Glad your heart checked out wheelie.
swampy, the milk glass with gold rim aig plate likely matches mine.
Up, caffeinating, breakfasted, a load of sheets and towels ready for the dryer and a load of clothes on deck. Gonna get the Friday chores done that I skipped out on last week.
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
Good morning everyone.
It’s a somewhat brisk 48 degrees outside within an expected high of 88 and clear skies. Tomorrow the highs creep back up into the mid-90s. This is the quote from the Seattle news station, so temps do vary across the west side of the state. "We’ve managed to evade wildfire smoke so far this season. Our neighbors east of the Cascades haven’t been so lucky. Wenatchee, Chelan, and the Methow Valley woke up to some of the worst air quality in the world. And now, as an east wind event unfolds today, that smoke is beginning to intrude into our Western Washington sky.
The dreaded haze will be most noticeable across Whatcom and Skagit County, an area immediately downwind from a cluster of active fires in the Northern Cascades. Initially, low-level winds stay more northerly over much of the Sound to help mitigate the smoke intrusion. But by tonight, the east wind strengthens with gusts over 30 mph near the Cascades foothills. Trees already stressed from the dry summer may be susceptible to damage, so can’t rule out the possibility of power outages. The east wind will carry thicker smoke westward into Saturday, especially along the Columbia River Gorge and across southwest Washington.
Saturday, in general, will be hot & hazy across the Pacific Northwest, with poor air quality at times. For those sensitive to wildfire smoke, now is the time to prepare. Keep those KN95 masks handy, and an air filtration system if you have one. During previous smoke events, I’ve even taped a furnace filter to a big box fan to help lessen smoke exposure."
As the east wind descends the Cascade Mountains, it will also warm the air to near record levels on Saturday. Smoke particulates may help to temper the heat, but current projections put high temperatures near 90 degrees Saturday afternoon.
And not to mention the high fire danger! Humidity levels are critically low, and with all the dry vegetation in place, it creates the perfect recipe for rapidly spreading fires should one start."
In a while, I’ll get cleaned up and head up north to assist with the grandkids. It’s not a rush today because they’ll be in daycare. That means I can make sure Polar gets his second round of meds before I leave today. For some reason, my husband has the worst time trying to give Polar any pills. I treat it like no big deal, pop those pills on the back of his tongue, gently close his mouth so he’ll swallow and it’s a done. The whole thing takes less than 10 or 20 seconds.
My husband has had a CPAP for years, and once he got used to it, he slept much better too. However, he has now taken to removing the mask because his nose is always stuffed up. His sleep patterns were horrible and he would quit breathing somewhere around 90 times an hour during his study too. He’s tried various masks but prefers the full face (over the nose and mouth). I need to get him into the doc so we can figure out the nose thing because not using the CPAP isn’t good either and his non-sleep patterns affect me as well. I get no sleep because he’s up and down during the night.
I’m sorry to hear about cheating spouses but am glad there is support for those cheated on.
shoe, you gotta EAT!!!
I was sad to hear of the Queen’s passing, but only because her passing represented the end of an era. Being an American, I kind of find the whole family dynamic a little strange and soap opera-ish. She certainly maintained the British stiff upper lip through it all. I often wonder if/when the monarchy will be deemed passe and will be dismantled. Frankly, I never thought Charles would make it to the throne. But, it’s not my country, monkey or circus, so really, nothing I think or say is of importance in this matter.
I am sorry those of you in Northern and Central Cali continue to bake. I just couldn’t do it and having to deal with that heat with no power just seems incredibly dangerous. I hope things start to cool down soon.
Work is work, but I’m off for three days, so that’s good.
It seems like there is a place in Oregon for certain shippers where all packages disappear. I’ve tracked packages to that facility, and they never move from there again. It’s frustrating.
I’m glad the FiL has had a good couple of days, FCM. I hope that things remain relatively smooth and that MiL picks an apartment.
Okay, time to get a move on. I want to get the posies watered and knock out some other minor chores before I head up north.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
Yeah, it’s not the worst part, of course. People change, are attracted to others, etc. It’s all the other behavior that’s involved. I actually had a lot of respect for this woman in the past, but now that some things about her are coming out, I’m really disappointed and downright disgusted with her. I really feel bad for my son, as he is clearly on a mental edge and at a loss as to how to proceed. I’m trying to counsel him in a rational manner.
My eyes disagree with AQI monitoring sites as to how good the air quality is today. Weather sites are claiming it’s sunny, but my eyes are reporting hazy overcast that’s a little on the yellow side. Probably best to go with the KN95 when I go out. Temperature is 72F, which would be totally fine with me as today’s high, but we’re due for one more day of triple digits, then for the next week, it’ll be upper 80s and low 90s. At least we haven’t had the rolling blackouts that threatened.
