Happy Sunday!
Up, caffeinating, breakfasted and fixing to do KP. Pretty much RDOS activity today, nothing too exciting.
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
Small bit of groceries all procured and stowed. Toolbox situation has been sorted - I have what I think will be sufficient tools that might be needed in the house and the rest have been returned to FCD’s storage room. So many screwdrivers, so many metric box end wrenches! He really needs to do a tool yard sale or put some ads in Marketplace. We all know the likelihood of either of those things happening.
So. Now what? Too close to my lunch time to start anything. Maybe I’ll look for a pattern to use up the last of my yarn. The colors weren’t purchased to go together except in pairs, so some creativity must prevail. I should have bought yellow instead of forest green. Oh well…
Perhaps I’ll stare in the freezer for some supper inspiration.
Good morning.
It’s 63°F and cloudy outside. It’ll be cloudy with periods of rain with a daytime high of 67°F. It’s supposed to start raining around 8:30, which means I won’t be cutting the grass today.
Which is good, because I goofed yesterday. After watering everything in the dog-free zone, plus the poor bedraggled Japanese maple in the dog zone, I started raking the bare dirt spots in the lawn. Then I thought, “Self, you should fill in some of these dips”, so I busted open one of my bags of lawn soil and raked it around. Some of the areas were swampy, so I still had a bag of sand left from the paving job, and I mixed that in with the dirt I’d just spread. Long story short, I now need to wait a week for the dirt to settle in before I attempt to mow in the dog zone. Not that there is much to mow there, but still, there is some grass that needs mowing. I could conceivably mow in the dog-free zone, but I don’t like to bust out the noisy tools until after 8:00.
Speaking of noisy, the craptastic neighbors were at it again last night with loud shrieking kids (in the dark), and loud yelling by the adults. Someone finally shut down the shrieking kids around 9:00 p.m. One of the neighbors must have had it because I heard someone yell, “Shut the hell up and get those kids inside”. By that point, we’d all been listening to shrieking kids for about six hours, and we were all worn out. However, the thumping music continued into the night. Not as bad as it’s been in the past, but it was still there. It’s like pulling up next to a car at a light that has the bass turned up to eleventy billion, but you can’t escape it by driving away.
Look, kids yell, I raised two myself. But these kids are whole ‘nother level, and other neighbors have commented on it too, so it’s not just me being the crabby old lady.
A new Korean BBQ place opened several months ago, not far from where I live. I’ve been curious about it, and I think I’m going to suggest it for our next lunch or dinner outing. It’s received excellent reviews.
Metal Mouse, you’ve said more than once that you get tired reading about what I do, but honestly, I get tired reading about all of your soccer stuff and the back-and-forth. Plus your commitment to the gym, which I really admire.
I think I’d probably be out more if it weren’t for the dogs, but I chose that, so it’s on me. If I had to decide again, I wouldn’t have gotten the dogs. Honestly, the two months without one made life a little easier. However, in the end, I’m glad we have these two loving pups who want nothing more than to love, be loved, and eat! I would never give them up. I have Buster sleeping on top of my feet as I type this. He is my constant shadow and friend.
Thanks for the compliments on the garden and pup pics. Yeah, gardening is definitely hard work. I’m sure you may have noted that the beds were (once they reached maturity) quite full, and you couldn’t see dirt (except for the massive bed in the back). I do that on purpose to keep the weeds down. I rarely have to weed in those beds or planters. It’s the watering, feeding, deadheading, and moving stuff around that adds to the pile. Plus, the creation of new beds (like the beds with ferns, grasses, and hydrangeas), which will eventually fill in over time. The spring is definitely busy with adding new perennials and annuals, but I’m running out of room for the perennials, so I’ll need to create another bed. There’s only one space left in the dog-free zone, so I’ll be done with creating garden beds in the back once I build that. I don’t think I’ll get to that this year, and frankly, I’m at the point where I’m looking forward to the plants dying back, settling down for autumn and winter.
