# (Old) March Madness Mother Nature Style In The MMP

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Tags:** mmp\
**Created:** [March 16, 2026, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482 "2026-03-16T10:25:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 6

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**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/101 "2026-03-18T15:30:26Z")

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> [@swampbear](#):
>
> **Nellie** a Verger is more like a MC.

Sounds kind of like a Stage Manager to me.

> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> How I envy and admire those of you who keep up so well!

My participation in the MMP is historically spotty. When I’m here, I do always read every post all week. I just don’t always have much to say in response, so even when I’m fully engaged (but my standards) I’m never among the most prolific voices here.

And I’m quite OK with that.

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**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/102 "2026-03-18T15:43:10Z")

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So M, the lady who usually works the Mez is taking 2 weeks of vacation, then retiring. Must be nice. But I’m filling in for her until..who knows? But it was less busy today than yesterday.  
\< Phone notifications goes off at 0600 \>  
Me: \< looks at phone \>  
Phone: _Snow will be ending by 0900._  
Me: “WTF?”  
It did not, in fact snow(it was only a 50% chance anyways).

> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> I’m sure he was joking, but that’s a terrible thing to say.

If I was the kid, I’d be filing emancipation paperwork as soon as the doc cuts the cord. But definately just let the lawyer talk to STBX.

> [@scareyfaerie](#):
>
> Well, _someone_ started a massive fire near Glasgow Central station which is where ‘im indoors needs to get to at the weekend.

Well, the crew of the _Gerald Ford_ was nowhere near it at the time, so that reduces the suspect list.

> [@swampbear](#):
>
> I am jealous that I never get to do that.

Maybe gently thwacking a recalcitrant toddler next Mass?

> [@Wheelz](#):
>
> I’m never among the most prolific voices here.
> 
> And I’m quite OK with that.

It’s not like we have post quotas to make anyways. We’re just glad you stop by.

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**Author:** ![GenerationJones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@GenerationJones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GenerationJones)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/103 "2026-03-18T16:43:02Z")

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Howdy!  
It’s an overcast and chilly 40 ferrets here at noon.

Today was Seattle’s Best dark roast in the auto-drip. This coffee is pretty tasty, and it’s baffling. I buy it cheap at the Dollar General and it ought to taste like dirt and disappointment but instead I find myself reaching for it often. What are they putting in this stuff?

I got a late start today so I’m off to feed the crow friends and give the princess a romp. The spring ticks are here. Today I will tackle the unpleasant chore of treating our outdoorsy clothes, and the dog’s bandanas, with permethrin.

> [@missred](#):
>
> Mixed up the origins a little, but it worked.

Fusion cuisine-- very posh!

> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> If you don’t have French Toast fixin’s when it snows, the Wampas eat you.

I grew up on the Gulf Coast where people do the same for hurricanes, but I couldn’t resist making the customary, and probably very stale, wisecrack.

Yes, other folks have Mighty Hunters (such as cats, and dogs who aren’t weenies) who catch and eat prey. WE have the princess dog who finds baby squirrels, and it’s pathetic. While she is good at pulling the innards out of her plush toys, it seems like she doesn’t know what to do with prey. She chews off the feet and tail and then brings the rest inside and leaves it on the carpet.

@Jack_Batty That’s a lotta Bob; what a big handsome head! He seems content just to be along for the ride.

> [@Maus\_Magill](#):
>
> I find if I state my intention, I feel better. - My name is Thea, and I am a girl.

This made my heart pound with excitement and happiness for you.  
Pleased to meet you, Thea!

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**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:** [March 18, 2026, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/104 "2026-03-18T17:21:12Z")

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Just past noon here, the plumber is on his break and I’ve done a little shopping, but that has been the sum of my activity so far today. The garbage needs to go out sometime today to the curb, so that will give me a little bit of exercise, but the gym is still to be determined. Up to 50F with the promise of warmer weather approaching.

