# (Old) Heading to the land of penguins in the MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [January 15, 2024, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115 "2024-01-15T11:29:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**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:** [January 18, 2024, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/221 "2024-01-18T15:05:29Z")
> [@scareyfaerie](#): > > I’m sorry about **Mrs LA** incident with the broom too. That’s a pain in the backside to fix. No wonder you’re feeling out of sorts. > [@Taters](#): > > Unlike **flyboy** , all I had down here was freezing rain, which eventually shifted to regular ol’ rain. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > **flyboy** , sometimes the weather will do that to you, when you can’t get out and miss your regular routine. I’m feeling it too. I’ve ordered the new sides and roof for the canopy garage. Yes, it will be a PITA to put them on. It’s not difficult, but the roof is heavy and needs to be ‘situated’ on the 10x20 frame. Yesterday I had an avocado on two slices of toast for breakfast. For lunch I mashed up a small piece of leftover salmon with some mayonnaise and tarragon and made a sandwich (with some Baken-Ets on the side) followed by some psyllium husks for the fibre. Then there was the snow removal and car-shifting. I just felt drained and a bit ‘frumpy’ (as Mrs. L.A. calls it). She decided to have a bologna sandwich for dinner, and kept suggesting things for me to eat. Eventually I realised I was, in fact, hungry so I had some collard greens followed by some salami and some provolone. I felt better after eating. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > Casa Rat Casa de las Ratas? Although Casa Raton is alliterative when translated to English. ---
**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:** [January 18, 2024, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/222 "2024-01-18T15:20:20Z")
i’m sorry to read this. i hope a way can be found for him to be more comfortable and pain free. safe travels, fcm. ---
**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:** [January 18, 2024, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/223 "2024-01-18T16:19:49Z")
### 8:15 am to 9:00 am Mostly Cloudy, 30° ### 10:00 am Light Snow, 31° ### 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Snow, 31° ### 3:00 pm Light Snow, 32° ### 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Rain/Snow, 33° ### 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Light Rain, 33° ### 10:00 pm Rain, 33° ### 11:00 pm Rain, 34° and then more rain and light rain and temperatures in the 30s. I should get out today and shovel the walk before the rain/snow mix makes it too heavy. ---
**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:** [January 18, 2024, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/224 "2024-01-18T16:51:12Z")
On the road to the airport. Our flight leaves at 3:25 to Dallas. And so it begins… ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/225 "2024-01-18T17:11:23Z")
Good morning (afternoon.) I had a busy one. Spent two hours at the bank getting some financial ducks in a row. Since we have accepted that we aren’t buying a house anytime soon, we decided to park that money in an ultra conservative short-term investment. A bit of risk, but a better potential payout than a CD. Going to open a 529 plan for our son. I don’t know whether he’s going to college or not (I’m leaning toward yes, but you never know), but they passed a new law making it possible to use 529 savings toward Roth IRA contributions if you don’t spend it on schooling, so there’s no reason not to open one now. Finally we transferred a bunch of investments to our bank. I’m not talking a ton of money here. Some are still out there somewhere else. I’m annoyed that I have three Roth IRAs right now and I’m not sure how entirely necessary that is. It’s weird that I’m old enough to have investments to manage. > [@nelliebly](#): > > Once he opens Wee World a bit–admittedly much easier said than done–the sky’s the limit with this kid, regardless of the limitations the ASD imposes on some areas. What wonderful, kind words. This made me smile. > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > What I gather from these trashy period romances that I’ve been reading, the drawing room was always one floor up from the ground floor and it was where the family would gather, as opposed to a visitor parlor on the ground floor where one received visitors. Only special visitors were invited to the inner sanctum that was the drawing room. At least among “polite society” - whatever that was… I’m very pro trashy romance novel, but man I could not hack it in Victorian times with all those social obligations. I have enough struggle with the social obligations of my husband’s family. > [@TruePisces](#): > > I’m surprisingly ok regarding the news. I think it’s because I’ve come to terms with the fact that he won’t be around for much longer. I don’t know what to expect from surgery, recovery or anything else. So I’m just waiting until I know more. I’m really sorry. I know your Dad can’t stay with you forever, but it’s scary when something like this happens, and if you’re not scared now, well those feelings might catch up with you soon enough. Hope you get an update soon. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/226 "2024-01-18T17:12:21Z")
