# Bracing for the holidays in the MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [November 12, 2018, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400 "2018-11-12T10:33:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/181 "2018-11-18T01:47:27Z")
Greetings from Ocala! Long-ass drive compounded by accidents, construction, and the usual idiocy on I95 thru SC. But we’re here and I finally got the laptop connected to their network. We haven’t seen MIL, but we talked to her a couple of times as we drove down. She’s been on heavy antibiotics and as of this evening, her white count is down where they want to see it. So that’s good. She was also severely dehydrated, and that’s been addressed. She _might_ be discharged tomorrow, but Moanday is more likely. FIL is really showing his Parkinson’s - his speech is a bit slurred and he doesn’t seem to be all there. But I think part of that might be exhaustion - worrying about MIL and all. Plus he had a few melanomas (or carcinomas?) removed from his head the other day. That’s too much for an 88-y/o to deal with. He’s in bed, which is good. We’ll be going to the hospital in the morning. Meanwhile, \*\*FCD \*\*and I are trying to unwind. I’m exhausted. Hope I can sleep tonight. Thanks for all the good thoughts. I’m feeling a bit more optimistic - I’d feared we’d have a funeral before the week was out… ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/182 "2018-11-18T03:56:18Z")
Canes had a bad game, but would rather have been there then stuck at work(truck was 3 hours late, on top of being scheduled 6 hours later than usual.:smack:) I like collards and the Pod of God. Glad it’s not completely doom and gloom. **Moooommmm!** ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/183 "2018-11-18T04:09:37Z")
well glad things are looking up for ya fcm it did sound dire … Now if anyone can make the 3 afore mentioned things edible it might be swampy maybe one day……… ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/184 "2018-11-18T06:24:44Z")
**Moommm** I’m glad your in-laws seem to be doing better (and that you’ve arrived safe and sound). **Ruble** I’m glad Bessie back, safe and sound. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/185 "2018-11-18T10:29:29Z")
Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to work. Hockey after work(and a little ice skating.) ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/186 "2018-11-18T11:26:15Z")
Up way too early as usual. I discovered last night that I hadn’t packed my meds. No way I can go 3 weeks without BP and cholesterol meds, so I’ll head over to CVS and see if I can get a small resupply. Dunno if I’ll have to contact my usual CVS or the Dr office, but I’m sure something can be worked out. Still, what a pain. I’d refilled my meds holder, and left it in the bathroom cabinet. :smack: This neighborhood doesn’t permit fences so I have to take Higgs out on a leash to do her pottying. So there I was, in the dark, in a robe and flip-flops, walking around in wet grass waiting for a black pug to squat. I could barely see her, but it was clear when she stopped moving from place to place. She’s a bit upset at the moment - she can’t get into the room with **FCD**. She misses her daddy… ☹ But I’m going to let him sleep as long as he can. Thus beginneth my day. Happy Sunday! ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/187 "2018-11-18T11:36:48Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. _YAWN_ 'Tis 42 Amurrkin out and clear (well, dark) with a predicted high of \ 69! \ and N.O.S. for the day. Today’s plan is to deheathenate (I am a non-cannibal kind of Lector), a \ Quickie! \ N.O.L., and sloth. **MOOOOOOM** glad things are better than y’all feared. Sounds like y’all will be able to do the cruise after all then. **Shades** my version of fried okra includes okra with a little bit of fried green tomato, banana pepper, and onion. It’s gooooood! Now I need more caffeine and rumbly tummy demands sustenance. Then purtification for deheathenization must also commence. Happy Sunday Y’all! ---
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/188 "2018-11-18T14:35:06Z")
Happy Sunday! There is still snow outside, I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. **FCM** - I’m glad all is mostly well with the in-laws. Having to take a dog out on a leash is a pita. I woke up at 2:30, couldn’t get back to sleep until close to 5. However, I got to sleep in so I don’t feel too draggy. I’ve had fried okra, I liked it okay, but it is not something I’d go out of my way for. I’m not real into anything that is battered and fried. I don’t like okra in soup, too slimey. I have never had greens of any kind, nor rutabaga. I do like fart blossoms, succotash, and something a lot of people hate, green peppers. ---
