# Dog Days: An August MMP

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Tags:** mmp\
**Created:** [August 8, 2022, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293 "2022-08-08T07:15:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![Taters](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/taters/32/2845_2.png) [@Taters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taters)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/61 "2022-08-09T14:51:31Z")

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Good morning everyone.

Welcome to the gang, **bright one!**

Loved the Malevolent House story, **hippy!**

It’s currently 61 degrees and cloudy and we had a brief little rain shower move through about an hour ago. It was very nice! It didn’t last long though. Temps will top out in the low eighties and it is supposed to remain cloudy to partly cloudy all day. This means mugginess, but it’s better than constant temps in the 90s. I am so over that. It topped out at 93 here yesterday.

The visit with my son was very pleasant. He woke up here yesterday and hung out with us until late afternoon when he drove back to his home. We had breakfast and lunch together and he hung out with both me and the husband, with whom he shares a love of computer games and virtual reality games.

The kids have been out of our home for many years now, but I still miss them being here. I always appreciate their visits.

I’m not sure what I plan on doing today. I may do some shopping or I may putter in the yard. We shall see.

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**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/62 "2022-08-09T16:54:38Z")

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I got a lil’ bitchin’ to do.

Soooo … just got off the phone w my mother 🙃 she was 🤬 all over me. I asked her to stop - she kept going.  
I said if she’s going to continue to be so negative then I would have to end the call.

She was yammering about my “career” I told her I don’t WANT a career, and hey, a week ago I didn’t even _have_ a job, so this is an improvement! Let’s focus on the positive.

She kept shitting on me (“OMG YOU MAKE PIZZA!!”) so I, as politely as possible, told her to have a great day and ended the call.

Much texting ensued. I suggested she discuss the concept of boundaries with a therapist. (I said “stop” she kept going. Shades of emotional date rape; no means no.)

It escalated.

UGH

I was looking forward to a nice afternoon. Gonna go pick up my 1st paycheck - I thought at least she’d have something nice to say about that, but nooooooo - and gonna put her horrible self out of my head.

I’ve rage-cleaned a bit (might as well put this angry energy to good use) and oh, hey, look, some cross-stitch projects.

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**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:** [August 9, 2022, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/63 "2022-08-09T17:00:50Z")

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The only thing worse than working in 110 degree heat is standing around in 110 degree heat waiting for the last Air to arrive. i’m beat.

> [@scareyfaerie](#):
>
> Hmm…yes, that’s Spare Cat!

I had one of those once. But I called him “Mooch”, since that’s what he did.

Hippie, glad you’ve outsmarted the House. _For now._

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> UGH

{{{{shoe}}}} Might I suggest renting boofae’s Pointy stick Wielding Sri Lankan Spiders?

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**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/64 "2022-08-09T17:03:01Z")

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If they can survive being shipped to the scalding heat of North Texas … sure!!

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**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/65 "2022-08-09T17:13:00Z")

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For a scary moment I thought you’d moved back to Texas then I realized you meant shipping directly to the source of your angst. Catch the errant mouse in your house and ship it to her too.

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**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/66 "2022-08-09T17:19:56Z")

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I like your style, lady!

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**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/67 "2022-08-09T17:33:06Z")

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Welcome **bright tree**!

I took Mom to Sky Harbor today and saw a few downed trees and branches, but not much. I understand most of the Valley of the Sun got hammered yesterday, but it was dry today.

The big thing I’ve noticed this year is the lack of Saguaro flowers or fruit. I’m going to miss them.

The seminar was fun, I learned how to stitch a four-color plaid which is pretty cool. Out of the seven people in my class, two were positive for Covid before the last day. Everyone volunteering the hospitality desk with Mom are positive. Many other folks are reporting positive results as well. I think we have dodged the bullet this time, my first exposure was last Saturday (9 days ago) and Mom’s first exposure was last Sunday. Go team SpikeVax! (Of course, my immune system also got a boost a few months back when hubs had Omicron, which couldn’t have hurt any.)

> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> I had one of those once. But I called him “Mooch”, since that’s what he did.

We called ours Freeloader.

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/68 "2022-08-09T17:43:26Z")

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BTW, guess who sprouted his first tooth?

I get to feed them both supper. I’m thinking elbow macaroni with sauce, plus carrots on the side. Daughter will be late today. Learning to be Headmistress is a tough job.

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**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/69 "2022-08-09T17:44:38Z")

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Talked to my daughter. She’s purging her home of all the amassed crap from over the years. Good for her; her place is a disaster.

Talked to my eldest son. He’s going in for hernia surgery next week.

