That one only lasted 150 years because the internet wasn’t around back then.
Why he put the sign in our driveway? I don’t know. Maybe he’d been sitting there.
Maybe it’s flak to drive off the flies?
I probably inspected the electrical harness on it.
It is in middle Tennessee too. I think I brought them in with some peaches and a cantaloupe.
(((shoe)))
My alarm woke us at 7 so I could take my meds. It also coincided with the ship passing the North Cape (which is our excursion this afternoon.) It was kinda cool seeing the globe - not sure if any of my pics will be any good.
Today, we stop in Honningsvag, the northernmost city in the world. Last year, it was Ushuaia, the southernmost city. So we’ve got the extremes covered. 
We board the bus around 1230 and it’s a 45 minute drive to North Cape. We’ll oooh and aaaah for a bit, buy some souvenirs, then take the bus back to the ship. Depending on how FCD feels, we may or may not stroll around town. Even with his cane, walking any amount of time is a challenge for him. So we’ll see.
Based on what the cooks did for Canada Day, I expect there will be a red-white-and-blue cake on the dessert bar today. I did see that one menu item will be corn dogs. ick. Luckily, there will be real food options.
We did go to the magician’s show last night, and the best part was that he chose 3 different women to assist with three different tricks, and all three were named Linda. FCD said he was going to volunteer for the next one (he never got the chance) and say his name was Linda, too! 
The show was OK, but it felt too stuck in the 50s or 60s. Eh, it killed 45 minutes…
And so my day begins. It’s 8AM here, so 2AM at the homestead. Daughter et al are going to my mom’s for her annual 4th doings. I’m going to try to connect with her for a video call with the kids - we’ll see. That’s pretty much our agenda today.
Happy Firday and Happy 4th to all!!
Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 18c/64f with a predicted high of 23c/73f and mostly cloudy. Weather app days “Yet another fucking shitty day.” I disagree, I am not at irk today and I have plans!
Congratulations! I don’t think there’s an initiation, that would involve, well, y’know, doing things
Half the cross-city line was fixed yesterday but the north section was still out of action. It did make the commute a bit more comfortable as the campus train only went as far as Big City Station so it was pretty empty instead of stuffed full of screeching schoolies.
You can do it, you’ve already psyched yourself up for it, and once it’s over you can go back to looking after yourself again
That’s the passive-aggressive route 
Very good news, and that will make mumperland happy! Must be a big relief to you too, I hope Bailey’s appetite continues to improve
{{{{{JtC}}}}}
VanGo take care of yourself! Your future pupper needs you!
Yesterday’s commute home was much better than Wednesday’s attempt so I was back home in good time. Didn’t have much to do apart from feed the cats, tend to litter trays and get myself some dinner while I was waiting for 'im indoors to tell me when his train was due in so I could fetch him from the station.
Today I was up at my usual time, cats are fed and watered, litter trays are clean, I’ve put some dye on my hair as the colour was fading a bit, and my next job is to gather stuff together for the weekend. We are going up north to Oldham for SOS Festival so we’ll be there from today until Monday when we’re heading home again. The cats will be looked after by two lovely ladies from Kitty Angels and hopefully Muffin will allow them to give her a few seconds of fuss while they’re here.
There are 28 bands playing over the weekend so I’ll need to go and decide which t-shirts I need to take! I already have Friday and Sunday worked out, just need a random choice for Saturday. Then I have to get 'im indoors organised because he faffs about so much whenever we’re going away.
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 74 Amurrkin out and mostly clear with a predicted high of 92 and mostly sunny. Good quality cee-mint pond time weather! Folks should show up around tenish to hang. I figure we’ll feast around twoish and hopefully everyone will be gone around fourish. The ribs and chikin will warm up in the big slow cooker. Also need to cook the baked beans and toast up the garlic bread. Both are relatively easy to deal with.
Dicey I am not ignorin’ you. I’ll post the pie recipe soon, I promise.
VanGo take care of yourself!
Shoe that goes for you too!
red a fun RDOS thing is to get in your vehicle and drive really slow in mornin’ rush hour traffic. Be sure to hesitate at all traffic lights for added effect.
Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, onward into the day! Rah.
