# (Old) Gather 'round the fire in the MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [November 17, 2025, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919 "2025-11-17T12:06:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/141 "2025-11-20T03:39:23Z")
9:30pm and time for the late-night final. Garbage and recyclables are at the curb and a ham-n-cheese has been devoured so my goals mentioned in my last post have been met. Up at 6:30am today so an early bedtime may be in my near future. **VanGo** , I could answer your question by saying ‘in the last place you’ll look’, but I think **Nettie** has a firmer grasp of reality than I. Unless you are looking for it in your own tool set, in which case I stand on my comment… 😉 Hope the kids have never heard of the term ‘testing to destruction’. **Cookie** , I wonder if word got around to the powers-that-be about her in some way. Hope the successor is less of a female-dog persona. **JtC** , was not aware of what you shaded in your response, will try to remember that on the very few times I need that type of store. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Do you heat your entire house or just use a space heater in your office? The answer is yes. I keep the entire house around 68-70F but use a space heater to make my computer room nice and toasty (shutting it down when it gets too hot). So far the electric bills have not been too harsh, but we’ll see with Dec-Feb is like. Didn’t know about the coffee crisis, I don’t drink it (soda is my main caffeine fix), but hope it does get better and more sales will be found. **Lily** , was the meeting planned by the Marquis De Sade? Sounds like a good way to discourage future meetings. And that’s all from this neck of the internet. See y’all Thorsday. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/142 "2025-11-20T04:05:42Z")
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > **Lily** , was the meeting planned by the Marquis De Sade? Sounds like a good way to discourage future meetings. At least that would have been interesting. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/143 "2025-11-20T04:11:10Z")
> [@susan](#): > > The hostess was annoyed that I had a credit card, Probably because they were getting too many charge backs for crap food and service. Double check your charge for a nice big added tip. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > Didn’t know about the coffee crisis Oh, there is plenty of coffee, its just the tariffs that have made it so pricey. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > So far the electric bills have not been too harsh, but we’ll see with Dec-Feb is like. Do you not use the averaging plan most power companies offer? Or is that not a thing where you live. We have to look at the monthly usage to see what is happening with our electric use because it is the same money every month. We are looking forward to getting lower bills next year because of our new windows and insulation, but that takes a while to show up. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/144 "2025-11-20T04:12:20Z")
Up from naptime. Having meatballs with tortellini(from Aldi) with homemade sauce, and a martini. Watching late night hockey. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with playing on the easy levels, I do it on a regular basis, but some folks play for the excitement and tension. If I want stress, I play Atari 2600 Missile Command. “A strange game. The only winning move is not to play.” - WOPR, _Wargames_ > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > **doggio** , those were 52lb boxes, hope the delivery person has a strong back. He was less than overjoyed. Those people order this on a regular basis, and apparently Da Jungle has a 30lbs. limit on delivery packages, so we get the rest. > [@Chefguy](#): > > So ding dong the bitch is gone, and the crowd goes wild. Maybe Frau Blücher horse whinnies can find a job better suited to her. Like running an East German prison. > [@susan](#): > > the group leader didn’t show up. Gee, I wonder why. 🤪 ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2025, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/145 "2025-11-20T04:13:01Z")
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > **Bright Tree** , no, I have gotten much better with spiders, as long as they stay in their territory I don’t even mind them in the house, but crawling up next to me…yeah, that would not sit well. Didn’t sit well with me, either. Your reaction would be perfectly understandable! > [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > **POOF** bathroom door opens > > "Hello. Are you pooping?! Ollie does that, too. In fact, the very first time he pushed into the loo, still a puppy while I was taking care of things, he became instantly empathetic and took a dump on the bathroom floor beside me. Me: “Nnnoooooooo!!!” We have, fortunately, overcome this response. Mostly. > [@dogbutler](#): > > and my hockey friend Cathi pass away today. Hugs to you, **doggio**. I’m sorry. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > HA! He’ll just tell me that it’s not quite right and maybe I should try again. LOL, I had a feeling this would be his ploy! > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > We did complain to the judge but he acted as though his hands were tied. Weird response IMHO, but I won’t speculate further. