Yep. I marched with the band a few times. I also was in our town parade (I didn’t go to school in my tiny town) a couple of times and on a float with a civic organization.
Up, caffeinating, breakfasted and fixing to do KP. I called my PCP for an appointment Wednesdayy I have a toe owie that isn’t healing. I need to call a local H&R Block (the one that I used in Tennessee has already called me to get taxes done. Other than that, RDOS.
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
Good morning, all. Mrs Magill has the day off, so she slept in. My alarm went off way too early for a solo walk, so I added twenty minutes on the timer and then promptly forgot to hit “start.” She woke me up a little over an hour later, asking it I was also taking the day off. Oops.
I rode on a parade float for a Christmas (?) parade when I was in fourth grade. I don’t remember who had sponsored it. I do remember getting an X-Men comic at the end of the parade. (Priorities.)
FCM - I had a similar experience yesterday, only my brain didn’t engage until too late. We’re helping on OT friend of ours test her diagnosing app she’s developing. I mentioned that I think I had to go to a OT when I was little. I just remember having to go to “motor skills.” I then mentioned that I should ask my mother about that. As soon as I noticed Mrs Magill’s expression, I remember that ship sailed about two years ago.
I think you win!
I need to make an appointment for us. Thanks for reminding me.
$3.999/gl hereabouts. We filled FCD’s vehicle yesterday for a dime cheaper - It might have saved us a buck anna half.
Speaking of saving, I’ve been paying a bit more every month against our car loan, thinking it’d get it paid off sooner. Yeah, it will, a whole month sooner. Car payments ain’t $200/mo any more, so unless you add a few extra hundred, it won’t make much of a difference. Dammit.
Back from erranding. I’ve got 15 bags of mulch in the truck that will eventually be spread on part of the front hill. I need to decide what I’m planting there first, tho. Till then I’ll pull out the sewing machine and make panels to go along the racing tables.
Speaking of which, I had a first try with a slot car. My reaction was (is) kinda “Cool. Now what?” I’m sure the grands will have more fun with it. I should take a pic of the current track setup. Add that to my to-do list.
Now, tho, gotta call the eye doc and find out why my glasses aren’t here yet - it’s been 3 weeks!!!
Ahhh, Spring!:
– It is a bright beautiful day. 64 ferrets at sunup, forecast high of 68 and low tonight of 42.
– The annual Asian lady beetle invasion is finally over, just in time for the carpenter ants to show up. Gotta love country life.
– Something is blooming. My eyes are itchy and the snot factory is running three shifts. (I see I’m not the only one. Commiseration to all fellow sufferers.)
Today was Seattle’s Best Dark in the percolator-- that was invigorating.
I marched in parades with my Girl Scout troop and had lots of fun. I was in marching band in high school, did football games and parades, and that was no fun at all. People took Marching Band only because it was a requirement if you wanted to be in Concert Band, and the band director was a jerk.
Break a leg!
Sooo sneaky. Well done!
Exactly.
Afternoon, mumpers! It’s currently 12c/54f with no predicted change, and cloudy. Weather app says “It’s a totally fucking dreich day out there. Enjoy.” Obviously knows ‘im indoors is in Scotland!
I haven’t exactly been in a parade, but I’ve been in a few protest marches. Does that count? We used to have an annual carnival in the town where I grew up but I wasn’t old enough to take part in anything, and by the time I was old enough, I’d lost interest.
Busy day here, doing irk stuff and other bits and pieces. I went to the supermarket at lunchtime to do the grocery shopping, so that’s one more job out of the way. Dinner will be something I pulled out of the fridge because I don’t need to be cooking tonight. I’ve finished irk for the day, and I’m off to a spin class soon, back for dinner and an evening of slothfulness on the sofa.
Afternoon all.
Realised I never hit post on what I’d written before heading down to Ingerland for the weekend. Was my brother’s wedding on Saturday.
It was, as expected, pure chaos- there were only close family, but this included four girls aged 5 and under, who had no idea what was going on but wanted to do stuff like play with the flowers or get picked up by parents mid-vows. Full marks to whoever arranged the weather though, it was warm enough for everyone to be outside - even the kids in strapless dresses. Warmest day of the year so far, I think.
I have one more trip down in two weeks. I suspect my new sister-in-law would rather I didn’t go, but my brother asked me to come, I promised the older niece I’d bring some circus stuff, and there’s actually an event I was planning on attending either on the way there or back (juggling event, runs for nearly a week, birthday party is smack in the middle), so… She’s kinda stuck with me now anyway. I was an official witness to that, in fact.
