the proper way to get in the truck was to start by opening the door

Corporate wonks...
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 


I hope they get proper training on how to put the key in door lock!
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
... trained drivers that the proper way to get in the truck was to start by opening the door ...

---

Does the firm expect them to have passed their driving tests?


 

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Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Mr Image and I were married 47 years ago today. is all I can say.
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
beautiful! congratulations to the Images!

Christmas Bird Count today - the drive to our area was terrifying. I dropped my mom off and went to go to the other end of the trail to come down and meet her, and damn near didnt make it back up the road. came home to get warmer boots, got stuck in driveway. now she calls and says conditions are nasty and I have to go back to the trail head to get her. turning my mother back from a bird count is a Big Deal™. Here's hoping I can get back out there, and here's hoping she doesn't need rescuing, as I can't find my snowshoes.

good day to count the birds at the feeder. blech.

but hey, when I'm not driving, it's beautiful! ARGH!
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Image!
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
Weather is good here, but I hear Michigan has ice storms. Some of my relatives probably have no electricity in the cold. Minnesota is probably affected, too.
Not a nice Christmas present.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Rather an austere Christmas here, but rarely cold. We got two board games from my family and are endeavouring to play one of them. Also reading some mysteries by Dame Agatha Christie on the quiet, workless days. Going to church rather a lot this time of year...
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by BessHiggs:
FWIW, this is the same company that trained drivers that the proper way to get in the truck was to start by opening the door

Corporate wonks...

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