I leave the flowering plants (like the cone flowers, black-eyed susans, and similar plants) to go to seed so the birds have something over the winter. I don’t cut anything back to the ground because certain beneficial pollinators like to hibernate in the plant stalks over the winter. Jane mentioned the hedge thing. I create a small one every year with the branches that blow down from the trees behind my yard. I also leave the maple leaves on the large garden bed next to the fence. It’s beneficial for the soil as they break down, and the birds can find juicy tidbits underneath the leaves. It’s fun to watch the towhees and thrashers scratch at the leaves.
FCM, that was a good decision re: the boat show. That does sound like a lot.
Well, it’s that time. I need another cup of coffee this morning, and then I’ll get on with the day. Please take care of yourselves.
Man, that sounds good.
Thank you.
Oh, I gotta try that sauce! It’s in my cart now, thank you.
I LOL’d, thank you for sharing this story.
I remember that.
I doubt you will be disappointed. Good Korean BBQ makes me rethink my stance on religion.
Okay, bio-break time is over. I need a nap before work, didn’t go to bed till long after 3 a.m.
However, the schedule (which has rarely reflected reality this week… ) sez I have a short shift today & am early out. Fine by me.
A good day yesterday with youngest son and his family. We made about 50 lumpia, with the youngsters picking up on the technique very quickly. Ate our fill, then I brought out what is left of my mother’s/ancestor’s silver, explained it to them and its history and its care. Now it’s my son’s to pass on to his girls, who seemed genuinely interested in it. Also gave my son the last two oil paintings I did back in the 90s, which he liked. Oh, and a cat scratching post that Sadie has never even given a passing glance.
Today is a day of rest after all the activity.
So basically an English version of Garner.
Says every Patient Zero in every plague and zombie movie.
I’m vacuuming and listening to Slayer at 11:15, and I’m the quietest apartment in the building.
Do you still have an olive fork?
Started Typing: 10:59 AM ET
Clicked Reply: 12:04 PM ET
Shortly after I posted yesterday morning, my “aunt” – the very recent widow – called to offer her condolences about Bailey. It was good to hear her voice, and after the dog stuff we talked about how she is. She admitted to doing alright but not doing well, and told me about a short, last-minute trip she agreed to take with some friends this week; she’s hoping that might help. It’s a little backwards for a 53-year-old to be proud of a 77-year-old, but I told her that I’m proud of her. It’s been less than a month since her husband died, so I also reminded her to be patient with herself. I’m planning another trip to NJ sometime later this year, to see her and hopefully also some of my cousins, and am looking forward to that.
I’m also tentatively planning a trip to TX to visit my “nephew” and his girlfriend, who just moved into their first apartment two months ago. She graduated from college in May and recently started her first job, but my nephew changed majors and still has a few semesters left to go: I’m thinking about flying out there for his spring break in March. He’ll actually be here this coming weekend* and I’ll see him on Saturday, so I’ll talk with him about the idea then. When I was a baby my dad was briefly stationed in TX – we’re talking just a few months – but otherwise I’ve never been there. “The kids” live just north of Dallas, and I’m psyched about both going there/somewhere new and seeing their place.
*Sadly, the mom of one of his best friends since childhood died suddenly; the funeral is Sunday. He’s flying here on Wednesday and will go back to TX the following Monday, but it means he’ll be able to join us when his folks take me out to an early birthday lunch on Saturday (I’ll think of nellie while I’m eating that cake!).
I’m glad I went out last night. Metro was single-tracking in Virginia, which meant the rides to/from DC took 15-20 minutes longer than usual, but the music was great, it was really good to get to catch up with the musicians – I’ve known each of them for 16 years – and I even had “Happy Birthday” sung to me from the stage! Turns out that before the show started, the singer (who’d been sitting next to me at the bar) had overheard me talking with a mutual friend whose birthday is tomorrow and who remembered that mine is soon after his. 
There was a good hang at the bar afterwards, too.
Heading back was difficult, because being out – and feeling like I was ready to be home – made me realize that the house doesn’t actually feel like home at the moment. Bailey was “home.” I’ve always valued and needed my time here, but she was always part of it. My brain knows that I’ll adjust, but right now my heart can’t imagine any place ever feeling like home again. All part of the grieving process, I know.