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > When I worked for the county, I talked to judges and court clerks on a regular basis. All of them would have been hard pressed to not pee their pants laughing at such a claim, and I knew it would give you a chuckle as well. A sad chuckle, I’m afraid. These folks are far more common now than even a few years ago, due to a lack of civics education. They have no idea how their government or courts work, just make it up as they go along. Not a good way to run a society, IMHO. When we encountered such people, we’d move those folks along promptly. > [@scareyfaerie](#): > > Sorry, that’s my fault - he was expecting it to be a short case because that was the expectation around all the other cases that had jury selection in the first week. Thanks for clarifying! That was an unfortunate misunderstanding for all involved, sounds like. I’m sorry your day yesterday turned into a shit show. Your unstable student sounds scary. Wish you didn’t have to deal with such people. **swampy** , I hope you accomplished all the pre-Turkey Day shopping! I know mine is done. **FCM** , glad the fur kidz are reaching Détente. > [@rocking\_chair](#): > > your spider story was missing some flailing and eeeeeeeee sounds. **rocky** , it was. Mostly I flapped the throw the spider was climbing up and made more of a “gaahh!” noise. It had nearly summited up to my neck. I never did locate the damn thing. **cookie** , that’s a great story about your first bike. I’d say your innate character was already shining through at that young age! > [@Die\_Capacitrix](#): > > This one? [I hate when I do that in the MMP! - old - #219 by JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-when-i-do-that-in-the-mmp-old/991640/219) **dicey** , you are a treasure! How on earth did you remember about that? And it’s good the eye doc is keeping track of potential troublesome issues as you go along. A good friend of mine has full-blown glaucoma, and the only treatment so far is daily eye drops. **nut** , we are cut from the same cloth. Heat pump with wood burner to do heavy lifting when the temperatures fall or the power goes. And like you, I just enjoy watching a fire. 🙂 Good luck with getting the apple trees in! > [@Paintcharge](#): > > Same in these parts. Full cord is 4’ x 4’ x 8’, if I remember right. This is it exactly. > [@susan](#): > > Ucch. I went to a writers’ group meeting at a restaurant. The sign with its name was unilluminated in the dark. **Lily** , I hate to think we have such an awful place in our area, but I know there are a few. I’m sorry you had such an unpleasant experience! If you care to name and shame please PM. What possessed the group leader to choose it, I wonder? I hope you feel better soon! * * * My internet went down for the count last night and I learned this morning it was a pretty extensive outage. I wonder if it was related to the Cloud Flare issue yesterday. I forgot to ask my ISP when they returned my call today. In any case, it was back up again this morning and I was able to continue working. Since I now have _everything_ running on this little wire that comes into the house (phones, tee vee, internet), I feel a little panicked when the internet service goes. Might look into a solar generator just to power the phones. Not much else is happening at Casa Dimly-Lit Tree this week. Tomorrow is errands and meeting a friend for lunch in town. We’ll have a nice time. Take good care, everyone! ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2025, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/146 "2025-11-20T04:40:23Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Ollie does that, too. In fact, the very first time he pushed into the loo, still a puppy while I was taking care of things, he became instantly empathetic and took a dump on the bathroom floor beside me. Me: “Nnnoooooooo!!!” We have, fortunately, overcome this response. Mostly. At least cats will hop into their litterbox when they decide that elimination is a social event. 🙂 ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/147 "2025-11-20T05:37:14Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Is Miss Peach OK with being left alone that long? Well I come home at lunch on the long days, but it’s still tough on her. She’s mostly a good girl. Still trying to munch my socks out of the laundry, doesn;t seem to matter clean or washed. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > Hope the kids have never heard of the term ‘testing to destruction’. That’s exactly why we prototype. Try to think of every way a kid could break something, put it on the floor and be surprised. G’night, I heard the faint sounds of munching from the other room. I think it’s the frisbee, but must make sure. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/148 "2025-11-20T05:39:19Z")
Nope she had a sock. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/149 "2025-11-20T08:27:36Z")
Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to heave. > [@Paintcharge](#): > > Nope she had a sock. \< SDMB Mods dislike this \> ---
