We call that anointing. You’ve been duly consecrated.
My sentiments exactly, except you are far more restrained than I could be. I just hunker down, pull the curtains and try to lose myself in compelling books. I try to avoid even going outside for 24 hours. The fireworks haze and smell aggravates my asthma. The incessant noise shatters what little mental health and composure I have. PTSD and the first week of July do not dwell well together.
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 76 Amurrkin out and clear with a predicted high of 94 and mostly N.O.S. for the day. JDD and Partner are comin’ over later this mornin’ to hang at the cee-mint pond. We will grill burgers early afternoonish and have burgers 'n fixin’s, chips, and watermelon. Sounds Fourth of July enough to me! Of course there will be beerverages.
There were fireworks last night but they were pretty much over by around ten o’ clock. Let us hope today remains the same. I ain’t willin’ to place any bets on it, however.
Cookie good luck with the surgery. Do your best to remain with us, OK?
Niner yay on the assistant job offer at NDSU. As you said, it would be a great bump on your resumè. Appropriate/inappropriate appendages remain crossed re the gig in Minneapolis.
Nellie hope you get some good answers when you talk with the PA.
{{{ace}}} hope hubs is OK and able to come home soon.
shady glad the move is now complete. Enjoy the ribs!
Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, onward into the day!
Happy Tuesday Y’all! Happy Independence Day to all my Amurrkin friends!
Sometimes I think about getting off the interstate and checking out the World’s Largest Ball of Yarn or whatever, but I well and truly hate car travel, so I want to get it done as fast as possible. Then again, all the travel we’ve ever done has been for a specific reason, never just for fun. So who knows… I have wondered what it would be like to, for example, travel US1 from end to end, even tho it’s a crappy stretch thru parts of Merrylande, and I expect that’s the same in other big city areas.
There were some boom-booms around here last night, but I was exhausted and I fell asleep pretty fast and slept thru, waking just once to visit the throne room. Then around 5:30 I woke again, all comfy and relaxed, wishing I could stay that, but nature called and I decided it was time to get up. Critters have been tended, I’ve had some toast, and now I’m caffeinating. Not sure what today holds - we shall see.
I have an appointment on Firday about my trigger finger. It’s with a PA at the orthopedic practice - I assume she does the screening to decide if the patient is worthy of actual doctor time. 
I’ve had less than stellar experience with this practice (the only orthopedists in the county) but I won’t be seeing the Dr that I absolutely did not like (she was a rather arrogant snot.) Anyway, here’s hoping my finger can be fixed.
I’m also hoping that by having an early morning appointment, I won’t be kept waiting 45 minutes, like the last 2 times I went there. Especially since they make a big deal about wanting you to get there 15 minutes early and threatening to reschedule you if you run late. Yeah, like that matters if they’re going to leave you sitting for 45 minutes. Oh boy, I’m so looking forward to this. 
My mom is doing a 4th of July thing at her place today, but we’re not going. Daughter might - she’s braver than I. As for me, I’m not at all interested in driving 2+ hours there, 2+ hours back in holiday traffic, just to sit around the pool while too much drinking goes on. No thanks. Mostly, tho, it’s all the driving. None of the folks around Baltimore are interested in coming here, but they have no problem expecting us to go there. In 19 years, 2 of my sibs have been here once, 2 others have come 2 or 3 times, and I think my mother has come twice. Yeah, I’m a tad bitter.
But no matter. It’s a new day with stuff to do. Happy Fireworks Day!!
Morning all. Up early and given that I am out of underwear and low on shirts, I declared it Laundry Day and the second load is on spin right now. Maybe one more and we’ll call it done. Gym closes at 4pm today so need to get over there for my cycling early. Outside of that sloth will be my plan for Independence Day.
The City’s fireworks were loud from 9-10pm but tapered off so got a good night’s rest; we’ll see if folks decide to celebrate tonight.
{{nellie}}, that…doesn’t sound good. Hope the Doc can prescribe something or do things that will help. And I like to haunt the halls of the Smithsonian, so we’d be neighbors.
Just a wild and crazy guy, our wet one 
OK, sounds like the shirts are about done, need to make the change. Take care all.
It sucks that you have to wait that long to have something done nellie. I got this runaround when I had a hysterectomy a few years back. Left me using FMLA for longer than I really wanted /needed to.
JtC, my travel style depends upon what kind of trip I’m on. If time and / or money aren’t in short supply, I love to just meander totally off interstate and stop at anything that looks interesting (SIL is usually my partner in crime for this). If time is short and it’s a destination oriented trip, I get on the freeway and (to quote my dad) “shit and git”. If I have plenty of time on a destination oriented trip, I’ll split the difference. It likely explains why, after 28 years in Tennessee, I’ve not seen nearly all of the cool stuff on the 400 mile trip north to see family.