I’ve decided that some Lego therapy is in order, and today I’m going to start building the Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage (from Hocus Pocus) that I bought in June: I see it as Halloween decor so I’d been planning to wait until early next month to build it, but now I like the idea of having a nice big set to work on. Where I’ll display it is future Misnomer’s problem. 
Another distraction is currently on its way: I ordered an Atari 2600+ and a few favorite cartridges (including Breakout…and paddles), and FedEx says everything will be delivered on Tuesday. 
I will definitely keep Bailey’s collar: right now it’s hanging on the corner of a picture frame in the living room, along with the tiny blue collar and name tag she was wearing the day she was adopted (I might do a shadow box thing after I get her paw print). I don’t think I’ll keep her harness and leashes, though.
As much as I’m hurting right now, frankly I’m glad to be done with all of that. I’ve had to accomodate a pet for all but 4 of my adult years, and I’m ready to not have that responsibility any more!
I remember puppy Bailey being quite afraid of them, too! 
Die_Capacitrix, to my knowledge all Petsmarts have automatic/sliding doors. Most dogs figure them out eventually!
I had a feeling it might be too much for some. 
Awww! 
Two of them! They are stamped 1847 Rogers Bros. That doesn’t mean that is the year it was made, but rather just the year the partnership was formed.
Yeah, it was one of those turning points in one’s life, I guess. A bit sobering, but it’s time to get rid of things rather than leave them for others to deal with. It’s particularly true of keepsake items that have a history attached. My youngest now has the 1861 bible that belonged to my great grandfather and this part of the silver. My daughter has the other silver items, primarily souvenir spoons and other teaspoons. I’m pretty certain that my eldest doesn’t have any interest in any of it.
I’m in yet another pickle. One more, and you’ll have to call me Dill. How do I get myself into these things? So I called my sister yesterday, concerned because she was sick with something weird but very worrisome and is still weak. She told me about an odd text from my sis-in-law and asked me to talk to our brother about it. (They don’t talk as often as the rest of us.) So I called him, and that’s where things went wrong.
He was concerned, so he talked to his wife, and she started spiraling and has been texting me all upset and angry. I think she’s starting to calm down, but I am making a vow: from now on, siblings can’t use me as the middle man person. It’s harder than it sounds since one sister is afraid of her and the other doesn’t trust her own temper Also, these ARE my monkeys and it IS my circus.
Big tempests, little teapots.
I’m concerned about Max’s person. She’s 80, has health issues, and is now too sick to drive herself to urgent care–either flu or Covid–said she can’t get the test to work (?). I’ll walk little Maxie today and told her if she needed an Uber to see a doc, I’d get one for her, mask up, and go with her. Sir Max-A-Lot would just have to be home alone. Suck it up, buttercup, your person is sick. I wish I had a car. I’m reluctant to drive hers because I’ve only driven a few times in the last 7 years.
On to better news…it’s raining. It’s not THE rains yet, but I don’t care. I love the rain. Taters, flyboy, are you getting any of this wet stuff?
Don’t worry, FCM. Swampy rakes himself on the daily, so he’s used to it…maybe without the sand and dirt, though.
Peasant: You’re not fooling anyone, you know.
Between Peach’s reaction and Ms. Dog’s panic at sounds coming from the vents, I’m now convinced that dogs believe in ghosts. 
Cookie, that’s so lovely that you’ve taught your kids and grands about the silver. My son and DIL already have my grandmother’s sterling coffee service. You’ve inspired me to make sure they know the history.
Time to go!
Ah, my old stomping grounds. There’s not much of that area that I haven’t at least driven through.
I understand ezzactly what you mean.
This is an @nelliebly quote, dunno why it’s mis-posting, but … I was already considering doing this, if I can get my lazy ass to shave my legs. It’s supposed to get around 80 F today, and the early part of yesterday’s shift was … uncomfortably warm, let’s say.
I have a donut from yesterday that I never got around to eating, does that count?
It’s just started here, along with some breeziness. It came a little later than projected, but I’ll take it all the same.
Sorry to hear about the troubles with your sister-in-law. I hope the tempest dies down soon.
