# (Old) Friends, Romans, Penitents, Lent me your ear: An Ash Wednesday MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [February 16, 2026, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707 "2026-02-16T11:18:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![missred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/missred/32/14096_2.png) [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/121 "2026-02-19T14:28:56Z")
> [@scareyfaerie](#): > > from the nice Indian food truck in town It just struck me as odd that y’all use _truck_ when coupled with _food_ but _lorry_ otherwise. Either way, I hope that you get a yummy lunch. > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > Otis crashed hard last night - frolicking with Dolly wore him out. I wish he had dog buddies living closer to us - the workout is good for him and for us. I always knew that it was a good day at the dog park when Nelson would fall asleep before we got to the traffic light down the street. Up, caffeinating, breakfasted and fixing to do KP and get sheveled before Sis gets here. Stay safe and healthy y’all! ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/122 "2026-02-19T14:37:38Z")
Morning all. An uninterrupted night of slumber, a Big Bowl O’Cheerios and a apple to start the day, and 62F heading to 72F makes for a happy rat. Need to finish up the Firday shopping list and stop by the bank, but otherwise sloth and internettin’ will occupy the bulk of my day. **Coppertone** , hope the eye appointment works out well. **JtC** , glad the heat pump is pumping heat again… And good on Hubs, you are both a credit to the genus and species. **VanGo** , hope zoomie dog finally settled down. > [@scareyfaerie](#): > > Sounds very uncomfortable though, > [@Taters](#): > > **Metal Mouse** , I’m glad to read you got the ear thing sorted, but wow, that must have been painful. Oh, it was, it was, but I’m using the drops they prescribed and have the earbud in now with no problems, but you can bet I’ll be very careful getting it out of my ear in the future! **boo fae** , sometimes I wish my car place and other necessities were within walking distance (the nearest business to me-gas station and convenience shop–is over a mile’s walk). Still, most everything I need is less than 5 miles away so I’m better off than many American suburbanites. **FCM** , take care and don’t try to take that table all in one go. And that’s all, folks (at least for the morning). Have a good Thorsday. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/123 "2026-02-19T14:47:47Z")
Good morning. It was drizzling this morning, so no walkies. When I went upstairs a few minutes ago to get my puppy-dog fix, Chloé was giving me the side-eye. I think she was looking forward to walkies this morning. No grocery run last night. We did the more gentle flow yoga class instead. Between Pancake Supper on Tuesday, and a Band concert tonight, we had to get our yoga fix somehow. We then went and got chicken fingers. Carlos in the kitchen was generous with the fingers and fries. Either that, or he has the Arthurian problem of confusing his threes and fives. Either way, I have lunch sorted today. The Noise is bothersome today, hopefully I can get some work done. I also talked with my sister last night and filled her in on my situation. After an initial surprised, “Oh!” she then said “What can I do to support you,” which (I hadn’t realized) I really needed to hear. Contrary to what I would have thought forty years ago, I think I have the best sister. > [@dogbutler](#): > > > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > > > Had to google him - the name meant nothing. > > It’s a Raleigh thing. Raleigh / Nashville > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Will hot chocolate help? Or a cup of warm broth? I fill my coffee cup with hot water. I like a warm beverage in the morning and afternoon. ---
**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 19, 2026, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/124 "2026-02-19T14:53:17Z")
> [@Maus\_Magill](#): > > I fill my coffee cup with hot water. I like a warm beverage in the morning and afternoon. Just hot water? Try adding some apple cider vinegar. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/125 "2026-02-19T14:54:27Z")
> [@dogbutler](#): > > So who’s flogging themselves for 40 days? I My yearly fast is desert/treat food of every kind: cake, pies, ice cream, pastries, etc. I don’t eat that much of that stuff in the first place, so it’s not something I can really describe as some kind of true sacrifice. In truth, it’s kind of a wimpy gesture. Now, if I gave up beverages at my favorite watering holes for the entire 40 days, that might actually impress God. 🤣 ---