**Taters** , stay dry now. Sorry to hear son didn’t get the house, hope he finds a place just as good. And my state does not recognize Real ID as proof of citizenship, so glad my passport is good through 2032.

**FCM** , glad Otis is door-adapted, but I think some pre-planning for the buggy season might not be a bad idea.

**Mollie/Thea** , all the best.

**GenJ** , sometimes the Dollar stores have stuff that is actually quite useful, if you’re lucky…I have a bunch of 32oz glass mugs that I love which cost me $1.50 each at Dollar Tree. Happy De-Ticking!!

And into the afternoon I go. The good news is some Champions League soccer starts in about 10 minutes…the bad news is the channel I used to watch it on is one my lower-level deleted, so I have to watch it on the Spanish channel on mute. Such is life.

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**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/105 "2026-03-18T17:24:43Z")

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Just **Mollie** is fine.

> [@GenerationJones](#):
>
> This made my heart pound with excitement and happiness for you.

This made my heart stop to type it.

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**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/106 "2026-03-18T17:50:46Z")

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Fried egg sandwiches this morning, then exercise. I pay have pushed the latter a bit, as it was weight day, but hopefully won’t regret it.

All puzzles puzzed and cat played with.

Went to a seminar on wills and estates, etc. Our will is hopelessly out of date and our estate is uncomplicated, so we’ll get that sorted out after hearing what they have to say.

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**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/107 "2026-03-18T18:46:04Z")

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Evening all. It’s been sunny and the first warm feeling day of the year today. There were noticably more flowers out this afternoon than this morning- spring is hitting. Also dawn was 6:20am and sunset 6:21pm.

The local recycling centre does cheap compost- bring your own bag, and they don’t care how big it is, so you can get loads- but it’s only open while I’m supposed to be working, not weekends and it closes at 3. I’m starting the growing season, and I have a bed I really need to fill, so I sneaked out today to grab some. It’s only round the corner and it was while I was waiting for stuff to finish… but I forgot I was wearing boots with a really deep tread, so I left big composty footprints going allll the way back to my desk. Oops.

I’m not very good at this sneaking thing.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/108 "2026-03-18T18:46:59Z")

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**cookie** I saw a lawyer this morning to start the will planning process. I have no spouse and no children and my only sibling is nine years older than me. So the whole thing is going to be pretty simple. It was weird to talk about it. Not that I have any fear of dying and hopefully I’m not at death’s door!

Came home and took a nap. Had lunch and now I am reading. Of course it snowed again overnight. I am fed up with winter.

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**Author:** ![missred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/missred/32/14096_2.png) [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/109 "2026-03-18T19:43:47Z")

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> [@GenerationJones](#):
>
> Today was Seattle’s Best dark roast in the auto-drip. This coffee is pretty tasty, and it’s baffling. I buy it cheap at the Dollar General and it ought to taste like dirt and disappointment but instead I find myself reaching for it often. What are they putting in this stuff?

Crack? 😛

> [@GenerationJones](#):
>
> Yes, other folks have Mighty Hunters (such as cats, and dogs who aren’t weenies) who catch and eat prey. WE have the princess dog who finds baby squirrels, and it’s pathetic. While she is good at pulling the innards out of her plush toys, it seems like she doesn’t know what to do with prey. She chews off the feet and tail and then brings the rest inside and leaves it on the carpet.

Once the neck is broken, Nelson is done with a mouse. (For reference, he’s caught a couple at my dad’s and one at the dog park).

Sis and I went to pick up a MarketPlace buy before grocery shopping. I got a [Brother ScanNCut](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1764762-REG/brother_sdx85c_scanncut_charcoal.html?ap=y&smp=y&msclkid=4626626ce8b81f2de9f80bd615760293) , still in the packaging for $65. I’ve wanted one for years, but even secondhand, they tend to run ~$200. Now, where to put it. 🙂

I got a lot of groceries today, but, since we went to Joe V’s, it didn’t cost as much and I had a lot better selection for produce. They don’t have electric carts and the store is huge, but I’m not as worn out as I expected to be. I may feel it tomorrow though.

