# Ho, Ho, Hrmpf! (Dec mini rants) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 2, 2020, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008 "2020-12-02T12:38:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/162 "2020-12-23T20:57:21Z")
Several posters have mentioned failing furnaces. Mine has been making strange noises for the past several heating seasons, and the noises keep changing, as if it’s speaking to me in a kind of code. I’ve determined it to be the exhaust fan, the thing that forces the exhaust gases out of the little PVC pipe that substitutes for a chimney in high-efficiency furnaces. It got louder and louder and I still ignored it. This year, however, it’s down to a whimper, but is blowing as well as ever, judging from the exhaust outside. So I either have a self-healing furnace, or I am about to experience an unpleasant surprise. If the latter, is there any doubt that the catastrophic failure will happen either on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve? ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/163 "2020-12-23T21:26:06Z")
It’s a clinker! ---
**Author:** ![MissTake](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misstake/32/3189_2.png) [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/164 "2020-12-23T21:30:25Z")
Me: I’d really like a little snow to make Christmas feel Christmassy. Mother Nature: Here, have a blizzard. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/165 "2020-12-23T22:35:00Z")
The coronavirus is making my BIL batshit crazy. He just texted me with half a dozen questions about a gift I sent him for Christmas: where is this from? What store? What’s in it? Do you trust the seller? What types of precautions are they taking? I don’t fucking know, man, I just thought you might like a Christmas gift. The guy has developed a pretty serious phobia over the years of getting sick, and COVID has sent him seriously spiraling into an ugly, ugly place. It’s to the point where he’s set up a decontamination zone in his garage, requires everything to quarantine for a minimum 48 hours before it comes into the house and won’t touch his wife (my sister) because she’s the one who goes grocery shopping. I’m trying really hard to get her to talk to his therapist with him (they’re only as good as the information you give them), but so far she’s worried she’ll go in and just unload instead of being helpful. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/166 "2020-12-23T22:42:06Z")
> [@Jumpbass](#): > > Hey, hey hey! We’re supposed to be getting all pissed off, outraged and grouchy here and you post a super cute pet picture? What do you think you’re doing? Wanna get reported for thread shitting? > > 😉 That photo of Luna exemplifies much of what’s wonderful about Labs.\* \*and if she’s not a Lab, she should be. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/167 "2020-12-23T22:47:05Z")
She is more of a collie mix, with lab (and maybe german shepherd?) genes. A wonderful dog. Allow me to threadshit again: [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ABLVV85ju6k0slWK-DygJua3vn4xxm6JLJokT0LyeuJB7aMZKCAQkHFoMu4_qJ8J93IAKPrRizJ83OtkaelgmCGzOPGpglyCSuBo3E-pLpO5eUK4fVEj3W8=w600-h315-p-k "New item by John Thornton") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/kb2b6zFRmz24Kqhb7) [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ABLVV87dRoba3_qxQ3W __X2EIc_LEANUh3oNSRXfD59F7H_6PnJLqb4QO6kFz0zsb7zEs787s09MP9ObWPCBOzdCWohoLB__ HLlE-Qcn8d8F54EdwWWowEQ=w600-h315-p-k "New item by John Thornton") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/QWSYKb3fPKThtLSH8) We also have a Pet Pictures thread! > [@Pet pictures!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-pictures/920105): > > Because our pets are awesome, here is a thread dedicated to honoring their awesomeness with pictures. (To display pictures, upload to a photo sharing site and share the link.) Dopers, meet Luna: [[Google Photos] ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/eMb6Pf84yEu1iFBV9)[[Google Photos] ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/np65KUnpVGL6CbuB8) ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/168 "2020-12-23T23:38:03Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Me: I’d really like a little snow to make Christmas feel Christmassy. > > Mother Nature: Here, have a blizzard. Moral: Be careful what you wish for! > [@rocking\_chair](#): > > It’s a clinker! I saw what you did there. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/169 "2020-12-23T23:54:10Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Later on you mention a broiler “flame”, so I take it this is a gas stove. If so, never mind – I don’t know anything about fixing gas ovens. Yeah, it’s gas. ---
**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:** [December 24, 2020, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/170 "2020-12-24T00:04:19Z")
When we moved to this house in 2017 it came with a stray cat living under the porch. We trapped the cat and because he presented as feral, had him fixed. (There is a wonderful program out here that lends traps to people who then take kitty to the program’s vet to be snipped and ear-tipped. Then kitty is released where they were trapped.) Over time, our porch cat became friendly and asked to come inside. Of course, there is no such thing as a free cat and he hasn’t proven to be the exception. He has FIV and some weird thing that makes him pull his fur out. He has had 3 UTI’s this year. We’ve only had him for 2 years and he’s already close to 3 grand in vet bills and medication. About a month ago, I noticed that he wasn’t looking right but couldn’t put my finger on anything. Last week we weighed him and he went from 12 to 10 lbs in about 4 months. According to his blood work, the FIV is expressing itself and its unlikely he will be able to enjoy another spring. This just really sucks. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2020, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/171 "2020-12-24T03:34:56Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Me: I’d really like a little snow to make Christmas feel Christmassy. > > Mother Nature: Here, have a blizzard. I don’t see the problem with that! Here in southern Ontario heavy rain is predicted for the next day and a half – so much so that there is a weather warning. But – and this is what I love about Canada – it turns to snow on Christmas Day, along with a big drop in temperature! 🙂 After all, Santa is equipped with a sleigh, not a goddam chariot! ---
