(Old) Tricks, treats, and a brand new month in the MMP

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
281

There are a lot of different options for travel, I usually buy single tickets for the bus (£2 per single journey) as it’s slightly cheaper than a £4.50 daysaver which covers as many journeys as you want in one day.

For the train, I currently have a flexible season ticket which gets me 8 journeys in a 28-day period, on a specified route. My route is from my home station to the campus station, the “ticket” comes on a smartcard that I load at the station by tapping it on the machine. Once it’s activated, it will open the ticket barriers at any station I’m passing through on my travels. There should only be three stations involved in the trip, and I’ve never had to go through barriers at any other places with it if my trains got diverted.

There are other options, I can buy a daily network ticket that covers bus, train and tram. That network pass comes in a weekly and monthly form which is what I used to buy when I was on campus five days a week. Now I’m only there three days a week, it seems wasteful to buy a ticket for so much time when I don’t need it.

282

Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN 'Tis 42 Amurrkin out and clear with a predicted high of 79 and N.O.S. for the day. The big item on today’s agenda is deheathenization wherein I have Chalice duty. After that the ashes of a former church member who had moved to Flahrduh will be interred in the columbarium. We decided against the chili/cheese/onion/slaw dawgs and fries yestiddy, so that shall be tonight’s sup.

doggio yay for the ‘canes winnin’ and losin’!

Boo my snacks of choice for game watchin’ are stuff like chips, pretzels, cookies and a beerverage or two. I am kinda basic when it comes to snackage.

Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then purtification for deheathenization shall commence.

Happy Sunday Y’all!

283

Afternoon, mumpers! It’s currently 9c/49f with a predicted high of 11c/52f, and partly cloudy. Weather app says “People grip when it’s fucking hot. People gripe with it’s fucking cold. What-the-fuck-ever.” I did bump the heating up a couple of degrees when I got up, just to take the chill off, it’s set for 14C in the house and the thermostat said it was only 13C. Don’t want the cats to get cold, do we?

Taters I see what you mean about Pearl, she looks like she’s had a rough time and she needs the perfect person to come and make her life better. I also love the fact that you can send her a treat…couldn’t resist that one!

All this talk of sports washes over me, I don’t really follow any sports at all. My only interest is in knowing when our local football team (Wolverhampton Wanderers) has a home match because we’re fairly close to the football ground and it’s useful to plan around parking and traffic. The most sporting fun we had was on a trip to Vegas many years ago when the rodeo was in town. There was rodeo on all the TVs in the sports bars, fun to watch but that was all.

It’s been a busy couple of days here, we had a big night out on Friday - the Travel Gods didn’t quite manage to ruin the plans but they had a good try. We made it to our venue shortly before the first band started, watched them, nipped out to the bar in the main part of the building so we heard some of the acts on the main stage. It’s the first time we’ve been there when there’s been two different gigs on, all very well organised as the guys on the door had set up two streams to check tickets so you went left of the barrier for the small room, and right of the barrier for the main stage. We’d been talking to the taxi driver on the way in as he’d dropped people off at KK’s several times but never been inside - he was astounded to hear that there would be around 3,500 people in the venue, and only a couple of security staff! Unheard of in most places, but this is a community that polices itself very well and generally doesn’t have any reason to cause trouble.

After the gigs finished, we went to a local rock pub and met up with some friends who’d been to see the other bands. Good to see them as it’s been quite a while. All in all, a very good night out. Saturday was not such a good day, I managed to slip on a patch of wet leaves and did a total faceplant on the pavement :frowning: No major injuries apart from a scraped knee, sore shoulder and I pretty much broke the fall with my nose…but didn’t break the nose! Lots of bruising, a very fat lip, one sore front tooth and somehow or other I managed to lose the stud out of my nose-piercing. The most serious injury was to my pride!

284

Well, I, for one, am glad you don’t jingle around with a pocketful of change to complete your commute! :wink: I can’t recall the last time I used public transportation - maybe the Metro in DC?

Anyone feel free to answer this - do buses/trains/subway/whatever all take plastic for fares? Certainly tap and go is easier and quicker than digging out the requisite number of coins.

I’m out of bed, I’ve tended the critters and fed my face, and the temp in my back yard is currently 39°. The pellet stove is keeping the house cozy, and I’m in fuzzy robe and slippers as FCD continues to snooze. And so beginneth the day. Hope the dryer fix is quick and easy. But there are several on FB Marketplace nearby if necessary…

285

Morning all. Just signed up to be an Assistant referee today starting at 8am (I did manage to get my clocks reset right) so this will be a short one. Cold again (42F heading for 75F, so will need to change clothes more than once). Also work at 9:15 and 12:00noon. Sometime this afternoon I’ll head over to the Golden Corral for a big feed before spending the night packing and prepping for my trip tomorrow. Since the flight doesn’t leave until 1pm or so, I’ll have time for any last-minute things then.

