A Labor Day Belated Birthday BBQ – The MMP

It’s like whipped single cream, just whipped a bit more and solidified. It’s definitely heart attack on a plate.

She perfected that look after spending many months with Orly, who was an absolute Mistress of The Look. Orly had a set of Looks all her own, but she seems to have passed on the essence of them to her acolyte.

'im indoors is definitely at one with his computers…but at that point he was talking to his friend Joe, apparently discussion the gayness (or otherwise) of certain soap opera characters.

We’ve been out to the Welly, came home via the Posada and a pint of Spitfire…so this must be my obligatory drunken post. Especially as it’s nearly 2am.

Just run with it, anyrose-how often is one called a genuis in life?

Lisslar: I have two words for you: yard sales. (garage sales, boot sales–whatever they call 'em up in the Great White North). You can find a great deal of baby stuff for very few dollars. I believe you will need a bouncy seat–my kids loved theirs. A playpen is a godsend when you have a crawler and you need to pick up cat puke or broken glass… Check your local paper-I bought many, many toys for my kids at garage sales. The play kitchen was $8; a play table and chairs was $5.

And you can spend the money you save on more double cream! (sounds like a weapon of mass diet destruction to me!).
I rode my bike this evening to a friend’s house. It’s true we haven’t been in close contact for awhile-but we do email upon occasion. I thought I’d say hello.

Strangers live in her house now. :eek: I have no idea where she lives! I just got an email from her about 10 days ago–she must have moved, but when? Very Y2K moment there.

<cue Twilight Zone theme>

Woof woof arf arf. I’m the doghouse.

I’m under doctor’s orders to have no patient contact or fire duty until my stitches are out. I’m off the schedule, sure, but I have some exceptions to the rule. Natural disaster, mass casualty incident, and CPR are at the top of the list.

First was the training exercise I went to this morning. I behaved myself (mostly), but VWife’s definition of ‘light duty’ and mine are not the same. Mine was that I went to the exercise, but did not play with the power tools; hers was I stayed at home and sat on the couch all day.

The exercise was a rescue following a tornado. We were given the use of an old house trailer that the owner wanted demolished. A couple of dummies were put inside, and the trailer was rolled onto its side. We did a standard size up, victim search, and forced entry. I did valuable stuff like man the wasp killer spray (LOTS of the little bastards, too) and run to the truck for tools.

After we extracted the dummies, we destroyed the rest of the trailer and put it in a dumpster too small for the job. Ate lunch, and I went home to catch the hell waiting for me.

But wait, it gets better. I cleaned up and laid down for a nap. There was a rescue page right after I got to sleep; a guy near the VunderLair but not a neighbor was arguing with his girlfriend, passed out, and was not breathing. Oh. Shit.

The dude was about 5 miles from home. I drove past his place twice because he had no visible numbers on the mailbox (PSA: make sure your numbers are prominent), and when I got inside, two people were attempting CPR poorly (but bless 'em anyway) and the victim was on the couch. Chest compressions like that are worthless because you just push him into the cushions. The wimmin folk in the house were freaking out, and it was potentially ugly

I felt for pulse and listened for breathing, none. Moved him to the floor, and I started compressions. The Chief and his wife showed up, and I had needed help.
When the ambulance showed, we loaded and went BOH to the hospital.

At one point, we got him beating on his own, weakly, but the doctors called him about 10 minutes after we got him to the ER.

I was also complicit in the biggest lie I’ve ever been around. Our cars were still at the guy’s house, and there was family there.

“How’s he doing?”

Uh-oh. We don’t want to tell them, because it could get ugly all over again. “The doctors were still working on him when we left. We got his heart going again near the hospital…” Then we got the hell out of there. Sorry, but that one I’ll tell gain willingly.

Oddly enough, VWife didn’t tear into me when I got home. She could tell from my face we lost another one, and was wise enough leave me alone.

We’ll probably pick up a bunch of the stuff in next year’s yard sales. They’re pretty much over for this year. It’s a spring/summer thing. There’s still thrift shops aplenty.

We just finished Doctor Who season one. Or season fifty, or whatever. I’m sad to see Christopher Eccleston go. He was cute. :smiley:

:smack: oh! thanks rigs - it must have been his southern accent that threw me.
(and, many times, actually - I have mentioned I’m in Mensa, haven’t I? :D)

Yeah, rosie, dem suthunerz talk almost as weird as dem furriners… :smiley: 'Specially after a couple of beers or 10.

I’m up after a partially broken night of 9 hours. I crashed almost immediately last night, then woke 3 or 4 times from 3-ish on, looked at the clock, and went back to sleep. Once it was after 6, I knew I needed to arise. So the critter routine is done, I’m quaffing my morning caffeine, and when **FCD ** gets up, we’ve got a short list of stuff to get done, including breakfast, some shopping, and a trip to the boat to finish securing things after yesterday’s sailing adventure.

