I always say: “I’m old, not blind”.
Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to heave.
Blue glass. But I suppose blue food coloring would work, or Empress 1908 gin
Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 18c/65f with a predicted high of 20c/68f, and partly cloudy. Weather app says “It’s fucking grey outside, sort of like my sad, sad life”
It certainly would, I suspect that might be his next plan. However, he likes the Green Heart as it is and will not be digging ninja tunnels. Hmm…wonder if I should offer him some PSWNSLS…
Yay! Sounds like your trip was absolutely perfect 
Moooom sorry to hear about MIL’s continued obsession with Alexa and time. Perhaps it’s related to her lack of sight and the fact she sleeps so much? She really doesn’t have any way of telling whereabouts in the day she actually is. I suppose we are so used to doing things at certain times, it must be quite disconcerting to genuinely not know “when” you are.
I did find that quite baffling when I first went to the US, over here we can buy pretty much any kind of alcohol in the supermarket. Some of them don’t have the better (more expensive) brands but they’re not that hard to find.
Tride that is some beautiful scenery!
Safe travels, metalmouse, looking forward to some pics from your trip!
Nothing exciting in my day today, I went out last night with a couple of friends to a country pub. We heard plenty of birdsong, saw bats and a young badger going about their business. It was warm enough to sit outside all night so that was very pleasant, and we avoided the bit of the pub that had the football on!
It’s going to be quiet in the office, there’s only three of us in today although one of them is a proper chatterbox and pretty much talks all day if you let her. I predict very little productive work will happen…
So cute!!!
When I came down this morning Annie was talking to me. It was the weirdest thing. Normally she just dance around, but today it was paired with a lovely little growl speak. Now she’s laying on my lap trying to stall the inevitable morning pill and work. Ah yes, she’s licking my arm now. YUCK!
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 73 Amurrkin out and cloudy with a predicted high of 92 and mostly N.O.S. I shall take care of various duties over to the church house this mornin’ and then we shall be bears who brunch at Eggs Up. I predict I shall be eatin’ some traitorous crabs. Then it will be back to da cave for quality cee-mint pond time, sloth, nappage, and day drinkin’. Sounds like a good Thursday plan to me!
Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, alas and bother, I suppose I must purtify and don attire acceptable for bein’ amongst the great unwashed. How I do suffer! This will be two days in a row. How unfair life can be!
Happy Thursday Y’all!
Happy Summer Solstice! It’s a glorious 65° to start the day but it will probably hit 90° before cooling down, and close to 100° this weekend. And daylight hours will start getting shorter. But it will be 3 or 4 months till we’re consistently cooler. Such are the seasons.
I pointed out to him that if her longevity matches her siblings, it could be another 15 years before she dies, putting him in his 80s. That got him thinking. On the other hand, they have a house and that’s about it, and they may well have to sell and move, meaning their only assets will likely be furniture and maybe some life insurance policies. I dunno - he said he’d think about it. I’m so glad we have only one offspring who gets it all when we’re gone. No squabbling.
I looked up his derm record - Hidradenitis suppurativa. One of the side effects of his new meds involves the sun, meaning no swim time with the grands. The doc told him just a few minutes exposure could turn him red. In our 40 years together, he’s hardly ever burned, so this will be tough for him. He’ll especially need to remember a hat, since his hair has pretty much deserted his head in favor of his face. But it’s not contagious and according to the doc, it’s exacerbated by stress - all righty then. That explains a lot!!
Supposedly. MIL is going to go see BIL today, so it may just be me and the grands. That will make things easier on me. I figure washing the truck will take at least an hour, and probably longer. And something tells me more than the truck will be hosed down. But fresh air, sunshine, and a clean truck - sounds like a win all around. Then I’ll be taking them to a playground near their house around 4 and Daughter will retrieve them there.
Tomorrow is Trevor Day - we may have to go over and meet him this weekend. I think he should settle in before coming here to meet Higgs, especially since Higgs can be a brat about her yard.
