(Old) Imagine a world with no MMP!

Up from naptime. Having a margarita, with fish tacos with Hatch Chilies.

{{{{Oopsie}}} about your “uncle”. But yay for WifeBFF

Pearl!!!
< tacklehug >

Somebody has energy. And teeth.

That low key rocks.

Like sex in a canoe.

Welcome home!

That’s some fabulous ear game.

I was wondering about that, too. Drive-thru and a quickie aren’t an option?

Hello, luv.

Like, while wearing it?!


Long Night wasn’t tooooo too bad. There’s some minor drama going on among the other crew, and I simply “noped” out of that shit and stayed out of it.

There was a b-day celebration, however, so a fruit plate & veggie plate on the break table helped the general mood, I guess.

Plus, Alternate Manager brought a veggie pizza, which is not what you think. It’s a baked crust - I wanna say one of those big Pillsbury sheets? - and then chilled, slathered in cream cheese, and covered with very finely minced … radish, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, bell pepper, and probably some other rabbit food.

Considering that in any other context I strongly dislike … well, all of that stuff, it’s odd how much I enjoy it.

Maybe because it only shows up at work once, maybe twice a year.

Anyway, between that and the handful of assorted fruit, I feel so healthy!

Aaaand … shit, typing all that out, I just remembered that I told A.M. that I’d fetch her pan and give it a quick rinse so she could take it back home. Promptly forgot all about that conversation until just now.

Okay, technically, she forgot her pan. But I did say I’d get it for her. Imma assign the blame 50/50 and call it a night. These Monkey treats ain’t gonna toss themselves!

Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to heave.

Maggie Wonderbeagle once chewed a hole in her rabies tag that was around her neck. Dog necks are suprisingly flexible.

Well, yeah, but beagles are designed to plow gnaw chew eat through everything.

There are nature documentaries about, for ex. frogs that “will eat anything they can fit in their mouth.” (For max effect, imagine that narrated by Sir David A.) Every time I hear that phrase (and it comes up surprisingly often, if you like watching videos about critters) I’m like, “Well, yeah. But then, there’s beagles.”


Speaking of eating, I shoulda started a pot pie in the oven when I got home. Woulda been eating it already by now.

Shoulda but didna.

So I’ve heavily doctored up an instant pho soup thing - what labor I saved by heating up a powdered meal, I made up for in finding the (salvageable) fresh cilantro & last squirts of hoisin sauce, cuz I’m a speshul snowflake like that, plus a heavy dash of sesame oil … and oh, that’s getting low, need to add to the gettin’ list - plus a last minute cravin’ for a slice of garlic toast, can’t let a gal go without a bit of carbs to help her sleep …

Almost 5 a.m. local and I haven’t even had a proper dinner yet. What WILL the Mumpers think of me?

Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 19c/65f with a predicted high of 22c/72f and partly cloudy. Weather app says “Slap my fucking ass and call me a “know-nothing wanker”, it’s a decent fucking day.” Can’t argue with that, I’ve been outside and it’s very pleasant.

Chefguy sounds like your nephew’s got all the music talent in the family then!

Welcome back - I’m glad you had a good visit with everyone, sounds like it was mostly fun. And yes, VanGo got himself a little Peach!

Apparently couches aren’t standard office furniture these days, although I do know of one academic who has a zebra-stiped chaise longue in her office, and most of the academics in the Music School have pianos in theirs.

Reading about all of the difficulties the non-driving mumpers have with getting around makes me very glad that I get such good public transport in my area. It’s not usually on time, and the weekend service isn’t great, but it’s always there.

The sofas at home are in the idea location for easy access to drinks and bacon, there’s no denying that. We do have a bar on campus, but that sadly does not have a couch although it’s fairly close to the little supermarket that sells bacon. I’d have to go back to the office building to cook the bacon though….

I am so sorry, that must be tough for you to deal with :people_hugging:

Hippie I’m glad the procedure went well and you will get your other eye done soon. Hopefully you’ll be able to see us a bit better now!

Happy New Home! I so happy to read that Nelson loved the smell of his familiar things, I was a bit worried that the new environment would be too unsettling for him. Sounds like you’re going to have a great time there together :slight_smile:

Pearl welcome back, don’t leave it so long next time!

