# (Old) The first day of school in the MMP
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
**Tags:** mmp
**Created:** [August 21, 2023, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860 "2023-08-21T10:50:57Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 15
### Author:  [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/281 "2023-08-26T13:57:55Z")
> [@Die\_Capacitrix](#):
>
> Every time I read about balconatin’ I come up with balconette, as in balconette bra.
If I could be spending my pre-dawn time messing with balconettes and their owners I’d a) never see my patio, and b) never have time for the MMP. :evil leer: 😁
> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> and throws a 20 minute screaming fit at you, sending everybody else running, and it’s _the District Manager_? Yeah, I had an extra martini or 3 after work. 🍸
Well-earned maritinis, I might add.
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> **vroom** , hope the job situation works out for you.
This. Your life is far, far too short to voluntarily admit psychopathic aggressive assholes into it. Banish them ASAP. You’ll be a LOT happier. You telling us these tales then saying “this rolls off me” is proof that it _isn’t_ rolling off of you. At least not enough for your own health & well-being.
Self-care is important.
> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> When the big head of the state Department of Economic Security went nutz, he started buying and storing guns in the basement of the state building and doing mandatory puppet shows online at the beginning of each day.
My late first wife was an ALJ for DES in Tucson for a few years before we got married. DES was always a wacky place, but your story tops her best by miles.
> [@Seanette](#):
>
> Trying to decide whether I’m just neurotic.
You are. Whether a new variant makes people sicker is different from whether a new variant spreads quickly or to everyone. There is some evidence for the former but little for the latter with new variants.
As well I would consider the larger social context. In 2020 pandemics in general and COVID in particular were novel and therefore disproportionately scary. Lotta people grossly over-reacted and some few still are. And, yes, lotta people grossly under-reacted and still are.
If there’s another rapidly spreading pandemic in the next couple of decades, whether of COVID or something totally novel, I expect the over-reactors to be very very few and the under-reactors to be very very many. That might make more people sick or dead vs the optimal Vulcan logical outcome, but it also should minimize mindless hoarding behaviors.
YMMV of course.
As to me:
Been up since well-predawn with balconatin’ and caffinatin’. And doing some administrivia, so I started Doping real late. Now at 9:30ish I’ve been pulled indoors by Her Ladyship. 'Twas a lovely and pleasantly warm sunrise. Now 85/30 on the way to 92/34 plus a touch of humidity for overall coziness. We have a few puffies here and there for a pop of color againt our big blue sky and some small chance of scattered showers over the day. Perfect weather IMO.
Beyond feedin’ and slothin’ there’s not much left to do on this pretty Sattidy. In keeping with all the folks busily organizin’ upthread I might rearrange my sox or something. But they’re already the way I like them: 4 distinct kinds in 4 distinct kinda-FIFO piles in one larger drawer.
I’m at some risk of irkage today-Mon. In a miracle, most of the USA seems to be enjoying fair skies (net of wildfires), so irkly disruption is at a low ebb. Only two more rounds of on-call after this one. Gettin’ close to Da Big Finish!
Cheers all and happy weekend!
---
### Author:  [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/282 "2023-08-26T14:02:49Z")
> [@swampbear](#):
>
> Sup shall be chili/cheese/onion/slaw dawgs and fries just cause. I do need to practice the readin’ of the sermon for tomorrow, so I can count that as productivity.
I would suggest inviting the acolytes and lector to partake in your supper so’s you won’t have a solo fartfest. 😛
> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> > [@JaneDoe42](#):
> >
> > Our last place had tiled counters and breakfast bar.
>
> My very first apartment had tiled counters - light yellow and green tile. And a pink fridge. I called it my after-dinner mint kitchen! And yes, the tiled counters sucked!
LOL. Sis’ house came with tiled counters. She’s been doing upgrades and home improvement for the last couple of years since she’s paid the house off. Once her solar panels are done and paid for, the tile counters are getting replaced.