**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2025, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/150 "2025-11-20T09:12:38Z")
Morning, mumpers! It’s currently -1c/31f with a predicted high of 3c/38f and sunny. Weather app says “It’s chilly and you probably won’t be able to feel the fucking ghosts standing right behind you.” OK, didn’t realise they were even there! > [@dogbutler](#): > > A good hit of LSD will do the same thing, without the cleanup afterwards. 😉 Never tried it, does it taste as good as the banana? > [@Chefguy](#): > > So ding dong the bitch is gone, and the crowd goes wild. Too many emotional support cats in the building for her to cope with? Congrats on chasing her off so quickly! > [@susan](#): > > Still recovering from the few spoonfuls of soup I manfully choked down. That sounds like a thoroughly horrible experience, I hope you kept a note of the place so you can avoid it in future. Yesterday was not such a bad day, much better than the day before! The fallout from the student’s hissy fit have been passed on to the academics responsible for such things, us admins weren’t directly involved and my minion had done everything possible to ensure that particular student had all the necessary info. We have nothing to be concerned about there, it’s for the mucky-mucks to work out where they went wrong. I wrapped birthday gifts for my pub friend and passed them on to him last night when we went out. His birthday is Monday but I won’t see him before then, and won’t be out with them for a couple of weeks as we’re off to Scotland next week. We went to a pub with a lovely woodburner in the conservatory, kept nice and warm while we nattered away. I was home and in bed by 11pm so that was good. My 8.30am meeting this morning was cancelled as the other person involved was stuck on a train delayed by faulty signals. That meant I got to the office and had time for a leisurely breakfast and a cuppa before having to get ready to scoot out to the 9.30am thing that will take up the rest of the morning. Oh joy. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2025, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/151 "2025-11-20T10:20:09Z")
Much to my relief, the little one is mastering burying her litterbox deposits. She’s still a bit of a menace to air quality, but her new skill is helping a bit. Gotta find out why her output’s smell is nearly as large as she is. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/152 "2025-11-20T11:58:43Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. _YAWN_ ‘Tis 54 Amurrkin out and cloudy with a predicted high of 81 and mostly sunny. We shall be bears who brunch at the Asia hog trough Buffet. I think a ramble is also in store. We also need to firm up the plan for Turkey Day. Eight people will be here to feast. We prepare the main event, but others are bringin’ munchies, sides and desserts. OYKW mentioned usin’ disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. After I recovered from clutchin’ my pearls and fallin’ upon the faintin’ couch, I firmly declared that will not happen. We have fancy plates, glasses and cutlery that must be used. We will even use cloth napkins. The very idea! After all this is a special occasion and we do have a dishwasher and a washin’ machine. Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, onward into the day! Rah. Happy Thursday Y’all! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2025, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/153 "2025-11-20T12:25:12Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Do you not use the averaging plan most power companies offer? Our co-op has that option, and they give you at least 6 months before they adjust your billing. I’m not sure when we’re due again, but probably soon. Guess I should have a look. > [@Seanette](#): > > Much to my relief, the little one is mastering burying her litterbox deposits. Ziva has lived here nearly 17 years. She still doesn’t bury her deposits. Taz used to do it for her, but he’s been gone about a year, so that’s how long I’ve been dealing with it. At least the box is on the landing behind a closed door (she has a cat door) so the aroma doesn’t penetrate to the living area. Otis was supposed to go to the groomer this morning, but they had to reschedule him till Sat. **FCD** will head to the boat to check things out. I’ll go to Food Lion after I’m showered and dressed and I hope to time it so I can get to Aldi - they don’t open till 9. Second coat of Cetol will go on after lunch. So exciting day ahead for me. I should probably make a list for Thanksgiving dinner so I don’t have last-second panic and so I know what needs to be cooked when. I just pulled the first turkey out of the fridge. It’s been there for a week and 2 days - it’s still partly frozen! So I put it in a big bowl of water (it’s still wrapped) and when I get back from erranding, I’ll unwrap it, and prep it for the smoker (tomorrow.) The other bird just went into the fridge, but it’ll go into its bath on Tuesday. The ribs are thawed - they’ll go in the smoker Tues or Weds. But first, I’ll finish my morning intrarwebz read, then get ready to grocery shop. Happy Thursday!! ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/154 "2025-11-20T13:07:55Z")
One more agreement of the face cord: I buy a face cord of 16" hickory splits about once a year to feed my offset smoker ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2025, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/155 "2025-11-20T13:16:15Z")
I once heard of a car with a vanity license plate that said “4X4X8.” It was, of course, on a Honda Accord. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/156 "2025-11-20T13:38:18Z")