Happy Firday Y’all! Happy Independence Day to all the Amurrkin Mumpers!
Mornin’ all - around 0700 on a yet another light gray day as I start to drivel. Otherwise warm & cozy outside. This weather is poised to start clearing out around Sunday. We’ll still have our rain, it being rainy season, but not the unrelenting grays w peeking suns.
No booms here. No skyrocket sightings either. Which surprises me; FL certainly has its share of irresponsible yahoos. There will be a hefty pro show tonight right outside my balcony, and at least 2 others visible up & down the beach. So for sure I’m going to get my dose of booms tonight around 9 or 930. Not having frightened children or pets to deal with sure makes it all easier.
Today’s plan is … RDOS. Probably followed by attending the building’s snacks & drinks party at the pool around 6pm.
VanGo: I have a friend about like you. An avid golfer who now finds his everything hurts too much when he plays very much. And trying to swing with a sore whatever just fouls everything up. Ouch! As frustrating as it is, waiting until all the whatevers don’t hurt is about the only cure.
I know my shoulder is still fouled up from the Chaise Lounge Incident. Not a problem for daily life, but any significant stretching or yanking and it reminds me. Golf is off my list for now. Not that I was in huge danger of going back to it. The “Idonwanna” about anything smacking of organized planned activity is strong in this one.
{{shoe}}: Wish there was a way for me / us to fix all that afflicts you.
Cheers all! Happy Friday to those who celebrate. 
Mine is double sauce, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion and black olives, with a sprinkle of Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Also, a bottle of Modelo Negra on the side.
If you missed it, I started a thread about the predicted natural disaster scheduled to destroy a lot of Japan in just a litte more than eight hours from now.
Of course, I don’t believe in this nonsense, but if this is my last post ever, you’ll know that. . . . well, I’m sure you’ll know something.
I’m getting overwhelmed. SenWife is gone a lot, my kids are teens and I teach adolescents.
On the fun side, my wife and I bought old house that had been empty for seven years. Dirt cheap, but remodeling isn’t cheap, so we’ll see.
We are in the fun stage, with the dreams but not the reality yet, but that will change soon. We’re talking to the consulatant again next week.
The house is really old for Japan, although it wouldn’t be that old in the States. It’s going to take a lot of work. I’ll write more as I can.
Greetings from North Cape via free wifi! We saw reindeer on the way and I dropped my ship card, dammit. But a nice couple saw a man pick it up and they got it back to me. Yay for nice cruisers!
Time to return to the bus…
Howdy Y’all! Poppin’ in to post the lemon icebox pie recipe I promised to Dicey. This is a slacker version cause, well, I am a RDOS that specializes in slack. Plus it’s good!
Lemon Icebox Pie
Prep: 10 minutes, unless you’re me, then it’s more like 20.
1-6 ounce (or whatever the equivalent is) can of frozen lemonade. Frozen limeade also works, but then it becomes lime icebox pie. Thaw it first, but already knew that, right?
1-8ounce container of Cool Whip. You can also whip up fresh whippin’ cream, but this is a slacker pie, remember.
1 can condensed milk. The smaller can. I think it’s like 6 or eight ounces. Just don’t use the bigger one or you’ll have a bowl of lemon glop.
1 graham cracker crust. I use the sto’ bought one cause slacker, but if you want to crush graham crackers and mix in melted butter and make your own, then, you do you!
Combine all three ingredients (use a wire whisk if you want, but I prefer to use my blender cause remember I am a slacker RDOS and can’t be bothered with all that effort.)
Glop it all into the pie crust. Smooth it out, but again you already knew that, right?
Chill it for a couple of hours. This means put it in the fridge, not hang out with it whilst sippin’ cocktails. However, if you sip cocktails while the pie is in the fridge, I won’t judge. ETA: you can pop it in the freezer for about an hour. It gets firmer that way. Don’t sip too many cocktails and forget about it. Maybe set a timer.
Glop more cool whip or whipped cream on top when you serve if that’s your thing.
There are versions with a cooked fillin’ and a meringue toppin’. If you want that, then google is your friend.
There you have it. Enjoy!