I was a bit too washed out to go in to irk today, so did some writing from home instead, as my normal Moanday meeting was cancelled anyway cos everyone else is off. The weather has gone grotty, cold, grey and miserable, with a dash of rain. I’ve also been unable to use the back door all day because a big fat bumblebee queen is sitting on it and I don’t want to disturb her.
last spring the cedar tree in my back yard, right on the fence line, took a hard storm hit. There were quite a few trees damaged in the neighborhood. We were wondering what we were going to do. I drove past a crew that was working down the street, asked to talk to the boss. He came and looked at the tree and gave me a bid quite a bit less expensive than I expected. I asked when they would be here and he said at 0800 the next day. He showed up with his crew and they had the tree down and cleaned up in a bit over 90 minutes. $1400.00 cash
We have a pretty large walnut tree in the back yard that we have come to hate. My wife and I decided that now is the time. I called the guy from last year and asked if he could give me a quote. He was here in lass than half an hour. He looked a the tree for a bit and said $1700.00. We also have a scruffy silver maple that was a volunteer. The elements have not been kind to it. I asked how much more and he said $2000.00 cash for both.
I asked him when they could start. He made a phone call and then told me that his crew would be here in about an hour to get started.
That is customer service. Also: Cash money still talks…
less than an hour from the phone call and there is a guy with a chain saw climbing my t ree
Went to exercise this morning and came back absolutely exhausted; probably a combination of having company yesterday and the workout. Collapsed for a nap around 1100, which is not normal for me, and am feeling somewhat better now.
Got a killer deal on eggs on Amazon. A dozen large for $1.67, delivered. I don’t know if these low prices on grocery items are just a promotional to get people to joint Prime, but it beats what I’m paying at the local store by a significant amount.
She doesn’t like you? How could she not? You’re a delight!!
I tend to choke when we’ve had to have trees removed. I understand there’s the cost of their equipment and labor and insurance, and I know they have an expertise and/or abilities that we lack (FCD knows how to drop a tree, but we’re too old for that nonsense now.) Anyway, it doesn’t make it any easier to shell out to have it done.
What I find funny is we get frequent visits from guys passing by who look at our yard and point out trees that need attention. By by this time, we’ve had all the ones that are a threat to the house and shop removed, and the leaners back in the woods can fall for all we care. Can’t blame 'em for trying. And we have hired a couple in the past. It’s interesting (to me anyway) that they’ve all been Hispanic. I wonder if they’re still around, in light of current events.
I was a bit ticked that the fabric I just got from Michaels came in 3 pieces. I ordered 8 yards and got one piece at 2 yards, and 2 at 6 each. Luckily, I can work with that, but it did rather piss me off. I called customer service and apparently I missed the fine print that warned such a thing could happen. On the plus side, the customer service guy set up a refund for the missing yard of denim. It was just $6, but it as MY $6!!!
Large eggs at Aldi are about this same price, but not delivered. However, I’d rather shop for my own groceries - how do the store shoppers know how green my 'nanners should be??? 
OK, now that I’ve gotten things straightened out with Michaels, I need to cut, then iron the black fabric so I can stitch the hems and the curtain rod pockets. Off I go!!
PS - supper will be pulled poke and whatever I decide should go with it.
We always separate our vax days so that we’re not both feeling like crap on the same day. I got mine today, and Mr. brown will get his in three days. That gives me a couple of days to get over the side effects so I can take care of him.
Cancelled the performance. Mild fever and a cough. I’m a bit done with this semester.
Well, all the errands have been run and the gas tank filled (33.84mpg). Spent the last 3 hours working soccer team issues, kids can’t play on this date, can I coach with a certain person… Still awaiting some responses before I make any changes, so tomorrow will probably be more of the same. Still, I want things to work out for the kids as best as possible. Much cooler today, about 60F and may have to kick the heat back on here. Awaiting arrival of the house repair guy in a little bit to get an estimate on getting the house back to normal.
And just got a call from the Handyman, the current job took a bit longer so he’ll be over around noontime tomorrow, so I can spend the rest of the day as I wish (mostly doing soccer admin stuff). He would have called me earlier but I had my cell phone shut off (I do that) so he had to wait until I remembered to turn it back on. (Dumbth).
rocky, one good thing about my not putting Xmas decorations up is not having to take them down and store them…and done that before on appointments.
Taters, dogs can be clever when they want to, I concur that staying with Son might be the best option.
Doggio, gas was about $3.59.9 here.
red, hope the Doc can fix the tow owie (they are the worst).
FCM, I remember making some extra house payments while I was overseas, it did save me a good chuck on interest, but at times I wonder if it was enough… And good on ya for standing up and getting your money back.