FCM, haven’t ridden many systems lately, but most have some type of card system. Last time I was in London they had 1-day, 3-day and “Oyster” cards that could be refilled, and I think most transit systems are going that way.

OK, need to start gathering the clothing layers. Take care all.

286

The transit system in Sacramento has a multitude of options:

cash: ticket machines at light rail stations or fareboxes on the bus (exact change needed there), or buy passes/prepaid tickets at the vendor of your choice

credit/debit: available at ticket machines on two of the three light rail lines (they’re working on upgrades for the third line), purchase of passes/prepaid tickets at vendor of your choice

ConnectCard smart card: reload online via credit/debit, serves nearby cities as well as the SacRT system, one can purchase tickets/passes or simply load cash value that gets deducted each tap on the reader (at light rail stations or on boarding the bus, up to a maximum per day equivalent to a daily pass)

ZipPass smartphone app: link card for payment, buy pass/ticket as appropriate, show bus driver the pass/ticket when boarding or be ready to show it to a fare checker on the train (fare checkers will also check ConnectCards as well as physical fare media)

287

It is Standard Time now, and I have done the standard caffeinating and sheveling. Soon it will be time for morning handegg.

It’s also Guy Fawkes Day in England. Because after the last few years, and in multiple chambers, the guy who tried to dynamite the legislature was merely ahead of his time. :wink: :crazy_face:

As far as public transit, the bus fares are suspended through June 2024, so payment is moot. We don’t have any other kind of public transportation.

Wait till I explain the concept of “ABCD”

288

Mornin’ everyone.

It’s 48F, dark and cloudy outside. It’s also wet, although it’s not raining at the moment. It appears showers are expected to move in later this afternoon, and the high temperature will be around 60F. It was very, very, very soggy and gusty 'round these parts yesterday.

All of my clocks except the microwave are showing the correct time. I might need to check my alarm clock. It’s supposed to change over independently, but it’s been hit or miss.

I had another restless night so I gave up and got out of bed at 3:00. There is always something about that time frame (3:00 to 3:30) no matter where I am, and what time we are on where I just wake up.

We didn’t make it to the Humane Society yesterday. My husband seemed very tired and I didn’t bring it up. I think it would be better to be done with the furnace/dishwasher circle of hell too.

Today is laundry day, and tomorrow is an in-office day. I’m not really looking forward to any of the in-office days, but on the other hand, I don’t work a single Friday until after the New Year, so I’ve got that going for me. Monday in-office, Tuesday at home and furnace install day, Wednesday I am in the office with many meetings and a big lease inspection, and Thursday at home, but the dishwasher repair person is coming to diagnose my dishwasher.

I don’t do mass transit, but we have something called the ORCA card, which can be used in several counties’ transit systems, the state ferry system, and the commuter/light rail system. Have no idea of the cost, though.

Welp, I’ve got to finish my coffee and wash the two plates we used to eat pizza last night. May your day be easy, restful or at least enjoyable.

289

Evergreen State is my favorite college team name. :slight_smile:

My godmother used to say for those baths, first you washed down as far as possible, then you washed up as far as possible, then you washed possible. :stuck_out_tongue:

Glad the water heater didn’t burn the place down Mooooom.

I hope that your pain gets resolved soonest wet one.

Up, caffeinating, breakfasted and have Sis on her way back to Houston. I woke up around 0330 with my right hip hurting , so I popped a couple of Tylenol and came out to the studio to surf so’s I wouldn’t wake Sis and the three hounds up. Nelson wandered out on his own once he figured out I was up. If it doesn’t improve soon, I’ll have to take prescription meds for it.

Before Sis got here yesterday, I made a trio of holiday cards from cutoffs and scraps in my stash. I decided to play with embossing powders to gussy them up a little. :slight_smile:

Stay safe and healthy y’all!

290

Dryer repair was relatively easy (after clearing the area so we could work.) FCD popped the top and jostled the drum. A square drive bit fell out. I resisted the urge to once again ask him to empty his pockets before putting his clothes in for laundry.

He’s now headed to Lowe’s to get a new vent hose and I’m cleaning places that can’t be reached when the dryer is in place. There was a cache of acorns in the hose, so we need to block the outside vent to keep meeses out. Once he gets back with the hose, I can put my laundry room back together. Then I’ll write to the company that installed our water heater.

So, good news on the dryer front.

291

Ah, shit, tomorrow is my dad’s birthday. No way to get a card for him in time now.

I mean, of course I’ll call him, but I still feel bad.

I’m going to change my calendar settings to get more notice next year, but with his age, it might not even happen, which makes me feel worse.

Pretty sure I learned that in preschool … :face_with_raised_eyebrow:

292

Now we’re installing the microwave.

Last big chore.

293

Make room for me in the couch! Sounds perfect. Except for the beer-I’d plead for g & t’s or rum and diet cokes instead.

294

This is only okay if it’s not being connected to a copper fitting/wire at its terminus, or if the fitting is a bimetal one made for the purpose.