> [@TruePisces](#): > > And for being part of my support. **{{{{{{{{ }}}}}}}}** ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/227 "2024-01-18T17:15:16Z")
**Bon 🚢 voyage!!** Remember, you’re vacationing for all of us! We’re counting on you to uplift us. ---
**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:** [January 18, 2024, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/228 "2024-01-18T17:22:55Z")
I shovelled the walk out to the mailbox. My fingers (which were in heavy ski gloves) and my toes (in Sorrel pack boots) are freezing. I’ll knock the snow off of the Jeep in a bit, and drive around in front of the mailbox in case the mail delivery people come out today. I think they’re more likely to stop if there are tracks and flattened snow in front of the box. But first… I think I’ll have a fried SPAM® sandwich. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/229 "2024-01-18T17:44:53Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > Because it would be ridiculous to call him Rhinoceros! Sheesh! I am absolutely, shamelessly gonna ~~steal~~ borrow this line. It’s perfect. > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > the board decided to close down Daughter’s school immediately. So that sucks. Yes, it does. I’ve been downsized. Definitely much suckitude. .. but wait … with absolutely no notice? So a bunch of kids - and their parents - have their education just … nope? In what appears to be smack in the middle of a school year? This just happens? > [@Taters](#): > > How did he do? Oh, yeah! @Sahirrnee how’d the “you gotta take care of yourself” independence trial run go? > [@Taters](#): > > my husband’s tossing/turning/scratching. I gave up and got out of bed before 3:00 a.m. As much as you’ve mentioned this … I’d be curled up in a sleeping bag in the bathtub or the couch - or make him do it. Sleep is important. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > **shoe** , I wou;ld have been much more interested in the snakes and rats than the cat’s name. As evidenced upthread, I can monologue at length. Wanna ask me the differences between corn snakes and ball pythons … ? Huh? Do ya? { _squint_ } Do you feel lucky, punk? > [@TruePisces](#): > > I apologize for not replying individually. Your apology has been rejected. You owe us no such thing. > [@TruePisces](#): > > I don’t know what to expect right now. Yes. Yes, you do. I say that, my dear, with absolute love. A lot of us have walked this same path. We are here for you, in spirit if not in person. > [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Yesterday I had an avocado on two slices of toast for breakfast. According to stoopit clickbait articles, YOU are the reason the economy has collapsed! Shame! SHAME!! * * * > [@LSLGuy](#): > > wise decision to stay in Well, a slightly lit-up **Shoe** was kind enough to take over. She fired up what I like to call “cock rock” (stuff like “Pour some sugar” and “You give love a bad name” … that kinda stuff) and went to TOWN on that kitchen. Stopped when the dishrack was full, had a fortifying break, slapped a towel down on the counter for more clean stuff, and kept at it. I now have one saucepot, a mug, and a coupla knives left in the sink. There was simply no room left, and no more available me. * * * I might go out to the Gettin’ Sto’ before work, mostly to celebrate having my own wheels again, and also because this idiot cat won’t stop eating (need kibble) and pooping (need litter) and I suppose one problem just leads to the other. Good thing he’s so snuggly. Good for him; good for me. Also, I bought store-brand butter (they were completely out of the name brand I usually get) last time I ventured out, and, sadly, I can absolutely taste the difference. Probably not for something like cooking onions, but sliced on a Triscuit? Yeah, def notice. { _contemplates the putting on of the pants; looks outside_ } Pardon my language, but … Jesus fuck, it’s snowing again? They better have name-brand butter. And kitty litter. Which are on opposite sides of the big-box, and I would absolutely order delivery but it appears to be approx. 2x expensive for those particular items. Meanwhile, SOMEone wouldn’t shut up about cabin fever, and judging from the extra pawprints, his ~~Crush~~ Nemesis came by: [[Album] Monkey In Snow ![](https://i.imgur.com/kt6bjhK.jpeg?fb "Monkey In Snow") ](https://imgur.com/gallery/p6OM9jC) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/230 "2024-01-18T17:58:56Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > > > What I gather from these trashy period romances that I’ve been reading, the drawing room was always one floor up from the ground floor and it was where the family would gather, as opposed to a visitor parlor on the ground floor where one received visitors. Only special visitors were invited to the inner sanctum that was the drawing room. At least among “polite society” - whatever that was… > > I’m very pro trashy romance novel, but man I could not hack it in Victorian times with all those social obligations. I have enough struggle with the social obligations of my husband’s family. The “drawing room” was actually the “_with_drawing room”. The place where the family, or the ruling clique within it in a big enough multi-generational household, would remove themselves from the riff-raff to do the serious business of yakking. The very wealthy folks had one for the men and one for the women. One simply _can’t_ smoke cigars or natter about ladies’ concerns in the presence of the Other, now can one? > [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > **Bon 🚢 voyage!!** > > Remember, you’re vacationing for all of us! We’re counting on you to uplift us. Yes, this. And please send everyone some warmth from Antarctica. I’ll pass my share along to somebody deserving. Oh please dear **Shoe** can you enlighten me/us about corn snakes and ball pythons? And bears, oh my! As to me: Had pleasant breakfast, golfing, & lunch at the course. Now off to get a biopsy on what’s 99% sure another skin cancer. Biggest issue is that it’s under my beard, so that may need to be sacrificed. It’ll grow back. Then dancing 2x this afternoon & evening. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/231 "2024-01-18T18:25:58Z")