Buddy did go out for a while in the “horrible o’clock” hours, as he usually does, but was right at the door ready to come in at his usual time. He’s in for the day at this point. Allie has a raging case of the crankies about him. If he crosses her field of vision, there is much unsuitable language from her. DH claims her vocabulary about Buddy is construction-site ready. 
(Bolding mine) Yes. At first the mask will seem bizarre and unnatural. Once you get used to it - and you will - you won’t be able to imagine sleeping without it. Good luck.
The vet visit was mostly drama-free yesterday. The kitties suspected nothing (muah-hah-hah!!!). I picked up Zoe and Mrs W picked up Chloe at the same time, and we were able to plop them both into the carrier before they realized what was going on.
We did learn that they’ve gotten too big to comfortably share one carrier, so we’re going to have to get a second one by the next visit.
The worst part was that the vet’s office is still operating under COVID protocol, and we weren’t allowed to go in with them. Dropped them off at the door and waited in the adjacent courtyard with little shade and uncomfortable chairs. About a half-hour in, I went across the street to get us some iced coffees, and realized we could have been relaxing in the coffee shop the whole time. Oh well, next time.
They’re both doing well, save for being overweight and having gingivitis. The former will likely not change as long as Mrs W remains incapable of refilling the food bowl every time somebody meows; the latter we’ll probably get them treated for within the next couple months.
The other day I noticed that three of the four hear diffusers in the barbie I bought in June 2016 had failed at one end, and buckled. I’ve just ordered four new ones.
There is a very good chance I’ll be grilling salmon filets with lemon slices and fresh rosemary sprigs for dinner tonight.
Back from the lab, we shall see from here. Next medical appointment is next Friday, talking to the cardiologist.
Cats were both napping when I got home. Buddy on the bed, Allie under the bed.
The sun’s a lot closer to normal color than it was earlier, but there’s still some haze, and I gather we’re expecting AQI to get worse as the day progresses.
Howdy all. Got newspaper inside and also fixed and ate a Big Bowl O’Sallit. Off to the gym shortly.
Nettie, hope it continues to clear up out there.
What you say? 
Wheelie, nice coordination on the cats.
I was thinking about what to say, and you did it better than I, so what Taters says goes for me.
OK, need to put the swimsuit on and get ready. Just heard the trash truck outside so need to bring the can back in. Take care all.
Heat diffusers! Heat! Are ye no’ listinin’?
Local AQI prediction is for 24 hours of clear air. Yeah, no, that’s neither what I see of the actual air nor what any other source is predicting or reporting. We’re in an AQ alert until Saturday. I should also note that IQAir claims the current weather is “mist”: no, IQAir, that’s smoke blowing in from the east.
Charm shed, and also pooped in her water bowl. Now she’s resplendent in her colorful new skin, and has a shitty water bowl.
Envy me my living room entertainment.
We’re in a ‘Fire Weather Warning’ here for today and tomorrow. So of course Wifey has taken the kayaks up to Trillium Lake to meet her bestie for 'Yaking, yacking, and painting, leaving me to my own devices again. Gibbs is moping about, waiting patiently for her return. Before she left she asked me to water the 'maters and associated plants up on the deck and the hose up there disassembled one of it’s connectors during that operation, so I’ll need to replace it today. 
Not much else going on here. I may paint another window screen today, or I may not. 
I was sorry to hear about the Queen’s passing yesterday, but I learned everything I needed to know in the first 30 seconds or so of the news reports. Apparently Wifey felt the same s she turned the TV back off. I liked and admired the old girl, and thought she did a good job, but always found that whole monarchy business rather silly. As I’ve said before; all being ‘royalty’ really means is that some one of your ancestors was a more accomplished thug than his/her opponents.
I should go.
Yeah, it’s definitely smokey and hazy here already. Not surprising.
Back from the grand tour and a grossly over-priced lunch at the café. FIL is napping, FCD and his mom are chatting. I just finished making up another batch of liverwurst paté - it’s so much easier using the mixer and having the ingredients at room temp. It’s in the fridge chilling now so they can eat some later.
FIL has been mostly lucid, but he tires so easily. We’ll be taking them to Leonardtown town center for a festival thing tomorrow afternoon - thank goodness for the wheelchair. I think FIL will enjoy it - it includes a classic car show.
I need a side for the lasagna - I was thinking broccoli - any other (better, non salad) suggestions? I want a veggie.
OK, time to chill.
I scheduled the Covid vaccine (as required by them) on my pharmacy’s website, which told me that I could just ask for the geezer high dose flu vaccine as a walk-in at the same appt. Nice to be able to get both with just one trip and appt and only one sitting around and waiting 15 minutes after in case anaphylaxis seized me by my pudgy throat. Turns out sleeping on my sore arms wasn’t a problem after all, it was the poking my biceps to see if they hurt that was an irritant. Once I stopped poking I forgot I’d had shots. No after effects this morning at all.