Then (try not to get too jealous) I get to spend the afternoon doing *(wait for it) * laundry!!! Yes, you read that right! Plus (be still my heart) I can also (I see your envious green-ness already) unload the van and (does this woman ever have a dull moment?) clean my studio!! Oh yes, I know you wish you had my life. Well, right now, for a limited time only, it’s yours for the low, low price of just $19.95, plus shipping and handling… (shaddup, Billy Mays!!!)

OK, the voices in my head have calmed. And today promises to be a busy, if boring, day. It was gloriously cool when I took the dogs out - under 60 degrees!! But I believe we’re in for more hot and humid, so I didn’t bother to open anything. It’s just a cruel tease. Till later in the week when we should actually tip-toe into more autumn-like temps. Here’s hoping.

And that’s pretty much all I’ve got for now. So, off to read the Sunday funnies till my sweetie decides to drag his achy self outta the sack. Welcome to my morning. :smiley:

Morning Mumpers! I’m up and caffeinating, and getting ready for work. Eight days till hockey season.

FCM, I got you beat. I’m working twelve hours, going grocery shopping, then doing laundry.

:Hands BBBobbio a Milk-Bone:

BooFae, las time I was that into a computer game, Maggie sucked down half a cup of my coffee.

Good Mornin’ or whatever y’all! Up and caffienatin’ here. Did I mention I’m a bachelor for a few days? ACBG is over at his old homeplace. A brother who lives in Arkansas has some bidness in Meridian, MS (which is near ye olde homeplace) this week so he came down yesterday. So, ACBG went over to see him cause they don’t see each other too often and to check up on his mom and family over there. He’s gonna stay a few days and come back on Thursday. Don’t blame him for that cause that’s close to a six hour drive one way so might as well spend a few days. He’s plannin’ on takin’ his mom down to Biloxi, MS for at least a day to do some casino stuff. The evil, gamblin’ heathens! It’s a doable if long day trip but I put my .02 in and said they ought to spend at least the night just so’s they don’t have to drive a couple-three hours both ways in one day. I’m much better at givin’ advice than I am at takin’ it. :smiley:

In a bit Ima purty up for churchification. I get to ush today. Think I’ll go get me some breakfast out this mornin’ cause I don’t wanna fix anything here at da cave.

Later Y’all!

Well, it seems Gabrielle will be a dud, at least as far as Cottonfield County is concerned. If we’re lucky, 2 inches of rain by midnight tomorrow. :frowning:

Sorry you lost one, Bobbio.

Everyone arrived at 6:30 or so, having had an adventure getting from the airport to the youth hostel. We went out to dinner and then walked through Millenium Park. This is an amusing set of things to do with 10 teenage boys and one teenage girl. Yes, it’s me, Faraway Best Friend and 11 smartasses. Think: herding cats. At least they’re old enough that they know to watch out that they’re staying with the group. Nice kids, really. Just a bit rambunctious.

Now we’re getting our act together for breakfast (which ends in less than an hour) and will be going on an architectural boat tour and possibly to Navy Pier and the beach.

Everyone have a lovely Sunday!!!

GT

So. This morning, about 4 or so, I woke and heard the typical middle of the night ‘tappa-tappa’ from Cuervo, which is where he stands on his back legs and paws at a hard surface, making a light clicking noise somewhere.

I look around the room, and no sign of him. Hmmm.

Then, so it shouldn’t be all for nothing that I woke up, I went to pee.

Whereupon, Cuervo pushes open the sliding glass shower door and lets himself out of the shower. I asked the Wife if maybe she left him in the shower last night. Nope. He lets himself in and out, and closes the door when he’s done.

Cats are weird.

gt, thanks for posting updates. How fun that all sounds! Talking all night with Dopers! :cool:

What’s a hostel like. . .more details please? I’ve only read about them in books. I didn’t know you could actually stay in one. Is it like a dorm in a school (although you said they’re not noisy like one which makes it not like one)? Do they serve cafeteria food? Is the building nice? I too can’t wait to see some pictures.

LOUNE, how’d the blind date go? Are you mated for life yet?

Lemme, hilarious about your husband leaving to go shopping an hour before the stores open. Does he just like to surprise you? Is this why he’s making this so difficult on himself? I’m bad about birthdays. . . I don’t celebrate mine, so I don’t know how these things work.

swampy, glad you’re feeling better.

zelie, wow, just having a man and woman in proximity does it, huh? I hope it’s not a realistic simulation.

FCM and Mamatigs, I’m looking forward to the next MMP. Sounds like you both had a great time!

rigs, maybe the strangers only invaded your friend’s house for a short time and she’ll be back later. (Just to add to the Twilight Zone theme)

FCM, so now we have to pay to do your chores?! Let us know if you get any takers. You might be a better saleswoman than anyone knew. :wink:

I’ve been noticing some propositions floating around, but none of them were for me, so harumph on that.

And where was the night crew last night? Front and center, people! How come everyone went AWOL at the same time? Did you all get so drunk at the party earlier in the week that you’re sleeping it off?

I’m off to the farmer’s market and church. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! (especially those doing chores) :slight_smile:

Good morning everyone. I am up and sipping on my coffee.