> [@Baker](#):
>
> I didn’t grow oregano this year but I intend to next year. I have sage, rosemary and basil. I do also want to plant dill and parsley and thyme.
Do you plant in the ground or in pots? If you’re growing in pots, I’ve found that dill doesn’t do too well.
Happy birthday **seanette**!
Up, caffeinating, breakfasted, KP done and working on a paying gig. For the first time in days, it was below 80F when I got up. TWPTB are predicting some rain this afternoon, so maybe it won’t get too hot. Other than the paying project in the studio, the only thing on the agenda is to pick up some prescriptions and stop at the supermercado for some caldo jamon.
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
---
### Author:  [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/283 "2023-08-26T14:11:18Z")
> [@Baker](#):
>
> I grew the sage and rosemary myself, used dry for the others.
One thing (of several) that we miss having is the fresh herb box on the deck off the kitchen at our old house. Also the huge rosemary and anise bushes in the front yard. We also planted basil next to our tomatoes. Nothing like the fragrance when you pour hot soup over fresh herbs!
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### Author:  [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/284 "2023-08-26T14:19:49Z")
We have tile kitchen and bathroom counters. On the medium-term list for replacement when financially feasible.
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### Author:  [@Taters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taters)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/285 "2023-08-26T14:49:29Z")
Good morning.
It’s 62F and sunny outside. The expected high is 91F and it’s supposed to remain sunny all day. Temps are supposed to reach the 90s tomorrow too, but on Monday it’s _supposed_ to cool down.
I have wood-wrapped window frames, and honestly, it’s kind of a PITA because you need to keep the wood moisturized and, you better not forget the window is open when it’s raining or the wood is trashed. My son used to use our bonus room as his bedroom room. I am going to have to either replace the window sill or sand and stain it. It’s difficult to match 20+ year-old stain.
Happy birthday, **seanette!**
Yesterday, I decided I needed to run the roll-suck around. However, while in the den, it turned into cleaning the blinds, vacuuming up any cobwebs (there were only two tiny ones), dusting, and then running the steam cleaner. However, there were spots that needed treating which resulted in being down on my hands and knees and scrubbing the hell out of spots, including spills from my husband’s sodas. Anyway, got it done and then continued roll-sucking the rest of the house. I may or may not steam clean the great room carpet today.
I’m not sure what I plan to do today. Part of me wants to get out of the house, and part of me just wants to stay home because I don’t feel like peopling and dealing with stupid drivers. There are a lot of them out here.
**metal mouse** , I sure hope your temps come down. That’s darn hot. My daughter was telling me yesterday it had been too hot to let the kids out for any good amount of time where she lives, and they were going a little stir-crazy.
_swampy_, that’s just too darn hot. I hope things cool down for you too.
Well, I suppose I should get those posies watered and put fresh water in the bird baths. The kitchen is done, so I might just have to get my stuff together, shower, and face the public. I need to fuel up the Jeep anyway so I might as well get that done so I’m ready for Monday’s commute to Oly town.
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### Author:  [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/286 "2023-08-26T14:54:37Z")
Happy birthday, **nettie**!! 🎉
Here’s something I never imagined I would say/type: I just had the _best_ phone call with Verizon customer service! The whole thing took only 29 minutes, including the annoying interactive voice response (IVR) tree part before I was able to speak to a human. Once I got a person, though (who was friendly! and spoke clearly!), I was amazed at how painless the whole thing was. He did ask why I wanted to disconnect my TV and landline services, and offered ways to lower the cost of the TV service, but otherwise he didn’t attempt to sell me or talk me out of my decision (which was what I’d feared might happpen; I’m perfectly fine with/good at standing up for myself, but remaining civil while doing so can be exhausting). _And_, not only are my TV and landline service disconnected as of today, but instead of my internet service costing more without the bundle I’m getting much faster internet for $25/mo _less_\*!! The TV and landline service will be shut off soon (probably by the time I finish writing this post), and the faster internet speeds will be effective by the end of the day. Luckily I already have a new-ish router (I upgraded my internet service a couple of years ago), so no new equipment or service visit is required. All I have to do is turn in my cable card sometime within the next 30 days; there’s an equipment return location nearby.