This described my life the past 2 years or so perfectly. The decline is soooo gradual, yet inexorable. I got to the point where if I could pull off one thing a day I was lucky. Go to the library and pick up books on hold? That’s it, done for the day. Not nearly enough cognitive energy to keep up with all the nattering tasks and chores of adulting. I’m woefully behind on everything, hoping against hope that a CPAP/whatever sleep treatment will allow me some return to my former self. It’s ok if the return is as gradual as the decline, as long as minuscule progress can be detected. I appreciate the encouragement~thank you!
Thank you, all of you for the cheering section, morale support and encouragement. It’s helping enormously.
Needless to say, Mumpers are the best.
So it was cooler, the SSLAWs both worked, and it went smoother, even if we did 40% more volume than predicted. Of course when they started bringing us the fallout, and damages, I noticed one box. It had a FEDEX GROUND label, and it had the invoice on the same side that said SHIP VIA FEDEX GROUND. So what did the clerks on the 300(who should know better) do? the scribbled out the FEDEX GROUND label, slapped a blank label on top of the FEDEX GROUND label and wrote “200 no label”. 
And God is my witness, Imma gonna start secretly drinking at work. 
It seems more Americans that Brits are broken up about the late Queen. I didn’t want her to die, but the monarchy is pretty much “The Kardasians”, with slightly longer names. Besides, I have republican(non-GOP, non Provo) sympathies.
Yeah, put this is parts. I guess we got a Johnny Cash on the Irreg belt
I thought that was a Jimmy Buffett refrence till I clicked on the link. Still cool, though.
All you Western US Mumpers say (relatively) cool and non wheezy!
when i owned snakes i didn’t know that was normal at first … now she wants dinner lol
Holy hand grenades, I missed a lot! I barely managed to skim and I know I missed a bunch.
Overlygirl continues to recover and is almost over her sulk. I suppose that is in part because of the fact that so many other kids caught covid through similar means this week that they’ve had to reschedule several soccer games already. So far, overlyhusband and I have avoided the dreaded plague, though it’s unclear how because overlygirl is really partial to snuggling up to me, kissing me and generally draping herself all over my person even though she’s 12. At least she likes me still.
I’m so very happy it’s Friday. I’m trying not to be salty at one of my employees who scheduled a meeting with me at 3:30 this afternoon, but I remind myself that it’s 4:30 his time, so if anyone’s getting hosed it’s him. Anyway, I got nothin’.
Cookie, I hope your family is doing okay. You’re a great dad.
nellie, I hope you’re doing okay, and wet one, I’m glad the ablation went alright.
Hugs to everyone who needs 'em.
I walked to the store and got my flu-dose. First time I’ve had the high-dose. I got a coupon for $10 off my groceries, so I decided to get some salad stuff…and of course forgot about the coupon until I got home. I am now doing laundry. Then I’ll head to the gym. I’m kind of queasy, so sitting down feels nice.
Re: the royal family, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, my favorite child-of-a-president, said once that the US has always wanted a royal family, and I think she’s right. (@purplehorseshoe, she had a pet snake she named Emily Spinach.) I’m sad about Queen Elizabeth’s passing because she’s been a fixture, because she was such a strong woman, and because the Paddington Jubilee video was pretty endearing.
Swampy, make those deviled aigs. Time for the English to broaden their palates yet again. Or maybe make pimento cheese tea sandwiches.
Hugs and sympathy to those dealing with heat and smoke. It’s supposed to be 90 here tomorrow, so I’ll probably keep the apartment closed and run the bedroom AC all day.
Good day, Mumpers! Hope everyone is faring well.
I’ve prepared for the coming wind/fire advisory apocalypse for today, overnight and tomorrow. To me, this is the scariest weather we get. One never knows which massive tree that looms over the house may have weakened over the past couple years, or where a strike of dry lightning may land. Mercifully, this weather (to date) has been rare.
The go-bag is packed, Important Papers already in the car, best guitar obstructing the back door so it won’t be forgotten if a swift departure is called for. The sky already sports a sick orange cast. It’s caused by the rare east-to-west winds blowing smoke throughout the region from the Cedar Creek fire.
My electric co-op advises to expect power outages, though they have not turned off power proactively. But their protective devices are all but certain to be triggered at some point. The only thing that bothers me about losing power is that I may not get an evacuation notice if one is issued. Also, it may screw up my unbroken Wordle streak of 234 won games if I can’t play tomorrow. Balls.
Looking forward to getting the all-clear tomorrow night.
Hugs and rahs all around!