Yesterday was a quiet irk day, came home and did a quick run to the pet store for cat litter, treats and some extra food for Muffin. Then went to pick up ‘im indoors from the station, came home, drank tea and watched a film.

This morning I was up around 7.30am, tended to the needs of mogs, had some breakfast and headed to the gym for a couple of classes. I got there early and did a bit of cardio as a warm-up before the first class so today’s calorie-burn has been pretty respectable.

Back home again, ‘im indoors is off to his gym shortly and we’ve decided not to bother going into town today as we don’t really need anything that can’t wait for next weekend. I need to run the rollsuck as it’s been a while, the carpets are filthy and I don’t want the catsitter thinking we live in complete squalor! We’re away at a music festival tomorrow so she’s coming to feed the gang on Sunday evening and Monday morning. I also need to do laundry, that will happen after rollsuckage as I can put my gym gear in there as well. There’s a couple of other bits of cleaning up that need to be done, and I need to iron the two new t-shirts that came in the post yesterday. They are both quite badly creased so just hanging them up for a while isn’t going to do the job, and I want to wear one of them tomorrow.

Onwards, then….after another cup of tea!

Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 74 Amurrkin out and cloudy with a predicted high of ONLY 83 with rain/tstorms/apocalypse throughout the day. We shall see. A day of high RDOS inactivities is planned as it’s a good day to be inside and dry. I think I will make some brownies with peekahns just cause. Sup will be leftovers from last night with the addition of some cheddar bay bizkits.

{{{Oopsie}}} sorry for the loss of your “uncle.” A lot of time the folk who are not exactly kin are the best relatives.

Nellie welcome back! Glad the family time was mostly drama free. Some drama is always expected cause without it, how would one know it was a family get together. Every family must have at least one drama llama.

{{{Pearl!}}} glad you stopped by. Come see us soon and catch us up.

shoe I have had that cream cheese and veggie thing. I think the crust is flattened out crescent aka whomp rolls. Agree with you that it looks awful but it’s tasty. I trust that you have ingested food and are now in dreamland.

I am really happy with my hearin’ aids. I am amazed at how much better I hear things. The down side is sometimes I hear stuff I could have done without, but life must balance out.

JtC gotta give Jolene credit for knowin’ how to work the room.

Hippie glad the procedure went well.

red happy that Nelson and you are in the new digs.

Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, onward into the day! Rah.

Happy Sattidy Y’all!

Quick greetings to all. My first soccer game (coaching) is at 8am, then I referee at 9:30am and assistant coach at 10:45am, so not much time this morning. Plus I need to make sure I take everything I need since there will be no stopping back home until after noontime. Happily things will settle down after that and I’ll have time to catch my breath before refereeing at 5pm (they are trying to get away from playing in the 12noon-3pm heat, which I approve of). Have broken fast and now have to get my stuff organized and in the car. The first day of playing is always a little crazy…

Take care and have a good Sattiday all, will try to catch up later.

Hi, checking in. The house project has me swamped and I’m behind on everything else.

The good news is that my thighs are better.

I took down the ceiling in the kitchen today. The old ceiling was drywall nailed to a wood lattice framework.

They built a new ceiling 10 cm lower than the old one but left the original in place so the “new” drywall needed to come down first, then the lattice for it, then the original ceiling drywall. I’ll pull down the lattice for it next, but that will go quickly.

I need to make runs to the recycle center next week.

I kinda do, but depending on the kitchen, I worry about choosing the best place for things. Like when we re-did our kitchen - I put the everyday dishes in what I thought was the best place, but turns out they should have gone on the other side of the room. No, I can’t move them now - it would just confuse me, plus there are fewer cabinets on the other side. Yeah, I know, it doesn’t make a lot of sense, but there ya go. :squinting_face_with_tongue:

Those words shouldn’t be anywhere near each other! Cupcakes and brownies would work, but healthy snacks for a birthday? It confuses me!

Temp dropped to the upper 50s overnight and I woke chilled at some point. I put a granny afghan on my side of the bed last night, but it wasn’t warm enough. So it’s going away and I’m finding something without holes in it. I don’t understand the ads for cooling pads or whatever for beds. I have to be warm or I can’t sleep. Even now, I’m not quite chill-free, and I donned my fuzzy robe instead of the lighter weight one. This isn’t new - it’s been my life.