**Author:** ![missred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/missred/32/14096_2.png) [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/189 "2018-11-18T15:24:33Z")
**swampy** , while I enjoy them, I don’t fix collards much. Usually, I go for what’s more available around here: turnip greens. **Mooooom** , glad things aren’t horrible with the inlaws. When my mom had her final stroke, I headed north without checking the levels on my insulin pens. Turned out that there wasn’t enough in eith for a week. CVS told me that the insurance company had switched the brand of one since I had been to the doctor, and while there was still a scrip on file, they wouldn’t pay for it. That required calling the doctor’s office to call in a new prescription. Total PITA all around. Sis and BIL are on the road now. Nelson, his mama and little brother recognized one another and much tail wagging ensued. I’m fixin’ to go outside and work in teh yard after KP. Happy Sunday! ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/190 "2018-11-18T15:46:51Z")
Good luck getting meds **Mooommmm**. You may have to pay full price. Stupid insurance companies. Any way,glad you are getting your trip in. Blurfage. My time off is coming to an end. I have to irk everyday next week except Thanksgiving Day. Including Sat. Dammit. Not at all happy about this. New girl had prearranged plane tickets home for the week. Happy Sunday all! ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/191 "2018-11-18T16:05:08Z")
> [@Sahirrnee](#): > > …I’ve had fried okra, I liked it okay, but it is not something I’d go out of my way for. I’m not real into anything that is battered and fried. I don’t like okra in soup, too slimey… I wasn’t grilling anything yesterday, so I pan fried it unbreaded and uncut. I’ve picked out small pods and put them uncut on top of stew for the last few minutes to steam. The slime is certainly not aesthetically pleasing. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/192 "2018-11-18T16:06:34Z")
Just back from CVS - the tech suggested I call the insurance company and ask them to authorize a Vacation Pack. Of course, they’re not working today, so first thing tomorrow, I’ll call. I won’t explode if I don’t get the meds tonight. And worst case, I’ll pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement. That’s what happens when you have a brain fart. dammit. We went to see MIL - she looks OK, but sounds weak. She seems to think she’ll be home today. We shall see… ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/193 "2018-11-18T16:40:35Z")
> [@missred](#): > > I don’t fix collards much. I used to irk at a place whose corporate color was green, the logo, corporate attire, tchotchkes, etc. Four days were business casual, but Firday was “Greens & jeans”, a green shirt & blue jeans. Given other places I’ve irked at allowed jeans on Firday, but didn’t have a dress code for the top, I’ve tended to still wear a green shirt. I noticed the neck area on the oxford-style green shirt is starting to fray; therefore, I need someone to fix my _collared_ greens. 😃 Home from the marathon water stop; lots of people & a lighter crowd meant we were done & cleaned up early. Off to the groc, then a mid-afternoon (stoopit early sunset time) flight. ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/194 "2018-11-18T16:57:23Z")
Collard greens aren’t available here. Having said that, after looking for ages, due to being curious, I eventually acquired some seeds, from a stealth American allotment neighbour (born and largely grew up in Massachusetts but had no trace of an accent, he’d been growing 'em 30 metres away from me for years while I’d been searching seed catalogues in vain). So far I’ve discovered that slugs like 'em more than most Mumpers. I’ll try again next year, the ground here’s better for brassicas. It’s gone clear and chilly here; nice weather for a brisk walk, not so nice when you stop. Went walkies earlier, but it’s getting dark now already. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/195 "2018-11-18T18:37:09Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > I used to irk at a place whose corporate color was green, the logo, corporate attire, tchotchkes, etc. Four days were business casual, but Firday was “Greens & jeans”, a green shirt & blue jeans. Given other places I’ve irked at allowed jeans on Firday, but didn’t have a dress code for the top, I’ve tended to still wear a green shirt. I noticed the neck area on the oxford-style green shirt is starting to fray; therefore, I need someone to fix my _collared_ greens. 😃 :eek: Bless your heart! I grew up in Florida, so have eaten all of those things. I liked okra fried or pickled, but not in soup so much, but **Wifey** detests the stuff, so I haven’t had any for years. Collard greens, I can take or leave. We very occasionally saute turnip greens with garlic &/or bacon. We both love beets, but for some reason have never cooked beet greens. Have to try that sometime. Rutabaga, I don’t see the point of. They’re way more expensive than taters and carrots around here, and don’t taste any better, only different. Glad you get to keep your in-laws for a while longer, **Mom**. Not much else to report. Need to move some more compost soon, before the rains return on Tues or Weds. ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/196 "2018-11-18T18:58:00Z")
