In most cases, it also means that you aren’t on the road as many miles, so less exposure.
I went to Aldi to pick up the sour cream that I didn’t get at Kroger yesterday, messed around in the studio and took Nelson to the dog park. Such is Saturday at CasaRoja. 
Howdy Y’all! Funeralizin’ went well. OK, that’s a strange sentence, but we sent LeAnna off in a fashion she would approve of, so yay for that. Her brother (who looks like Colonel Sanders) gave a good eulogy, and my favorite Deacon gave a good rememberance of her. Fr. Jim’s homily was also touchin’. Afterwards there was a hyuuuuuuuuuuuge reception/N.O.L. with lots of nummy stuff to eat. Neither of us has wanted anything else to eat today. There was even a for real homemade ‘nanner puddin’ with a beauteous merengue toppin’. Nappage ensued almost immediately after returnin’ to da cave. Then day drinkin’.
My DAWGS whooped up on the Rocky Flops big time, to the tune of 38-10. Spoiled the Flops 14 game home winnin’ streak. WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!
Pully hooray for successful eye surgery!
MOOOOOOM sounds like you took our advice and gave your knee a rest today. Good. Also, as to firin’ folk, the key is documentation on top of documentation. Then you need some more documentation.
I know there’s other stuff I forgot, but retention is not so good right now, so yays, boos, hugs, noogies, trouts, chitlins, and how you doin’s all around, as needed.
Up from naptime, having a Vieux Carré, and watching hockey. And look, the Hall of Fame player scored when the 2 players who make each other worse are on the ice. (What’s worse than a bad employee who doesn’t get fired? A bad employee who gets paid to go away by 2 different organizations, and got traded for a bag of used, unwashed jockstraps by another still keeps getting work). : headdesk :
Best part of the day! 
Yay!
INCONCEIVABLE!
Just finished my custom eggnog. “Custom” only in the sense of just how much wretchedly excessive rum goes into it. Which varies from serving to serving.
This is true, plus the older one gets, the more risk adverse they usually become. Back when I drove in the fast lane my chances of having a very expensive accident were higher, now a low speed parking lot fender bender is much more likely.
However…our housekeeper’s DIL was leaving work late and managed to ride up on the edge of her work’s parking lot curb and roll her car. In slow motion, in front of the parking lot cameras. She almost embarrassment quit right then and there but her boss talked her out of it and promised that nobody else would see the videos.
But, that probably isn’t likely to happen to me because I don’t drive after dark anymore so can always see the curbs.
The Spousal Unit didn’t want dinner, so I had the rest of her ‘chili soup’ (a can of chili - no beans - a can of corn with liquid, and a can of diced tomatoes – Honestly, I would have preferred it without the corn and tomatoes), with feta, medium cheddar, and a sliced-up Costco giganto-dog. And wine.
I insulated the pipes under the house and did a load of laundry earlier. Now I’m running the dishwasher.
Happy Thorsday!
Life has been irritating.
Although it may just be my mood.
I told the realtor and Richard, I have hit the wall, I have lost all enthusiasm, I’ve lost my momentum, I’m tired, I’m burnt out, I’m done.
I’m tired of making decisions, phone calls, and scheduling.
I hate my job, hate it with a passion, and it’s all because of two obnoxious customers that I am just fucking tired of dealing with. They won’t talk to anybody but me because I am so nice and helpful.
I’m not nice, I’m just good at keeping my thoughts in. If I ever was honest with them, they’d probably cry.
I get a lot of calls and emails for my mother. How they got my phone number and email? Now, of all things, I am getting emails for my sister. You know I saw Not Our Red when I got an email addressed to her.
I left to pick up my son yesterday, and the back door to the garage was locked. I started to go back to the house to get the keys, and then remembered, the keys were in the truck. Fortunately, the spare remote was in the house.
I’m a little annoyed with my son over it because I asked him to help me get the keyrings together and get the correct keys on the correct rings. I need his help because I only use slit keyrings and my hands are too weak and sore to get them opened enough to slide the keys on them. I’ve used other types of keyrings and they always come open and the keys fall off.
