# Keep a happy thought in the MMP! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [February 15, 2021, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950 "2021-02-15T10:44:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/161 "2021-02-18T18:14:23Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > My toilet now refills on its own again, no longer needing a bucket dumping into it to flush. My congratulations on your renewed access to functuonal indoor plumbing. It’s the little things, ain’t it? [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/lvV6HQWuR-s/maxresdefault.jpg "It's The Little Things") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvV6HQWuR-s) ---
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/162 "2021-02-18T18:35:38Z")
Made a trip to the laundromat today. At least the repair guy was finally able to come on Tuesday and diagnose the washer. Hopefully the parts will get here soon and we can go back to normal routines in that sphere. Also topped off the car’s gas tank. I’ve managed to burn through less than half a tank in the past 10 months. During our power outage, the smoke detectors kept going off because we were using the stove burners for heat. I finally removed the batteries because of the nuisance, then put them back in once the power came back on on Tuesday. It didn’t occur to me that all that alarming would run the batteries way down, so I was up at 1:30 last night pulling them out of chirping detectors. ::head smack:: Our storage shelves for the basement finally arrived at HD. Went and picked them up yesterday, so there’s a project to be done. We’re splurging on a delayed Valentine’s meal from a local restaurant. $200, but what the hell, right? It includes crab cakes and filet mignon as part of a four course meal. Plus flowers. ---
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/163 "2021-02-18T19:57:53Z")
**Boo** has been vaccine jabbed. Happy dance. Pfizer. Doing my 15” wait, under supervision and sitting down in our big concert/sports event center. Waited in lots of lines but lots of helpful, cheerful staff and volunteers. Didn’t even feel the needle. Will return in 3 weeks for dose two then two weeks after that I plan to volunteer to be a nurse giving the injections. Takes all kinds and worked the H1N1 clinics for the public health dept lo these many years ago. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/164 "2021-02-18T20:11:08Z")
Yaay!! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/165 "2021-02-18T20:16:20Z")
I’ve just bought a couple of large barramundi fillets from Costco. I put them in the orifice freezer so they’ll be solid for the long drive home. I don’t know what to do with them. Bake them with butter and capers? Grill them with olive oil, salt, and pepper? Ideas, anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/166 "2021-02-18T20:44:50Z")
**Boo** congrats on the jab. Good news indeed. **Flyboy** I’ve never heard of barramundi before, but butter and capers always sounds great. Maybe pan fry with some basting going on? As for me, more snow today. But, Trader Joe’s is finally opening in town tomorrow, I might wait a few days before venturing in to let the excitement die down a little. It’s unclear if 3 buck chuck will be available due to NY’s liquor laws. I honestly have wondered since I moved here why there wasn’t a TJ’s, this feels like such a perfect place for one. The sciatica is no longer a pain in the ass, it’s now a pain in the calf. But stretches and heat are helping. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/167 "2021-02-18T20:57:10Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Didn’t feel the shot at all, but my arm is already starting to twinge. Yay for first shot! My mom just got her second, and is having a stronger reaction than the first. All manageable, knock on wood. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > **Rodent Wizard** , I’m very bad - as soon as I saw this I thought, “ **Wabbit** Wizard”. 😈 > [@Mollie\_Magill](#): > > Ash Wednesday. No caffeine No caffeine?! I applaud your faith from over here on my fainting couch. _fans self weakly_ > [@Seanette](#): > > he’s happy to get that big step closer to something that passes for normality. Wonderful news! I’m glad he’s healed up and able to get back to construction. Any word on **Gotti**? > [@scareyfaerie](#): > > He got the Pfizer version, and hopes to get the same again next time although he’s not been given a date for his next jab They’re giving you mis-matched doses? Does anyone know if that actually works? I hit send too early, so there will be more in a minute. ---
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/168 "2021-02-18T20:59:26Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > **Boo** has been vaccine jabbed. Ours is next Tuesday; can’t wait. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/169 "2021-02-18T21:06:18Z")
> [@overlyverbose](#): > > Given that she’s said her husband has a mild hoarding problem, getting her more things she might not need seems problematic. Any thoughts? Cleaning service? DoorDash or GrubHub gift cards? Basically anything that takes an item off of their to-do list. > [@missred](#): > > **VanGo** , along with the stretches, heat tends to work well for me when sciatica rears its ugly head. Seconded. > [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > I also got a second suet feeder, with the intention of securing it to the main window where we all sit around. > If I can attract birds to come _right_ where Nikki likes to sit’n’stare … ! Bird feeders and aquariums are _excellent_ cat entertainment centers. > [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > **Boo** has been vaccine jabbed. Happy dance _dances enthusiastically_ The last few days have been miserable for migraines. Everyone has been foraging AKA eating leftovers. They need to get eaten, but I still feel guilty. Take care Southern Friends (and all y’all) ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/170 "2021-02-18T21:23:19Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > the little things They mean a lot. > [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Grill them with olive oil, salt, and pepper? I vote this ↑↑. (Actually, how large are these “large” filets? Big enough that each can provide a meal, so you can prepare them differrently?) The snow has stopped (temporarily, at least). Looks like we have almost four inches so far out of what they’re now saying will be 4-7 inches. 26F (wind chill 14), which is the predicted high; supposed to get “down” to 27 tonight. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/171 "2021-02-18T21:28:56Z")
