# \[OLD\] There's a Spring in Your Step - A Seasonal MMP

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Tags:** mmp\
**Created:** [March 20, 2023, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398 "2023-03-20T06:27:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 14

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**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/261 "2023-03-25T01:04:16Z")

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**pearl** are you in the Chi town area??? That’s the home of Portillo’s. I have one a mile from my house.

**FCM** your grands are adorbs. Roxy will be a head turner some day…

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**Author:** ![janis\_and\_c0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janis_and_c0/32/21_2.png) [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/262 "2023-03-25T01:20:12Z")

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No, Portillo’s is all over the place. I’m in Tampa. There’s a few in this area.

**((((swampy)))**

_Sees FCM grandbabbies . is ded of cute now_

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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:** [March 25, 2023, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/263 "2023-03-25T01:26:38Z")

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> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#):
>
> > [@nelliebly](#):
> >
> > **MetalMouse** , do you wear anything official for reffing besides a whistle
> 
> Like a bra? Inquiring minds want to know. Bras are pretty official.

Ha! When I first typed my comment, I left out “official.” Thank heavens I caught it in time.

> [@janis\_and\_c0](#):
>
> We went to Portillo’s. And I got cheese onion and ketchup dogs, just for you.

Portillo’s! I looooove Portillo’s! Did anyone give you grief about putting ketchup on your dog? That reminds me. On my BIL’s first trip to Chicago, we took him to Portillo’s, where he _put ketchup on his Italian beef sandwich._ When we regained the power of speech, we have set him straight and tried to protect him from angry mobs. Poor guy. He was an Alabama boy who didn’t know better.

**red** , I think you explained before, but what’s a stoner special?

**flyboy** , can you tell the difference between apple-smoked and hickory-smoked bacon? I’m ashamed to say I can’t.

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**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/264 "2023-03-25T01:34:35Z")

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> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> **flyboy** , can you tell the difference between apple-smoked and hickory-smoked bacon?

Actually, yes! But my burger tonight didn’t have bacon. I don’t get the Bay Breeze Burger, because the pulled pork is too much. Looks like it no longer has pulled pork, though; so I’ll spend the extra buck next time.

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**Author:** ![TruePisces](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/truepisces/32/13628_2.png) [@TruePisces](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruePisces)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/265 "2023-03-25T01:41:53Z")

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First, {{{Nellie}}}. I’m sorry you’re hurting so much right now. I’ve had back pain that’s been that bad, so I know how much it can hurt. I hope you’re able to get some relief soon.

> [@teelabrown](#):
>
> It makes me dread when it’s my time to deal with it, because I am unable to take NSAIDs. They eat a hole in my stomach. I can take Meloxicam, which is a less corrosive form of NSAID, I’m told, but nothing beats Aleve or ibuprofen for joint or muscle pain. And Tylenol can just fuck off, it doesn’t do a thing.

Hubby is dealing with that right now. He had his colonoscopy on Monday and he’s had problems in the past with bleeding, so they’ve got him on no NSAIDs until at least 5 days after. The biggest problem is that he did something to his foot about 2 weeks ago and can’t put weight on it. Tylenol is doing nothing and his doctor doesn’t want to prescribe anything stronger (we think it’s tendonitis). So he’s anxiously awaiting the day he can take Advil or Mobic.

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> I can get another certificate, but it costs almost $600 plus an enormous amount of forms and paperwork.

Yowch! That is pricey! I’m so sorry that it’s keeping you from being able to get things worked out.

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> Some of us are riding the struggle bus - physical and/or emotional pain, family stuff, worries about their children, financial stuff - so that’s why a chipper “Have a great day!” feels disingenuous to me. But “Have as good a day as possible” seems more honest.

I like that thought. I can definitely use the more honest “good a day as possible”. And it’s great because then it CAN be a great day, or it can be a mediocre day.

> [@CorpusNeptune](#):
>
> I’ve held off mentioning it here for a few days, but…I found someone again. Though I have a really good feeling about her this time. She’s really beautiful. She’s cute. And she cares about me and checks up on me. She does have bad mental health, but I’m always willing to comfort her and be there for her. She truly is amazing.

Yay for amazing! Being there for each other is an excellent start to everything.

> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> ETA: My noisemakers:

They are some of the most adorable noisemakers I’ve seen in awhile!

> [@LSLGuy](#):
>
> It’s a damn shame so many of us are having such crappy weeks, months, or years. You all have my sympathy and support. I don’t mean to crow, but sometimes it’s nice to know that calm boring normalcy is out there some place; it’s not just a fairy tale TPTB feed us to keep us trudging through our tasks. Wishing everyone a bigger helping of normalcy.

Thanks for the sympathy and support. Very much appreciated at the moment. I’m just trying to keep on keeping on. Sometimes, it’s the best you’ve got.

Today’s been a bit of a day - some good, some bad, just like every day. Hubby’s foot is getting slightly better, though he may have damaged it again by making dinner for himself and CtE. At least he can start on Mobic tomorrow. Dad called and there’s so much confusion over what’s going on with him. I called his PCP to keep him in the loop because they don’t seem to be keeping him in the loop. Then I’m waiting for a bunch of doctor-type people to call me back. Of course, the one person that DID call me, at 1830, was the case manager at the hospital. And I couldn’t answer because I was doing a study with BtY at Vanderbilt that I didn’t really want to interrupt. So I’m going to call tomorrow and hope that she works weekends.

Dad did call me afterward and told me that she was calling because they’re talking about setting him up for PT in the hospital. Personally, I think that’s what they’re talking about until he is released to a SNF, but he’s convinced they want to keep him in the hospital longer. Hopefully, I’ll find out everything that’s happening sooner rather than later. I still need to update my family but tonight, I’m just way too tired.

With everything on my plate, I actually sent a letter out to BtY’s Assistant Principal asking if I could get help from the teachers in working with him to get his school work done. BtY is on the Autism Spectrum and getting him to do ANYTHING that he doesn’t want to is like pulling teeth. Between my van being in the shop for 2 months now (after a month the last time) with no idea when it will be back, my car squealing because the belts are loose and the power steering is going but I can’t get it fixed because then I’ll have no vehicle, being the sole driver for everything in the house, Hubby’s foot, Dad in the hospital and me being responsible for it all, trying to get my youngest to do school work is just one spoon too many. I talked to her in car rider today and she said that she would talk to the teachers and see what she could do to have them help keep BtY on track so I don’t have to focus so much when he gets home from school.

I feel like all I ever do is complain lately, which makes me convinced that no one would really want to interact with me. I know it’s depression and being overwhelmed talking, but sometimes it’s really hard to pull myself out of the doldrums, you know?

But one slightly good thing happened - I was mistaken on the timing of something. I’m supposed to drive a friend up to get a different vehicle. His car has been nothing but trouble for the last month plus and he’s over it. I thought he wanted to go shopping tomorrow and I was trying to figure out how to time it with getting an emergency food box from our local food pantry. He told me that it wasn’t this week but next week - on April 1st - that he needs to go because he’s waiting to get paid. So I don’t have to worry about trying to square that circle. Plus, I’m supposed to get together with him Wednesday or Thursday for him to take me to pick up some edibles. He’s the expert, I’m the noob, so I make him take me when I need more.

Other than that, there’s not much from the Land of the Fish to report. Well, maybe that I really need to stop reading old threads and think about heading to bed sooner rather than later. I’m constantly feeling exHAUSTed.

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**Author:** ![Kitten\_Mitten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b782af/32.png) [@Kitten\_Mitten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitten_Mitten)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/266 "2023-03-25T01:46:02Z")

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> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> I plan on sleeping with Mel

where does one get melatonin? I’m assuming drug store. Do you have to have a prescription or is it on shelves? What category of a store is it in? Hubs is barely sleeping at all and I’m wondering if this would help him.

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**Author:** ![TruePisces](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/truepisces/32/13628_2.png) [@TruePisces](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruePisces)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/267 "2023-03-25T01:49:47Z")

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> [@Kitten\_Mitten](#):
>
> where does one get melatonin? I’m assuming drug store. Do you have to have a prescription or is it on shelves? What category of a store is it in? Hubs is barely sleeping at all and I’m wondering if this would help him.