_Started Typing: 12:35 PM ET Clicked Reply: 1:25 PM ET_ I mostly skimmed the last 100+ posts, and have two main takeaways: Safe travels, **FCM** (and FCD), and have a _great_ time! 🚢 Thinking of you and your dad, **RealFish** … 🫂 Yesterday at lunchtime I uncovered my car (we only got 2-3" of snow on Tuesday), and shoveled the gravel driveway behind it as best I could. Temps never got above freezing, but the sunshine was a _huge_ help. Then at around 4pm I went to the grocery store, because I wanted bananas and Gatorade Zero and frozen pizza and cookies and figured I should go while the sun was still out (i.e., before the slushy/wet surfaces started to freeze again). When I came back, I parked at the end of the driveway. Today is dry and cloudy, with a forecast high of 36°F; right now it’s 34 (above freezing! woot!). We’re expecting more snow to start after midnight and keep going through most of tomorrow: the memorial services and funeral for my co-volunteer are tomorrow morning, 20 miles away, so I’m _really_ hoping we just get flurries/no significant accumulation. Some friends are singing jazz tonight at a DC venue that I like, but I’ve decided not to go. The roads are fine, I just have a huge case of idonwanna. Plus it’s a “group show” thing with 9 vocalists, and I’m only interested in hearing 4.5 of them. Also I’m going to be at that venue on Saturday night for another show, and I’ll be seeing some of the 4.5 on Sunday at a vocal workshop we’re doing together. Mostly, though, it’s the “idonwanna” thing. Last night I watched the first two episodes of a promising new Hulu original called _[Death and Other Details](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15439048/)_ (it premiered on Tuesday). It’s nice to see Mandy Patinkin again, though the accent took some getting used to. Tonight I plan to watch the S12 premiere of _Chicago Fire_ (which aired last night), and more _Northern Exposure_ (I’m at the end of S3). In the vein of “there’s nothing too mundane/miscellaneous for the MMP,” I’ve decided to refresh all of my bedding. The other day I realized that my pillows and all of my sheets/blankets are _several_ years old…it’s time. I’m not a big blanket person: I just have two thin-ish, hole-y polyester blankets that I got from Target decades ago and swap out whenever I change the sheets, but I ordered two new “light” fleece blankets to replace them. One arrived yesterday, and I used it last night: 👍 ! 🙂 This evening I’ll put the old blanket on the couch, and see if Bailey might be interested in using it there (if not, I’ll donate it along with the other one). Just sheets and pillows left to go now… > [@LSLGuy](#): > > Now off to get a biopsy on what’s 99% sure another skin cancer. 🤞 ! ---
**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:** [January 18, 2024, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/232 "2024-01-18T19:19:00Z")
Greetings from BWI gate C3. Full flight and people are here with multiple carry-on bags. Idiots! Departure at 3:25, I hope. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/233 "2024-01-18T19:40:16Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > > [@LSLGuy](#): > > > > Now off to get a biopsy on what’s 99% sure another skin cancer. > > 🤞 ! Thank you, and you’re a dear. 🤗 But I don’t consider skin cancers dealt with timely to be any bigger deal than, say, semi-annual teeth cleanings at the dentist. Undesirable stuff builds up then it needs to be removed. Nothing more exciting than that. To be sure, folks can screw themselves by ignoring the crabgrass until it’s taken over their lawn metaphorically speaking. But weeding a patch here and there now and again is just part of being alive. I’ve probably had 100 of them cut off me over the last 50 years. I went in, the PA looked at it, suggested it may just be a persistent keratosis which is “pre-cancerous at worst”, but she biopsied it and we’ll know for sure in a week or two. Didn’t even take a noticeable divot out of my now fairly full beard. If the lesion does need proper removal, that’ll probably be cause to cut a whacking great hunk out of my beard at which point it’s probably simpler to just shave it off. I’ve never been a fan of the “bare cheeks and jawbone with a muff around the mouth / chin” look. We’ll see. > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > Greetings from BWI gate C3. Full flight and people are here with multiple carry-on bags. Idiots! Aaaah yes, BWI C3; I remember it well! 😄. Not one our prouder facilities. Happy thronging! Best of luck w everything! Bon voyage! 🍾 ---