I locked the door though, because the knob was installed wrong and when the button is vertical the door is unlocked, and horizontal is locked.
I told my son several times today that we had to stop by the old house on the way to irk to drop off a check for Richard. Then he acted like he didn’t know and we were late getting out of here. I didn’t think we could stop by the house, but he said he’d run the check inside. Richard was waiting for us. My son barely made it to irk in time, and I was driving way too fast to get him there.
Which brings me to another thing that pisses me off. What is it with people who will just step off the curb and walk out in front of you to cross the street? Last night when I was taking him to irk, we had to slam on our brakes to keep from hitting another car because some jerk stepped off the curb right into traffic. Tonight, some asshole did it to me and he turned around a laughed at all the stopped cars while doing it. Of course, if he gets hit, it won’t be his fault, it will be the fault of the driver.
Happy Saturday!
Cold morning at the park. My phone said it was 52 degrees outside, but it was cloudy, damp, and windy.
Met a new woman at the park who has a six-month-old puppy. Her puppy and the GR had a great time playing together.
She has some issues, but I think I can get along with her for short periods of time, although I learned quite quickly that one does not ask an Albanian if they are from Serbia. In my defense though, she had mentioned something about a doctor in Serbia, so I assumed that is where she is from.
I’ve been promised a history lesson, and I am looking forward to it.
The old house is finally done, except for some plumbing. It was listed last night and one person saw it today, another is scheduled for Monday, and the one scheduled for Tuesday made an appointment to see it before it was listed. We will go over tomorrow to take the trash out and finish cleaning out the freezer.
This house is still a mess, and not much is getting done at all. I’ve been sleeping a lot, and my son hasn’t been feeling well. He finally got the dining room rug put down today. He hasn’t put the table together yet though. I’m really going to have to be careful with this rug, the edges are not flat yet. I love the color though, and would love to buy more and replace all the area rugs with the same pattern.
I’m sorry about your niece, HIppie
Congrats on eye improvement Nellie and Yankers
I am so far behind on reading and have a lot of catching up to do here.
I bought a roast today and on Tuesday I’ll start it marinating for a sauerbraten. It will be an extra meat for our families Saturday dinner.
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 48 Amurrkin out and clear with a predicted high of 74 and N.O.S. for the day. The big item on today’s agenda is deheathenization wherein I have Chalice duty. This will be followed by a meetin’ of the worship committee to plan for Advent and Christmas services. Then it will be back to da cave for a sammich N.O.L., and nappage. The need to feed today will be via forage.
Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then purtification for deheathenization must commence.
Happy Sunday Y’all!
Woke to a frosty 31° - I didn’t know it was supposed to get that cold. Looking at the forecast, I guess nights in the 30s will be the rule for a while. No biggie, but it was a surprise when I let the dog out.
I have almost full range of motion in my knee, tho it’s still a bit stiff and sore, and the transition from sitting to standing or vice versa still requires that I’m supporting myself with my arms. I can walk almost normally, and while I’ll continue to take it easy, I will be working on bending and extending - don’t want things to seize up. Tomorrow will be interesting with Tobias here.
I remembered to pull the turkey out of the freezer and stick it in the fridge. Now I need to remember to write out a to-do schedule for the next few days. Some things can be made ahead, some need to be done day-of. Some things will be prepped so they can be finished day-of. And I think the only thing I need to buy is fresh broccoli, so I’ll be running to Aldi on Tuesday. I still need to confirm dinner time with Daughter.
Yesterday, I got our SiriusXM streaming sorted out, and today I need to get the smart plugs working. I bought a box of 4 - Kasa was highly recommended in a couple of articles - but they can’t see our wifi for some reason - even when plugged in 10’ from the router. I’m going to start from scratch today, but it pisses me off. My tablet sees WiFi just fine from the other end of the house, but these stupid plugs are being obstinate!!! Dammit!
Sometimes technology can be a pain in the patoot!!!
