# (Old) Stone Cold Vacation A 4/20 MMP

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Tags:** mmp\
**Created:** [April 20, 2026, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417 "2026-04-20T04:02:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 8

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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:** [April 23, 2026, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/141 "2026-04-23T23:42:20Z")

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> [@Seanette](#):
>
> Yeah, I’m sick.

Feel better soonest. **(((seanette)))**

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> Oh, and litter box trivia - yes some schools did have kitty litter stocked in the classrooms. Not because of “furries” but so kids would have somewhere to pee in case of a lockdown.

Back when I was a kid, they kept it for the custodian to scoop onto body fluids on the floor so’s it could be swept up.

Glad getting your roto rooted went well, **swampy**.

I got my car back! I got out of there with a new battery, an oil change, a rehang of my bumper guard, a license plate bracket installed and the tow bill for $601. 🙂

On the other hand, the insulin saga continues. Should I ever post that I’ve selected an HMO again, somebody please take me in for a head check.

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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:** [April 23, 2026, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/142 "2026-04-23T23:48:36Z")

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I shopped. While I was gone Spot apparently got overstimulated watching the vermin, and hornked by the sliding glass door. Nothing like cleaning up cold cat puke. I napped. Spot and I watched the vermin feeder. We got a cardinal and what looked like a dove, or maybe a small pigeon. Now it’s hockey and sipping on a Royal Hawaiian.

> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> I hope she doesn’t get mad at me for making it.

Wait, a person can get mad because the auxiliary meatloaf was engaged?

Feel better, **Nettie** , and glad you have Nurse Buddy with you.

> [@swampbear](#):
>
> I am still a bit fuzzy in the haid.

> [@swampbear](#):
>
> Definitely not a day to make important decisions.

If I kept that standard, I’d never get anything done. 😉

> [@missred](#):
>
> I got my car back!

Yay!

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**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\
**Post date:** [April 23, 2026, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/143 "2026-04-23T23:51:21Z")

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> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> Nothing like cleaning up cold cat puke.

I’m still trying to decide which cleanup is worse, cold cat barf or warm cat barf.

I do seem to be doing a bit better, aside from the cough and the accompanying coppery taste. Body temp’s down to sane and the congestion isn’t as bad. I’m going to give my furry nurse credit for that :). I did do a Covid test, which was negative.

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**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\
**Post date:** [April 23, 2026, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/144 "2026-04-23T23:57:12Z")

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> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> It seems as though there is a young orange kitty living in our back yard.

Good on you for feeding the lost one. My local Brian has seemed to have found a home at the neighbor’s place. They built a little house for him, between our houses. I haven’t actually seen him go into the house, but it is there. I see him often on my back yard fence near the house, so I think he’s using it.

Ms Peach didn’t notice Brian slinking on the fence this afternoon. She was too busy bringing balls back and not letting me get them to throw again. The whole fetch thing is all understood, except for the give the ball back.

I have a coworker who is bugging me. He’s a ditherer, won’t make a decision in case it might be wrong. And he comes to me for advice. My response is…“just try it, maybe it’ll work.” What we do is odd, we make things that kids will play with, and hopefully learn something. So there really is no “wrong.”

Well this sucks. A friend just called me and said he may need help getting his elderly dog into the car for the bridge journey in the morning. My buddy can’t pick the 90lb dog up by himself anymore. This guy used to be an absolute unit, 275, 6’6…he’s now 6’2 300 with a broken spine.

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**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:** [April 24, 2026, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/145 "2026-04-24T01:46:05Z")

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> [@Paintcharge](#):
>
> A friend just called me and said he may need help getting his elderly dog into the car for the bridge journey in the morning. My buddy can’t pick the 90lb dog up by himself

My heart hurts for him. After all they have been through together and now not being able to lift his best friend into the car for that horrible ride really is heart breaking.

> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> We got a cardinal

There is a Cardinal nest across the highway and they visit often. They are jerks tbh. I had a complicated relationship with them in AZ and it seems like they also torment cats in WV as well.

So…here’s new kitty.