I’ve picked it up in the grocery store with the vitamins and the like, or ordered it on Amazon. Not usually needing a prescription. I want to say the ones that I used to take were either 5 or 10 mg. I’d have to take two to help me sleep, but it did help me for awhile. Hope it helps if you go that route with Hubs!

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**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/268 "2023-03-25T02:06:46Z")

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🙂  
took roomie to PT, then napped. I had a gin and tonic earlier, now I’m having some Cheerwine Ale  
[![](https://external-preview.redd.it/cheerwine-ale-review-v0-Aj6k2qxEhuw9mr-Dhrlp5HveEAFG4XnyPTb9hTzE5CM.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=d9a56433497c993fa0eac3d2f46c179dcafff012) ](https://external-preview.redd.it/cheerwine-ale-review-v0-Aj6k2qxEhuw9mr-Dhrlp5HveEAFG4XnyPTb9hTzE5CM.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=d9a56433497c993fa0eac3d2f46c179dcafff012)  
Dinner was salmon with wild rice blend with 'shrooms, and some steamed green beans.

> [@CorpusNeptune](#):
>
> Popeye’s is better. Sorry, not sorry. 😉

Bojangles for the win! And congrats on the new squeeze.🙂

> [@teelabrown](#):
>
> It makes me dread when it’s my time to deal with it, because I am unable to take NSAIDs. They eat a hole in my stomach. I can take Meloxicam, which is a less corrosive form of NSAID, I’m told, but nothing beats Aleve or ibuprofen for joint or muscle pain. And Tylenol can just fuck off, it doesn’t do a thing.

Same here.

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> But “Have as good a day as possible” seems more honest

Well, have as good day as possible, **shoe**

> [@swampbear](#):
>
> Howdy Y’all! I found a dead doggie layin’ next to the road this mornin’

☹

> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> ETA: My noisemakers:

Awwwww. 🥰

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**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/269 "2023-03-25T02:17:51Z")

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> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> **MetalMouse** , do you wear anything official for reffing besides a whistle, like a yellow shirt or a ref hat?

Yep, have a referee yellow shirt with black shorts, a cap that says “AYSO Referee”, long black socks…if I can get a picture onto Facebook with me in my uniform I will do so. NOTE: Photo’s up at my Facebook page–I’m thinner now…

> [@missred](#):
>
> **metal mouse** , rounding up the puppies was more fun than anything. Nelson even helped!

I can believe that. Best part of my Alaska trip last year was holding a sled-dog’s 3-week old puppy (eyes weren’t even open yet).

Soccer has been coached, seven coaches and 33 kids running around a large field and I was supposed to be in charge (HA!!), but it appeared that everyone had fun. Then went to 5 guys and added back all the calories I had been working off this week, but damn, I find their fries almost addictive. Home now and waiting for the tunder-boomers to show up sometime after midnight.

All y’all take care now.

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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:** [March 25, 2023, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/270 "2023-03-25T02:34:34Z")

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> [@missred](#):
>
> The pups are GSD mixes (likely the dad was another big herd type dog)

Oh, did they have ginormous feetsies?

> [@dogbutler](#):
>
> Me, watching 4 maintenance guys try to fix 2 broken SSLAWs during the sort:

I got a huge laugh out of the accompanying cartoon.

> [@Misnomer](#):
>
> So far my post-op fast food indulgences have been limited to Chick-Fil-A (don’t start!), with “fast casual” indulgences of Panera and Chipotle.

I will admit to occasionally hitting up Chik-Fil-A (despite my feelings about their politics) because their Chicken Minis are made out of pure heroin and crack, I swear. Tiny bits of crispy chicken cradled between pillows of heaven … err, biscuit.

I haven’t been to Chipotle since long before I moved up here, but they juuuust opened one up near me, and when I looked at their online menu … meh. Did they drop a bunch of stuff? I mean, their burritos are tasty, but I sorta seem to recall them having all sorts of stuff.

Now they have keto bowls. Man, I really haven’t been there in a hot minute, if I haven’t been since before the keto thang got started.

> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#):
>
> Back home after my volunteer literacy teaching.

I just want you to know, I think it’s so awesome that you do this.