Same here, mostly. If I’m in my very familiar home territory, I’m OK, say, driving home from Daughter’s. But I’ll avoid areas that I don’t normally drive, and if it’s wet out, I won’t drive after dark at all - between the reflections and my astigmatism, it’s a really really bad idea. And fortunately, there aren’t a lot of curbs, but there are a lot of drainage ditches.
I have yet to drive the new car. I’m not going to try till my knee is back to normal. Not that it’s a huge deal - FCD likes to drive and I don’t. In a perfect world, I’d have a chauffeur to take me thither and yon. Driving was fun and exciting 50 years ago. Now it’s just an exercise in not getting run off the road by idiots who barely passed driver’s ed. [/end rant]
Higgs goes to the groomer today. Happy Sunday!
Thanks to everyone for the good wishes, re: eye repairs. I really feel good about it, and it’s even better this morning.
Reminded me of the distant past, and I found this old pic of yours truly, just a day or two past Blueberry-dom. Wife met me on my route to take the pic.
Comical note to @dogbutler : A few weeks after that photo, I was thrilled to find out I was getting a new package car! A P-800! After the first day I realized the drawbacks, and the fun of driving a “big” truck wore off quickly. For the rest of the class: a P-800 is almost half again as big as the truck in the picture. And holds more… a LOT more.
For me: Getting back to normal finally. Nausea and other anesthesia issues are subsiding, and I feel like a big breakfast this morning. Enjoying coffee and guests still sleeping quietly upstairs. I’m back to my normal schedule, which gives me a few hours before everyone wakes up, so it’s just me and my daughter’s dog for a while. He hasn’t been here in months, and we moved the dog treats to a different cabinet, but it had no effect. He zeroed in on it immediately. He frequently goes across the room, stands reverently in front of the cabinet door, and looks at me with his best “I’m starving here” gaze.
Still limited on screen time by the evil surgeon but I’ll get a few in before I have to shut down:
FCM, sorry to hear about your leg-hurt. Hope it gets better quickly (before vac).
Cookie, hope the aphasia/opt-migraine effects are temporary.
Pilot, great story about standing too close to a dermatologist. Thanks again for the cheers and encouragement – it helps a lot.
Taters… we spent last evening discussing an additional dog to the household. We may go see one today. With one kiddo here for holiday, we have enough people to help train and integrate him/her into the household. Hope your new arrivals are happy and fit in easily.
Will try to check in later – I really do have a time limit on computer/phone/reading. Ophthalmologist says smaller screens are used closer to eyes, resulting in larger back and forth movements (greater angle). So I’m limited most of the day to only the TV.
Netflix… here I come.
Hope everyone has a great day. Will check in when my timer goes off later.
It sounds like he has you trained. 
(I’m slave to a small reddish beast).
It was 32F when I took Nelson out this morning, meaning that we were both in winter gear. The little rascal wanted to stay out for a while because his poodle buddies next door were out and he (and Sully) wanted to play. I let him off leash for about 10 minutes to play tag with her before we came in.
All breakfasted and half caffeinated, so Sunday chores are next up.
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
And a good Sunday morning to all. Finishing my Cheerios and bacon and have a ship tour including brunch afterwards, then just another day of slothing. May go to the gym for a bit of exercise but not much else planned. Tomorrow will be repacking and deciding what to carry with me (they grab the bags about 6-7pm and you don’t see them until the next morning on the dock).
Glad you are both doing better, FCM and yanker.
Sari, glad the GR’s are making new friends. And yeah, Albanians and Serbs have a bit of history…blame the Ottomans…
I don’t drive all that much anyways, but I too am cautious when having to drive at night or pre-dawn.
Everyone have a good Sunday now.
Started Typing: 8:58 AM ET
Clicked Reply: 10:45 AM ET
Surprisingly, I did not wind up napping yesterday! And even though I went to bed “late” (I fell asleep around 11:30pm), I still woke up before 7am. I guess I’m well and truly caught up on my sleep these days…which tells me that I’m not going out to hear live music often enough. 