Talked to my youngest son. His wife has tested positive for Covid.

It’s going to be one of those weeks, I guess. At least we voted.

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**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/70 "2022-08-09T18:37:35Z")

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> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> {{{{shoe}}}} Might I suggest renting boofae’s Pointy stick Wielding Sri Lankan Spiders?

I’m not sure the spiders would be enough. I vote for the Emotional Support Honey Badgers.

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**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/71 "2022-08-09T19:21:52Z")

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> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> The big thing I’ve noticed this year is the lack of Saguaro flowers or fruit. I’m going to miss them.

What happened?

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> I learned how to stitch a four-color plaid

Oooooh, pics? When you have a WIP or sample involving this? It sounds neat.

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> We called ours Freeloader.

My late husband always talked about a beloved dog that showed up one day on his grandma’s ranch, and was named “Tempo.” Lived with them for years.

Me: Why Tempo?  
Other Shoe: "Short for ‘Temporary.’ "

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**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:** [August 9, 2022, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/72 "2022-08-09T19:29:45Z")

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Afternoon all. Dropped by the gym and pedaled away 500 calories, depending on the weather I’ll either work some of them off at soccer this afternoon or drop back by the gym this evening. Had a rain cloud park itself overhead for about 10 minutes, just enough to keep my lawn watered, and now there are occasional booms of thunder, so we’ll see what the weather does.

**shoe** , hang in there and look at it this way; you at least have a cleaner house… {{{hugs}}}

**Cookie** , gave a small bag of stuff to Purple Heart today; I try not to hoard to much. And sounds like family is having quite a week; hope things go well for all of them.

**FCM** , yeah for teething!! 😉 😧 😆

**JtC** , hope the old COVID continues to miss you and Mom-unit.

Onward!

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**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/73 "2022-08-09T20:57:31Z")

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I’ve been busy with medical appointments. One more to go, then I’ll be done until the 17th, I think. Everything’s fine. I just somehow ended up booking several appointments in one week.

Hiya, **bright tree**. Hope you put down roots here. Re: pre-colonoscopy diet, when I was due for one three years ago, the doc wanted me on that super-unhealthy diet for FIVE days beforehand. No way. I opted for the mail-in kind.

> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> I got a "C’ in typing in Junior High

There is no C in “typing.” 🙂

**BooFae** , what are you going to name the new kitteh? And we definitely want pix!

**FCM** , Congrats to Tobias on the new tooth!

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> so I, as politely as possible, told her to have a great day and ended the call.

You’ve accomplished and overcome a lot, but I’ve never been prouder of you. 👏 👏 👏

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**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/74 "2022-08-09T21:34:28Z")

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Well, you are all so kind. Thanks for the warm welcomes! I will endeavor to be as mundane and pointless as possible.

Lessee… current temp is 73F/23C, expected high to be around 88F/33C, but I think they’re lying. Good. Cooler is always better.

I should mow the Back 40, but I can’t be stuffed today with final clean-out shortly ahead.

My doc initially recommended a mail-in test, but I have family members who have died from colon cancer so I decided to go Full Monty, just in case. But maybe not again after this.

FCM, you get more done in your first hour than I often manage all day! Congrats to Tobias on that first tooth. 🙂 You and FCD are so handy, it’s breathtaking.

longhair75, terrific story. Why I always read this thread is for stories like yours.

Taters, happy to hear the visit with your son was so pleasant. Good times. 🙂

shoe, you definitely handled your mom as well as you could. My best advice is to be the sound of one hand clapping. Just disengage best you can. Sounds like you’re doing that.

JtC, how cool you learned a new stitch! I’m in awe of the many talents of the Mumpers, even doggio’s typing skills. Good luck with continued dodging of the COVID for both you and your mom.

nellie, if I had to be on this horrible diet for 5 days, I’d open a vein.

Must fly to review my instructions for the 10,645th time. Get me to tomorrow afternoon, please!

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**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/75 "2022-08-09T21:37:50Z")

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> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> What happened?

It’s gotten too hot for them. Saguaro’s close their pores when it is hot so they don’t lose moisture and open their pores at night when it cools down. It has been too hot at night for them to open their pores, so basically they are slowly suffocating.

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> Oooooh, pics? When you have a WIP or sample involving this? It sounds neat.

[![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52274157682_7958dabd3d_b.jpg "plaid") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/191587192@N04/52274157682/in/dateposted-public/)

I’m not sure why I can’t imbed pics now. Something new to try to figure out, grumble, grumble. Humpf, got it. For some reason the auto format thingy isn’t working like it should for me.