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/110 "2026-03-18T22:36:07Z")

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Jessica from Hospice stopped by and picked up 2 bags of (11) blankets. My works are being shared far and wide in the county. So yay for spreading the warmth!

**FCD** ’s new tool for holding/pushing wood thru the table saw came today. It’s similar to [this](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Microjig-GRR-RIPPER-Table-Saw-Push-Block-with-Saferip-Kit-for-Precision-Cuts-Kickback-Control-with-and-Enhanced-Safety-GR-100/330907006?g_store=2563&source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&fp=ggl). Definitely safer - a positive grip and his hand will be well above and away from the spinny cutty part.

SIL made an appointment with a guy “doing roofs in the area - can I give you a quote” who actually turned out to be legit. But SIL asked **FCD** to come when the guy was there. They don’t need a new roof, but the ridge vent suffered some high-wind damage (which **FCD** confirmed) and the guy suggested they contact their homeowners insurance about getting it replaced. Nice to know the guy wasn’t trying to pull a fast one and SIL recognized his limits and asked for help.

Thus windeth down our day. We had soup for supper and shortly, I’ll have my apple and peanut butter snack. We’re going to the boat tomorrow to remove the components of the old water system. We’ve also got to buy some 2X4s for several projects. Since we’ll be down there, I’ll just take the hatch cover for fitting (instead of waiting till the weekend when it’s supposed to be warmer.) So on to new projects.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/111 "2026-03-19T00:13:00Z")

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Howdy Y’all! We procured and stowed provisions and proceeded to be RDOS layabouts the rest of the day. Even sup was a minimal effort. OYKW told me he has a gnawin’ and a cravin’ for Arby’s roast beast sammiches and curly fries. I said I would get us some after I funeralize tomorrow as Arby’s is on the way back to da cave.

**MetalMouse** I liked the short story. I do not have fancy vestments. I wear a black cassock and a long black vest that has a Verger patch and an Episcopal shield patch. when I Chalice only or am doin’ other lay duty, I wear a black cassock and a white surplice. Also “indolent plebeian “ would be a great tag!

I suppose stage manager works better than MC for what a Verger does. I might have thought of that, but at the time my brain was not yet fully caffeinated. It takes two cups of coffee to kickstart the brain.

\*\*doggio\* I think it would be perfectly reasonable for me to get to whack anyone who shows up after the Gospel readin’ and homily. Every Priest has told me know. Spoilsports!

**GenJ** do you find the coffee in the fancy or regular DG? We got us a fancy DG in our ‘hood.

**Mollie/Thea** we are here for you!

**Nuts** glad you got some free fancy dirt.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/112 "2026-03-19T00:40:33Z")

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Up from naptime, watching hockey. Dinner is a martini, and chicken and egg noodles with peas and 'shrooms.

> [@Maus\_Magill](#):
>
> find if I state my intention, I feel better. - My name is Thea, and I am a girl.

Hi, **Thea**!

> [@Filbert](#):
>
> I’m not very good at this sneaking thing.

Well, you’re more a Druid class than a Thief class anyways. 😉

> [@swampbear](#):
>
> \*_doggio_ I think it would be perfectly reasonable for me to get to whack anyone who shows up after the Gospel readin’ and homily. Every Priest has told me know. Spoilsports!

You should quote Ezekiel 25:17(and Jules from _Pulp Fiction_) to him about that: “And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.”

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**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:** [March 19, 2026, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/113 "2026-03-19T00:51:08Z")

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And evening all. Plumber was here until 6:30pm, he’s got a couple more things to do and it’ll be done, so then all I have to do is get all the drywall fixed. Have consumed fewer calories than yesterday, but been peeing like nobody’s business, knew I drank too much soda yesterday, cut back a lot today. Did put the garbage out and put the car in the driveway, so been that active… Need to get back to work on soccer stuff, haven’t been able to get out of the house and the plumber was working for several hours in my ‘office’ (accessing the spare bathroom pipes) so a bit behind. Brain is to tired to brain now, will get into it more tomorrow. Temperature is 53F and we should see 70F tomorrow.