Nut, glad you had nice weather for the wedding; and try coaching 5-6 year olds in soccer sometime…
Hippie, glad you got prompt service on that tree, it cost but it was apparently worth it. And I don’t have $2000 cash on me, a run to the bank (or the wall safe) is indicated.
pavo, no doubt a wise decision.
And now I need to plan the rest of the day…or just let it come at me with fangs bared…
They just drove off. Just around 3 hours to take down two trees and clean up
The drive to and fro was mostly uneventful, apart from dodging some FOD. Roomie’s knee looks god, so no more follow up visits, just PT. I’m having Majikal Intertoob Pizza and an Old Fashioned before taking a long nap.
I’ve been to adults only wedding like that. 
For $2k, I’ll show up at your place with a chainsaw. I make no guarantees on the quality or quantity of work, however.
Besides, how can you do a Chopped style surprise dinner if you don’t seen the clearance rack and the used meat section.
I bet. Feel better!
Even when I’m not posting much, I keep track of you all and cheer you from the sidelines. 
This week’s OP by FCM gave me a nice memory jolt. Thank you!
For years, I belonged to a Mardi Gras krewe where I used to live. Their Mardi Gras celebration was a big deal and self-styled as the largest celebration west of the Mississippi River. I have no idea if that’s true, but it was big doin’s in that little California town. We were a kazoo and percussion band. Basically, if you couldn’t play the drums, you played a kazoo. I didn’t play drums.
We were really good! One year, our song selection was Wait Till the Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett. We jauntily sported our customary togas, danced in the streets and threw beads and coins with wild abandon as we belted that baby out. So! Much! Fun!
Everyone’s parade stories are great! And yes, boo fae, I think protest marches count.
We always knew you were a wild woman. 
And I hope the allergies abate soon – although where we live, I know they probably won’t anytime soon.
swampy, that was a very clever pun made with your freshman float. And I’m pretty sure your 15 minutes of fame aren’t up just yet.
JtC, what a fabulous memory of your dad and your machinations to give him a fun experience! Wish I had your skills of… persuasion.
metal mouse, I’m so glad your plumbing woes are well and truly behind you. You made the right decision. Fixed now once and for all! Have a wonderful time on your upcoming vacation, and don’t worry about leaks for a change!
Taters, good luck to hubby with his surgery and fingers crossed for your son’s offer on a home. I hope he gets the one he most wants.
doggio, feel better. Does anything help with the allergies? I had 'em bad when I was young, but shots took care of it. Not fun, but in my case, well worth it.
She is that. Keep an eye on her.
And welcome to the MMP! We share country living and a coffee obsession, so I’ve really enjoyed your posts. I haven’t yet seen carpenter ants here, but they’re coming. They’ll be here at the first sign of warm weather. I, too, adore wild dogwoods – they’re my favorites, and I love spotting them in the forest for the 2-3 weeks while they’re blooming. Cheeky and showy, then gone.
red, I know you’ll keep an eye on that toe. Please keep us posted on its healing progress.
Mollie/Thea, I hope you at least enjoyed the extra sleep!
hippie, well done on getting the trees taken care of. Thanks for the reminder that I’ve got a few I need to have felled, but nothing urgent. I’m fortunate to know a few wild men with chainsaws who don’t charge much to fell them, then buck them up for firewood.
nut, I love that you avoided your back door all day for the sake of a big, fat bumblebee queen. I’m sure she appreciated it, and it shows your good heart.
pavo, feel better!
Our winter appears to be over, with regular high temperatures in the mid 50s to low 60s and overnights staying above freezing. The sun is shining more regularly, the daffodils are putting on their show , as are the wild iris, and the tulips won’t be far behind. Too early for dogwood bloom, but ornamental cherries and other fruit trees are in blossom. Gorgeous!
Busy here lately, but all so mundane and pointless, your eyes would roll back in your heads. Mostly work-related. Also < shudder > taxes.
Ollie is doing fine and just completed a dress rehearsal stay at his kennel in anticipation of a trip I must take in April. He did well. The little dewd is finally growing up! He draws the line at me putting him in a onesie to protect his skin while he romps around at a friend’s place that has some poison oak. I’ve had to settle for immediately bathing him with special soap to get rid of the oils. Such a hot house flower, is my pupper…
Take care, all.
Howdy Y’all! I have completed all but three modules of my church homework. I could complete the last three within one hour, but I don’t want to do anymore today. Since tomorrow is my laundry day, they should provide some entertainment whilst laundry hydrates and dehydrates. Sup got fixed and et and there’s leftovers for tomorrow. Plus the biiiiig trash can got hauled all the way back up from the road to where it stays. Now it’s time to stare at stuff on the big screen.