**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:** [January 18, 2024, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/234 "2024-01-18T19:44:25Z")
Well, still haven’t left the house, made any calls, or done much of anything today. Might get up enough ambition to take the garbage/recycleables outside (as suggested by neighbors, I’ll put them on the edge lawn instead of on the street so drivers have no extra obstacles to miss). Up to 41F now, so hopefully the snow will start melting, but with more freezing temperatures tomorrow, it’s more likely the roads will be sheet ice. They’ve called off school for Friday and Indoor soccer this weekend has been cancelled, so my hibernation will continue. At least next week will be in the 40s/50/s according to the Weather Wizards. **FCM** , good thing you’re one of the earlier boarders, but yeah folks bring so much stuff on-board these days. **Pilot** , sounds like the skin cancer is fairly routine for you; hope it works out well. **Shoe** , nice pic of Monkey; don’t think he can do the disappearing act in these conditions. **Spicey** , I have some investments in solid programs (at least they’d better be), these should work out for you. **True Fish** , I wish your father well, but sometimes I think we can will ourselves to pass on when the time is near; hope he still has some fight left as he has people who care about him to fight for. And do want to try calling the plumbers and see if they are in. Take care 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:** [January 18, 2024, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/235 "2024-01-18T20:43:31Z")
And just a FYI, **FCM/FCD** ’s plane has taken off on-time from Baltimore heading for Dallas, due in on-time. That is 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:** [January 19, 2024, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/236 "2024-01-19T00:06:38Z")
Hmmm, where did everyone go? Anyway, **FCM/FCD’s** flight has arrived DFW at Terminal A and they have 90 minutes to get to terminal E, which given the terminal shuttle train should be pretty easy. So onward to S. America. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2024, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/237 "2024-01-19T00:13:24Z")
I have little news. One box of berries made it to my sister today, only 5 days post-birthday. 🙄The driver said the second box (sent no charge by the company) should arrive tomorrow. I worked out at home because it’s rainy and ick. Also, Command strips don’t last forever. One of my framed paintings (My daughter’s from her Garden Period.) crashed at 2 a.m. I wish they gave you some warning. The glass is cracked, so I have to find replacement glass. Bon Voyage, **Mooooom**! So exciting to be going under the Land Down Under! > [@Misnomer](#): > > Plus it’s a “group show” thing with 9 vocalists, and I’m only interested in hearing 4.5 of them. Which half of a vocalist is the .5 person? Let’s hope it’s the upper half. And I love how Bailey gets to try out your old blanket. So sweet! > [@LSLGuy](#): > > Aaaah yes, BWI C3; I remember it well! 😄. Not one our prouder facilities. So you landed there often back in the day? Which airports did you as a pilot least like to fly into? I always heard San Diego was challenging. I remember flying in there innumerable times when my folks lived in Carlsbad. Swooping between the skyscrapers, you could practically see people inside: “Huh. Look at that guy brushing his teeth. Oo! Gingivitis!” OK, not quite. When I lived in Montana, I heard the Butte airport was dicey, but I never flew from/to there. Something about no control tower? Could that _be_? ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2024, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/238 "2024-01-19T00:23:27Z")
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > Hmmm, where did everyone go? Parenting. It was a nice evening making shapes out of Chinese checkers with my son and then answering a billion questions at the dinner table. I needed some human interaction after this stupid day stuck on screens. I’m making instant pot split pea soup for dinner. I know I had deeper thoughts to share but I can’t remember them. Lately my brain starts shutting down around 3pm to 4pm and by this time of night I’m just cooked. Oh. Not a deep thought, just a silly story. I’m making vegan split pea soup, and in my confusion I said to my husband I was “trafficking in vegans.” I can’t remember what I was actually meant to be trafficking in, but he replied, “It’s important for your trafficking to be ecologically sustainable.” ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2024, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/239 "2024-01-19T00:23:37Z")
Lady SCAdian got a call from the Hyundai dealer this afternoon – the parts for her ignition finally came in and the car is ready to be picked up. ---
**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:** [January 19, 2024, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115/240 "2024-01-19T00:38:14Z")
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > Hmmm, where did everyone go? Well, I irked… sort of. Slow day. Then I shovelled a path on the deck, brought the rest of the firewood from the stack into the catio (some in the house), and got the heavy snow off of the wood stack cover. Now I’m making salmon pinwheels and asparagus for dinner. We’ll be eating in ten minutes. It’s snowing again. Should turn to rain in a few hours. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-heading-to-the-land-of-penguins-in-the-mmp/996115.md?page=13)