# Fresh air and sunshine in the MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [April 6, 2020, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179 "2020-04-06T10:20:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**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:** [April 6, 2020, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/41 "2020-04-06T23:53:26Z")
I have yet to go for my walk. It’s not because I’m too lazy to put on my shoes; no, it’s far, far worse, a deep, dark secret I didn’t know I had. Let me say I’m a pretty clean person. You could come over to my place right now (if it weren’t for social distancing), and you’d find it spick and span. Also, keep in mind I spent almost all my adult life in dry, dry places, places where tumbleweed rolling down the streets constituted rush hour. Then promise you won’t be grossed out. I was about to start the dishwasher when I saw a shadow on the inside of my dishwasher, way in the back. Since I have such poor vision, I had to stick my head inside to tell if it WAS a shadow. NO. It was :eek: mold! EW! EW! After I ran in circles a few times, freaking out, I started to wonder how this could be. I’d NEVER had this issue before in the brief years I had a DW in dry climes. I mean, I run it often, partly to pre\*\*vent this stuff. Long story short, I didn’t realize you have to use a rinse agent (the unread instruction manual said) to keep the drum dry. Oh. So I spent a few hours scrubbing and disinfecting (with vinegar and dish detergent). And rinsing. It took me awhile to figure out how to get the track stops off so I could remove the racks, which are now soaking in the bathtub. They didn’t look bad, but I bet there’s invisible mold on there. I will have to go to the store to get drying agent, and after this, I shall leave the door open when the cycle is done. **Swampy** and **MetalMouse** , I’m so glad you liked the video. It lifts my heart to see and hear musicians all over the world playing together while apart. **FCM** , it’s a measure of how you good you are that that sounds easy. I’m Lucy Riccardo on a sewing machine. **Cookie** , I don’t think a self-respecting Viking ever squeaks. Maybe Viking mouses, when they put on the helmets and breastplates and do the Valkyries bit. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lacunae\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/42 "2020-04-07T01:13:30Z")
**2gig** , I’m so sorry about your mom. Peace to you and yours. **Nellie** , an old friend has recently begun to share a song per day on social media. Usually on piano, but sometimes celesta or harpsichord or other outmoded instruments. In only a few days, that has become a treasured part of my morning routine: on the porch with my coffee, a wee concert from Dr. B, and a Shakespeare sonnet from Sir Patrick. It’s a gentle introduction to the day, and I appreciate it so much. Meanwhile, the small kids are done with school at least until fall, so I assign work every morning. Most is available on line, including ukelele lessons (possibly the stupidest idea I had before Rona.) But I’m teaching cursive and how to divide fractions and the US Civil War right now. Honestly, the fractions are the only thing I’m confident about. My handwriting has deteriorated a lot since third grade, and I’m probably going too deep into the politics of American history. But that’s not gonna scar anyone, so whatever. And I’m currently helping a friend with her business. Around the first of the year, she and her partner started a local shopping/errand/delivery service, and they are utterly swamped right now. But me? I know my way around the grocery store. I can fulfill an order in the time it takes Susan or Chris to send it. So I’m shopping for half of the county right now. It feels like a major win when I can get a reasonable facsimile of the whole list. And I’m honestly kind of appalled at what folks consider important. But it’s fine. It’s honest work, and has helped me convince my folks “nope, I’m going out anyway. Send me your list and I’ll deliver to your porch, 'cause y’all are grounded right now.” And my mom sewed me some masks today, so that’s cool. Meanwhile, I learned this weekend that my in-laws have been exposed to a person who has tested positive for Covid-19/SARS-CoV2/whatever is the right name. I’m pretty cheesed, honestly, because “oh, we couldn’t just leave them on the porch, that would be rude” is a really stupid reason to risk your life. And my 60+ year-old cousin with a serious heart condition just loaded up my 87yo aunt for a trip to visit the 84yo aunt just released from five weeks in healthcare facilities. And stopped for groceries on the way. I can’t even. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/43 "2020-04-07T02:31:54Z")
Here’s the brownie recipe I made yesterday. 7 ounces butter, softened 1-3/8 cups sugar 3 eggs 8-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder 11 tablespoons+1 teaspoon flour Cream together the sugar and butter. Blend in thoroughly the eggs. Stir in a mix of the cocoa powder and the flour. It’s a thick batter. Spread in a greased 8x8 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In my oven it took not quite thirty minutes, but I’d start checking sooner than that. Allow to cool, and enjoy. I said a few days ago I was going to post a soup recipe, but this is easy to make at home, when folks are looking for something to do. ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/44 "2020-04-07T02:52:05Z")