**Nut** , hope the mess isn’t too hard to clean up (I am presuming you WFH?).

**Wet one** , I did the lawyer/will thing a year or so ago, wrote a first draft and gave them all the details and let her do her thing. Planning to outlive as many beneficiaries as I can.

**red** , looks like you got a good deal.

**FCM** , there are a lot of warmer (and happier) people thanks to you. And a nice gripper, but what are the odds you’ll catch him doing the sawing the ‘old way’ sometime in the next few months?

And need to do a couple of things before bedtime, including resisting any more Pepsi or food…60/40 odds I can do it. See y’all tomorrow.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/114 "2026-03-19T01:24:47Z")

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> [@Jack\_Batty](#):
>
> Bob finally found a position he could sleep in

Poor dude looks exhausted, I’m so glad he found a comfy spot!

Dang about the adjustable cruise control, I’ve heard other folks complaining about them in rentals.

> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> I’m sure hubs will get his chance someday to prove his credentials…

Sadly for him, I’m with Mrs. Harry. If it gets bad enough to burn kerosene in the house, it is time to pack up and go to a motel. The menfolk can stay home and keep the plumbing warm.

> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> The ‘morning’ (we didn’t go to lunch until 14:00) was spent going through tabs and stuff.

That was a late lunch, do they have a schedule for lunches and breaks? I hope you didn’t get the worse spots because you are the new guy, but that’s often what happens.

> [@Paintcharge](#):
>
> I’m taking a sewing class in a couple of weeks

Hand sewing or machine? What are you planning on using this new skill for, or is it just for fun? I think that everyone should know a few basic sewing skills, but I also think that everyone should have a few “what to do if your car breaks down skills” as well.

> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> When that happens, I give the freebie to Max’s person.

You are such a kind person.

I agree with the lawyer thing, your daughter seems to be a kind person as well and currently a lawyer would probably stand up for her best interests better than she will. Her STBX knows how to play on her sympathy and has already shown where his priorities lay.

> [@swampbear](#):
>
> I am jealous that I never get to do that.

I am sorry that you haven’t yet experienced the joy of giving someone a well deserved whack with a stick! 😜

> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> Need to dress semi-proper (jeans and polo instead of sweatshirt/sweatpants) for the visiting plumbers,

As someone who has been seen wearing sweats by plumbers, let me say…they don’t care as long as you stay out of the way and pay your bill, it is all good.

I do hope the bill doesn’t prove to be heart clutchingly high.

> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> But Trader Joe’s is _right there!_

That’s going to make life so much easier for you, no only do you have a place to grab lunch you won’t have to make an extra trip to get groceries.

> [@Taters](#):
>
> Well, my son did not get the house.

Well, dang. I’m sure something better will come along soon. The longer he looks, the better idea he will have about what he really wants.

> [@Taters](#):
>
> My state is one of the five states where Real ID is proof of citizenship.

[![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55155614021_78ec07de02.jpg "angry-congrats-happy-for-you") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/191587192@N04/55155614021/in/dateposted-public/)

Yeah, I wish I had been better educated when I got mine. I could have gotten my passport at the same time I got my Real ID, but it would have taken longer and we had just moved and didn’t even have our stuff and it was hot and George got even more depressed if he was left along and I just wasn’t thinking as well as I should have been. I’m paying for it now and only have myself to blame.

> [@Taters](#):
>
> I may go out for a bit to get the pups some doggy ice cream.

Oh gosh, I can’t imagine the drama if we were out of kitty treats! Your poor neglected puppers, how are they ever surviving the abuse?!?

> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> The car was meh, but the seat memory was _ **Da Best** _!!!

Did it also adjust the mirrors? Soooo very jealous!