**Author:** ![MissTake](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misstake/32/3189_2.png) [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2020, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/172 "2020-12-24T04:06:44Z")
We started this morning at 43f. Bumped up to 45. Rain started around 9ish? Snow by 1130am, wind started whipping. At 10pm it’s down to 8f, windchill -20f, with winds steady at 20mph, gusting to around 50mph. Supposedly temp will bottom out at -10f overnight. The city did get salt and sand down a few times before the switch to snow, but it’s still bad driving. Had a city plow spinning it’s wheels in front of the house. Wanted to go out and wave, as he does to me while plowing my driveway in. I am lucky, though. I have power. A decent chunk of the neighborhood is out. And, I really like this weather. That opinion may change in the morning, depending on whether the snow blower starts. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2020, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/173 "2020-12-24T08:26:58Z")
We were as high as 55F yesterday afternoon. By late this morning it’ll be down into the 20s and snowing. FWIW, a White Christmas. > [@overlyverbose](#): > > I’m trying really hard to get her to talk to his therapist with him (they’re only as good as the information you give them), but so far she’s worried she’ll go in and just unload instead of being helpful. If that’s the case, she might think about seeing a therapist for _her own_ concerns. “Just unloading” is a perfectly valid reason. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2020, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/174 "2020-12-24T12:22:53Z")
Poor kitty. ☹ And a smart kitty. He found someone who would care for him and make his last years comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2020, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/175 "2020-12-24T13:00:17Z")
I was thinking the same. Kitty really needed you guys. 💔 ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2020, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/176 "2020-12-24T15:46:50Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > If that’s the case, she might think about seeing a therapist for _her own_ concerns. “Just unloading” is a perfectly valid reason. I completely agree with this, too - she’s been dealing with this since the pandemic started and she probably needs someone who won’t get defensive to give her more practical strategies for dealing with this and also helping her kids. But mostly for herself. ---
**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:** [December 24, 2020, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/177 "2020-12-24T19:13:23Z")
My mother - who has enjoyed going to IKEA this entire pandemic - has the 'Rona. She is 83? more? and has a pacemaker. Why? Who knows, it’s not like IKEA can’t deliver whatever fucking table she just has to have. But I’m here to bitch about **my father** who is going out at least twice a week to get tested. You are **85 years old at least** and hi! I work retail with at-risk customers, and I haven’t been tested in months… You know why?!? Because those tests are _valuable and incredibly scarce_ but your old-white-man-ass gets to snarf them up twice a week? I told my mom I’d talk to him, but I really don’t know what to say. “Stop being a colossal asshole” has never worked with his demographic. ---
**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:** [December 24, 2020, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/178 "2020-12-24T19:36:45Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > But I’m here to bitch about **my father** who is going out at least twice a week to get tested. And what is testing going to tell him? It’s not like it’s preventative or treatment. Plus of course he’s exposing himself twice a week and bringing that risk/exposure home to your mom. ---
**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:** [December 24, 2020, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/179 "2020-12-24T20:25:42Z")
> [@Catamount](#): > > He found someone who would care for him and make his last years comfortable. Knowing this actually makes the whole thing easier for us. We can’t extend his short life, but we can make his end as comfortable as possible. I gave him a B12 shot yesterday and he seems to feel better today. This makes me happy. For Christmas, we got a nice bird feeder pole that holds several feeders and suet cages. I spend most of the morning putting it together and planting it in the back yard, then came inside to learn that I had planted it in just the perfect spot to hide it when I’m in my chair. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2020, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/180 "2020-12-24T20:55:28Z")
Oh, it’s a given that bird feeders need to get moved seven times in the first seven days. Best if those seven can get concentrated in the first day. But that only happens by having the biggest bird lover sitting inside while her tired, cold, long-suffering spouse uproots heavy blacksmithed posts with his bad shoulder… (man, where’s the Husband Feeder, that dispenses malted milk balls?) ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2020, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008/181 "2020-12-25T00:24:13Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > My mother - who has enjoyed going to IKEA this entire pandemic - has the 'Rona. > > She is 83? more? and has a pacemaker. > > Why? Who knows, it’s not like IKEA can’t deliver whatever fucking table she just has to have. > > But I’m here to bitch about **my father** who is going out at least twice a week to get tested. > > You are **85 years old at least** and hi! I work retail with at-risk customers, and I haven’t been tested in months… > > You know why?!? Because those tests are _valuable and incredibly scarce_ but your old-white-man-ass gets to snarf them up twice a week? > > I told my mom I’d talk to him, but I really don’t know what to say. “Stop being a colossal asshole” has never worked with his demographic. [Apropos of nothing in particular…](https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-costs/index.jsp) Take care of yourself (and Merry Christmas). 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-ho-hrmpf-dec-mini-rants/927008.md?page=10)