I think that’s a big part of it. Years of having to make meals at certain times, shower at certain times, got to bed at a certain time - I expect she’s a bit disoriented. It’s not dementia (at least we don’t think so.) It’s just old age, different surroundings (she hasn’t even been with us a year yet) and the inevitable decline of brain function. It’s really difficult for FCD to watch, especially after literally sitting beside his dad when he died. I try not to be annoyed, but there are times I just want to scream!! I hope I don’t do this to my daughter as I decline…
I had to look up Merrylande alcohol laws (since we pretty much don’t drink, so we rarely buy the stuff.) Considering how long Blue Laws were in effect here, the alcohol laws shouldn’t surprise me. Here’s the current Maryland Blue Law:
In Maryland, “a new or used car dealer may not sell, barter, deliver, give away, show, or offer for sale a motor vehicle or certificate of title for a motor vehicle on Sunday”, except in Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County. In addition to restricting car sales, Maryland prevents professional sports teams from playing before 1 pm on Sunday unless the local jurisdiction allows it.
The old Blue Law was something like a store couldn’t have more than 6 employees working on Sunday. Not sure when that changed, but there are times I think the big box stores still follow that, Sunday or not. 
Anyway, another day begins and I should shower and dress before SIL deposits his spawn here. I figure I might have another 90 minutes of peace.
Happy Thursday!!
And a good Thorsday morning. All packed and ready to to go, will stop at Buc-ee’s for provisions and gas then about 350 miles of driving, which shouldn’t be to bad. Except for finding a bank on the way (fortunately my bank is very widespread) to get cash, should make it in the early afternoon.
Tride, nice pictures of the pups.
FCM, kids with hoses and buckets of water…what could possibly go wrong? Hope FCD does use the day to recuperate.
And looking at the clock I’ll leave in about an hour or so, a good Thorsday to all and I’ll be careful. Now need to remember what I forgot (I always forget something…)
Oh, shoot - I forgot it was the solstice! Cool!
Beyoootiful pic, Tride.
My eyeballs is tired today. Overlygirl decided to go to cross country practice this morning, which was (appropriately) held at 6 a.m. Sadly I was the one to drive her. But it gave me a chance to drink a cup of coffee in the garden to run the sprinklers for a bit before it got so hot it’d be useless. So that was nice.
In other news, they also found mice and ants in the first floor at work yesterday, and the A/C went out down there, too. Still, I’ve got a meeting with The Powers That Be (aka, boss’s current boss) tomorrow and he will probably want to talk in person if I’m there, so I’ll have to go in. I’ve got my fingers crossed he will have decided to work at home and that he doesn’t ask awkward questions.
One of his directs asked me last week, “So…what kind of support do you get from your boss, and do you feel she can answer questions about what you do?” The answer is really none and no, not at all and if she did, I wouldn’t be meeting with her boss. My response was, “She’s really stretched thin and my portfolio is pretty large, so I’m not sure she’s had a chance to familiarize herself.” I’m not good at lying or politics, so I wasn’t sure what to say. Again, just point me to a seat where I can watch this nonsense - don’t drag me into it!
I think that was very diplomatic. Good job at spinning.
Went to sleep at 1:30 due to 3 hr nap yesterday. Woke up at 5:30 for bio break; was able to go back to sleep about a half hour later. But at 7:19 from a dead sleep I starting yelling “WHAT! WHAT! WHAT! HUBS?” There was no response so I said “Hubs did you call me?” Still no response. So, I slowly opened my eyes and while shaken, realized that I had heard someone calling my name in my sleep. Weird.
Day will consist of regular tasks: feed fish, water flowers and tomatoes, wash dishes, load of laundry, swiffer bedroom and change sheets; also several things I didn’t do yesterday: plant more flowers, pay for storage unit (when I went yesterday, the office was locked up tighter than a drum). I’m also inspired by FCM’s idea of washing car; mine really needs it.
Maybe I’ll just dvr the swim trials tonight and instead go for a walk in the extended daylight due to Summer Solstice.
Enjoy your Summer Solstice Day! 
Went out to water garden, which reminded me that the recycling and trash will need to be taken out to the big bins as they will need to be rolled to the curb later today for pickup tomorrow.