Anyway, today’s main plan is drilling 3 holes in the boat and pulling the waterlines thru. In theory, it’s a quick task. In practice, it won’t be. An unexpected wrench will be thrown into the works. That’s just the way it is. But if we get it done without bloodshed or bruises, I count it as a win. Who wants to bet that I come home with a new bruise or two from fumbling about in tight spaces? Dammit.

The only other task is cleaning the critter fountain, and that might take all of fifteen minutes. Adventure waits beyond that.

Happy Saturday!!

Good morning, everyone.

The sun hasn’t risen yet, but it’s 60°F and clear outside. The expected high temperature is 93°F, with a mixture of sun and clouds. The heat warning remains in effect.

Oopsie, I’m so sorry for your loss.

Nellie, welcome back! I’m so happy your trip was mostly enjoyable.

Red, yay for well and truly being home. Nelson must have slept really well last night, and I’m sure you did, too.

JtC, I am no expert on hydrangeas. I only have two, and they are both Hydrangea paniculata. One is a Strawberry Sundae, and one is a Vanilla Strawberry. They both produce cone-shaped white blooms, which slowly turn to pink, and finally a deep reddish color by fall. These like some sun, and if they need pruning, should only be done in the winter or earliest spring because the blooms form on new growth. There are up to nine different varieties of hydrangea, such as oakleaf, big leaf, smooth, mophead, and all require different times to prune and various conditions. The hydrangeas most people think about (the pinks, blues, purples) require shade, and yes, soil helps determine color. Here’s a quick link that describes that. How to change color. Not all hydrangeas change color.

At any rate, I am no expert. I bought the two I have because they tolerate some sun, and I like how the blooms change color over time into the fall. The newest one (Strawberry Sundae) doesn’t become gigantic, and it works for my yard, too. However, I am rethinking where I want to plant it this fall because it will require more sun than the spot I originally planned for it.

Finally, they need water, lots of it, especially when first establishing them or if they’re in pots. There, that’s probably way more than anyone wanted to know.

I will definitely have to leave the house today, because the pups need more food. So, I’ll shower around 8:00 a.m. so I can be out of the house by 9:00.

Yesterday, I weed-wacked, edged, and mowed the lawn, and also watered everything. I stood around with my hands on my hips, debating removing some shrubs I dislike and wondering where I could move them, because the thought of just tossing a living thing always makes me feel guilty. I hosed down one side of the house where dust and mud had splashed up onto the siding, stood around with my hands on my hips some more, and wondered how much work it’s going to be to remove the stumps from the arborvitae we cut down in preparation for the new roof.

Finally, I went back inside and then out back, where I took care of things in the backyard, watering, mowing, etc. I wandered around thinking about plant placement and materials needed for a new garden bed.

After all that, I puttered inside and played with the pups.

After picking up the dog food, I should stop at Home Depot since I will be near there anyway, and pick up the pavers I need to finish my storage project, as well as some edging pavers for the front yard garden beds. I also need a bin to stack my dirt bags in so they’re not slumping all over the place in my outdoor storage bin.

I half thought about hitting the Farmer’s Market this morning. I might still do that, too.

Well, that’s about all there is to post for now. Please take care of yourselves.

Y’all will be pleased to know that plans … changed. :rabbit_face: :rabbit: .

It pretty well screwed up her brave hopes for a short but sweet evening on Fri & home for a good night’s sleep, then high productivity today Sat on her last minute gettin-ready stuff before her departure tomorrow Sun afternoon. Instead I sent her home at about 0830 hung over, walkin’ bowlegged, smelling of whisky & cigars, and on 3-1/2 hours sleep. But it was soo worth it. For both of us.

And I found a good hotel for this other part of town where we sometimes rendezvous when meeting in the middle. Win win win! :grin:


Congrats to @missred for reuniting Nelson with his familiar stuff in his brave new home. Another milestone in the new and improved life!

In a very small galley style kitchen, there aren’t a whole lot of options.

