The good thing about hiking with kids is that they’re easy to outrun if a bear gets after you. Afterall, you don’t have to outrun the bear, just the other sap hiking with you.
Let’s see… Theodore Striker needs a Cookie Organizer and **MagicEyes **wants to be one. Seems like two problems with one solution!
I’m going out to drive around in the absolutely gorgeous weather with my windows down and the music turned up. Doesn’t get much better than a job that lets you do that! Enjoy the afternoon ever’body. I’ll catch up with the MMP tomorrow!
The only Stick I have is actually too nice to take hiking. It’s all decorative, and such. Besides, I’d never remember it when I go hiking anyway, so it’s sort of a moot point. But it is a cool looking Stick. And it’s got some o’ that sentimental value stuff on it (big globs, actually, and you know how hard it is wto wash that stuff off).
My husband had a stick once - it was part of a Halloween costume. Actually, I expect it was more of a staff, as he was a Wizard that year. We went to a party that Halloween and he got drafted to be part of a “play” that one of the other guests put together for part of the entertainment. He played the villain in a very funny perils-of-Pauline sketch, and his creative license added to the hilarity. At some point during the show, one of the other guests referred to him as “the guy with the stick” and, naturally, someone else had to say “That’s what his wife calls him!” and further hilarity ensued. Fortunately, it was an all-adult event, so we didn’t have to worry about offending innocent ears. Except for mine, 'cause I’m nice and innocent and all that.
Anyway, his stick followed us through a couple of house moves. It was nice and rustic - it was actually a nice sized branch that had fallen off one of our trees. He cut it to a good length and sanded the rough parts off. It was a substantial and attractive stick. But we no longer have it - either we forgot it or we just decided it was silly to carry it around any more. So, no more wizard staff. If he ever wears that costume again (yep, we still have it) we’ll just have to find another hunk o’tree from the yard.
No hiking for us this weekend, although we did walk around looking at motorcycles on Sunday. It was Blessing of the Bikes in Charles County, so we went to the fairgrounds (not on the bike - it’s not ready for riding) and spent a few hours wandering around. I got sunburned. Wish I’d worn a hat. And sunglasses. But it was a pretty day and we got fresh air and exercise, so that’s good.
Oh, and root balls - they’re all over the place! This part of the state has gotten a lot of rain and wind, and lots of trees toppled over, tearing up their roots. There’s one just down the street from me. Maybe more, but one in particular I see because I turn right by it every time I come home. But almost any place you drive in this county, you see downed trees. Some folks won’t have to worry about firewood this winter.
Nothing food related to share. But I would love some cookies about now. And the weather is beautimous! It’s going to rain later this week, but for a while, it’ll be loverly.
So, Happy Monday, MMP!!
I have spent close to 80 bucks on flowers today. Them funeral flowers can be right pricey. I called both funeral homes and asked for the names of florists in both towns, then called up the florists and placed funeral flower orders. One is a lovely silk (so they say) arrangement, the other is a nice potted plant. See, my friend whose mother died would not want any thing he had to actually take home and look after so I got silk flowers for that and for my assistant, a lovely green plant that either her mother or she can take home and admire. I’m all thoughtful like that. Even had ACBG’s name put on both of em.
TS I’m impressed yet also find itkinda disturbing that you googled Barney, GA. If you like I’ll go by the PPF&H and tell you said hi.
I don’t have a stick. Maybe I should get one. It could come in handy. Ya never know. I don’t organize my cookies either. I just eat em.
Just for fun, I looked up Barney. Here’s pretty much anything I guess everybody would ever want to know about Barney, GA.
Walking sticks are good for self defense, too.
So I didn’t go hiking technically I was working but I sneaked off yesterday afternoon and re-potted some houseplants. Oh I broke my toe - the one next to my little toe on my left foot. Stoopit coffee table that has been in same place and has not moved one inch since I moved in. It really hurt and is all kinds of nasty black & blue colours. But one of the cute guys in the other department offered to kiss it better for me and that made me happy 
Did you let him do you, er, I mean it, ems?
Guess what arrived? A package. FROM CANADA!!!
Lissla, your box arrived, and I’m enjoying it immensely. The cool thing about stuff from Canada? Label’s also in French. Ooh la la!
Thank you times one hundred!
Homebrew are you questioning my virtue??? I was in pain and he was trying to make me feel better.
Besides he has kissed other places before 
No hiking this weekend due to major knee owie (aren’t I too old for scraped knees? this one has a pretty bad bruise attached, but still…). Although I did walk the 3 blocks to the library. And do some gardening (while standing). And spread mulch at church, again, while standing.
Contemplating dinner. I’m thinking quesadilla with a little turkey (they gave me extra at the deli yesterday) and salad.
Also, I need to bake brownies for a thing tomorrow. I’ll be adding dried tart cherries and sliced almonds.
I finished reading The Broker over the weekend as well, Tupug. I didn’t think the story was as good as previous ones, but it was entertaining.
GT
Swampy, please check your private mail…
My condolences to everyone who has a sadness. I never know what to say in these cases and usually end up sounding like an ass, but I am sympathetic.
Well, we have sticks that live at our the Humble Hovel[sup]TM[/sup] at the beach. They used to be driftwood, but got promoted. We use them to poke at dead jellyfish and other flotsam and jetsam we find on our beach walks, when we remember to take them with us, (the sticks that is).
Yesterday I made a big ol’ pot of minny-stroney (kinda like minestrone, only different), for lunching purposes this week. Not very interesting, but it satesfies the requirements of the MMP.