**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 19, 2026, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/126 "2026-02-19T15:10:14Z")
> [@Taters](#): > > **FCM** , may I suggest another dog as a playmate for Otis? 😉 I’m giving you _The Look_😤 I know a second dog would be good for him, but I didn’t want one dog in the first place… > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > sometimes I wish my car place and other necessities were within walking distance (the nearest business to me-gas station and convenience shop–is over a mile’s walk). We have a bar and grill and two spa/salons within about 1/4 mile, and a WaWa and Dollar General 3 miles away. Our car guy is 5 miles away and real shopping and restaurants are 7 or more miles away. But, yanno, boonies. **FCD** and Otis made a run to the marina because, well, boat. I picked up much Otis detritus from the back yard and noticed that he’d chewed on the baby swing on the swing set - fortunately we no longer need it. Then I walked the path thru the woods trying to figure out why Otis keeps going back there - if there’s a carcass, it’s not easily visible from the path and I wasn’t about to explore beyond the path. I did notice, tho, the a section of fence was leaning - likely because of deer leaping out of the yard. I righted it the best I could but we need to put in a couple-three more supports. Then I hooked up the cart to the tractor/mower and drove it down by the basement door. I also started the pellet stove in the shop to take the chill out of there. Go me!! **FCD** and Otis are now on their way home, so I’m taking a breather till I need to get back to work. ---
**Author:** ![Taters](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/taters/32/2845_2.png) [@Taters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taters)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/127 "2026-02-19T15:21:31Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I’m giving you _The Look_ 😤 😆 I expected no less. Two dogs _are_ a lot of work, especially when they’re large. The cost factor is not insignificant either. I have done the two-dog thing for years, so I’m used to it. When these two are gone, I think we’ll be done. Maybe a small dog, but no big dogs anymore. I love these pups to death, but I feel tied down in many ways because I can’t just up and go somewhere overnight, or even longer, without finding a kennel or a sitter. The kennel stresses them out (too barky). But they bring a lot of love and joy to the house, and they spend a good amount of time playing together, which is nice. ---
**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 19, 2026, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/128 "2026-02-19T16:56:50Z")
> [@swampbear](#): > > **Cookie** I am not a fan of Greek food. I do, however, like baklava a lot. I make that from time to time, but it’s a bit of a PITA (hah! see what I did there?). We ended up with about 3" or so yesterday, and with a layer of ice underneath it must have been hell for people trying to get home. What’s on the ground will likely stick around for the next 4-5 days as we stay in the 20s. Egg sandwiches this morning and leftovers for dinner. The Greek food yesterday wasn’t bad and it came with two huge salads. Nothing on the agenda today other than housekeeping staff will show up soon to do her thing. ---
**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 19, 2026, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/129 "2026-02-19T17:15:17Z")
TVCTPMO went to 11 today. First, it was an 800 piece set, with 30min less than yesterday. Then they realized they had too small of a package car for the HUDG car. So I had to pull the stuff I had loaded out. Then not load that load for 20min, waiting for someone to move the car. But to pull that one out, the driver had to move my middle package car to the other side. So now I can’t load two of my cars, the two cars that have 600 of my 800 pieces for 30min. So that bricked things up. This was in addition to the everyday problem that when the cages come to where I need to start pulling the packages out, the cage floor is at nose level. Did I mention that the one HUDG bulk load was 68 packages, and 50 of them were 50lbs? As Og is my witness, this company would run better if we sacked all the supervisors and Carol and the Board, and replaced them with anacephalic marmosets. I guess this is the Lords’ plan for me for Lent. I did my Senior Day shopping after this debacle, played with Spot till he was overstimulated and bite-y, and now it’s naptime. I like Greek food. And Greek beer. > [@Taters](#): > > We still haven’t heard from the schedulers about Mr. Taters’ surgery. The notes said they’d call within four weeks, though. It seems like they’re waiting until the last minute. That does seem like it’s pushing it. > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I’m giving you _The Look_ 😤 > > I know a second dog would be good for him, but I didn’t want one dog in the first place… You need Trevor over more often. But then you’d need a rage room for them to play in. ---