[![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55226825043_84163c7505_b.jpg "Ginger 042326") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/191587192@N04/55226825043/in/dateposted-public/)

At least her eyes look clear, because she’s a bit of a mess otherwise. You can see her dirty feet but you can’t see the little wounds on her legs. She is also covered with fleas and her claws are rubbed to nubs. Her nipples are very prominent, if she doesn’t go into heat tomorrow, we will probably learn that she is pregnant on Saturday. She’s far too young to carry kittens so we will schedule the spay asap.

She’s going to be a beauty when she’s cleaned up and she’s very happy to be in Hub’s towel lined sink. I’ve gone in several times to talk to her and she starts purring as soon as the door opens, she’s a very nice kitty who deserves a good home.

The fuzzbutts aren’t fussing or peeing at the door, so that’s a good sign.

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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:** [April 24, 2026, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/146 "2026-04-24T02:30:21Z")

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> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> what looked like a dove, or maybe a small pigeon.

A [dove](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbidae) is actually a small pigeon.

> [@Paintcharge](#):
>
> Well this sucks. A friend just called me and said he may need help getting his elderly dog into the car for the bridge journey in the morning. My buddy can’t pick the 90lb dog up by himself anymore. This guy used to be an absolute unit, 275, 6’6…he’s now 6’2 300 with a broken spine.

Awww…if you help him, it will be a true mitzvah.

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> So…here’s new kitty.

What a cutie! I love butterscotch kittehs.

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> There is a Cardinal nest across the highway and they visit often. They are jerks tbh. I had a complicated relationship with them in AZ and it seems like they also torment cats in WV as well.

While handsome birds, they and blue jays are some of the assholes of the bird world. I watched two jays torment a ground hog (slow witted critter, but dang, doesn’t deserve a couple of birds gang up on him) peeking his head out of his burrow to check out the snow. They’d take turns dive bombing him.

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**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/147 "2026-04-24T03:02:11Z")

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Daughter had a possible employer contact her out of the blue and say she seems like a good fit, and they hope she’ll apply for an opening. She was working on her cover letter this morning when they asked if they could set up an interview. Fingers are crossed here, as she really needs and wants this job.

You may recall that I have a nephew with severe OCD. Besides my eldest sister, his mom, I’m the only family member in contact with him because, frankly, they’re all ready to bop him, not because of the OCD, but because he’s very frustrating for a variety of reasons. Well, he’s getting evicted because his apartment is a mess and has bugs and mold. He washes his hands repeatedly but can’t touch trash. He has 5 days to vamoose. My sister pays his bills, but she has little money. His next apartment will be at least 60% more expensive. He can’t live with anyone due to germaphobia. (No, it doesn’t make sense.)

My poor sister. At least now has a rental car, a bright red SUV. She said, “I can see the road beyond the hood!” We short people find such things thrilling.

I dog sat for little Max this morning. Charlie’s person just booked several additional days. I only sit/walk two dogs and the occasional cat, but I’m pretty booked. I don’t think I could handle any more critters.

My fuchsia are blooming! They’re annuals but were too stoned or something to realize it was winter. What a nice surprise!

**swampy** , glad you could replenish after they drained the swamp.

**flyboy** , fingers and paws crossed for Goo. And whaddya mean she might get mad at you for making it? Surely you jest.

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> I just saw a litter box going into Hub’s bathroom.

Your litter boxes walk? Doesn’t that give you the heebie-jeebies?

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> which means there might be new and different cheeses. I’m excited!

As you should be. I love discovering new kinds of cheeses.

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> yes some schools did have kitty litter stocked in the classrooms. Not because of “furries” but so kids would have somewhere to pee in case of a lockdown.

We were told to keep a coffee can for that purpose. 🙄 I had a bucket. We were also supposed to keep water and snacks, bought with your own money. I didn’t, though. If they couldn’t get us out before we fainted from hunger, I’d MacGyver us out of there somehow.

And the kitty is gorgeous AND adorable!

> [@missred](#):
>
> Should I ever post that I’ve selected an HMO again, somebody please take me in for a head check.

How ironic that you’d need to get the head check from the HMO. 😱

I’m sorry for your friend and his dog, **VanGo**.

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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:** [April 24, 2026, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/148 "2026-04-24T03:30:05Z")

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> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> I agree, OUCH! Its good you have other transportation options, I’ve always hated rental cars.