We’re lucky that neither of us have any worse effects than sore arms. At least so far. As age continues to break down our bodies, all bets are off…
There’s a wind blowing here that smells coooooold!!! We’re supposed to hit freezing tonight,and I believe it now. I need to go get the flahrs I bought at Lowes and put them in the garage - can’t have them freezing in the truck. I’ll check the mail while out there, then rush back in to warm up. Stoopit weather.
I got the first table curtain done. Screwed up my measurements - it should have been at least an inch anna half longer. But the curtain is black and the carpet is dark brown, so it’s not too terribly noticeable. After we get shot tomorrow, FCD will rout out holes for the curtain rods (they’re the compression spring type) and we’ll install them all. So I’d better finish stitching up the rod pockets.
It never ends, does it?
Hi, new people and new name!
Catching up–
Gas: $4.99 at my cheap place.
Vax: Got COVID vax today.
Mulch: 6 bags from Lowe’s (to start off with).
Order stupidity: Delayed packages that were supposed to be two-day delivery.
Pets: The kitties continue to be adorable. They’re about 3x what they weighed in January. Shiso is all wiggly and boneless like a mole and Topaz continues to look concerned when I get into the bathtub.
Book: Selling okay, reading at a conference; author Zoom with an international book club.
Weather: Mostly rain, but warming, with lettuces establishing.
Boats: No boats.
Heaving: Intermittent.
I was off for two weeks, mostly at a Buddhist center for a silent retreat, which I spent writing with my friend with whom I did something similar at my house in the fall. We stayed offline (no internet) and our vegetarian meals were delivered in insulated bags each day. It was productive for both of us.
I’ve noticed that while the first few jabs just kicked my butt, the last couple didn’t even make me tired. I will recommend going to the gym and swimming laps as your next stop after getting shot, that has always stopped most of the soreness and bruising. I’d guess that’s because it moved the vaccine through my body instead of leaving a glop to slowly dissolve and spread.
I worked on a few rose parade floats when I was a kid, but mom never wanted to watch them in person. She said we got to see more by watching the TV but now I suspect she was just tired of the whole thing, herding four pre-teen aged daughters was a chore all in its own.
I did ride on a few Orange Parade floats in my teens. That was a big deal until the plane fell out of the sky onto the Swing Auditorium. Lacking a big place to stage the floats, the parade went the way of many small town traditions 
Agreed!!!
How embarrassing! I might have had serious thoughts about going back there ever again because I know what they laughed about in the break room.
Will you be able to speak to the doctor before Mr T’s surgery? I’m sure the doctor would back you up because Mr T can’t risk getting smacked in the face for a week after surgery.
I hope your son finds the right house soon, house shopping is stressful even if you are just going to flip it. He’s looking for something he’s going to live in, which is much more stressful.
I’ve become one of those old ladies who carries tissues around in my pocket. Le sigh.
Dang, I hope it is nothing. You’ve been through enough already.
Its 3.49 in town and 3.79 or 89 in Charleston. I’m tired of all this winning.
Hurray for getting it done! When we had to have a dead tree taken out, it was amazing to me how fast it all happened.
That’s for the best, no reason to spread the ick around if you don’t have to.
That’s awesome. Is she able to sleep with feline company yet?
That sounds like a really great time! I’ll bet the crowds adored you
I’ve always been happy that I was able to do that for him. He talked about it until he forgot. I think he remembered the parade longer than he remembered me, he would show people the picture but stopped pointing at his oldest daughter. Dementia took him ten years before death did.
Thanks for the Ollie update, I was just thinking about complaining about the lack thereof.
How will you possibly be able to sleep knowing that you have all of that excitement and fun awaiting you in the morning?
Dwaaaa!
Hurray for the book sales, fingers crossed for the international book club. How awesome would that be?
Your retreat sounds refreshing as long as you could actually talk. I’m all good with avoiding unnecessary small talk, but I cannot just point at things, I’ve gotta say something too.
So it was much colder today and we got half an inch of rain. We went to the Hatfield moonshine distillery and I picked out a sampler pack for TC friend and got a sangria slushy.
When we walked in, there was someone at a table with laptop and paper work. He looked very official so when Barbara loudly asked if I was going to drink my slushy here, I loudly agreed that of course I was going to drink it while shopping or out on the front porch. She never said anything about him, but he had the look of a revenuer to me.
Then we walked out and got mugged by a squirrel. Its a good thing I had some peanuts in my pocket (crows anyone?) or we wouldn’t have made it to the car. Both of their big dogs followed us out and watched the squirrel run up and down our legs, LOL!
Hubs isn’t doing well today, his gout is acting up so I’m going to take myself to the embroidery store. I don’t need to nag him about his diet, his foot does it for me.