All of our Canadian foodstufs are gone. Somebody ate 'em. Even the freaky demonic sugar mice. Well, the rose petal jam is still around, but has been lent out to friends. We’ll see how much we get back.
We expect a full report young lady. :dubious:
LOW, you shoulda used your Stick on the flooring guy.
When I was a kid, we whittled. Seriously. My parents let me play with knives. I could whittle up a tiki head like no one’s business. When they vote for the new pope, I’ll whittle that guy’s face, too, if you prefer.
No hiking here. Still having exquisite hip pain (medical terminology) with the tiniest movement or weight bearing. Will be finding out soon if I have Bo Jackson’s
disease. Hey, I started a thread about that and nobody responded. Did ya’ll think I was turning into a large African American sports icon? Actually, it’s avascular necrosis, which means not enough blood flow to my hip joint. Treatment
can range from rest and rehab to total hip replacement. I’m flipped out about this, and the icing on the cake is that nobody cares (sobbing).
OH well, at least I can whittle while I wait for my diagnosis. Seriously, some hugs or prayers or chants of any kind would be appreciated.
That sounds scary, beckwall. I’m sorry I missed your other thread. How long before you have your diagnosis? Hugs, prayers, good thoughts heading your way. Sorry, I don’t chant - you wouldn’t want me to, really.
And to all the other MMPers who have had sad events in their lives recently, condolences (and hugs, etc as well).
Oh, and on re-reading: I’m highly fond of the idea of Kythereia carving Soupo a tiki head of soap. Can you imagine the bubbly hike in the rain? He could wash off the mud just as he was acquiring it. I think it sounds very practical. Dove sounds a little too feminine, though; maybe Irish Spring (do they still make that?).
I’ve eaten now (I’m finishing off the beer that I allowed myself with dinner). Quesadilla was tasty, salad was very yummy (finely chopped baby greens & herbs - from a bag, spinach, tomato and cucumber and chives; dressing was olive oil and lemon juice; pinch of salt; everything very well mixed).
We have new babies at work. Well, one for sure; the other one I’m still waiting to hear about, but s/he was supposed to be born Friday night. Well, the babies aren’t actually at work, but their parents work with me. Only not right now because they’re still on family leave. I just thought we all needed a little cheering up to balance out the sad parts. Yay, babies!
I’m sure there are other items I missed, but this is quite long enough already.
GT
Sorry, VBob, I don’t have any pictures. But if I take any topless photos, you’ll be the first person I’ll email them to! Just kidding! 
beckwall, we do care! I missed your other thread, too (sometimes it’s just timing–maybe we could bring it back, if it’s not too old). I hope the rest and rehab thing works and you don’t need surgery. I’m sending some get-well hugs. How about a casserole or something? Jello salad? I usually make a lasagna or something if someone’s sick or has a baby.
ems, I hope your toe feels better! I’m so klutzy I’m surprised I haven’t broken any toes yet. I did whack my elbow real good yesterday, but at least it’s not broken.
I had a meeting out of the office today, so I stopped by the mall for lunch. Got a new pair of jeans, because my old ones are a little loose and they tend to fall off (sorry, VBob, I don’t have any pictures of that either!)
swampy, I’m sorry you have to go to so many funerals (although the church lady food makes it feel a little better). I had two surprise funerals last Thanksgiving–not a fun time.
beckwall - booooo! for pain. Poor baby! I never heard of Bo Jackson’s disease, but I’m interested in hip pain stuff because my daughter’s bestest friend suffers from it, too. She’s 15, and she’s scheduled for an MRI (which is not as much fun as an MMP) sometime soonish, and they’ve already eliminated a bunch of scary things like rheumatoid arthritis, so I’m kinda scared they’ll come up with something even scarier. I will keep my fingers crossed that what you have is nothing scary.
Doncha all wish our bodies came with warranties, or at least service contracts?
I have a walking stick/staff. It’s not fancy though, it’s made of ash and just rather plain. The only problem with it is that I never go walking so it’s really just something to prop againt the wall for it too fall down occassionally and scare the cats.
Rue, I grew up in Dayton. Well, not really, we left there when I was seven and I wasn’t completely grown by then. Then again I never really grew up, I just got older.
beckwall, poodles also get avascular necrosis. So instead of saying you have Bo Jackson’s disease you could say you have a poodle disease. Did they really name it after him or are you just using him for reference? Because I know it’s been around a lot longer than he has.
Anyway, sorry you’re in pain and I hope you find out it’s something much easier to treat.
I’m very happy that the box arrived. Did Customs leave the necklace in, and everything? If they did, you can tell everyone that I actually can make chainmail. And the cookies survived. Good. Everything in Canada has to have a fun French label. I retain about enough high school french to read food labels. About.
We still have some of the Trader Joe’s stuff, although I took the cocoa almonds to work and gave two of my favourite co-workers a couple, and one co-worker wanted to know yesterday if they were coming to visit again. No, I explained, because they’re almost gone. Oh, that’s okay, I’ll finish them up, said he. Hmph. And now Attacks Husband desparately needs Best Friend to bring him his own box of cocoa almonds. And triple ginger snaps.
The cherries will be gone by tomorrow.
I am drinking one of Driving Husband’s fearsomely alcoholic beverages. They’re trying to figure out alcohol-by-percentage in Commodore Justices (Driving Husband’s signature drink) but they can’t, because they’ve just had one each. They have (for newbies) light rum, medium-type-colour rum, coconut rum, vodka, melon liquer, limoncello, orange juice, and grenadine. One-fourth of the glass is rum and vodka.
Any spelling mistakes are because of the drink. Ack.