> [@CorpusNeptune](#):
>
> She’s really beautiful. She’s cute. And she cares about me and checks up on me. She does have bad mental health, but I’m always willing to comfort her and be there for her.

I love that she’s both beautiful and cute to you. That’s heartwarming.

Take it slow, and be a good communicator. That’s always important, but even more so when mental health issues are in the picture.

> [@Seanette](#):
>
> I still prefer Chick-Fil-A or Jollibee for chicken. 🙂

I confess, I’ve never even _heard_ of Jollibee.

Popeye’s still has good red beans’n’rice, but their biscuits seem both smaller _and_ more expensive, and kinda dry when they used to be quite … not moist, but not “choking on desert sand” dry.

> [@FairyChatMom](#):
>
> I did 5 loads of laundry today!

How the hell do you create so much laundry?

… and my word, the Rox Star is getting big!  
She’s gonna be driiiiiiiving soon! 😉

> [@nelliebly](#):
>
> Portillo’s! I looooove Portillo’s!

Huh. Another place I’ve never heard of … I must be living under a rock or something.

> [@TruePisces](#):
>
> which makes me convinced that no one would really want to interact with me

Hun, we are here for you. That’s what Mumpers do. Whine away; sometimes someone will reply with something helpful, or at the very least, it helps to vent.

> [@Kitten\_Mitten](#):
>
> where does one get melatonin? I’m assuming drug store. Do you have to have a prescription or is it on shelves? What category of a store is it in?

Any Wal-Mart or CVS type store will have it. No 'scrip needed; it’s with the supplements (like the vitamins and stuff) and isn’t particularly expensive IIRC.

Oops, I see I’ve been ninja’d. Ah, well. Off to get some kind of dinner into me.

Ugh, tomorrow is Long Night. I better get lotsa rest tonight!

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**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/271 "2023-03-25T02:46:27Z")

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> [@Kitten\_Mitten](#):
>
> where does one get melatonin?

Lady SCAdian gets it at WalMart – it’s right out there on the shelves with the vitamins and other OTCs.

> [@teelabrown](#):
>
> And Tylenol can just fuck off, it doesn’t do a thing.

I used to use it all the time, but it doesn’t do anything for Lady SCAdian, either, so we buy ibuprofen.

> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> Photo’s up at my Facebook page

So you can now link to it here.

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> I haven’t been to Chipotle since long before I moved up here, but they juuuust opened one up near me, and when I looked at their online menu

One opened here recently, too. I haven’t looked at their online menu, because in order to do so I must first tell them what store I’ll be ordering from. If they’re so arrogant they assume that wanting to look at the menu means I’m going to order, I want nothing to do with them.

Popeye’s just opened here, too; their menu is available, but there’s so little Lady SCAdian can eat I’ll probably never go there.

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**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/272 "2023-03-25T02:59:46Z")

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> [@SCAdian](#):
>
> So you can now link to it here.

Reckon I can: [https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1999193187087445&set=a.193145614358887](https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1999193187087445&set=a.193145614358887)

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**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/273 "2023-03-25T03:19:50Z")

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> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> > [@FairyChatMom](#):
> >
> > I did 5 loads of laundry today!
> 
> How the hell do you create so much laundry?

I live alone . I produce about one good sized load a week. As do you probably. **FCM** has two grownups, one of whom likes to crawl around on roofs and in engine compartments, plus two toddlers, one a slime factory. Probably explains a lot of loads. Approx one load each.

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> > [@BippityBoppityBoo](#):
> >
> > Back home after my volunteer literacy teaching.
> 
> Thank you \>blushing\< but be assured I get far more out if it than they do, they enrich my world so much. Iraq, India, Mynmar, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan.I love words and reading so much to have eager learners to share it with is priceless. We do it in my branch library so I even get to do it at my place of worship. I wish I’d started doing it years ago.
> 
> I just want you to know, I think it’s so awesome that you do this

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> Popeye’s still has good red beans’n’rice,

My former roomie agrees (she was raised in Texarkana). It was her favorite dish. This old Iowa girl finds it pretty tasty too. Braving the service in drive through discourages very frequent trips, especially now that she’s moved on.

> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> have a referee yellow shirt with black shorts, a cap that says “AYSO Referee”, long black socks…

Still not going to tell us yay or nay on the official bra, ehhhh? What about setting a good example for following the genteel morals of society on and off the field.

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**Author:** ![Kitten\_Mitten](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b782af/32.png) [@Kitten\_Mitten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitten_Mitten)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/274 "2023-03-25T03:39:08Z")

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> [@swampbear](#):
>
> **MOOOOOOM** the keyoootness in that pic is off the charts! I needed to see that.

I agree! I can also see a little mischievious look on those faces 🙂

> [@Sahirrnee](#):
>
> Hot dogs get chili, mustard, and onions. At minimum, they get mustard.  
> I can’t imagine catsup on a hot dog.

Kindred spirits 🙂

Thank you **RealFish** , **shoe** and **herald** (although I don’t know why you’re called that). I will go buy the melatonin tomorrow.

I’ve been watching the World Figure Skating Championships the last few nights. Unfortunately, there must not be a big audience for it as it’s mostly being shown on Peacock starting about 9:45ish pm (It’s in Japan). Tonight it starts at 11:30. I haven’t been getting to bed until after 3am so I’ve been quite sluggish yesterday and today and I’m sure I will be tomorrow as well. So, I didn’t get much done today other than renewing my license plate tab and Krogering. The Secretary of State website said I could use the self-service kiosk in Kroger so I thought 2 birds with one stone. As I entered I asked an elderly employee if she knew where the kiosk is and she gave me very explicit instructions with a smile. Had to wait a bit while a couple tried using it. They left pretty disgusted. I didn’t know why. So, I tried using it. Well, received a message that it was unable to connect to whatever database that it needed to. Since my license tab expires tomorrow, I had to get one TODAY! I thought about possibly going to another close Kroger but decided that the best thing would be to drive to the closest Secretary of State office that was 7 miles away. Got there shortly after 4 and there weren’t many folks in the room. Thought that was a good sign since I didn’t have an appointment. The security staff greeted me pleasantly and told me I needed to wait for a clerk to come back to the reception desk. When she returned in a few minutes, she asked if I had an appointment. I said no but since there were so few people I thought it wouldn’t be an issue. She checked her computer and said that there weren’t any openings and asked if I’d like an appointment for Monday. I told her my tab expires tomorrow and asked if it would be possible to wedge me in. She explained that the appointments were in intervals of 10 minutes and there weren’t any left. I asked what about if someone elses appointment doesn’t take the entire 10 minutes since my transaction should only take a couple minutes. She called the manager who graciously agreed to complete the transaction. I was only at her window for about 2-1/2 minutes. I thanked her profusely as I didn’t want to chance getting a ticket on Sunday or Monday.

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**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/275 "2023-03-25T06:45:55Z")

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Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to heave, assuming the SSLAWs work. If not, “Not my circus, not my monkeys”

> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> Reckon I can: [https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1999193187087445&set=a.193145614358887](https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1999193187087445&set=a.193145614358887)

I’M BLIND!  
I’M DEAF!  
I WANNA BE A REF!  
Just kidding. 😉

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**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/276 "2023-03-25T08:35:23Z")

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> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> Reckon I can

Very official!

As I was lazy and never asked for the link, I took the opportunity to look at your photos from your trip. The glacial ice is gorgeous and there’s PENGUINS!

Today and tomorrow is dedicated to getting through a list of small tasks, including sending emails to get us off mailing lists. Hadn’t bothered before, but now the quantity of direct advertising seems to be increasing. And that just means more stuff to dispose of later.

Hubby’s hobby band wanted to schedule practice for tonight, which is also when we change the clocks. That would mess his sleep schedule (and consequently mine), for the following week. Not worth it.

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> “Have as good a day as possible” seems more honest.

**shoe** is wise.

Hope everyone has as good a Saturday as possible.

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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:** [March 25, 2023, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/277 "2023-03-25T10:05:33Z")

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Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. _YAWN_ ‘Tis 67 Amurrkin out and cloudy with a predicted high of 82 with rain startin’ around noon. We shall see. I think I will mow the front yahd this mornin’ soon as there’s enough daylight which will be around eightish. Then the rest of the day will be the usual sloth and general overall uselessness. Any need to feed today will be via forage as we have plenty of sammich makin’s, chips, etc. on hand.