Happy Independence day to the 'Mericans in Mumperland!
Up, caffeinating, breakfasted and the patio straightened up from the painters. Once KP is done, I’ll work some more on the wedding album, then harness up the small beast and either go to the dog park or on a ride, depending upon how hot it is.
:knock wood: So far, I haven’t had neighbors across the fence setting off a paycheck’s worth of firecrackers this year. Nelson has been a bit discombulated with the storms, the painters and the town fireworks, so small victories are appreciated.
I need to make an optometrist.appointment when I get off irk tomorrow. Not only am I overdue, but one of the nosepieces have come off my glasses. I was able to trim the little metal piece that broke so’s it doesn’t poke my nose, but I still need new glasses.
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off today. I guess I shall sloth or something.
Spot to me this morning, then:
Good morning everyone.
It’s 57F degrees and sunny, with an expected high of 92F.
Congrats on the job AD job offer, Niner!
There are no words, ace. Sending you hugs.
nellie, That isn’t great news, but at least now you know why it wasn’t getting better. I really hope now they’ll start working in earnest to get you patched up.
shady, I’m glad the move is finally complete.
Yesterday was a work day, and it was the normal stuff. I did have a moment of beauty, though. As some of you may know, I leave the house very early in the morning. It’s still dark when I leave. By the time I hit I-5 southbound, I was staring at a huge orange moon and the sky behind me was just starting to turn orange, with the sun barely peeking above the horizon. It was picture worthy, but, I was driving.
A lot of folks were on leave yesterday, but I didn’t get out of my weekly check-in meeting. I chatted with the Director about what I had going on and was sure to ask her if she needed anything from me. I also met my son for lunch yesterday. I drove to down Wagner’s European Deli and Bakery and my son rode his electric scooter. It was closed, so I had him load up his scooter in my Jeep and we drove over to Hash; also closed. We finally ended up going to Red Robin where I had a BLTA and he had some kind of chicken sammich. I drove him back to his place, and then I drove back to work. I worked for a while longer and then I headed home.
I also made my travel arrangements for my trip to Spokane/Spokane Valley next week. Since it’s a work trip, I will drive over only stopping to relieve myself and perhaps grab some breakfast or lunch. The meal is dependent on when I leave the house Monday morning. The same goes for my trip back home on Wednesday. I’m a mixed bag when it comes to traveling for pleasure; sometimes I just want to get there, and sometimes I like to stop along the way and check out out-of-the-way places. My husband just likes to barrel through both coming and going and I find it annoying.
I don’t have plans for today; other than the usual taking care of keeping things watered. I’ve already gotten one portion of my lawn watered and have just started the second.
It’ll be loud and obnoxious around here today and tonight; as it was yesterday. Some jerk was setting off fireworks until 2:30 am…AGAIN. Frankly, I’m not excited about fireworks, can’t stand 'em. The materials they are made with aren’t exactly good for the environment either.
Time to get that kitchen cleaned up. I hate a messy kitchen.
Good morning, folks. Thank you all for the kind words, and advice. It’s greatly appreciated. I will heed it, as well. Thank you!
I had to post a message on Facebook, just a bit ago, saying that I had intermittent internet, and cell service. I don’t, of course. It’s a lie. My FIL, and his new wifey, are driving me the rest of the way insane. Constantly calling, video calling, and messaging me. I shut off my phone. I told hubs that if he wanted to talk to me, to use Messenger. I even put a nastyarse note on the front damned door. It says:
‘DO NOT KNOCK! It makes the dogs bark. Text me first, and wait for a response. If you knock, and the dogs bark, I WILL come out, and throat punch your stupid, redneck ass! If you don’t know my number to text me, then you don’t need to be here. GO AWAY!’
That was for the inlaws. Everyone else texts me. They refuse to do that. They just come over all willy-nilly, bangin’ on the door, making the dogs throw an absolute shitfit, and my daughter is trying to sleep, as she works at Wally’s 3rd shift. It makes her angry, and vile. I don’t like to see her all angry and vile! So, I’m taking it into my own hands, as of now. Good grief. I’m startin’ some shit, and stirrin’ the pot, so help me! I’m just fit to be tied with those people! I honestly do love them. I’m just NOT into their kind of shit. They spend ENTIRE DAYS at assorted hospitals. They go visit whoever is in there, and make a Ogdamned Extravaganza! out of it. 
Anyway, I’m doing some cleaning. Workin’ out my anger. I’m gonna have to do a LOT more than just simple cleaning, though. I’ll bet I could build a house right now, and STILL be an angry, raging old hag. 