**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:** [February 19, 2026, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/130 "2026-02-19T17:27:20Z")
> [@scareyfaerie](#): > > You’re both still on the Good List! You are so sweet! If we had lots of money, we could do big things but sadly all the money belongs to billionaires who don’t like to share with the unworthy. > [@scareyfaerie](#): > > Yesterday turned into a more productive day than I’d expected, which was good. You pack more into one day than I usually pack into a week! It does sound like fun, though 🙂 > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > Anyway, today I saw one for learning embroidery stitches. I’ve seen that sort of thing advertised as well and agree that it is a very clever product and one that could be a lot of fun for some folks. I use a lot of the stitches I’ve seen featured and think that a beginner might have problems with some of it, but I’m having problems with my current project. That just comes with the thread. Good luck with the table! > [@rocking\_chair](#): > > jtc, at home i am 10 stories up, at the office 29 stories up. Do you ever look out and remember Stephen Kings “The Mist”? The fog here sure does at times. Especially when that in-heat vixon starts screaming. > [@Taters](#): > > He did receive his eye drops for post surgery a few days ago. That says that things are moving along according to the eye surgeon’s schedule. I didn’t have to mess with drops, my guy gave me shots in my eyeballs. It is a very good thing that I was on heavy drugs and strapped down when that happened! > [@Maus\_Magill](#): > > I like a warm beverage in the morning and afternoon. Warm water wouldn’t do it for me, I’d need to add something for flavor, but if it works for you that’s all that matters. I’ll do my tolerance breaks in the spring, its easier for me if I have gardening to distract me and tire me out. Giving weed up really messes with my sleep. > [@dogbutler](#): > > played with Spot till he was overstimulated and bite-y, Hubs doesn’t seem to understand Jolene’s tells when she’s getting overstimulated, so he keeps getting bit. She doesn’t bite hard, but he’s got that paper skin thing going so it gets messy. Speaking of Hubs, we got some very disappointing news today. Despite everything we’ve done with his diet, it isn’t enough. His uric acid levels are just as high now as they were before we changed his diet so much. (no bacon, no red meat, no seafood, lots of vegetables) I know that there are maintenance drugs for gout, but he’s going to have to find the right dosage which might mean a few more flare-ups before everything is figured out. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/131 "2026-02-19T17:52:26Z")
I’m sorry Hubs’s diligence isn’t paying off. That’s disappointing. Wind chill is 10F here, so we’ll dance rather than go for a walk. A few of my labs were slightly high–AST, cholesterol/triglycerides. Fasting glucose was fine but A1c is up a little. My diet and exercise are exactly the same as they were all fall (yeah, including the holidays). The difference is the medical procedure and whatever anesthesia and other meds they gave me. I got a biiiiiig veg tray at Costco to increase plant consumption. I can’t really eat less overall because Mounjaro kills my appetite, so I already eat a minimum. I’m trying to add more good stuff and hydrate more. I do have a 12-day retreat coming up, with vegetarian meals (again, not that I’m eating much meat or eggs or dairy…). ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/132 "2026-02-19T18:05:05Z")
[![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0W8C6R2waA2l2dxaXSJoxuU_EAqW3rsLlUWBAA7girqi1-Mx4VWUy-ghZpBM9wVrlHNOPdHXzsQ4vfhPU4dWCqqspWtrvDw4hRw1Bj_UK0pRYLDR9jID3P3ftx-P4r8RNANYnJwIBnD1KWfAt0PYyjfOybsBi5-vOlHkhcFH35QzJev85dO3b56JmRQ/s4000/1000017026.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0W8C6R2waA2l2dxaXSJoxuU_EAqW3rsLlUWBAA7girqi1-Mx4VWUy-ghZpBM9wVrlHNOPdHXzsQ4vfhPU4dWCqqspWtrvDw4hRw1Bj_UK0pRYLDR9jID3P3ftx-P4r8RNANYnJwIBnD1KWfAt0PYyjfOybsBi5-vOlHkhcFH35QzJev85dO3b56JmRQ/s4000/1000017026.jpg) ---
**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:** [February 19, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/133 "2026-02-19T18:19:25Z")
it looks like someone fell asleep in the middle of giving a back massage… ---