\*I had 150 Mbps upload/download at $100/mo + $15/mo router rental, and the new service is 750-940 Mbps upload/750-880 Mbps download at $90/mo including the router rental.
I believe there is now only one step remaining in the cord-cutting process, which is to start paying for standalone HBO Max. I’ll make that switch the next time I sit down to watch some TV.
We had a few short-but-heavy rainstorms last night, including one thunderstorm, but today it’s still just a _little_ too warm/humid for me to want to open the windows: at 10:50am it’s already 80°F (with a forecasted high of 90). It’s a pretty day, though: sunny with blue skies, and there’s a light breeze.
After I wrap up this post I need to pay my bills and do a little volunteer-related stuff, but otherwise the day should be quite low-key. It’s really nice to be done with the third bedroom cleanup _and_ the cord-cutting stuff. I might even be able to check back in on this thread later today!
> [@missred](#):
>
> Your step stool for Bailey sounds like the one that I used on my 1967 Chevy C20 to check the oil (I stopped once a week to check the gas and fill up the oil 😛 ).
Ha! Your '67 Chevy sounds like my '08 Mazda RX-8: the rotary engine was smooooth but it ate oil, and they recommended checking it/topping it off during every fill-up. 🙂
> [@missred](#):
>
> One of the several reasons that I chose to stick with a small dog was to be able to lift him into the car in case of a vet emergency.
I’d always been partial to larger dogs, but the ex-bf I was living with already had a Beagle and we agreed that the second dog would also be that breed (or a mix). Bailey wound up being larger than the average Beagle (I think she’s mostly some other type of hound), but I quickly realized the benefits of having a medium-sized dog that I can pick up if needed! At ~45 pounds she’s not exactly _easy_ to carry, but I like knowing that I could. With her hip issues, though, it’s definitely more comfortable for her if she can jump up into the car on her own vs me lifting her.
I still love bigger dogs, though. I’ll never have another dog while I remain single, but my hope is to eventually settle down with someone who will be on board with my “lab pack” plan: someday I’d like to get 3 labrador retriever puppies, one in each color (why yes, we _will_ completely lose our minds for the first year!). I figure that two of us could lift/carry one of them if we had to. 🙂
> [@susan](#):
>
> I hope that’s a pointless enough statement.
Meh, you clearly phoned that in; you could definitely be more pointless if you tried. One star.
> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> I worked every single election and was the one “in charge” and the one who got called to handle problems. There were many fun things about it, but the bad things kinda outweighed the good parts until I got sick of it and transferred away.
Every election the availability survey asks if I’m willing to be an election judge or assistant election judge, and every election I carefully and deliberately click the “NO” response!
(I’ve been a ballot collector, though [one of two officers who collects the absentee ballots at the end of the day and takes them to the county government center], and I’ve offered twice to be a same-day-registration officer. Same-day registration only started here in June: my precinct wound up not having a dedicated officer for it then [the chief did it], but I’m waiting to get my assignment for November.)
> [@rocking\_chair](#):
>
> After having an e string snap on me, i always “took cover “ when tuning a violin. I’m sure there could be the same situation with a mandolin.
Fair enough! 😂
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### Author:  [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/287 "2023-08-26T14:55:51Z")
Lager is on my lap, so it is a slow Saturday morning here. He is a lovey dovey. Depending on how long he stays, reading might be my main productivity today.
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### Author:  [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/288 "2023-08-26T15:26:26Z")
The Missus had her yoghurt, I’ve had my Irish oats porridge, the dishes are washing, and a fresh pot o’ joe is brewed.