I just have one more load of laundry to get washed. I’m a slacker. All I want to do is nap. So, that last load is only two rugs. Not bad. I’ve got a load in the dryer, and the hamper is full, and ready for me to get folded/put away. Then, change sheets, and I’m done.
Hubs doesn’t know anything, yet, about getting released. He got all his tubes/drains out, and only has one IV that they’re keeping in. He had his supper last night, and it consisted of beef broth, orange jello, and water. He’s NOT amused. But, that patch has to heal, and he can’t have food draggin’ through there, irritating it. So, we’ll see what happens. Daughter just took him a bag of his clothes, to come home in, whenever that’ll be. She’s stopping at the good China Wok, and getting her some General Tso, and getting me a small, white rice, and a couple egg rolls. I don’t need that crap, but, I can’t help myself. I don’t have an ‘off’ button, anymore. I’m just getting fatter, and fatter. I’m pathetic. I don’t know what to do about it.
I had to give one of our dogs, Shayna, her Xanax last night. I gave her one arouned 4:30 or 5. Then, another one around 8. It took the SMALLEST edge off her fireworks anxiety. This is the third pill we’ve tried, and it’s the only one that even hinted that it might help a teeny dab. She took Prozac, and it didn’t work at all. There was another one, and I can’t recall the name of it, which also failed to help. She’s got a few different calming chews, and they don’t help a bit. Our daughter even got her the Koi CBD calming chews for dogs. Nope. I guess they’re tasty, though. I just poke a hole in 'em, and stick her Xanax into it. They’re just a vehicle for her Xannies, is all.
Please take care, everyone. Again, thank you.
Fourth of July thought
Many people in the United States today, do not know that this will be their last day with all of their fingers.
That’s the last thing you need. I love your sign but I’m sorry that everything is happening now.
Happy 4th everyone!
Are all the Mumpers in America? I’m American but obviously not there now. It was a regular work day for me today.
The weekend was busy. SenGirl had her race, but finished a close third. The coach thinks she may be able to win next year.
I got angry at the kids tonight. We’ve discussed how much they need to pitch in with the housework on weekdays if we are going to be sailing on the weekends, but while it’s easy to promise that, it’s much harder to actually do it.
I’ll try to get caught up on the thread later.
‘Oh, I’m so sorry! I’d love to take you sailing today. I was really looking forward to it! But we didn’t get all of the housework done. Let’s see if we can get everything done next week. If we do, then we can go sailing.’
[IANA parent]
That’s what’s happening this weekend. No sailing.
Yesterday, we got together with some friends yesterday and spent all the time after school and evening with them.
But tonight, they spent the time after school playing with friends and then just leaving barely enough time to do homework.
With both my wife and I working, we need several good hours of housework from the kids each week.
I showed them the calendar and a clock and asked them where will this time come from? On weekends where both days are sailing, with two hours each way to the club (we often stay overnight), we’ve burned through any available time to clean.
BooFae is in England, so she doesn’t get today off. DieC lives in Switzerland. Those are the only 2 I know off the top of my head.
We went to the boat and discussed some work that needs to be done on the flybridge. But it’s too dang hot and humid to do anything there, so we’re home in the a/c. Plus the entirety of Solomons is prepping for fireworks tonight and we’re not interested - better to avoid it all.
I harvested 3 more 'maters. That’s pretty much my day so far. Woohoo!!
I am in 'Murrica, and I work today. Probably gonna work my tail off, considering I make’n’sell pizzas, and I live and work very close to a beach.
Afternoon, mumpers! It’s 16c/62f with a predicted high of 17c/63f and cloudy. Weather app says “Don’t you just love the fucking greyness of everything? Neither do I.” It was definitely cloudy when I went out earlier, and it’s cloudy now. Grey, overcast and generally not very cheerful at all.
Mooom is right, I am in Merry Olde Englande but I’m not a 'Murican so I wouldn’t get today off anyway. I did have yesterday off though!
{{{{{ace}}}}} I am so sorry for all that you’re going through, and for hubs and daughter too. I am beyond grateful for our NHS when I see the way you all get tied in knots with medical bills and procedures. Our system’s not perfect but at least it’s there when we need it. I wish you strength and peace, you really don’t need all of that crap going on.
nellie I hope you get the answers you need from the medics too, but good to know that you have your results already.
Sensei sometimes you need to be harsh with kids before they understand the value of time. If they miss out on things they want to do because they failed on the things they “have” to do, that should teach them that getting the chores done first means they get the fun stuff later.
Niner congrats on the AD thing, that would be a really good outcome for you!
Shady I’m glad the move is complete and you can start to feel like it’s properly home now.