Thanks for all the good thoughts re deceased doggie. After wrackin’ my brain and lookin’ it up to be sure, I figured out doggie was a pomeranian. I think I thought about every small breed of dawg imaginable before it came to me.

All of you with various pains and ailments, hope you are feelin’ better soonest. I’d go back and mention names, but I cannot brain enough for that at the moment.

Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, onward into the day! Rah.

Happy Sattidy Y’all!

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**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/278 "2023-03-25T11:31:06Z")

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> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> How the hell do you create so much laundry?

A _large_ part of it came directly from my day of sick, and I’ll leave that to your imagination to fill in. Plus **FCD** has been working on the boat, which means pretty much 2 changes a day. And a certain toddler tends to generate a lot of mess for me. Anyway, a load of towels, 3 of assorted pants/jeans and shirts, and a load of unders. My normal weekly is 3-4, so this wasn’t too far out of the ordinary.

> [@purplehorseshoe](#):
>
> and my word, the Rox Star is getting big!

She’s just about up to my armpit - that girl is going to tower over me before too long! And not just because I’m shrinking…

> [@Sahirrnee](#):
>
> Something in Toby’s eyes… I think he will have a knack for charming the ladies.

Last night’s discussion was along the lines of how my daughter and SIL will be very familiar with the assistant principals of his future schools… 😮 yeah, I can see him being a class clown or instigator.

OK, gonna beef here. _WHO CARES WHAT PEOPLE PUT ON THEIR HOT DOGS???_  
😛  
Seriously, just because I think chili dogs are gross doesn’t mean I get to declare that anyone who eats them is morally decrepit and unworthy of decent society!!! I happen to like ketchup on dogs, and fries, and occasionally on scrambled eggs. But _NEVER_ on mac-n-cheese! People who do that should be flogged! _\< deep cleansing breaths \>_

OK, carry on.  
🤣  
I had a pretty good night, even without Mel (I forgot to take it early enough and I didn’t want to be groggy all morning.) Still woke early, but I feel rested, and I count that as a win.

Today is hazardous waste amnesty day at the landfill. For $10, you can bring all your old stuff - oil, paint, solvents, whatever chemicals - and they’ll dispose of them safely. There are shelves in our garage that have cans and bottles of stuff that have been here since we bought the place (almost 19 years ago!!!) and we keep missing amnesty day. Not this time, by golly! **FCD** is going to load it all in the truck. There’s probably some paint in the basement, too, that can go away.

While he’s doing that, I’m going to make a mega-big batch of sketty sauce (after cleaning up the kitchen, since I was a slacker last night.) Some will go in our freezer, and some will go to MIL, along with the chili I made yesterday. We’ve got to pick up the VISA bill from her new account and set it up for automatic payment. She frets every time a bill comes in the mail, even tho we’ve been paying her bills since October. I think the loss of control makes her a little crazy.

Once all that is done, I think the plan is to clean the diesel residue from the engine room, since there was some sloppage while he messed with the fuel lines. Rain is forecast on and off today, but tomorrow promises to be gorgeous enough that I can open the house. And so it begins.

Happy Saturday!!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [March 25, 2023, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/279 "2023-03-25T11:45:11Z")

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> [@Kitten\_Mitten](#):
>
> where does one get melatonin? I’m assuming drug store. Do you have to have a prescription or is it on shelves? What category of a store is it in? Hubs is barely sleeping at all and I’m wondering if this would help him.

At least in California, it’s OTC, can be had in health-food/vitamin type places, in some drugstore/grocery vitamin sections, or online (we get DH’s from Amazon, mine comes from Vitamin Shoppe). I recommend starting with lower doses. I get nightmares if I take more than about 1.5mg in a dose, but DH routinely takes 30mg without trouble.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [March 25, 2023, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-theres-a-spring-in-your-step-a-seasonal-mmp/981398/280 "2023-03-25T11:47:52Z")

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> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#):
>
> holding a sled-dog’s 3-week old puppy (eyes weren’t even open yet).

Sure that wasn’t more like 3 days? Puppies’ eyes are typically open by the 10-16 day mark. (Just hoping puppy was OK.)

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