Kayaking in a couple of hours. 🙂
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### Author:  [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/289 "2023-08-26T15:37:57Z")
> [@Misnomer](#):
>
> Meh, you clearly phoned that in; you could definitely be more pointless if you tried. One star.
I’m going to eat an egg.
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### Author:  [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/290 "2023-08-26T15:38:32Z")
& happy birthdays!
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### Author:  [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/291 "2023-08-26T15:40:50Z")
Yesterday someone asked how the RSV vaccination was going and I forgot to answer. Of course I can no longer remember who that was, but here it is: not even a warm to the touch sore injection spot. The flu shot site is a tad swollen, warm to the touch, and sore if pressed (but not enough to bother sleeping in my side) but the RSV arm isn’t even those minor sequelae.
🎵🎶🎉🎊🍾🥂🎂 🥳 happy birthday dear **nettie** , happy birthday to you 🎂🍾🥂🎉🥳🎊🎵🎶
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### Author:  [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/292 "2023-08-26T16:02:14Z")
And a good late morning to you all. Soccer season started at 8am today, with the temperature at 81F with a heat index in the 90’s. Had a lot of water breaks and extended quarter/halftime periods, and still wore the kids down. We won 8-4, so there is that. Am now _very_ happy they decided to stop play at 10am, this afternoon would have been brutal (HS football was supposed to start last evening, I wonder how that went for those kids all padded up and covered head to toe)…
Anyway, back inside and cooling down, ate about 800 calories of snacks the boys didn’t grab so that should hold me until dinner-time. Have no intention of heading outside the rest of the day (at 10:30am it was 95F with a Heat Index of 115F).
I may have to look into the election volunteering thing, not a lot of Democrats down here in N. Ali-bama, so they might need some help there.
> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> One of his mares is wearing a horsey chastity belt
I have never heard of this and I am afraid to look in up in Google. Hope the pony gets fixed soon.
**BBBoo** , I’ll look into the Extra COVID shot too; so far except for a little arm pain, none of the shots have bothered me much.
> [@Baker](#):
>
> I called Scarborough bread, it had parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
I remember that…
**Flyboy** , had to look up GHS and LKP, so appreciate you making my brain work. Spider did better with you than they would have with me (I’m more the “HULK SMASH” type when it comes to spiders).
**Oopsie** , glad the Verizon call went well; I have my cellphone service with them and the folks at the nearby store have always been friendly and helpful. And I like big dogs too, guess it runs in the family, my niece had an English Mastiff and younger nephew has two Bloodhounds.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY **NELLIE**!!!
Ok, that’s all for now. Nappage is a definite possibility. Take care.
---
### Author:  [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/293 "2023-08-26T16:28:44Z")
We’re back home. There was no internet at the school so I couldn’t check the hot spots. **FCD** was trying to modify the bell system, but that needs internet, too. So we gave up and left. I just finished hacking back the branches, etc, that were overgrowing the small side gate. I wasn’t out there half an hour and I’m sweaty! It’s sooooo humid. No more outside work. I think it’s time to start crocheting.
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### Author:  [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/294 "2023-08-26T16:33:04Z")
After a week of high 90s, we’ve got some great 70s weather this weekend. Shut off the AC and opened the windows to air out the funk.
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### Author:  [@Kitten\_Mitten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitten_Mitten)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/295 "2023-08-26T16:40:45Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#):
>
> Whether a new variant makes people sicker is different from whether a new variant spreads quickly or to everyone. There is some evidence for the former but little for the latter with new variants.
Dr. Scott Roberts would beg to disagree:
“I am not aware of data that suggests EG.5 leads to worse cases of COVID-19 compared to prior variants,” says Scott Roberts, MD, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist. But **early reports have shown EG.5 has been spreading faster than any other currently circulating strain**.
[What to Know about EG.5 (Eris)](https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-eg5-eris-latest-coronavirus-strain#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20am%20not%20aware%20of,any%20other%20currently%20circulating%20strain.)