We did! Bonus of Nelson scarfing down his usual kibble. He was a little off his feed on the road and even at Sis’, he didn’t eat as much.

Up, caffeinating and fixing to unpack some more. Today will be polishing off most of the bedroom and make a big dent in the kitchen.

Stay safe and healthy y’all!

Started Typing: 9:57 AM ET
Clicked Reply: 10:42 AM ET

WifeBFF’s birthday dinner was very nice: HusbandBFF picked up takeout from the same restaurant I went to for lunch with WifeBFF and her sister-in-law the week before (WifeBFF is a big fan of their lobster roll). My favorite dish there is only available at lunchtime, but last night I got a different one that was also quite yummy. WifeBFF has gluten and dairy intolerances, and for dessert my “nephew” made gluten- and dairy-free brownies that were actually really good: if I hadn’t known, I never would have guessed. He used oil instead of milk, and gluten-free flour from King Arthur (which WifeBFF swears by). Yum! And she loved the personalized necklace with her husband’s and son’s birthstones and initials. :slight_smile:

My nephew goes back to TX (where he lives with his GF) today: he’s already at the airport, waiting for his 11:35am flight. I’m looking forward to seeing them both at Christmas. His birthday is a week from tomorrow…I can’t believe he’s going to be 24! :face_holding_back_tears:

Thanks to all for the condolences on the passing of my “uncle.” I’ve slightly tweaked next week’s plans: instead of driving up to NJ on Thursday morning and hoping to not get stuck in heavy traffic/behind an accident (which I was already feeling stressed about), I decided to drive up Wednesday night. I’m not thrilled about having Bailey spend an extra night at the vet, but I know she’ll be fine and I decided that a little more stress about her was worth a lot less stress about the trip. I called this morning and extended her boarding reservation, and immediately felt better. Post-rush-hour traffic on Wednesday shouldn’t be bad (:crossed_fingers:), but I won’t have to worry if it isn’t – and I won’t have to worry about stopping on the way up if I want to. Plus, now I’ll actually use the hotel room all of the nights I’m paying for. :grin: I’m going to try to quit work a little early on Wednesday: when I get home I might take Bailey to the vet right away, then pack and hit the road after rush hour.

I might not be able to post again for a while. Tomorrow will be eaten up by being in DC (for lunch and Harry Potter), work is going to be busy Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, I drive north Wednesday night, the funeral is Thursday, Friday/Saturday’s availability will depend on how much time my aunt is up for me spending with her, and I drive back a week from tomorrow. I may have to skip the next MMP entirely, but I should be able to jump back in NLT Labor Day. So, just in case: I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a great last week of August! :slight_smile:

:waving_hand: !

To me, the look on her face is very much “So where’s the next one??” :joy:

Wow! Excellent!

Congrats!

I swear to og I first read this as “my thighs are batter”… :joy:

Yup. She somehow chewed through the strap that goes (went) from the collar to the back part down her chest.

We went to the dog park again today, but it didn’t go as well as last week. There were some overly aggressive dogs there and Peach got nervous and ran straight back to the gate.

I suppose it’s time to mow the lawn and put up some more boards on the fence. Not that we’re never going back to the dog park, but it must be done, and I have time to do it today.

My headache is much better after sleeping–I can’t quite believe this, but the clocks say it’s true–ten hours–more z’s than all the zebras in Uzbekistan, or something like that. Alack, alas, something’s wrong with the right eye. It’s sore and tearing, but hopefully upping the prednisone drops will squelch whatever’s going on there. Spoilered for people who are squicky about eye stuff: I don’t think it’s a popped stitch because the only ones in there are buried now. I’m not worried.

It’s too hot to walk today, so I’m going to work out indoors and hope housework takes care of the rest. Oh, and laundry. I’m sure swampy is envious of all this excitement. :slight_smile:

flyboy, Goo eats salad? I’m amazed.

Thank you! Sounds like your new digs are Nelson-approved, so welcome home to you, too–and Nelson, of course!

This always takes me a long time. OK, the potholders should be near the stove, but then, that drawer would be a good place for spices, too. And my kitchen has a fake cupboard over the stove, and I’m still asking why.

Taters, your hydrangeas sound gorgeous! I love that they change color!

shoe, I’ve had that kind o pizza before. It’s yum!