I wouldn’t consider the 1966 MGB a ‘reliable source of transportation’, but at least it runs. After work, the fan belt was squeeing. Fortunately, I have a complete (I hope) tool kit in the boot, and I was able to tighten it in work’s parking lot.

> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> Wait, a person can get mad because the auxiliary meatloaf was engaged?

> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> And whaddya mean she might get mad at you for making it? Surely you jest.

‘What, you don’t think I can bake the meatloaf? Am I not quick enough for you?’ SWMBO is easily offended. ☹ Anyway, she used two slices to make a meatloaf sandwich for lunch. 👍

We went out for Mexican tonight. I had a shredded beef taco salad, fried jalapeños (which I cut up and put into the salad), and two grande Cadillac margaritas. Yum.

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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:** [April 24, 2026, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/149 "2026-04-24T04:21:06Z")

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> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> Daughter had a possible employer contact her out of the blue and say she seems like a good fit, and they hope she’ll apply for an opening. She was working on her cover letter this morning when they asked if they could set up an interview. Fingers are crossed here, as she really needs and wants this job.

Appendages crossed. Would a housekeeper be an option for your nephew? Even if it’s just someone to come in a couple times a week for trash duty?

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**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/150 "2026-04-24T05:17:10Z")

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> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> spending their last 6 minutes praying to the deity of choice

DEITY: "the fuck you want _me_ to do?

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> new kitty.

An orange girl? How special!

* * *

I was supposed to be Early Out tonight. “Supposed to be.” Got home half an hour ago - so, yay extra money? But tomorrow is Long Night AND my parents are both hassling me, and I just really don’t wanna deal with whatever their Guilt Trip Du Jour is gonna be.

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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:** [April 24, 2026, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/151 "2026-04-24T05:45:30Z")

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Quick note to let you know I have not been captured by Corsican pirates or fallen off the boat. One more stop today and then Nice, France tomorrow to start the long journey home. All y’all take care now. Pictures will be forthcoming once I’m back home. Still reading all but hard to respond on my phone, so yeas, boos, and hugs to all as required.

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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:** [April 24, 2026, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/152 "2026-04-24T09:40:16Z")

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Morning, mumpers! It’s currently 9c/48f with a predicted high of 18c/65f and sunny. Weather app says “If the sun was fucking closer, it would probably try to punch you. Then you wold fucking burn up.”

> [@Seanette](#):
>
> Yeah, I’m sick. Body temp exceeded 100F last night and early this morning,

Oooh…nasty! I’m glad you have kittehs who are keen to snuggle up and absorb all that extra heat. I hope you feel better soon.

> [@swampbear](#):
>
> Definitely not a day to drive or make important decisions.

Most of my days feel like that! I’m glad the roto-rootering was successful and went without any drama. Hope you feel more like yourself today too.

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> Hubs took food out and they made friends. I’m fairly sure kitty will end up coming in at some point in time so I’ve made a vet appointment for Saturday.

You just know, don’t you? I wonder how Jolene will take to another fuzzbutt to boss around?

> [@Paintcharge](#):
>
> A friend just called me and said he may need help getting his elderly dog into the car for the bridge journey in the morning. My buddy can’t pick the 90lb dog up by himself anymore.

How heartbreaking for him, both on losing his best friend and on not being able to help him into the car. I am glad he has you to call on for some help.

> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> Daughter had a possible employer contact her out of the blue and say she seems like a good fit, and they hope she’ll apply for an opening.

What fabulous news! I hope she is able to get an interview lined up and they find something good for her to do.

> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> Quick note to let you know I have not been captured by Corsican pirates or fallen off the boat.

That’s a good thing, although what are the Corsican pirates going to do now?

Seems like I missed quite a bit in the MMP as I was absent all day yesterday. On Wednesday, IT came to pack up all our equipment so I locked my laptop away in a drawer and left them to get on with it. The porters moved all the crates from the old office to the new one yesterday and the Great Installation began. We were all at a day-long conference so they could get on with setting up the office for us in peace.