Sounds good, and easy. I have all of that on hand. Not going to do it tonight, but maybe tomorrow. Thanks! ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/45 "2020-04-07T09:53:36Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. _YAWN_ ‘Tis 66 Amurrkin out and cloudy with a predicted high of 84 and cloudy for the day. Today is laundry day and I have an appointment with the eye doc at eight thirty. I got a text yestiddy askin’ me to confirm the appointment, so I assume that means it’s still on. I am past due for an eye exam, so I want to get this done. Other than that it shall be just another day in paradise. Sup shall be majik intartoobz pizza and sallit, cause sallit makes it healthy. **CupCakes** the recipe sounds nummy. I shall attempt it soon as like **Nettie** I have all the ingredients here at da cave. Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, alas, alack, woe, and bother, I shall purtify and don appropriate bein’ about the public attire. This shall be just to the eye doc and back as I assume my pupils will be dilated and those funky glasses they give ya to wear after that are just not a look for me. 😃 Happy Tuesday Y’all! ---
**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/46 "2020-04-07T11:16:51Z")
Afternoon, mumpers! **(((((2Gig)))))**, I am so sorry to hear about your mum. I lost mine (also from pneumonia) in January, fortunately well before all of this so we were able to give her a proper send-off. I feel so badly for folks now who can’t even attend the funeral or are severely limited on numbers. We braved the plague pits of the supermarket yesterday afternoon and had a pretty successful trip, managing to come home with both pasta and TP. Some people are still struggling with the idea of distance, and some really can’t grasp the concept of a 3-per-product restriction which lends itself to some interesting arguments at the checkout. I think mostly the problem lies with the store not being clear enough to the staff about what constitutes a “product” as they were refusing to sell someone three bottles of wine and a bottle of brandy on the grounds that it was four bottles of alcohol, despite the guy arguing that it was wine and spirits, which are separate products. It wasn’t us, and the store won. I was too late for the newsagent/post office to be open but I was able to buy stamps so I could finally send off the documents to mum’s solicitor for them to close her bank account. One step closer to settling her estate although I doubt that will happen any time soon. Still irking at home, not a lot to do at the moment until TPTB make decisions on how we get our final year students through graduation and how we notify them of whether they’re ok or if they need to do any additional work. Some decisions have been made, some documents are available but it’s far from sorted out yet. Enjoy the sun, it is beautiful here today and the cats are basking on the landing 🙂 ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/47 "2020-04-07T11:31:33Z")
Woke too early again, but I played on my tablet till \*\*FCD \*\*decided to get up. I showered after he did, and I’m waiting now for Aldi to open. They have geezer hour this morning, and I plan to be there when they open. I don’t need a lot, but I’m hoping to score some ribs. And chickie tits. Then I’ll do the sewing. And pot roast will be supper. I’m counting on a relatively chill day. Happy Tuesday!! ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/48 "2020-04-07T11:54:09Z")
Morning all. Up early today, not that I have much to do but the body said ‘rise and shine’ so I did…nappage may occur later. Only going to 77F with a 50% chance of rain today and 80% tonight. **Cupcakes** , thanks for the recipe; may have to make a Kroger run and see if I can get most of those items (the rare times I make brownies they are of the Duncan Hines version). **swampy** , been over a year since I seen my eye guy, probably need to have a checkup, although I’m not having any problems with my current glasses. We’ll see. **Peaches** , have fun with the teaching. **nellie** , I always keep my dishwasher door open, not to prevent mold but because I am lazy… Everybody have a good 2day. ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/49 "2020-04-07T12:11:51Z")
> [@swampbear](#): > > Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, alas, alack, woe, and bother, I shall purtify and don appropriate bein’ about the public attire. This shall be just to the eye doc and back as I assume my pupils will be dilated and those funky glasses they give ya to wear after that are just not a look for me. 😃 > > Happy Tuesday Y’all! Is OYKW driving? I can’t drive after a dilation, so I’d been putting off an eye exam until DH was able to handle transportation, then this mess hit. Another thread reminded me I needed to order a replacement cord for my sewing machine, so took care of that (in fact, ordered 2, since they aren’t that expensive and it’s a pretty standard cord that other things around the house would take). Gotta remember to hit Walmart on the way home, since we’re out of salad. First time I’ll have been physically in the store in at least three weeks. ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/50 "2020-04-07T12:44:25Z")