After all the errand running yesterday, my youngest sis came over for a visit. We sat and chatted and drank adult beverages. It was a nice visit.

I was under the impression that she was here until her wedding, but as it turns out she needs to go back home and pack up her condo for her move, and hopefully sale.

She also has some more wedding stuff to do.

We’re supposed to go out on the boat today. We need to get the boat in the water so we can fix the trailer. Plans are to play in the water.

I kind of wish we weren’t going, because I need to do laundry, plus I need to do some food shopping. We need milk, bread, meat and all that jazz.

So, that’s my ever so exciting life today. I know you’re just wowed about how glamorous it is.

Roo, it went fine. There was a football game going on, so there wasn’t much talking.

Honestly, I’ve got no clue and I don’t have any feelings either way.

Um, *DUH!!! * :stuck_out_tongue:

Have to? pfffft! More like want to or beg to. Obviously you don’t understand what it means to be me. :cool: If you have to ask…

Oh yeah, back from erranding. The van is unpacked and there’s a load of jeans in the washer. I just packed up a box of stuff to send to my kid, including a cute pair of Halloween panties we saw as we ran thru WalMart this morning. It’s a pug with monster feet, bolts in its neck, and a Frankenstein head next to it, and the caption is Frankenpup. My kid loves pugs, so she should love this! I’m such a good Mommy. :smiley:

Now I need to change into some grubbies and clean my studio. It’s a total and complete filthy wreck, between the remnants of my last round of creating and the random dumping of stuff from the van. I see 2 hours at least on that one small room.

Good times… good times…

<checks time> Morning, all, barely. I’ve actually been up for quite a while; I’ve been a good girl and got right to work on this insanely long deposition after I had sufficient caffeine to function.

I wasn’t here last night, Roo, because I was so wiped out that I actually went to bed at a semi-normal hour last night. I think I was asleep before midnight; I certainly know I was in bed well before then, knitting and watching a bit of TV. I was working on a scarf yesterday while we were sitting there, and one lady asked for my phone number because she wants to buy it when I finish it. So I got another six inches or so on it last night. I should be able to finish it up today, depending on how much time the witness spends looking at exhibits; I always claim that as knitting time. :smiley: But I actually managed to get a chunk of it done before I went to bed last night; I was very proud of myself, considering how utterly wiped I was.

My day is probably going to be the least exciting of all. I may or may not do laundry; I’m not sure at this point. It depends on if I can get sufficiently motivated. I can do it one day this week if I don’t do it today; it’s not like I’m that low on clothes yet. Other than that, I’ll work, take Isaac out to play with him, and probably not do much of anything else. Oh, probably I should sweep up dog hair, too. The drifts in certain corners where the air circulation blows them returned while I was gone overnight. I honestly don’t know why these dogs aren’t bald!

And speaking of dogs, Rusty is back up to full speed this morning, so at some point later I have to put the remainder of the Very Expensive Bland Diet Dog Food ($29 for 10 lbs!) and put it in the freezer. He loves it and would continue to eat it, but at that price? He can go back to Gravy Train! But it’s good to see him so happy. I snapped a photo of him the other day in the position he assumed for his first two days home from the vet; Isaac, of course, had to position himself front and center as soon as he saw me pointing the camera. Stoopid dog!

Back to work. Envy me my exciting life, too.

Well…it’s football season. The Lions play in a few hours after the Tigers game.

After U of M’s season looking very bleak indeed, thank god there’s Michigan State, the Wings, the Tigers, and the Pistons.

I can’t believe I lumped Michigan State in there. They’ll snatch defeat from the jaws of victory sure enough.

Stoopit sports.

**MamaTigs ** - I don’t know if you realized, but at one point, Rusty made himself comfy across my feet and against my legs. While that would be most welcome in January, it was less so in yesterday’s heat! Teach that doggone mutt some manners! :stuck_out_tongue: (says the owner of a butt-skritch beggar…) :smiley: I have to wonder if our business rush would have continued if the pups spent the whole day with us. They sure drew the crowd while they were there! Mebbe we should try that next year.

I was awoken at 0400 by something screaming in the night-two animals attempting carnage (surely it is not mating season for raccoons or possums?)-and couldn’t get back to sleep. I fell back to sleep at 0730 and got up at 10. Lazy me! The husband is now home.

I also called the cops last night–there is this dog, a yapyap dog, that barks continually about a block away. With the windows open, it’s all you hear (over the crickets). Most annoying. This has been going on all summer. I have tried to pinpoint it; it’s just north of me on X street. Some other neighbors have said it bothers them as well. So I ratted on the yapyapper last night. I have no idea if the dog has water etc. It barked for 5 hours last night-continually. (this is reason 46 I dont’ get a dog). It stopped, but I dunno if the cop got there or not (I didn’t request for the officer to contact me–what strange verbiage the police use!).
Anyway, that was my excitement. Still no word from my Twilight Zone friend–I emailed her last night about her not being there…