> [@Maus\_Magill](#):
>
> I _am now_ concerned about yoga. I’ll have to ask about that at my second consult next week.

I’m glad I mentioned it, but yeah, ask your doctor. For the first couple of weeks, you will need to avoid anything that increases your Intraocular (eye) pressure. I’m sure there will be parts of your routines you can continue to do and it won’t be for very long.

> [@Maus\_Magill](#):
>
> Come to think of it, I think It was.

Ya know what they say…the memory is the first to go! But thank you and we will be trying it next week I think.

> [@Wheelz](#):
>
> And I’m quite OK with that.

And we love you just the way you are.

> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> But I’m filling in for her until..who knows?

Do you want her job forever? And does it come with a raise?

> [@GenerationJones](#):
>
> The spring ticks are here.

Gets the heeby jeebies and puts out more grapes for the possum.

> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> **GenJ** , sometimes the Dollar stores have stuff that is actually quite useful,

When I need gift wrap or plastic bins, the dollar store is the first place I go. James likes to buy their soups because they are in a smaller can and he can’t eat a regular sized can.

> [@peedin](#):
>
> It was weird to talk about it.

It is very odd indeed! We updated everything after Jolene moved in and the whole process of just writing down where everything was and who would get it was exhausting.

> [@missred](#):
>
> Once the neck is broken, Nelson is done with a mouse.

Nelson is proof of my theory that people didn’t “domesticate” cats because they were good at hunting rodents. They already had Nelson’s ancestors doing that job.

Congrats on your new cutting thing, even I can tell that you are going to have a whole lot of fun with it.

> [@swampbear](#):
>
> Every Priest has told me know. Spoilsports!

Spoilsports indeed! You’ve always made your church sound cool, I would have expected the Priests to be cool too 🙂

So today has been much warmer than yesterday and all of the snow has melted off and the river is brown. I ventured out and delivered raw toast to the old folks home and gave James the cookies I had baked because it was snowing.

I offered to take James to the store, but he thought it was too cold and he had cookies, so I’ll take him over the weekend.

When I pulled the sheets off the bed yesterday morning, I noticed that it had been three days since Hubs has bled on his pillow. Happy Dance! I tossed his old icky pillow in the trash along with the blood stained pillow case and gave him new ones.

This morning, no blood! Hurray! I was getting so tired of seeing blood first thing in the morning.

The other good news is that his blood work came back and his uric acid levels are back to normal. That doesn’t mean that he can go back to daily steaks and beer, but it does mean that what we have been doing is working and now we can make small changes to make his diet easier for both of us. Cooking for him is very boring now ☹

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/115 "2026-03-19T01:44:58Z")

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Macon, GA.

A shorter drive today but I crossed the last time zone. That and I ran into a ton of traffic both around Chattanooga and Atlanta. My rental also decided to fuck me again. It’s got the Android Connect thing which has been working great for the last four days. Then I stopped north of Macon to finalize my booking and take a pee and when I got back in and started the truck, the menu screen was stuck on the Explorer welcome page - no menus, no nothing. I turned off the truck and restarted it but it didn’t help. I drove down the road for a little while, pulled over, tried to restart the truck and my phone … still nothing. But I was only like 30 minutes from my hotel, so I just called up the on-board GPS and punched in Motel 6 Macon. Goddamned thing sent me to the wrong Motel 6.

By the time I figured it out - or rather the front desk clerk figured it out for me - I got back in the truck and the friggin’ Android Connect thing was working again.

I swear, I think I rented this truck from Alan Funt.

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**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/116 "2026-03-19T02:43:51Z")

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> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> Do you want her job forever? And does it come with a raise?

Per the CBA, Hazmat responders get an extra $1/hr when they are the HazMat person, but otherwise there would be no change. I wouldn’t mind, but they are getting rid of the P.M. clerks so, I might be there, or I might bump down to something else(I’ve been there 5 years, but I’m the least senior clerk trained drone).