**Moooommm** how about getting your cat sitter to overnight mail your meds? Blurfage. Today is another sneeze constantly day. I have taken two Alegra D’s But still in sneeze mode. I have been wracking my brain to go through mentally my menu and to come up with a last minute shopping list. We have most everything. There is always that one thing we forget and this year I don’t want to forget anything. I guess I should put it down on paper. Happy Sunday y’all. Rutabaga tastes like dirt. So do beets. Tis why I love them. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/197 "2018-11-18T21:49:22Z")
\*\*Butters \*\*- our critter sitter is working 2 jobs in addition to tending to the felines. Poor guy will have neither time nor energy to send my meds. I’ll talk to BCBS tomorrow and get it straightened out one way or another. I’ve got a pot roast in the oven - a nice hunk of beef with N.O.T.s, carrots, onions, and celery in a nice broth. It should be ready in about 40 minutes. The beef has been cooking for 2 hours already. Yum!! MIL will no longer be driving - her eye doc told her not to and entered it in her record, so if she did drive and get in an accident, she’d be in deep doo-doo. So HUZZAH!! She’s finally no longer a road hazard. She’s back home and doing OK - still pretty tired and a bit weak, but with some good food, she should be back to her old self soon. And with luck, that will reduce FIL’s stress and his Parkinson’s symptoms will subside a bit. Old age ain’t for the weak. ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/198 "2018-11-18T21:56:23Z")
I killded the MMP? Or, is it just pining for the Fjords? Blurfage. I am the laziest person on Earth. For four days I have done bupkis except lay up with my animals, read, eat and that’s pretty much it. I can’t complain of being tahred. I left my house once since last Wednesday and that was a quick grocery run. Two miles each way. I guess that’s what I wanted to do. Shudder to think what tomorrow holds. This weeeks manager meeting is another where I must speak in front of a group but it will be less nervousness than last time. This time Tis briefing the new boss on results of customer surveys. This is self explanatory but whatever. I have told the man I am not a public speaker nor do I have time for it. He doesn’t listen very well. I will learn him yet. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/199 "2018-11-18T22:26:15Z")
Howdy Y’all! We deheathenated, had N.O.L. cleared some stuff from OYKW’s place and achieved nappage. His place is soon to be his ex-place. Well, still his place, but with somebody (somebodies there bein’ four of ‘em) else payin’ him to live there. He is doin’ a rent to own contract with ‘em, the idea bein’ in two years they are able to take out a mortgage on their own. Personally, I would not do that, but, hey, his place his bidness. We both know the young couple (with two kids) and they’re super folks, but still, I can’t even imagine doin’ that kind of agreement. Anywho, they’ll move in December first. I have also hauled the biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig trash can down to the road for pickup tomorrow. Tomorrow night is men’s night over to the church house, thus steaks are marinatin’ and beer is chillin’. I shall, as usual, betake myself over early to get stuff prepped. **MOOOOOOM** glad MIL is home and not drivin’. Guess I’m lucky in that both my parents voluntarily gave that up. Hope the med situation gets sorted out without bein’ too much of a PITA. **Butters** on the bright side, sooner or later I just know new boss will get tired of all the meetin’s himself. 😃 **Red** I like turnip greens mixed with other greens like mustard greens, kale, and beet greens. Not crazy about 'em by themselves. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400/200 "2018-11-18T22:55:53Z")
**Mooooooom** , glad the in-laws are doing better, hope that means you and FCD can get on the cruise as planned. Good luck on the meds. **Butters** , I could give you a run for laziest person on the MMP, but I’m too lazy to do any running. Managed to get the lawn mowed today, despite the mower stopping on it’s own whenever it felt like it. Finally got the starter wire (which is badly frayed), in the right position so it kept running. Hopefully that’s the last lawn mowing until March or so, and meantime I can take the mower in for repair and maintenance. Other than that and a good dinner at Little Libby’s restaurant, been a slow day. Still need to finish my Sudoku puzzles–maybe tomorrow. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bracing-for-the-holidays-in-the-mmp/824400.md?page=11)