Hubs bought a new outdoor thermometer to replace the one that had gone rogue; it regularly registered temps about 5-10 degrees higher than it really is. Well, the new one said 112. But it’s in the direct sunlight. Weather ap says it’s 82 right now.
Really very humid out there.
It baffled me too. In SoCal you could buy spirits anywhere. Supermarkets, bodegas, gas stations… I had an uncle who worked in a state liquor store in Oregon. I was much too young to drink, but even then I thought it was strange that you had to go to a special store.
So I was in Secondary Sort most of the day. Busy and hot. Plus everybody is buying big ass fans, air conditioners, and ice makers for summer. So it was leg day and upper body day. I did my Teeter Senior Day shopping. Didn’t need much, just some Smithwick’s, salad stuff, and a lime for tonight’s Mai Tai. Anyways, naptime, you daywalkers stay out of trouble while I sleep.
And tomorrow, the plague of frogs arrive, and Pharaoh’s firstborn gets a smiting. 
Spot licks my head while I am trying to sleep.
Hacuna Matata!
But that was on an episode of Save My Skin last night(I enjoy a good cyst)
Safe travels, Metal Mouse
Then there’s Pa., which has liquor laws imported from another reality.
Can’t. Apparently sacrificing someone to the Sun God is frowned upon outside of Aztec turf.
Mornin’ all. It’s 1030ish on a warm sunny morning as I make one last effort to catch up w y’all before my weekend starts and the MMP is ignored.
My last night was another free not-uber to the closest location of a local sports bar chain Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill for a cocktail and a decent prime rib. Their food, drinks, and people aren’t amazing, but everything they do is solid good. Then a walk home in the late night warmth. I prefer their beachfront location, but that one isn’t in free not-uber’s catchment area and I was lazy.
Up early today and the last 5 hours have been me dealing with the logjam on the divorce breaking free which occurred at her end yesterday. Hooray for all that. Color me profoundly relieved to be underway for the last push over the goal line. Now all the various balls are in somebody else’s courts until Monday so I can staycation in peace.
Next up is feed, shevel, pack, and drive down to BB’s house then to our Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Autograph Collection (marriott.com) for the weekend.
As to metalmouse’s comment about finding time for a date, we’re doing a small venue Whitney Houston tribute concert tonight, and taking a sunset private air tour in a small plane around Miami Beach and bay on Friday night. Both were her picks and her pays. All else is TBD, but at least some of it will be dressed since we need to eat once in awhile.
As to y’all:
FCM: Yaay for no MRSA! And the other general progress. I hope we get a pic or two of the truck washing (AKA the Grandma dousing).
That’s my technique. I admire doggio’s ambition and skill for more elaborate things, but for me most of the additives just detract from the good stuff.
Coppertone: yaay for progress on all that training. There’s light at the end of that tunnel.
This.
Sounds delightful.
Agreed. As good as it gets. And that’s damned good in your case.
Yaay indeed! Tomorrow is full moon, and Jupiter rises about 2 hours before sunrise and is very pretty while it lasts. The sky this week is such a busy place!
The hell you aren’t. That was a masterful reply to a loaded question.
Cheers all and I’ll catch you when I can.
Moving to the Mitten State after 30 years in the Bible Belt, I was flabbergasted to see Jack Daniels an aisle over from the potato chips at every big-box grocery.
My gawds, yes. Did y’all get any rain last night?
We got a sudden, brief but intense downpour - I think old timers called it a frog-strangler - in the late afternoon, and by the time I left work at 12:30, maybe 12:45 a.m. it felt like a sauna in the middle of the jungle outside.
Very bleah.
Woke up stoopit early because … wait for it … I was hungry!! First time in a while, for context. Haven’t felt very perky for a coupla days.
Since I needed cash back anyway since SOMEone keeps smoking all my weed, I went to get the one thing I was craving: a Stouffers turkey/stuffing/mashed NOT/gravy. Made my necessary pit stop on the way back, and am now contentedly esconsed with a cat on my lap & my strange “breakfast.”