I hate to admit it, but I think I’m missing something here. “It’s the water”? Something about the Artesians? Help.

I’m gobsmacked–not that she could reach the tag, which really is impressive, but that she could chew a hole through metal. Whoa! The closest any of my dogs cae to such a feet was when my lab got into the garbage and put multiple punctures in an empty dog food can. It pales in comparison. Maggie really WAS a wonder(beagle)!

Is it pricey? The buses here used to be $1.25 (I have no idea what that is in pounds. Around £ 1?) Then just before the pandemic, the city made them free, which was so nice. Whateer it is for you, it’s still cheaper to ride the bus than drive and park, right?

My SIL is the drama llama mama then. :slightly_smiling_face:

The one good thing about being legally blind was that I couldn’t see people’s wrinkles or acne. Everyone got photoshopped!

MetalMouse, hope the first day of soccer coaching goes well!

VanGogh, Peach is a peach! And clearly, she’s determined, too! Does she dig, or is she all about chewing?

F’ing close to water.

She hasn’t dug in the yard yet, but she’s intent on digging into one of her dog beds. And also chewing on my socks that she pulls out of the laundry basket. So far no sock casualties, they’re just getting wet.

I’m about halfway through unpacking the kitchen. I am finding it a challenge, given the minimal cabinet space. To top it off, one of the two drawers is rendered unusable because kitchen stoves have gotten bigger since the place was built (it opens about 2" before hitting the stove). The other isn’t wide enough for a flatware tray. I think I have that issue figured out though.

Taking a lunch break with real flatware! I’ll get back to work shortly.

Afternoon all. The first soccer of the Fall season has been played and I coached my U8 team to a 2-2 tie and then drove over to another park about 4 miles away to referee another game, then finished it off by being the assistant coach for the U12 team (we won 5-1). And got all my stuff back in the car before the rains came, so a successful day. I am supposed to referee a game at 5pm but it’s rainy now and might be on and off so I do not know if they will close the fields or not. Either way, it was a fun 5 hours outside.

Catching up from last evening…

Hippie, reading what the Doc did sounds…icky…but hopefully is worth it with better sight.

VanGo, love the mismatched ears and the attentive look. Definitely a keeper. And nice work on the savings.

JtC, I guess Pilot took your words to heart…or at least some part of his body (wink, wink, nudge, nudge…). And loved the Jolene story.

Ain’t technology grand…

nellie, lot of work for a mail run, hope you’re feeling better today (and just read today’s post, and now it’s the eye-you never seem to catch a break, dear lady). Never had a Blue Ribbon, my Mom and Dad drank Schlitz when I was a tad and occasionally they would let my brother and I have a small sip. Didn’t turn me into a drunkard, however. And hope the sammiches were good.

red, glad Nelson is settling in well in the new place (and sounds like you are too).

shoe, but, veggies are good for you… :grin: As for proper dinner, I’ve already had pancakes and bacon for dinner one night this week so no judging from this corner.

:face_with_raised_eyebrow:

Hello Pearl.

Sensei, glad you’re feeling better. Happy home remodeling.

FCM; hope the waterlines went smoothly and with no bruising.

Taters, I probably put that much thought into my yard…well, maybe in 30-40 years total. I admire your perseverance.

Oopsie, happy to hear the dinner went well. And safe travels and extra scritches for Bailey. And a weeks sabbatical is approved, long as you come back and tell us all the juicy details…

And I’m as caught up as I can do, need to consider nappage (with an alarm set for my 5pm soccer appointment). Take care all.

Welcomes, yays, and boos all around: Apply as needed. We have very active houseguests so I’ve read but don’t have time to reply.

Houseguest A had a minor reaction to shrimp at dinner, but nothing anaphylactic and with OTC meds the facial swelling is much reduced. Houseguest B began a simple repair on the kitchen sink faucet that revealed a cascade of installation/repair problems from back before we had the house, culminating in him installing a new faucet set this morning. We are watching to see that it doesn’t leak. Now he’s checking the less-accessible dishwasher filter. This is how he shows love. We’ll buy him a flight of local beers and ales, or two, we being in the PNW and he being from the Midwest.