Sorry Flyboy! Get the pilots wrong
Happy late birthday @LSLGuy
There are two weird ads that have been popping up on my tablet quite a bit lately. One is AI for certain, and I think the other might be also. The one I’m sure about is a young woman holding what looks like a towel or tablecloth in front of her below shoulder level. It never moves. Her hands never move, in fact, nothing but her face and head move - no sign of breathing or swallowing. Just an animated head on a rigid body. It’s also obvious the text that scrolls up the towel/cloth wasn’t written by a native English speaker.
The other ad is for some sort of exercise program. It starts with a woman saying: I’m 65 and ripped and doctors hate me! (I can’t remember the exact order of the quote, but those are the words.) There ain’t no way she’s 65, no matter how well she’s taken care of herself, how many hours she works out, or how many cosmetic surgeries she’s had. It’s possible she’s a 30-something hardbody actress, but more likely, she’s all AI. Regardless, why would doctors hate someone who worked at taking care of herself?? It’s creepy and annoying. And both ads keep interrupting my game play. Stooopit ads.
I pulled out a chickie tit that will become something for supper. Not sure what - maybe I’ll scroll thru some recipes. I had lunch 2 hours ago and I’m already hungry! Guess I didn’t eat enough. Maybe some yogurt will hit the spot. Off to forage.
My opinion, since you asked 
the problem isn’t you, although I highly approve of your vow to not put yourself in the middle anymore.
But based on how she acted towards you PLUS the reactions of others to her … I’m guessing she’s got some dysfunctional mental health issues going on.
Sucks that your circus includes these monkeys, and imma guess sucks for your brother to be shackled married to her.
Dogs are just fine being alone for several hours. It’s called “naptime.”
The moon last night looked perfectly cut in half. Lovely to see.
S.M. reported that just at moonrise it looked pinkish-orange, and my immediate response was, “What, is Canada on fire again?”
(Hope not.)
My Monkey is currently sacked out by my ankles as I enjoy my last few minutes of, oh, what do the Brits call it - a layabout? liearound? - before yanking on my lightest pants and pretending the pile of “adulting” mail doesn’t exist. Oy, I know there’s bad news in there. { peeks through fingers }
But I love that he got to work out some cabin fever zoomies last night (I didn’t used to be able to let him out so late at night!) and it’s good for him to get a bit more exercise. Plus holy god a cat dressed for a rave is simply hilarious entertainment.
Because clickbait relies on
- Prurient curiosity
- The hope for a miracle cure
- Feeling smarter than other people (or the ad) and therefore looking to see how superior one is
- Rage at THEM, because THEY are stupid and/or witholding information from you.
Nellie, sorry you’re in the middle. Perhaps you could tell the one that after you got blasted, you’re scared of the other, too.
In my case, THEM would be the advertisers (assuming you referred to the spokesfolk/AI spokesfolk) Actually, most of my rage is because these idiotic ads keep delaying my attaining the next level! Dammit!!! 
No, It’s OK. I’m cool.
And I found a chickie tit recipe that just uses salt, pepper, tarragon, and lemon juice, so supper is planned. Well, except for the sides. Wish I’d remembered to buy noodles. Dammit.
Church was great. The 15 yr old boy is the best singer, he should be famous. We don’t sing hymns, we worship happy, as it were.
Chasing After You by Vashawn Mitchell is my favorite.
Supposed to be warm all week. Im still trying to get housing to shut off the a/c. Those not on the top floor are freezing.
Training is tues-fri 9-4.
This is unusual to me. Every training Ive had elsewhere was watching a video for an hour or so.
We get those ads in the UK too, which is particularly stoopit; the NHS funding for GPs is basically per patient registered to the clinic, with I think some risk group weighting- so an older patient in excellent health would be the perfect patient to have, cos you get paid but don’t need to do anything…
I have to be back to irk tomorrow, and I really don’t wanna. I have so much to do… I want to be an RDOS already 
That may be a very good sign. If they invest that much time & effort, that (usually) means a crew of coworkers who know what they’re doing, can help when you’re flailing, or forgot something, etc.
If it’s paid training, so much the better!
And I found a chickie tit recipe that just uses salt, pepper, tarragon, and lemon juice,
Good … luck? That sounds very minimalist. (@FairyChatMom quote function is fighting me lately)