Well, **GRRR**! I get myself all purtified and appropriately dressed for the public, then drive all the way across town only to find out that the eye doc’s office is closed! I called and got the closed due to coronavirus until further notice message. Yet, I got a text message yestiddy to confirm the appointment. :dubious: I am not happy. The text message could have informed me they are closed. Really, not all that hard, folks! Oh well, guess I could say I had an adventure today. Still, **GRRR!** **Nettie** as long as I have the funky glasses they give ya to wear I can drive with my pupils dilated, just would not have gone anywhere except back here to da cave. Carry on. ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/51 "2020-04-07T14:19:35Z")
{{ **2gig** }} I actually got outta bed at a reasonable time this morning, due to the one bit of structure remaining in the week; bin/recycling day. Well, that 'n my old juggling club, which is now meeting online at the same time as it used to, which was last night. Anyway, got a batch of washing on the line, just in time for it to cloud over. Looks like it should stay dry at least. ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/52 "2020-04-07T14:21:37Z")
Successful outing. I filled my car ($1.799/gal) then ran thru Aldi (forgot to look for paper products, dammit. I got the butter and eggs I wanted, plus some cukes for another salad and ribs for tomorrow’s supper, and a chickie and a pack of chickie tits for the freezer. Since coming back, I packed all the chickie for the freezer and shared an apple with Roxy. Once she goes down for her nap. I’ll clean the strawberries I bought, start the pot roast on low temp, and start working on the canopy. Hope nap time is soon… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/53 "2020-04-07T14:36:12Z")
> [@Baker](#): > > Here’s the brownie recipe I made yesterday. > > 7 ounces butter, softened > 1-3/8 cups sugar > 3 eggs > 8-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder > 11 tablespoons+1 teaspoon flour > > Cream together the sugar and butter. Blend in thoroughly the eggs. Stir in a mix of the cocoa powder and the flour. It’s a thick batter. Spread in a greased 8x8 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In my oven it took not quite thirty minutes, but I’d start checking sooner than that. Allow to cool, and enjoy. > > I said a few days ago I was going to post a soup recipe, but this is easy to make at home, when folks are looking for something to do. **Baker** , is that reduced from a bigger recipe? The measurements are a bit, well, odd… ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/54 "2020-04-07T14:43:05Z")
Glad folks think the recipe sounds good, the key thing is not to overbake!😃 ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/55 "2020-04-07T15:29:51Z")
> [@swampbear](#): > > Well, **GRRR**! I get myself all purtified and appropriately dressed for the public, then drive all the way across town only to find out that the eye doc’s office is closed! I called and got the closed due to coronavirus until further notice message. Yet, I got a text message yestiddy to confirm the appointment. :dubious: I am not happy. The text message could have informed me they are closed. Really, not all that hard, folks! Oh well, guess I could say I had an adventure today. Still, **GRRR!** > > **Nettie** as long as I have the funky glasses they give ya to wear I can drive with my pupils dilated, just would not have gone anywhere except back here to da cave. > > Carry on. **Swampy** , NO.:eek: I’m surprised your eye doc does not verify you have a driver before dilating your eyes. Those “glasses” are more for your comfort than anything else. They do NOT normalize your vision; only time will do that. Put your right furry paw over your heart, raise your left furry paw, and swear to all the Dopers that YOU WILL NOT DRIVE with your eyes dilated! _worries_ ~VOW ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/56 "2020-04-07T16:19:21Z")
I just discovered that it’s easy to make up words to the tune of _Mary Had a Little Lamb_ and it makes for a good pre-nap lullaby! Daughter wants to wean Roxy off her pre-nap bottle, so we’re going to sing. It worked today, so yay! 😃 Guess there’s no more putting it off - I need to start on the canopy. ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/57 "2020-04-07T16:23:46Z")
I was taken off my blood pressure medicine, Lisinopril, because it may increase susceptibility to covid 19. I’ll pick up the replacement at the pharmacy today. ---
**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:** [April 7, 2020, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/58 "2020-04-07T16:37:43Z")
Oh, loverly - \*\*FCD \*\*and I both take Lisinopril… ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/59 "2020-04-07T17:01:27Z")
_raises hand_ Me three. ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179/60 "2020-04-07T17:07:02Z")
> [@The\_Vorlon](#): > > **Baker** , is that reduced from a bigger recipe? The measurements are a bit, well, odd… Yes, it was reduced from a recipe I use at work. It’s baked on a very large sheet. 35 ounces butter 7 cups sugar (49.75 oz.) 15 eggs 2-5/8 cups cocoa powder 3-1/3 cups flour [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-air-and-sunshine-in-the-mmp/851179.md?page=4)