Up before the dawn, changed two of the clocks. Sausage sandwich for breakfast and a bowl of strawberries. Coffee drunk. Sunday crossword and Sunday NYT crosswords done. On to Wordle!

295

Started Typing: 9:55 AM ET
Clicked Reply: 11:29 AM ET

I’m mostly ambivalent about the whole DST/clock-changing thing, but I do prefer gaining an hour to losing one. And if there can’t be sunlight at both the start and end of the day, I’d much rather have it earlier. So, today’s change was fine by me. :slight_smile: I remembered to update all 6 manually-set clocks before I went to sleep (oven, microwave, bathroom, office, bedside, Kindle): I’ll update my watches whenever I wear them again, and the clock in my car should adjust automatically. So far the only surprise has been that usually I don’t sleep much past 7:30am so I expected to wake up at around 6:30am, but I guess yesterday morning’s personal training session ensured that my body would take advantage of the “extra” hour. Heh.

After the gym I stopped at the grocery store that’s on the way home, and then I sat on the couch and read for a while as I ate lunch. I rarely do that anymore, and it was nice. I plan to do it again today. Then, I decided to tackle the next holiday LEGO set:

It took 90 minutes to assemble ~500 pieces; the finished wreath is 1’ in diameter. Next up (and the last of the holiday sets) will be the Christmas tree. It’s 784 pieces: I expect it to take 2-2.5 hours whenever I get to it. Maybe sometime this week, or perhaps next weekend.

My only “to do” for today had been shopping for a dress coat, but I’ve decided to put that off until tomorrow. I haven’t spent a full day at home (without working) in two weeks, and it feels like a good start to my week off! Plus, the mall will be less crowded during the day on a Monday. Tomorrow Bailey has a 2:30pm vet appointment for her next arthritis med injection and then at 5pm I’ll be going to my local polling place to help set up for Tuesday’s election, but I’ll have the rest of the day to do whatever. I’ll play the mall trip by ear tomorrow. A pro to going in the morning could be stopping at Panera for lunch, but a con to going in the morning could be stopping at Panera for lunch… :wink:

The “September in November” weather has returned: when I took Bailey out the first time this morning it was chilly enough for a coat, hat, and gloves, but now – at 10:45am – it’s sunny and already 66°F (on the way to 70). I’ll open the windows when I relocate to the living room for lunch and reading. :slight_smile: I’m glad for the warm/sunny weather, though, because I had to wash a small area rug that needs to be line dried and I was just able to set up a clothes rack on the patio for it (so it doesn’t drip in the house, and so it’s in the sun and will dry faster).

Speaking of area rugs, sometimes I’m utterly amazed at how long it can take me to think of things: a few days ago it finally occurred to me to get rug pads for the area rugs in the living room and bedroom, to make them a bit softer for Bailey when she jumps down off the bed/couch. :woman_facepalming: I’ve always bought non-slip area rugs, because it’s cheaper and easier than dealing with rug pads, but it makes for kinda thin rugs on the hardwood floors and I think jumping off the bed/couch has become a little jarring for the old doggy’s hips. So, this morning’s Amazon order included two 1/2" rug pads. Whenever it’s time for new rugs, I might look into the Ruggable system.

I considered taking care of some volunteer-related administrative stuff this morning, while I’m on the computer, but I’m gonna put that off until tomorrow as well. :grin: Tuesday-Thursday will be busy and emotional, but it has been soooo nice to be able to repeatedly remind myself that I don’t have to work again for 8 days! I don’t remember the last time I took a whole Mon-Fri off work (even for this year’s family events, the most I took was a Wed-Fri). My tummy thinks it’s lunchtime, so I’m going to put some pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes in the oven and relocate to the living room with my Kindle.

Does he do email? If so, I know it’s not the same but maybe an e-card…?

296

Mrs. L.A. just took a fresh antigen test. It came back negative. :slight_smile:

297

It connected to copper.

We just finished installing the new microwave. The mount was just different enough that we had to take down the old one and put up a new one. And the old one had been put up with molly bolts, which are such a joy to remove… :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

But it’s in and operational, with the correct time. The only odd thing, at least to me, is the dark gray interior.

So hot water, quiet dryer, and new nukelator. Now if only my car issue is simple and cheap…

298

Sounds like the installer owes you some money and an apology.

299

I am an idiot. I stayed up very late last night and this morning woke up at 8:00. I figured I could lay my head down for a little while and next thing I know I roll over and it’s 10:25. Deheathenization was supposed to start at 10:00. So I get up anyway, do this and that, then turn to the Dope and someone is asking “Did you turn your clocks back?” Uh… So I could have gone to church if I’d hurried but by the time I realize the time had changed once again it was too late.

Oh well, the congregation records the service, so I can check it out later. And it was All Saints Sunday as well.

300

I just sent off messages to the Client Care address and the Prez of the company telling them the whole story and asking for a proper copper cable to replace the aluminum. We shall see…