I came in this morning and unpacked my stuff from it’s plastic crate and put most of it back in the pedestal. I’ve got some stuff that lives on the desk which has been put out but may get moved around as the new desks are smaller so they look cramped.

Troublesome Minion has already given me chapter and verse on the meeting room, where the post ought to go, things we need to bring down from the old office, and a few other things she’s not happy about. Desk space is, bizarrely, also an issue for her despite the fact that her old desk was brought down from upstairs because she had it height-adjusted and they can’t do the same with the new desks so she’s already got more space than anyone else. Honestly, I still am not winning that one!

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**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:** [April 24, 2026, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/153 "2026-04-24T10:12:48Z")

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Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. _YAWN_ ‘Tis 57 Amurrkin out and clear with a predicted high of 84 and sunny. I shall go over to the church house to deal with candle and other duties this mornin’. The rest of the day will be spent in RDOS sloth. Well, except for makin’ sup which will be chikin boobs and gravy in the slow cooker, dressin’ (had a small pan in da freezer), baby lima beans, squishes, corn casserole, cranberry sauce from the can (don’t judge!) and rolls. I want real food! It’s not as time consumin’ as it may look, but it is effort.

**VanGo** how sad for your friend! It’s so good of you to be there for and with him.

**Nellie** appropriate/inapptopriate appendages crossed for your daughter. The fact that the place reached out to her is a positive sign.

**Nettie** glad you feel better.

**JtC** kitteh is a cutie! Sounds like she knows she is home for good.

**BooFae** glad the move to the new space has been relatively smooth. Troublesome minion will not be happy no matter what so let’s hope the bitchin’ and moanin’ is held to a minimum at least.

**MetalMouse** glad you continue to have a good time and haven’t so far been captured by pirates.

Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, duties, sloth, and cookin’ await! Rah.

Happy Firday Y’all!

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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:** [April 24, 2026, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/154 "2026-04-24T10:55:08Z")

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Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Laundry followed by no plans today. Spot is watching his shows.

> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> she’s a very nice kitty who deserves a good home.

Glad you’re helping her with that.

> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> Fingers are crossed here, as she really needs and wants this job.

\< also crosses fingers \>

> [@scareyfaerie](#):
>
> the Great Installation began.

Sounds like a Mass for a new Pope  
\< archbishop.exe has stopped working. [abort] [retry] [fail]? \>

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/155 "2026-04-24T11:23:37Z")

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My day has started with 56 Ferrets, on the way to low 80s. **FCD** is going to the boat to figure out the plumbing in the aft head (bathroom to you non-sailor types.) He won’t need my help, he says, so I’ll launder, do an Aldi run, take some recycling to the convenience center, and maybe other stuff. Maybe not. We’ll just have to see.

Sunday is the Spring Fling auto show in Leonardtown and **FCD** wants to go. Then Daughter needs to do a few hours of work on Sunday, so I’ll have her spawn for a while. Which means I’ll probably be feeding them supper. Sneaky how she makes that happen.

And so the day begins. Happy Firday!!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/156 "2026-04-24T13:08:39Z")

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seanette, when i am unwell, i have a nurse cat (lager) who sticks on/with me, and a doctor cat (koritza) who comes up to me, sniffs a bit, meows, and runs off.

jtc, new kitten is so pretty! i hope all goes well.

nellibly, i hope the job works out for your daughter.

it is a very nice spring day in philly today. looks like a rainy weekend ahead.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Taters](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/taters/32/2845_2.png) [@Taters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taters)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/157 "2026-04-24T13:30:19Z")

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Good morning.

It’s 41F and mostly clear outside. Our forecast calls for sunny skies and a daytime high of 63F.

**VanGo** , I’m so sorry about your friend and his dog.

**JtC** , she’s a cute little kitty. I hope a home is found for her soon.

**Nellie** , keeping my fingers crossed for your daughter. I hope a resolution is found for the nephew, too.

Since yesterday’s bike ride was canceled due to the lahar drill, we’re going today.

We also found out that my son’s closing will be on Monday morning. He asked if we wanted to change the truck rental/move date, and I told him we’d do whatever works for him. I did tell him that perhaps he could start moving small stuff on Monday if he can’t change the truck rental date and time. I might go help him if that’s the case, just to speed up the overall move process.