The wife’s niece and grand-niece ended up cancelling out yesterday, but are coming over around mid-morning today. We haven’t seen the grand since 2009. She’s now a practicing doctor.
Too hot today for any outside activities.
It’s heading for 0800, so I’ll be getting breakfast underway. Have a good day, all.
Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off today. I need to rewire the entertainment center today. Looks like the old Blu-Ray player wasn’t dead, it just had been plugged into the old soundbar to network to the TV. But it still begs the question of why the current soundbar is asking questions in French on a light blue background. Did I buy a used one from Mortica Addams or something? Also laundry must occur.
It’s just redneck Beef Wellington.
Wear 'em in layers, and peel them off as you change bands.
Good choice.
Can you give me some Powerball numbers? I’ll play them if you start pinin’ for the fjords later.
16 years and still hasn’t got it right? 
But yay grandkids.
Mornin’ everyone.
It’s 58°F and mostly sunny outside. Partly cloudy skies will give way to mostly cloudy skies this afternoon, with a high temperature of around 78°F expected. I’m grateful it won’t be extremely hot, so we can close the windows tonight to reduce the noise a bit for Maisie. I’ll give her tranqs later this afternoon.
There were multiple big booms yesterday afternoon and last night. I’ll be glad when this crap is done.
Shoe, sending you hugs.
VanGo, take care of yourself.
JtC, I’m also sending you hugs.
Red, welcome to the RDOS Club. I am actually in sort of limbo land. Technically, I’m on leave, but I’m unable to access any documents that indicate I’m an active employee, other than my leave and earnings statements. However, I also can’t access a retirement account, as that has not yet been done either. Very frustrating. However, the checks keep rolling in, so I guess I should be grateful for that.
The roof will be…expensive and definitely more than I expected. However, we’re upgrading the gutters so we can get the type that are covered. This is important because mine constantly fill up with fir tree needles and pollen cones (little brown things, not actual pine cones). Plus, we’re adding an attic fan and addressing some ventilation issues. It also includes new sheathing. We’re getting a premium package, and if all goes well, work will start the week of the 21st. The dogs will go nuts, but we’ll have to deal with it.
Yes, I could have sought out another bid, but here’s the thing. He didn’t make fake promises; the inspection was comprehensive, including my attic space, answered all of our questions, offered ways to save us money, and the list goes on. He got here at 9:00 and didn’t leave until after 11:00.
Flyboy, the sign thing was just…odd.
My son is probably coming up to hang out with us and the pups today. It’ll be nice to see him again, and the pups will be so thrilled their boy has come to see them.
Swampy, that pie recipe sounds delish.
Okay, it’s time to start my day. I think I’ll start by watering the front lawn.
Swampy sweetened condensed milk (aka Eagle Brand) or evaporated milk (which comes in 5 ounce cans)?
It rained last night, thank Og and is cloudy today but getting to around 90.
Congrats on the new abode! I hope that you have fun with the remodel.
Up, caffeinating, breakfasted and fixing to do KP. After, I’ll get sheveled and head up to SIL’s for brats out on the grill with the fam.
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
Started Typing: 11:57 AM ET
Clicked Reply: 12:46 PM ET
Happy Independence Day to my fellow USA Mumpers! 
As I wrote on Facebook earlier: trying times – even maddening, dangerous, hearbreaking times – just mean that work is needed. I’d still rather be an American than have any other citizenship. 
My washing machine declared its independence from me today: this morning I turned it on and it filled with water, then simply stopped running. I checked the circuit breaker (not tripped) and the outlet (a lamp worked fine), made sure the lid was closing completely, and tried unplugging the washer and plugging it back in again. Nada. 
Google’s next DIY recommendation is to check the water supply hoses for a blockage, but that’s beyond my ability/willingness so I called an appliance repair company at around 10:30am. A dispatcher was supposed to call and let me know whether someone can come out today, but it’s currently 12:05pm and I haven’t heard from them so I called another company: the guy answered from his truck, and said he has some availability today but asked me to text him my address so he can confirm. I just did, and am waiting to hear from him [update: 30 min later I’m still waiting]. His service fee is half of the first company’s, so 
! Because of Bailey’s incontinence issues, I need to be able to do mutliple loads of laundry every day or I will quickly run out of clean waterproof pads. I’m hoping there’s a relatively easy repair that can be made today, and that I don’t need a new washer. I’m repeatedly reminding myself to be patient, and that it’s not the end of the world if someone can’t come out until tomorrow.