A week from today I’ll be going to a late matinee performance of Canadian Brass (which I’m really looking forward to), but there’s a stretch in December that I’ll need my current stores of sleep for: I’ll be going to 6 events in 10 days. Two are weekend matinees, but the others are weekday evening shows. The last one is a local chorale’s Messiah sing-along, on a Tuesday evening: my dad* will go with me, and we’ll grab some dinner beforehand. He lives in Baltimore (~50 miles north of me), so he’ll drive down in the late afternoon to avoid the start of rush hour.
Yesterday I ordered my next LEGO set! While looking at the web site/my account for something else, I noticed that the $$ jazz club I’ve had my eye on for a year is on back order. I’d been planning to order it sometime next month, with the idea of starting to work on it after New Year’s Day (when I’ll un-decorate, and regain the use of my kitchen table). When I saw that it was on back order, though, with an estimated delivery date of early February (!), I figured it might only get worse as people shop for holiday gifts so I went ahead and ordered it. It cost enough that they threw in a small/simple set for free ($20 value); I’ll see if one of my friends’ kids might want that.
Today’s plans are to catch up on volunteer-related emails and recordkeeping. It’s something I spend time on every weekend: I send “welcome”/“thanks for renewing your membership” emails, update our newsletter distribution list, etc. Also, we’re in the midst of a National Pan-Hellenic Council (“Divine Nine” [D9]) membership challenge and I want to send follow-up emails to all of the local D9 fraternities/sororities reminding them about the 11/30 deadline. I expect everything I need to do to take me into the early afternoon, at which time I’ll make the usual transition to the living room.
*My 75-year-old father has been a church organist since he was in high school, and still works in that capacity. He’s the reason my brother and I had piano lessons as kids. He’s never been “a singer” but he likes to sing and is a decent tenor, and before I started singing jazz I was a classically-trained soprano: we both enjoy Messiah sing-alongs, but haven’t gone to one since before the pandemic. My brother also likes to sing, and is a cantor at his church, but he’s not interested.
This, I already knew. The shop I used – and loved – for my previous car has solid BMW creds: I confirmed that before I even bought the current car, and in fact they helped give me advice when I was car-shopping (and one of the guys had the same model I wound up buying).
I’ve belonged to car-specific message boards/forums for the past 10 years (one for the previous car and one for this car), and that about sums it up. Though I’m kind of a malcontent about dealers, too. Among the inevitable “do your own maintenance!!1!” comments have been some useful recommendations for local shops: although I still feel some pull towards the shop I used to go to – it’s hard to find a trustworthy place, and even more so for women – it’s no longer convenient. A Saturday trip for an oil change would be no big deal, but if I ever need a longer appointment or to drop the car off it could be tricky (for a few reasons). One guy recommended a place that’s super close to home and sponsors the local BMW Car Club of America chapter, so I’ll give them a try. Worst case, I won’t like them and will decide that the logistical challenges with the old place are worth dealing with.
Ha! That’s awesome! 
That nametag (or one very similar) was Inigo_Montoya’s avatar for a while; when we first got them, I think. Before I changed mine to the one I have now, I looked to see how close it was to his…and found that he’d changed his entirely. I was kind of relieved, because I wasn’t happy with my previous avatar anymore but couldn’t think of anything better than a blank nametag!
That’s great!
I’ve only been on one cruise (so far), 20+ years ago, and now I’m wishing they’d offered a ship tour (or that I’d been aware of it, if they did)!
Based on what I read about your meals foraging from leftovers must be great. I have taken to making quiches that combine the chopped remains of meaty/cheesy meals and baking them in a crust.
Good morning everyone!
Although I was up early, I am late (for me) posting to the MMP because I showered as soon as I got up and then left for Safeway around 6:15 or so.
It’s 46F right now, but a bitter wind blows, making it feel colder. It’s partly cloudy, and the high will only be around 50F, with a chance for some rain after noon.