Well, that’s about all that is happening in this little corner of the world. I notice the sunset is getting a couple of minutes later each day. Sunrise is also a little bit earlier each day.

Okay, gotta go. You all take care.

**BooFae** , I’m glad the move went relatively smoothly. As for TM, some just gotta bitch, no matter what. You’re right, you won’t win until she leaves permanently.

**Shoe** , I hope your parents get off your back.

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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:** [April 24, 2026, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/158 "2026-04-24T13:44:26Z")

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Good morning, everyone! My alarm is on my Fitbit, which is tethered to my phone, so when my phone rings, my Fitbit buzzes. Anyhow, when my alarm went off this morning, I dreamt it was **Fang** calling to ask how to microwave pizza, which was such a stupid question, I swiped up on the call, IOW, I hit snooze. This is a long winded way to say, we got up a little later than usual, so our walk was cut a little short. We had a gorgeous sunrise, but Chloé chose the crest of the hill to do her business, so no photo.

**Squeaky** forgot to ask for tonight off, so he and **Mrs Magill** will be getting up at half past holy crap tomorrow morning to make it to Knoxville by eight o’clock Eastern. She’s none too pleased by this. I’m just glad I didn’t get them a hotel room yet. The Bojangles in Lebanon, just off I-40 opens at 5. I’m hoping she has time to swing through the drive-thru to get some coffee and a bit of breakfast.

I had a bit of a self-pity party last night, which (for once) I managed to keep off the Dope for. I was mostly responding to “influencers\[1\]” who were doing positive affirmations telling them thank you. I need to get over myself, or say “Screw the study,” and talk to my GP about HRT. Personally, I think it would be hilarious for this pharma company to have to list gender dysphoria as a possible side affect for minoxidil.

**Nellie** - Good news about your daughter. I was thinking about her the other day. Her story is very similar to my first marriage.

> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> I wouldn’t consider the 1966 MGB a ‘reliable source of transportation’, but at least it runs. After work, the fan belt was squeeing. Fortunately, I have a complete (I hope) tool kit in the boot, and I was able to tighten it in work’s parking lot.

I used to have a '72 Karmann-Ghia\[2\] which was… not exactly reliable, but I knew how to get her running again. When it got too much to keep her going, we gave her to a mechanic friend as a project car. Shorty after **Mrs Magill** and I were married, we saw Maria on Downtown Blvd. **Mrs Magill** refused to follow her home so I could see her again. She said something about not wanting to look like crazy stalkers.

**Metal Mouse** - Everything is nicer in Nice.

**Boofae** - I’m beginning to wonder about your weather app. Is it okay?

**Taters** - Yay for the successful launch of your son!

* * *

1. I really hate that term. 

2. Her name was Maria the Karmann-Ghia.

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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:** [April 24, 2026, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/159 "2026-04-24T13:51:17Z")

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The Easter ham now fits into an eight-inch square container.

Since The Spousal Unit had a meatloaf sandwich for lunch yesterday, I think I’ll wrap a slice in a tortilla for my lunch today.

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-stone-cold-vacation-a-4-20-mmp/1029417/160 "2026-04-24T14:10:23Z")

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> [@Mollie\_Magill](#):
>
> influencers

The only influence such creatures have on me is a colossal _MEH_! Maybe I’m the wrong demographic, but I truly don’t care about such nonsense. Enjoy your products or whatever and I’ll just ignore you. And get off my lawn!!!

So far today, I’ve watered my relatively new plantings (it took 3 placements of the sprinkler), stripped the bed, sorted a metric buttload of laundry, first load in the dryer, second in the washer, dishwasher emptied and refilling begun, and I’m just about done making ice. And it’s barely 10AM!! Go me!!

Once I swap out the laundry, I’m going to make a run to Aldi, the thrift store, and the credit union. I got a $40 insurance refund check from my eye exam - guess I was overcharged. So that needs to be deposited.

And when I get back, I’ll make the bed and continue laundering. I figure this is a 6-load day because I emptied the boat of bed linens and towels. They weren’t dirty - just kinda smelly from sitting for more than a year.

OK, next batch of ice is ready. Off to the kitchen.

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