Taters and JtC I am the same when it comes to travel, especially when it’s just me and 'im indoors because he can’t drive so it’s just me. If we’re going to an event somewhere, I just want to get there and enjoy what I went for, I don’t like having to stop on the way because he wants a bottle of pop or a newspaper. He should organise himself better before we leave. But if it’s holiday travelling, I don’t mind a few stops to look at pretty scenery along the way.
On that subject, it’s only two weeks until we are coming your way! We leave homey for an overnight stay at our local airport, then fly the following day to Dublin and back to Heathrow. The day after that, we’re leaving Heathrow for JFK, then on to SFO for an overnight stop before an evening flight to Eureka/Arcata. Then we are off on a road trip taking in Bandon, Crater Lake, Klamath Falls, Mt Shasta and Lassen Park before dropping the rental car to fly back to SFO. After another overnight stay, we have an evening flight direct back to Heathrow, arriving the following morning in time for breakfast in the Arrivals Lounge. We are away for 14 days, and will be staying in 10 different hotels/motels/lodges. I know it’s a break from work, but I’m tired just thinking about it!
Happy Independence Day! (Those Annoying American Colonies Day to BooFae.) I’m feeling nostalgic (or arthralgiac, take your pick) for the Fourths of my youth, when there was no frenzy of fireworks from dusk to dawn. If you wanted fireworks, you went to the local display. It seemed like forever until evening, when we’d drive over to lie on the grass and watch. One year Dad couldn’t find parking, so we went home and watched it from the peak of our roof. Sometimes the kids in the neighborhood got sparklers. We also enjoyed relighting punks the next day and pretending they were cigarettes. (If I were a tobacco exec, I’d think that’d be a badass cigarette name, Punks. But if I were a tobacco exec, I’d be too obnoxious to hang around you cool kids.)
I dread the nonstop nonsense that’ll keep me awake until late and then startle me out of sleep. Setting off fireworks is like waking the neighbors to give them the finger.
I hear aluminum ladders scraping against the building. The painters apparently don’t have the day off. 
A BIG shout out to our Nurse Boo, who patiently and knowledgeably explained the mumbo-jumbo of the MRI report to me in the words-of-one-syllable manner I needed and answered my many questions. It’s MUCH clearer to me now…sadder, but clearer. Boo, we’re lucky to have you here.
swampy, that does sound like the perfect Fourth of July meal.
Oo, that’d be cool, and I’m not even a knitter.
A celestial someone could lift out most of southern Wyoming and take a tuck in Montana and no one would mind…or notice, probably. There’s an 80-mile stretch in SE Wyoming that’s flat and dull has not a single house or hamlet. And Rawlins is so ugly, the penitentiary doesn’t need walls. Prisoners would be too depressed to go anywhere.
Good luck on getting the trigger finger straightened out. 
Yay! It’s good to know I’ll have a nice neighbor.
red, I’m so sorry you had to go through the run-around. I hope Nelson has a nice, quiet evening with his Person. Can they replace the nosepiece without replacing the glasses, or do you need a new pair anyway?
ace, you have a lot to be angry about. And I hear you about getting fatter and fatter. But you’re under a LOT of stress, so it wouldn’t be a good time to start a diet anyway. I hope hubs is in a decent mood when he gets discharged.
taters, so cool you got to see the super moon! I hope your mental snapshot stays clear.
That’s GREAT! I must be exciting to watch her compete so successfully, even if the bathroom floor needs scrubbing.
BooFae, sounds like a wonderful trip you have planned!
Yeah, I’ve got relatives like that. I’d be bitter too.
Otherwise known as Thanksgiving Day in Great Britain!
I thoroughly approve of the shit you’re stirring up. Taking care of yourself, your daughter and your pets comes first. Phooey on ‘em if the thick skulled nitwit and wifey can’t get with the program.
So far my kitty is doing ok with the level of fireworks near my house, better than me anyway. I just hide inside and avoid going anywhere. I read da Dope, drink coffee, read The NY Times (the Dope and the Times are the only news I expose myself to), drink more coffee, read some more, maybe fiction from the library, switch to decaf coffee after about 3pm so I can sleep. I have some new Outlander episodes on Starz, so there’s that to soothe my soul to look forward too. Yep, I’m basically about coffee, trashy novels and my cat, you magic internet friends and my grandbabies.
Put your feet up, chores and housework can go hang for a day ot two, find a cool drink and do something you enjoy, whatever that is.
Hugs from afar, hang in there and especially hang out here with us a lot. I could use the company!
the sum total of my July 4th celebration.
The cat is draped across my bosom~now I can’t reach my fresh coffee. Beasts come first though. She’s totally melted, purring to beat the band and expecting me to counter gravity on her behalf. She’s a purring, throbbing barnacle.