**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 19, 2026, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/134 "2026-02-19T18:58:19Z")
Table move was easier than I expected. Now I need to rearrange the kids’ toys in the basement. Maybe tomorrow when I’m doing laundry. Chicken teriyaki and sides for supper. Chillage till then. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/135 "2026-02-19T19:43:56Z")
Well, at the gym and discovered one thing about semi-electric cars; sometimes they are so quiet that you think the engine is off… but it’s not.😱 Fortunately my cellphone has a Bluetooth connection with the car and told me about it… after I had worked out for 50 minutes. Brains is not in peak condition today. Resting now and will move some weights and then sweat some more. ---
**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 19, 2026, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/136 "2026-02-19T23:55:12Z")
Howdy Y’all! We have really enjoyed the day of RDOS sloth and hermitin’. A cloudy but warm day, so we quaffed beerverages out by the cee-mint pond. Tree orgy season is upon us as evidenced by a thin yellow layer on chairs that we had to wipe down before we could sit. Sup got et. Even that was somewhat slothful to prepare. It was so nice not to people today. ---
**Author:** ![missred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/missred/32/14096_2.png) [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/137 "2026-02-20T00:14:38Z")
> [@Maus\_Magill](#): > > Chloé was giving me the side-eye. I think she was looking forward to walkies this morning. Would she tolerate a [raincoat](https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/505469712_10234488412006393_4970140865467752408_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=13d280&_nc_ohc=UBZnyXRYfLUQ7kNvwG3Sg8d&_nc_oc=Adm-GJUR1TICWPGMFrMUtHBLAFewMcCwidRgqJ1lDRtNQ1ULnsDF-66wS7SZ92WvdFLS3nvRBI7QBfxfb06qKSqW&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&_nc_gid=860Lkwu0leYHLpB20Yhd7Q&oh=00_Afut9BvdDfngPumFVCae7YBKPbclbPF9Ig7Ar3j5DVJZdQ&oe=699D7765)? When it’s raining, I pull on a rain poncho and suit Nelson up. > [@Taters](#): > > When these two are gone, I think we’ll be done. Maybe a small dog, but no big dogs anymore My cousin who is in her sixties and has mastiffs said much the same thing. She said that her next dog would likely be about the size of a small schnauzer. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > You are so sweet! If we had lots of money, we could do big things but sadly all the money belongs to billionaires who don’t like to share with the unworthy. More like they have no clue what it’s like to live without basic necessities. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > > > Anyway, today I saw one for learning embroidery stitches. > > I’ve seen that sort of thing advertised as well and agree that it is a very clever product and one that could be a lot of fun for some folks. I use a lot of the stitches I’ve seen featured and think that a beginner might have problems with some of it, but I’m having problems with my current project. That just comes with the thread. Sis has a denim jacket that’s a work in progress of an embroidery sampler. She tends to go with things that have significance in her life. I cut her a template for a DNA strand and a couple of more science-y things (she’s a retired elementary science lab teacher), there are other things on it that have much personal significance. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > I know that there are maintenance drugs for gout, but he’s going to have to find the right dosage which might mean a few more flare-ups before everything is figured out. I’m on one maintenance med and one for flareups. They are doing their jobs, since I rarely have to use the flare up one (I actually have discarded out of date prescriptions). > [@swampbear](#): > > Tree orgy season is upon us as evidenced by a thin yellow layer on chairs that we had to wipe down before we could sit. Yeah, cedar is making me miserable right now. I’m not used to getting the tree pollen thing until later. Went to Giant Dollar for a few things, then (don’t be jealous, **swampy** ) Hartz Chicken for lunch (I had a gnawin’ and a cravin’ for chicken and Sis had the same for fish), picked up some dog food and treats at Aldi (they have a line that has pretty much the same nutrition as what I’d been paying three times the price for), then sent Sis to the main grocery store with the list. “Twas a productive day. ---