In happier news, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the lack of premature booms in my neighborhood: there was one on Tuesday (!) evening, and just one last night (not late). I expected a lot worse. I wonder if it’s maybe partly because of an update to the county law that took effect on July 1: the police now have the authority to enforce fireworks regulations, which was previously handled solely by fire marshal staff. I’m not sure how widely-known that change is, though. Tonight’s festivities will definitely be interesting, and I also expect some noise tomorrow night.
I’m currently a little on the fence about going to my BFF’s tomorrow evening: there will be 5 adults, 2 teens, and 2 kids, so the obvious thing is to use their deck (which is large and has two big tables), but last night WifeBFF told me there’s a big hornet infestation out there! Apparently HusbandBFF has been trying to get rid of them for a month, and has been stung several times (I have no idea why he hasn’t called an exterminator at this point). The alternative is to use their dining room, but 9 people is kind of a lot for that space. I’m already uncomfortable with the amateur fireworks that I know HusbandBFF will set off, plus they keep their place on the warm side: if the house will be crowded on a hot night (it’s supposed to be 88°F at 5pm tomorrow) on top of that, I’m starting to think about maybe rescinding my invitation acceptance. We’ll see.
Time to take the two soaking wet, still-soiled waterproof pads out the washer and figure out what to do with them, then have some lunch while I wait for the phone to ring.
Sounds like a good idea. Also, ouch!
I appreciate that, but after-hours time is always part of supporting a proposal. I’m used to it. I wouldn’t cancel plans or anything, but I’m not doing anything this weekend so it’s no big deal. It would only be a few hours at most, and there’s always a chance that no one will want to talk tomorrow/Sunday. Plus, tomorrow morning’s status call got cancelled: as of right now, all I’m looking at is a 30-minute status meeting on Sunday.
Ooooooo, what’dja get?
[Voiceover: Enquiring minds want to know!]
I DoorDashed Pizza Hut last night, but got alfredo pasta (and mini Cinnabons). My usual order from them is a medium pepperoni pizza, but for whatever reason I didn’t feel like eating leftover pizza all weekend.
Just reading that made my blood pressure go up…bad bear!!
Congrats, and !!
We had a nice ride back from North Cape, then had dinner in the dining room. Chilling now till I try a video call with Daughter and the grands. Not sure if the ship wifi will support video chats so we’ll see.
We’re vegging for the rest of the evening. The ship departs in about an hour for a leisurely cruise to Hammerfest. It was a good day. Some pics on FB.
Happy Fourth (even if you aren’t in the states it can still be a good day!) and even better it’s a Friday. I am enjoying a long weekend and don’t have to return to work until Tuesday, so plenty of time to come up with ways to get into trouble.
We’ve had amazing weather for early July. Some surprise storms came in yesterday afternoon and again this morning and cooled things off into the lower 70s. I don’t recall ever being able to have my windows open in July!
The city did their celebration/fireworks downtown last night for some reason - the actual holiday is on a Friday night, why celebrate on a Thursday instead? Very odd. But that motivated my neighbors to join in so last night was loud. Seeing as today is the actual holiday I’m sure my neighborhood will restock their provisions in order to terrify man and beast again tonight.
The cats got a little perturbed last night at the fireworks that were set off nearby but I put on some music and they calmed down. Perhaps that’s a sign that I maybe rock out a little too loudly at times…
red congrats on retirement!
shoe and JtC sending you both hugs. Shoe I hope you also feel a little better after at least trying to get it taken care of, and that it makes it easier to try again soon.
metal mouse welcome back to the states! Sounds like you had a great trip.
doggio I concur with your choice - if I get Dominos that is my go-to as well. hippie You also have commendable choice in pizza toppings!
TokyoBayer I hope you update us (and please post photos!) as you go through the remodel. I think it would be fascinating to learn about the different ways things are done there vs the US.
oopsie good luck with the washing machine - that’s always so frustrating to deal with.