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### Author:  [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/296 "2023-08-26T17:08:19Z")
Thanks for the update. Time for some reading at this end.
And happy birthday to **nellie**!!!
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### Author:  [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/297 "2023-08-26T18:12:59Z")
I heaved. Shaggy bonked me in the head with the bag bags. _Twice_. I did the ~~electric~~ 200 slide. I came home. Laundry is in the dryer, time to nap till Happy Hour.
🥳🎂 🍾_ **HAPPY BIRTHDAY nettie!!!** _🍾 🎂🥳
> [@susan](#):
>
> I’m going to eat an egg.
I ate 2.
> [@Misnomer](#):
>
> I’d always been partial to larger dogs
I get medium dogs. Big enough I won’t step on 'em and squish 'em, but small enough I could take 'em in a fight. 😉
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### Author:  [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/298 "2023-08-26T18:17:55Z")
> [@Chefguy](#):
>
> Also the huge rosemary and anise bushes in the front yard.
I love anise. Why have I never thought of planting any? I even have rosemary, thyme, oregano, chives, plus I normally have parsley, mint and basil, so I’m not new to growing things. I just put a reminder on my calendar to look for anise seeds next spring.
Happy birthday, **seanette**!
**oopsie** , you’re reminding me to review our internet/phone/mobile contracts. If Dr. Who will be on DisneyPlus, BBC becomes a little less important for us.
I’ve never voted in person, so the discussion about election workers is interesting.
**BBoo** my parents said they can’t get the RSV vaccine yet as it’s only available by them in the fall. They plan to get it.
We got a break from the rain so we took a short walk, our first one in weeks, due to garden work and then the heat wave. Afterwards I put together the pizza dough which is now sitting in a warm area (near the NAS).
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### Author:  [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/299 "2023-08-26T18:22:04Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#):
>
> I don’t think you really need to worry about that, you would probably be found when the neighbors complained about the noise the next day when Monkey was screaming about being starrrrrvvvved to death
Doubt it. Last time **G.C.** did come over, I’d forgotten I’d left several windows open. I am … noisy.
If they neighbors didn’t cheer us on - or call the cops - with that ruckus, a meowing cat will likely go unnoticed.
(On a serious note, my manager knows where I live and would likely worry & check on me eventually.)
> [@rocking\_chair](#):
>
> After having an e string snap on me, i always “took cover “ when tuning a violin.
One of my violin teachers had a string snap in her face. E would be worst, as it’s thr thinnest.
> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> My very first apartment had tiled counters - light yellow and green tile. And a pink fridge.
Where the hell does anyone _FIND_ a pink fridge??
Concur that tile counters are utter crap. Had those in a former rental house - the first home I shared with my late **Other Shoe** in fact. LOL at the “after dinner mint” kitchen; that’s a good nickname!
> [@Misnomer](#):
>
> Here’s something I never imagined I would say/type: I just had the _best_ phone call with Verizon customer service!
Nice!!
(If they sent you one of those followup surveys, I hope you did it so the rep can maybe get some brownie points.)
Okay, I go to Long Night in about an hour anna half, and my old bestie just texted so a chat may ensue. Plus I have GOT to eat.
Then, off to 🍕 again. Gods there’s only two of us closing tonight … yeeeeesh.
---
### Author:  [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)
#### Post date: [August 26, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-the-first-day-of-school-in-the-mmp/988860/300 "2023-08-26T18:34:20Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> Where the hell does anyone _FIND_ a pink fridge??
It was 1975, and it was old even then, so who knows?? I had a friend who had a turquoise washer/dryer set, and when we moved in here we had an avocado fridge and dryer. In one of our other houses, it came with a copper (? brown) fridge. My current washer is bright cherry red. Appliance colors - who knows???
Just finished chunking up some watermelon and cantaloupe for tomorrow. I’ve crocheted 8 octopus legs - now I’ll do its body. Lavender, in case you’re curious. 😉
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