I was pleased to find that hardly anyone was at Safeway when I went and that I could find everything I needed except for Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage, which I use in my stuffing. Maybe I’ll find some at Haggen when I go to Olympia tomorrow. I was the first one at assisted checkout (I had a lot of food), and I was home and had my groceries put away by 8:15. It took me longer than normal only because I was searching for the sausage, and for specific bread crumbs, and had cheese and lunchmeat sliced at the deli counter. Plus, I’m still trying to get used to their new layout.
The turkey I bought is bigger than I would have liked, but I was having issues finding a smaller turkey. The one I bought is a little over twelve pounds.
Love the picture, yanker!
I’m glad your knee is coming around, FCM.
I don’t mind driving in the dark if there is little to no traffic. If there’s a lot of traffic and it’s raining, I’m not such a fan. When I commute to my office, it’s dark. Throw in the rain and today’s ridiculously bright headlights and I’m already annoyed. I am mostly a left-lane driver (I still feel the need for speed!). Still, when it rains, I tend to stay in the lane next to the left lane because there are some stretches on I-5 where the water really pools up over there and driving can become a bit hazardous, especially when you have a semi next to you pushing water over from the right.
sari, I’m glad the pups are making new friends. I look forward to hearing about the history lesson. Many conquerors have overrun that part of the world over the millennia.
Yesterday, I started setting up the pen for the pups, so that I could get my eyes on how it would look in the space. It’ll work, but honestly, I’ll be glad when I don’t have to contain them there anymore. I still need to pick up crates. I may do it today, and I may do it later this week.
Well, since I didn’t have coffee before I left, I’m going to get my second cup and start some of my chores. I got the lawn mowed, edged, and weed-whacked yesterday. Plus, I gathered a lot more leaves. Still more to go, but the bin is pretty full, and they’re off my lawn. The leaves will break down and become mulch anyway, and I can always gather more later.
Enjoy your day, everyone.
Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. It was 36 ferret height when I woke up, but it’s now 57. Off today. I shall clean, and watch bad handegg.
I do quite a it of driving after dark, thanks to my schedule.
dogbutler: < pulls out laser pointer >
Spot: < pupils dilate >
dogbutler: “Ha ha, look how this simple creature is easily stimulated.”
< Beer truck drives by >
dogbutler: < pupils dilate >
Doesn’t matter how big a package car you, Dispatch will cube you out.
In Eastern Europe, everything is the Ottoman’s fault. In the West, it’s a split between the Vikings and Publius Quinctilius Varus. 
Helen sunk my battleship!
I finally got the smart plugs working, so huzzah for that. Now I need to take 3 over to MIL’s and get them talking to her alexa. We dropped Higgs off at the grooomer’s, then went to walmart for warm jammies for BIL and on the way back, the groomer called, so we picked up the dog and we’re home now having lunch before dropping off the jammies at the hospital then going to MIL’s.
I’m walking almost normally, but going down slopes is a bit more painful than walking on level ground. Still, it’s coming along faster than I’d originally expected. I may try using the recumbent bike at its lowest tension to work the sore muscles - maybe tomorrow? I’m still taking it easy today and gently stretching… very gently. I’m a wuss about pain.
OK, about done with lunch, so I guess it’s time to head to MIL’s.
Mornin’ all. A bit after 11am here on a bright sunny day with a few puffies. It started out chilly, maybe 68/20 at sunrise, and is now 79/26 on the way to 82/28.
Sari: I’m not surprised you’re about at the end of your rope. You’ve done quite a lot in very trying circumstances. ISTM the rush is over, so it’s time to take care of you for awhile. The fact the old house is showing is a huge milestone of good that’s also a millstone coming off your neck.
Yanno, there is an excluded middle there where you become curt and all business. With “no” being your default answer for any special asks. Easy to say, hard to do. But maybe worth thinking about.
Swampy: sounds like you’re having a good weekend. Funerals aren’t happy occasions, but they can be fun in an odd way when folks give the right sorta send-off. Good on ya’ for your role in all that.
Yaay! Easy day today, and a slightly less-easy day tomorrow. Make haste slowly; bodies heal better better that way.