**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:** [February 20, 2026, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/138 "2026-02-20T01:59:47Z")
> [@susan](#): > > I’m sorry Hubs’s diligence isn’t paying off. That’s disappointing. For both of us. I am getting so very bored cooking the same things over and over, day after day. Dang about your blood work as well. This getting old stuff can be so complicated at times. Pics of cuddling cats always makes me feel better, thank you. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > sometimes they are so quiet that you think the engine is off… but it’s not.😱 Thank goodness your brand new car was still there when you got it figured out. Can you do something with your settings to make it so you get alerted after 5 minutes or something? > [@missred](#): > > Sis has a denim jacket that’s a work in progress of an embroidery sampler. That sounds lovely. There is a lady in my stitching group who is doing a daily journal with embroidery stitches. Rain, snow, personal things, etc. I’m always so jealous of creative people, if I was doing something like that, it would be cat, cat, rain, cat, snow, cat, cat, bird… > [@missred](#): > > I’m on one maintenance med and one for flareups. I wasn’t aware that you were also suffering from it, your diet sounds much more interesting than “baked chicken breasts, hot veggie, cold veggie, fruit” every day. Its good to know that the maintenance meds work well, I need him to be able to walk. The trash doesn’t go out itself yanno. Not much happening here, I woke up able to count to six again so stitching got done. We had a magnificent storm in the afternoon, thunder and lightning and pounding rain and hail and big hail that clumped together into fist sized wads before hitting the ground and splashing apart. While I loved it, I suddenly found myself in tears because I still miss Steve (the best cat in the world) so much. He was terrified of loud storms and as soon as the thunder started rumbling in the distance, he would run to me for comfort. Thanks to the mumpmind, I have found the county Dad was born in. My question now is do I use the name of the town in 1933 or the name of the larger town that took the little town over instead? It looks to me like the annexation happened in the mid-60’s which means the old name has probably been long forgotten. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/139 "2026-02-20T02:01:46Z")
Evening all. Trash and Recyclables remain at the curb, Monday was a holiday so they’ll probably get picked up tomorrow. Have had my Wendy’s Cheeseburger (Kroger had Wendy’s patties for sale so I tried them, they are…ok.) and will get something more in a little bit as I worked off more calories (1600) than I had consumed today up until then (1350, and yes, I am a bit obsessive about keeping those numbers) so I can splurge a little tonight. Still 71F at 7:30pm but a good chance of rain tonight will get us back into the 60’s. Firday shopping list is complete, albeit I’ll probably end up with stuff not on the list. Mail was mostly requests for donations for one cause or another; I think next week I will note the daily deluge of requests and add them up at the end of the week, just to see how much I am helping the post office stay busy. And time to see how everyone’s doing; merrily I scroll along… **Maus** , glad your sister was supportive. **FCM** , glad that the table wasn’t quite the obstacle you feared. **doggio** > [@dogbutler](#): > > As Og is my witness, this company would run better if we sacked all the supervisors and Carol and the Board, and replaced them with anacephalic marmosets. That may be one of the greatest boss-slams I have ever read; much thanks for the big smile on my face. **JtC** , hope the medication will help Hubs gout. Too bad the diet didn’t help. **Lily** , hope the dietary changes help. And lovely picture of the felines. And having a couple suger-free pudding cups (I think **shoe** clued me in on them and now I have a couple almost every evening) and there are 6 You Tubes queued up on my system, so onto watching and scooping. Take care all. ---
**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 20, 2026, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707/140 "2026-02-20T02:12:04Z")
Thursday Date Night. We went to Paso del Norte, and I had my typical shredded beef taco salad… with some grilled/fried jalapeños. The side-order says two peppers (for $1.50). I got three. Anyway, I chopped two of them up an put them into the salad, and ended up eating the third one out-of-hand. We each had two grande Cadillac margaritas. The speed limit on the road home is 35 mph. Some dude in a Ford SUV was riding my six and honking, even though I was indicating 50. After he angrily passed, I noticed my readout was in KPH, not MPH. Mrs. L.A. had asked about the temperature on the way to the restaurant, and I pushed some buttons. I didn’t notice I landed on km/h. My bad, but the guy should have just passed instead of leaning on his horn. Started a fire. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-friends-romans-penitents-lent-me-your-ear-an-ash-wednesday-mmp/1027707.md?page=8)