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**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:** [March 19, 2026, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/117 "2026-03-19T02:58:06Z")

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> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> That was a late lunch, do they have a schedule for lunches and breaks? I hope you didn’t get the worse spots because you are the new guy, but that’s often what happens.

My manager takes her lunches at 14:00. Since I’m training with her, I go to lunch when she does. (Speaking of which, I made a turkey/provolone/avocado/Romaine lettuce/tomato sandwich on Sara Lee Delightful Multi-Grain bread, and some TJ’s roasted & salted almonds.) Breaks are taken at such times that the teller line and drive-through are never not covered. When the guy who’s been at the drive-through goes on break or lunch, there’s someone at the counters who can go over and help people who are driving through.

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**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/118 "2026-03-19T07:12:18Z")

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Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to heave. It’s currently 35 degrees Ferret Height(1.667 Centipedes). Spot is currently locked in a life or death struggle with something.

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**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/119 "2026-03-19T09:05:57Z")

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Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 7c/45f with a predicted high of 16c/61f and mostly sunny. Weather app says “I don’t have anything fucking significant to tell you right now. It’s like I fucking forgot what I was going to say.” Yeah, another gift from Mother Menopause.

> [@Chefguy](#):
>
> Went to a seminar on wills and estates, etc.

That’s another adult thing ‘im indoors and I have to do. We, sadly, will not live forever.

> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> My works are being shared far and wide in the county. So yay for spreading the warmth!

I am sure they are greatly appreciated by older bones! Also glad to hear that SIL recognised things he wasn’t able to do, and asked **FCD** for help.

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> The other good news is that his blood work came back and his uric acid levels are back to normal.

That’s very good news, and worth the reward of a new pillow 🙂 Hopefully you’ll be able to find some things to make his diet a bit more interesting.

Yesterday was a busy day in the orifice, although not much got done since I had a morning of back-to-back meetings. Then in the afternoon I had an urgent request for something else, and that took up quite a chunk of time.

I got home and did my immediate chores (washing food tubs, cleaning litter trays and feeding cats), then my grocery shopping arrived (only one item missing, but not an essential one) so that got put away. I had some administrivia to do, then had some sofa time with Blossom while ‘im indoors was making dinner. Bit of tellybox stuff, and then I went to bed. Cherry came with me, and demanded fuss for a while before she settled down. Muffin got her fusses this morning while I was having my first cuppa of the day, then she decided she’d had enough and bit me instead.

Irk will be irksome today, I have a meeting with Troublesome Minion this morning so I’ll probably end up with a headache from that as she’s bound to have something new that she wants to complain about.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-march-madness-mother-nature-style-in-the-mmp/1028482/120 "2026-03-19T10:13:24Z")

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Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. _YAWN_ ‘Tis 36 Amurrkin out and clear with a predicted high of \< snerk \> 69! \< snerk \> and sunny. The big item on today’s agenda is to funeralize. It will be short and sweet as the family wants only the burial rite sans music and Communion. Ann was cremated and her ashes will be plopped down in the Columbarium. She was a very kind person who developed Alzheimer’s and had been in home hospice care for the past year. After the funeral I will take care of candle and other duties since I will be there. Then I will pick up sammiches and curly fries from Arby’s for today’s main need to feed. I then intend to be a RDOS hermit the rest of the day.

**J\_Bats** I assume you will be on I75 south, so wave when you go through Tifton, GA. I am about 50 miles west of there.

**JtC** great news about hubs bloodwork and bloodless pillow case! Just so everyone knows, it’s people, not animals, I want to whack. I would use the stick to gently prod and move the critters out of the way. I am a grumpy old man to people, but I am nice to animals. Except wasps. They get what they deserve if they invade my space. I have dealt with a string of cool Priests over the years. They just frown upon whackin’ people on church grounds.

Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. I must also purtify myself and don the acceptable attire for funeralizin’. I don’t have to go full suit and tie as I am servin’. I take a win where I sees one.

Happy Thursday Y’all!

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