I used to create what I called a TPFP = Time-Phased Feast Plan. It included all the days-ahead stuff you mentioned. But for day-of it was basically a NASA style countdown to The Big Reveal at 4pm or whenever. Had to manage two ovens, 4 burners, hotplates, fridge space, table & sideboard setting, etc., so everything completed on time together with nothing forgotten & nothing late. E.g from 1155-1205: chop green beans. 1205-1220: arrange non-perishable finger food on serving platters. etc.
When it worked it was a thing of beauty. When it did not because something went haywire in the planning or the doing, chaos ensued.
One of my deepest pet peeves is cold feasts. And damned near everybody I know does that. By the time hot food is put into cold serving dishes and dribbled out to the table piecemeal, and every body sits, passes the serving ware around to dollop onto their cold plate, and yaks, you’re looking a plate of barely warmer than room temperature food. Which is disgusting. The hosts & hostesses spent many hours and many dollars creating a grand production that’s not quite inedible. Sigh.
I have never served a cold Feast.
When I saw the pic I thought “My, that’s a tiny vintage package car compared to today’s stretched models.”
Yaay for returning normalcy.
I’m a total heathen, but a Messiah sing-along just totally makes the Christmas season. One of the big chorale groups around here does a performance most years, but not always in sing-along style. Thanks for reminding me to check their schedule. BRB. Damn! They’re not doing it this year.
Hooray for connecting with Dad. Been 25 years now since I could last do that. Make it count while you can.
For everyone:
Here is a Christmas tradition that might be available in your local area. I always really enjoy it as did my late first wife. Her Ladyship is rather humor-challenged, so she Does Not Get It. For your listening pleasure: TUBACHRISTMAS. If there’s a performance near any of you, go; you won’t regret it.
I love it when a plan comes together like that. Life is so great when you (well me actually) start it pre-dawn. Good on ya’!
As to me:
No issues driving in the dark for me. Yet. My cataracts are making the streetlamps halo a bit, but that’s not really interfering w perception. Yet. I also don’t live rural; that might be a very different and humbling experience after dark.
Most of yesterday was slothful except for the brief groc foray I mentioned upthread. Had aging leftovers for dinner & finished the eggnog; good thing there’s more at the store! Ref FCM I was definitely moving slowly most of the day. Nothing hurt, but my everything was stiff.
Went to bed about 10pm intending to get up and go to the driving range early. I figured Sunday would be busy, so earlier is better & they open at 7am which would entail a 6-ish wakeup to get dressed and get over there on the tick. So instead of that plan I slept 9 solid hours and awoke at 7am. Must have needed it.
Got dressed anyway, zoomed off to one of the city’s golf courses net of a 7-11 stop for a McMuffin, coffee, and water. Eventually sorted out the retail & admin process there. Whacked (badly) my bucket of bright yellow balls, but I can spot glimmers of hope amidst the gloomy results of most swings. Despite my fear of the weekend crowd after a rather rainy week, there was never more than 4 of the 20 driving stations occupied during my hour-plus there. Lotta real golfing goin’ on, but not much practicing. Good to know; don’t need to be quite so aggressive about arriving first thing.
Got done & home then shortly afterwards Her Ladyship got up to start her day. Shevelment was next, then 2nd breakfast has been assimilated and I’m now casting about for what to do. A nap is not out of the question.
This evening we’re attending a restaurant dinner party for a couple from the old condo. It’s a “60/80” party: celebrating both their 80-somethingth birthdays and their 60th anniversary that all occur over about a 6-week span around now. I think she’s turning 80 & he just made 82.
They’re great fun people and most of the rest of the party-goers will also be from the condo so it’ll be a bit of a reunion for me / us. Should be fun. They’re pretty much who I want to be when I grow up.
Best of all, because they and everyone else is older (or much older) than we are, the party starts at 5:30 and won’t run too late into the night. 
amen to that … my pet-peeve is along those lines:
I even pre-heat (with boiling water) my espresso cup, as putting 50gr. hot espresso into a 200gr. cold ceramic cup leads to predictable results … results that leave me with lukewarm feelings
I even switched over to those Nespresso thermal cups (I am still pre-heating, those )