> [@scareyfaerie](#): > > Too many emotional support cats in the building for her to cope with? Congrats on chasing her off so quickly! I have no idea what the reason is. It seems like it’s too soon after the pet edict came out for Chicago management to have gotten involved. Perhaps the staff was complaining to them about all the crap she was laying on them. We’ll likely never know. It seemed like she was doing the usual “nesting” of a new manager. There are a ton of plants in her office, etc. But she was basically inaccessible, unlike her predecessor, and I’m pretty sure she was laying off her responsibilities onto junior staff. The one woman I talk to most said she was putting in 60 hours a week since the person’s arrival. Anyway, the mood seems lighter already. The wife has vetoed driving over the boarder for T-day with my kids, so we’ll be doing our own dinner. My daughter says she’ll come to be with us, as their celebration will be on Saturday. Lots of work ahead, but I picked up the essentials for gravy and stuffing, etc., yesterday. Sadie had a rare barf event yesterday. On the carpet, of course. The oxi cleaner I bought seems to work really well on that sort of stain. Poor thing was cowering under a table afterward. I wonder if she was punished for it in her past. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/157 "2025-11-20T14:11:22Z")
Good morning, everyone. I woke up to the sound of rain earlier this morning; however, it’s now 44°F and appears to have stopped for now. The forecast calls for a mixture of clouds and sun, and a daytime high of 55°F. **Cookie** , yay for the departure of the awful person. I hope little Sadie is feeling better today. **Lily** , that place sounds awful! I would have left, too. I keep my house between 68 and 70 degrees. I prefer it cooler. I know my provider used to offer the average thing, but I’ve never taken advantage of it. My furnace is on; however, I received my first bill since turning it on, and it’s over 200 bucks for the month. In the summer, I average around 100 dollars a month, but the bill definitely climbs when I use the gas fireplace and turn on the heat. By January, the bill will be much higher. The pups have their vet appointment this afternoon. I would much rather have a first thing in the morning appointment when no one is there, but, alas, their appointments are at 2:00 and 2:30. I never did make it to the sto’ yesterday, so I’ll need to get something today, for sure. My husband wasn’t doing well yesterday, so I hope he’s doing much better today, because I need help wrangling the pups at the vet’s office. I heard from T, my former co-worker and friend, yesterday. The return to work has been bumpy, as predicted. She was grateful for all the stuff I’d left behind, detailing how to handle things that fell in my lane, because, of course, no one has replaced me or my MPAs. I’m doing the usual internal holiday debate. Should I put up Christmas decor? If my son weren’t around, I wouldn’t bother. I only put them up because he spends Christmas with us. It’s the same every year; I put it up alone, and take it down alone, and I’m kind of over it. I used to love it, and I always enjoy it once the tree is up and the village is lit, but it’s all a PITA. I’m sure they’ll go up again with much internal grumbling from me. Well, I need some more coffee. After that, I suppose I’ll shower and head to the store. You all take care. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2025, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/158 "2025-11-20T14:14:00Z")
it has been my experience that a fast dismissal is usually money related. my bet is on misuse of funds. after a lovely people free night of reading, 2 meetings tonight at the condo. i hope i can get book 2 in tonight. i want to start book 3 on shred day. i guess i could push book 3 to saturday… it just would work better on shred day. i have 6+ boxes of shredding lined up. ---
**Author:** ![Bob\_Blaylock](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_blaylock/32/3235_2.png) [@Bob\_Blaylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Blaylock)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2025, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/159 "2025-11-20T14:35:18Z")
> [@Paintcharge](#): > > Were [sic] can I find a 15mm drill bit?   Try looking for a 19⁄32-inch drill bit. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2025, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919/160 "2025-11-20T14:59:37Z")
> [@Taters](#): > > I would much rather have a first thing in the morning appointment when no one is there, but, alas, their appointments are at 2:00 and 2:30. Plus first thing in the morning, it’s less likely that they’ll be running late because of other appointments going long. Hope you get in close to the right time. > [@Taters](#): > > I’m doing the usual internal holiday debate. Should I put up Christmas decor? Since we do the Eve at Daughter’s and the Day at my brother’s, I don’t bother decorating at all - haven’t for more years than I can remember. I gave away all my assorted decorations. Honestly, it’s just not worth the hassle to me. I’ve become an old humbug in my old age. Back from grocerying. I spent less than $100 all told, so I count that as a success. All I’ll need next week is fresh broccoli. I’m pretty sure everything else is covered. I even picked up a box of brownie mix for those who don’t want pumpkin pie. I’ll get some M&Ms to go on them, just for fancy. Time to get on my list, I guess. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gather-round-the-fire-in-the-mmp/1024919.md?page=9)