> [@SCAdian](#): > > Actually, how large are these “large” filets? Big enough that each can provide a meal, so you can prepare them differrently? Together, they’re 2.5 pounds; so each one will make at least three meals. Maybe four, since The Missus doesn’t eat as much as I do. ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/172 "2021-02-18T21:34:13Z")
I’ve never had barramundi. Is it a rich, oily fish? Then something lemony or tomato-y would be good. Lemon, capers, butter sounds great. Or a tangy mango salsa topping. If it’s a lean fish, then a richer treatment is good, like fried with panko crumbs and served with a homemade tartar sauce. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/173 "2021-02-18T21:41:56Z")
Per Wikipedia, “Barramundi have a mild flavour and a white, flaky flesh, with varying amount of body fat.” The mango salsa sounds good, as do both of your suggesstions. Lady SCAdian would probably bake them with diced tomatoes and herbs. ---
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/174 "2021-02-18T22:05:04Z")
I have nothing exciting to report, so I’ll focus on you like an Italian laser. 🙂 **shoe** , when I was married, we used to vent the dryer into the house all the time. We used a homemade filter of pantyhose, but you can buy kits. However, we lived in an uber-dry area, and the dryer vented into the main floor. There is a LOT of moisture (a gallon or more) that comes off a load of laundry, and in a basement, you’re talking mold and mildew. TL;DR: I wouldn’t, in your situation. **wordy** , I always include gift cards for pizza delivery with the baby gift. I figure those newborn days are overwhelming, and parents are exhausted. Who has the time, energy, or concentration to cook? And pizza can be eaten with one hand! 🙂 I’m very concerned about our southern mumpers. I have relatives who’ve been without power, and some Texan friends with a baby were forced to move in with a family that had a generator. I hope all y’all stay safe, warm, and watered. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/175 "2021-02-18T22:28:09Z")
One of my pilot pals is stuck in Houston at a waterless heatless foodless hotel with intermittent electricity. Has been for 2 days now, with no clue of when they’re leaving. In happier news, tomorrow I jet off to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for an afternoon on the beach and a return home very _very_ **very** early Sat morning. Where the running water both runs and is drinkable and the power keeps working. Which one is the third world mess of a country and which is modern civilization? Just more Bizarro World these days. In other news - Barramundi are excellent eating. They’re remarkably cheap too. **Johnny** ’s got a feast on his hands. ---
**Author:** ![LH75](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lh75/32/4438_2.png) [@LH75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LH75)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2021, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/176 "2021-02-18T22:49:40Z")
I have eaten it many times but never tried to make it. i have a really nice looking pot of Minestrone simmering on my stove. I read recipes and watched YouTube videos for a while and out of all of them I put together a recipe that seems like it will suit us. Another adventure in Italian cooking… buon appetito! ---
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/177 "2021-02-18T22:58:16Z")
Supper succeeded in emptying much of the fridge - huzzah! So I can start from scratch tomorrow - chickie-n-dumplins, I’m thinking. **FCD** and I shoveled the drive and now he’s complaining of back pain. I’d have done it myself, but he’s as pigheaded as his father. Guess it’s genetic. When I went out a bit ago to check the mail, I noticed that all the trees and bushes are glazed in ice - much crackling sounds in the air. But we might see sun tomorrow afternoon, maybe. And long-range forecast for Tuesday promises a good ride to Ocala. So there’s that. Plus pie for later, which is always a plus! 😃 ---
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/178 "2021-02-18T23:28:47Z")
Gordie has refused to go out. It looks like some of the tree ice has melted. Burgers with smoked paprika potato wedges for dinner. > [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > **Boo** has been vaccine jabbed. Happy dance. Pfizer. : moshes for joy : > [@LSLGuy](#): > > Which one is the third world mess of a country and which is modern civilization? Just more Bizarro World these days. Considering a bunch of Texans want to secede, I think they would win the “shithole country” contest. ---
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/179 "2021-02-18T23:41:45Z")
> [@dogbutler](#): > > Considering a bunch of Texans want to secede I lived in that state for for thirty years, in varying areas (including posh suburbs, the serious $#itholes, and inbetween) around both Dallas and Austin, and was married to a born’n’bred Texan. In all that time, I never _once_ heard anyone talk seriously about secession. Granted, I didn’t spend a ton of time in the tiny little podunk spots-on-a-map … but they’re not worth worryin’ about, anyway, so who cares? ---
**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:** [February 18, 2021, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950/180 "2021-02-18T23:43:53Z")
Howdy Y’all! Been a rainy, dreary day here. Fortunately we have not had the problems a lot of the country has had with weather. So, inside, warm, and dry. Sup has been et and the kitchen cleanded up. Life is good. I get my second vaccine tomorrow. It will be the Moderna one. OYKW got his second on Moanday. Would have gotten 'em at the same tine except I decided to wait until after my colonoscopy (one thing at a time, please) last month, and told him there was no need for him to wait, so he went ahead and got an earlier appt. for his first. He had more of a reaction (felt a little puny for a few hours) with the second dose, so we’ll see how I do tomorrow. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keep-a-happy-thought-in-the-mmp/932950.md?page=10)