Probably gonna shoot for a siesta before work once my tummy is filled. I’ve been sleeping like shit lately - a combo of humid nights and little appetite = an unhappy & also sleepless shoe.
Happy Summer Soltice to those who celebrate the seasons!
As much as I whine about the heat, I do enjoy the loooong evenings.
Oh, man, it would be perfect if winter and summer were switched, temp-wise: brief days of sun & heat, loooooong days of cool weather & the trees all changing color but you can still enjoy the fading sunlight at 9:30 pm.
… where do I submit my request for that?
ETA: with the heat, comes Fly Season ™ so at least Monks has suitable snax & entertainment while I’m at work.
Looks like a beautiful place!
I understand hungry.
Well, as today is my birthday we had plans to go out to dinner tonight. Unfortunately while Annie and I were hanging out this morning she was scratching a spot that itched so hard that she actually started bleeding. I called the vet today and they can get her in at 5:30. So, we’ll probably catch a movie after her appointment and then do dinner tomorrow instead. I think that MusicMan was more disappointed than I am. But, as my mom said, I’d be worrying about Annie all day if we all left her home alone and something happened when she wasn’t feeling good.
I’ve been trying to play around with art stuff today, but apparently I should just wait until inspiration truly strikes again. The ‘trees’ that I’ve been creating look like… trash. And I’ve been more frustrated than anything else. So, enough of that for awhile.
It may be nap time soon…
Happy Birthday!
Costco run! Without the wife along, it was a breeze. Out, shop, self checkout and back in under a half hour. My mind was a steel trap. No cruising every single fucking aisle, no meandering, no impulse buying (well, one bag of mixed nuts), just the list, ma’am. People were applauding; some were even giving me a “number one” sign, though oddly with just the middle finger. But still! AND I had a primo parking spot!
Christmas. As I related at the time, one of Wifey, RN’s patients is legally blind… and he’s also an artist (and musician). She bought one of his prints (an alligator by a swimming pool). So I had this great idea for a Christmas present. I’d get her a Michael’s gift card with enough money on it so that she could get a custom frame. I’d cleverly put the gift card into a cheap frame… a frame that certainly wouldn’t be the right size for the print. I also got her a Chat Noir poster as just a little something, that would fit into the frame. And this is how it played out:
The Spousal Unit thought I’d just bought her a frame. She didn’t know the card in the middle of it was a gift card. She thought it was just Michael’s branding. I had to tell her. Then she decided to put the alligator print into the cheap frame… because by trying to buy the wrong-size frame, I accidentally bought the right-size frame. The framed alligator print is decorating a bathroom wall. (Her patient liked the idea.)
Yesterday she used the gift card to buy two small, very nice, frames for a couple of prints she bought by local artists (they’re signed and have low numbers – one of them is #4 of 5), and a frame for the cat poster. That’s a very nice frame. Wide edges, nice matt (with a thin black ‘inner frame’), and nice hanging hardware. That cost $70.
She seems to be spending more on the gift card than I put on it. I don’t remember putting more than $150 on it, but she’s spent more than that on it.
The truck is clean!!
Mac-n-cheese has been ingested. They’re in dry clothes, watching My Little Pony. We’ll leave in about 3 hours to meet Daughter at the Purple Playground.
FCD forgot to turn off the battery before leaving town, so the boat is dead dead dead. We need to get an isolation transformer, then, with luck, we can plug in and charge it up again. I’m not going to tell you the long, sad, technical story about shore power - suffice it to say, it’s not just us. But it will cost a few $$ because, well, of course it will. Anyway, he’s home trying to figure out which transformer we’ll need and I’m ready for a nap, even tho I slept pretty well last night. Always something.
Tobias just requested my presence to watch My Little Pony, so I guess I shall oblige him. Because who can refuse such cute???
Well…we just got an email from our facilities org telling us to leave while they fog our floor because apparently the pests migrated to our desks. So you are correct - more plagues a’comin.
Now my desk is covered in A/C lint, mice and ants.
And thank you, LSLGuy!
Congralations, cookie, for getting through Costco so quickly! I’m over here applauding with the masses.