Mom and I agree that it looks like the Easter Bunny’s vest. It would probably look much better with sharply contrasting colors.

I can’t see any reason you couldn’t do it with cross-stitch as well, here’s a link to a page with fairly clear directions.

[Adapting Plaids to Needlepoint – Nuts about Needlepoint (nuts-about-needlepoint.com)](https://nuts-about-needlepoint.com/adapting-plaids-to-needlepoint/)

> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> JtC, how cool you learned a new stitch!

Thank you, and I agree that we are a multi-talented bunch! I always enjoy the classes, I usually already know all of the stitches, but I always learn new ways to make my work look more finished as well as fun things like a plaid. I’ll bet I could use Christmas colors and make a really cute stocking.

The main problem with Christmas patterns is that they are usually heavily beaded and I hate beading. Beading takes sharp needles and makes my fingers hurt. Give me a good ol’ blunt needle any day!

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**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:** [August 9, 2022, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/76 "2022-08-09T21:47:29Z")

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**BooFae** , how did Spare Cat get into the house?

Loved your house story **hippy**!

**shoe** , you did the best you could. Anything that happened after you gave her warning is on her.

**Mooooooom** , do you have some [teething pacifiers](https://www.amazon.com/SoothiPop---Silicone-Multi-Texture-Baby--Teether-Toy----Pacifier-Teether---Silicone-Teething-Toy--0-6-Months/dp/B09N9T5KL2/ref=sr_1_9?adgrpid=1337006709836214&hvadid=83562991399395&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=64790&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83563277217072%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=7266_10436380&keywords=freezable+pacifier&qid=1660081104&sr=8-9) for the Tobester yet?

Your four color plaid reminds me of madras plaid **JtC**. Pretty!

Irked, came home in temps in the mid-nineties, but not high humidity. About the time that I sat down to supper, t-boomers began and it’s still raining. At least Nelson’s been walked and it will likely quit before his bedtime walk.

Stay safe and healthy y’all!

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**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/77 "2022-08-09T22:19:07Z")

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> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> it looks like the Easter Bunny’s vest

Yeah. It does. 😄

Needs stark contrast: brick red vs. navy blue, or the traditional scarlet/emerald for Christmas … or OMG black/gray/white for a greyscale version?

I’m just trying to distract myself. Plants are watered … I have taken both Charm and Pretzel out for some me-therapy and so they can each wander around and stretch their, um, well not legs but yanno … found a nice sausage/apple dinner recipe to try.

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2022, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/78 "2022-08-09T22:40:44Z")

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> [@missred](#):
>
> **Mooooooom** , do you have some [teething pacifiers](https://www.amazon.com/SoothiPop---Silicone-Multi-Texture-Baby--Teether-Toy----Pacifier-Teether---Silicone-Teething-Toy--0-6-Months/dp/B09N9T5KL2/ref=sr_1_9?adgrpid=1337006709836214&hvadid=83562991399395&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=64790&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83563277217072%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=7266_10436380&keywords=freezable+pacifier&qid=1660081104&sr=8-9) for the Tobester yet?

He doesn’t need one - he has my fingers. 😁

The kids played in the tub after supper, so they went home semi-clean. It’s nice and quiet now. Bliss!

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**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:** [August 10, 2022, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/79 "2022-08-10T00:41:47Z")

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Howdy Y’all! Laundry got laundered, nappage and day drinkin’ achieved, and sup cooked and et. Fartfest continues as I post. We’ve had some rain late afternoon and early evenin’ which has been nice. Thus has it been in swampland.

**Hippie** domiciles are evil. Glad you are one up on yours for now.

**MOOOOOOM** yay for the Tobester tooth! I’d go for the pacifiers now that he can bite.

**{{{shoe}}}** if a cleaner place is any consolation, at least there’s that. Also, you warned her you would end the conversation, so like **red** said, anything after that is on her.

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**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:** [August 10, 2022, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-days-an-august-mmp/969293/80 "2022-08-10T02:55:36Z")

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Evening all. Worked with the soccer for a little while (trying to communicate how to play to six 5 year old girls is…challenging). Then helped at the store and still feeling energetic, pedaled another 250 calories off. Was going to fix a salad, but just couldn’t be bothered to so Mac-n-Cheese ti was. So I’ll have an Islamic Hero tomorrow (Sala-Din).

**bright tree** , regarding your post: That’s the way you do it; you post the mundane on the MMP…(see how many get the reference)

OK, almost 10pm here, so need to finish up and start thinking about bedtime. Catch y’all tomorrow.

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