# (Old) Trip Planning in the MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [February 12, 2024, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466 "2024-02-12T08:39:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/101 "2024-02-14T03:08:58Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > No, I don’t have any covid tests and can’t afford them right now. Free COVID tests in the mail, sign up here: > **[Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing](https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/testing/index.html)** > > Find key coronavirus testing information and resources from across HHS and at the state level. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2024, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/102 "2024-02-14T03:10:22Z")
Thank you! ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/103 "2024-02-14T03:11:13Z")
You are welcome. They won’t arrive fast enough to figure out if you have it today, but it is good to have them at hand. I hope you aren’t sick, you can’t afford to miss more work. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2024, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/104 "2024-02-14T03:13:05Z")
Just filled it out. I don’t feel sick, just warmer to the touch. Pretty sure I’m ok, its good to know though. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/105 "2024-02-14T03:18:29Z")
> [@Old\_Wench](#): > > You might want to search for a “breast care center That’s what I sent her the link to, a breast care center~that’s all they do. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2024, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/106 "2024-02-14T03:18:41Z")
The test will come in a week. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/107 "2024-02-14T03:22:14Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Cats wail and claw the carpet and wood around closed doors. > > GG Mine flings herself at the closed door, while wailing piteously because her divine Siamese self is being denied, how dare I! ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/108 "2024-02-14T03:30:54Z")
Yup, they know how to keep the doors open, don’t they!!! **Pilot** , I know you aren’t a cat lover so you might not understand how it works. Cats are not domesticated. Way back when, they choose to move close to humans because we made and make tasty garbage. They didn’t care about the rodents and grain, it was easier to eat the food people threw away every day. People didn’t domesticate cats to guard their grain, by then, they had rat dogs for that and those little critters are natural born killers. Cats domesticated people because we have thumbs, soft beds and scratchy fingers. Cat slaves know this, we fully understand our place in life and consider ourselves to be special if a friends cat cuddles up on our lap. If you want to get all scientific about it, humans are able to domesticate herd animals because we learn how to be alpha to them. Humans cannot domesticate non-herd animals, all we can do with cats and raptors is try to convince them that they like being with us. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/109 "2024-02-14T03:33:04Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > NOOOOOOOOOO!!! > > I really hope you are wrong, you have done way too many plumbing repairs recently. I am in total agreement, checked the water meter at 5pm and since then have washed out one bowl and flushed one toilet, so I’ll check tomorrow and if more than 3-5 gallons are shown I will be most unhappy. **red** , hope the lead gets it through his head that not all of us are 24 anymore; at least he may be teachable. **FCM** , did a little digging as I had never heard of “Vegan Leather” either and the first Google showed… > [@](#): > > Vegan leather can be made from many plant-based fibres, including pineapple leaves (Pinatex), cactus (Desserto leather), cork, mushrooms, coconut husks, kombucha scobies, mango, seaweed and apple peels. Lab-grown leathers like MYLO, an “unleather” material made from mycelium, are also bursting onto the fashion scene. …so I guess it is a thing. Am eating 2 apples a day now, adding some more fiber to my diet. **Wheelie** , sounds like a good trip. If you ever make it down my way for a Trash Pandas game, I’ll get the tickets. **doggio** , I solve that problem by almost never making my bed. **JtC** , a most happy anniversary. And surprisingly, in my experience, you can find areas on a cruise ship, even ones with 3-4,000 people on-board, that are often pretty much deserted and quiet. Need to do the evening reading and head off to bed fairly soon. Catch y’all tomorrow. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/110 "2024-02-14T03:56:47Z")
As expected, Mrs. L.A. finished off the shrimpengritz for Mardi Gras dinner. She was surprised she ate it all (there was more in the bowl than either of us ate the first night), but she did. I guess I did a good job. As for me, I thought I’d pick up some andouille at Trader Joe’s. They didn’t have any. I walked down to PCC and paid nine bucks for four uncooked _pork_ andouille sausages. I cut it in half lengthwise and fried it in my little cast-iron pan, and made a sandwich with one slice of bread. I had a couple of ounces of coleslaw on the side. It’s a bugger getting andouille up here. Oh, sure supermarkets have Hempler’s; but it’s ‘just OK’. The only place I know that makes it well is Uli’s at Pike Place Market, and I can’t get there nowadays. The PCC sausages were pretty good. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/111 "2024-02-14T04:32:41Z")
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > even ones with **3-4,000 people** on-board, that are often pretty much deserted and quiet. Collapses onto the faint couch in horror. OMG, I had NO idea it was that bad!!! The population of Cordes Lakes has fewer than 2000 people spread out over almost 11 square miles. The entire Mayer community has about 5000 people and encompasses 4 towns and over 3000 square miles. So yeah, a cruise isn’t going to happen ever. I think I will just plan a train ride to the Grand Canyon with an overnight stay next summer. Thanks so much for giving me the numbers! ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2024, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/112 "2024-02-14T04:35:36Z")
Off to sleep. Y’all keep posting so I’ll have something to check when I wake at dark thirty. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2024, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/113 "2024-02-14T06:03:10Z")
**JtC** , happy happy happy anniversary!!! > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > If you ever make it down my way for a Trash Pandas game, I’ll get the tickets. I saw the old Huntsville Stars at Joe W. Davis a couple times. It would be fun to visit that area again. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/114 "2024-02-14T06:56:34Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Shoe works on closed canvas (with sharp needles!!!) Naw, I work on Aida (the fabric that has the bigger holes for each square) and I use the blunt needles, too. Couldn’t find them for a while and tried using sharp sewing needles, which sucked - the needle goes wherever it wants and can poke right through the fabric willy-nilly. > [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Do you literally do one stitch at a time, cut and then do another stitch somewhere else? Personally, I go by whatever will waste less thread. You need a certain amount of extra thread to start a stitch, so for me, the choice is based on whether that will be longer than just “jumping” over to the next spot. > [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Right now I am standing on one foot to brush my teeth twice a day I had a ballet teacher recommend the exact same thing. Good for your core muscles, like you said, and good for your balance. Pro tip: don’t always stand on the same foot. (Instinctively, I will lift my right foot and stand on my left leg - I have to make a very conscious decision if imma reverse that. Apparently, I’m right-footed as well as right-handed!) > [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > A few years(?) back, there was a thread here about mammograms that scared the holy piss out of me. Pretty sure I read the same thread, cuz I had the same reaction. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > haven’t used my cane for over a year and while my back gives me a twinge ever so often, I don’t wake up in pain anymore. That’s an amazing testament! > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > purses at Da Jungle, and saw more than a few claiming to be “vegan leather.” I got one of those years ago, and it turned out to be an excellent purse. It’s basically a fancy term for “fake leather.” > [@SuntanLotion](#): > > I want to take self defense classes. I found a free 3-night course at a local community center, and HIGHLY recommend it. I was the youngest by far - one of the participants was a tiny, frail old lady who could’ve been God’s own grandma - but the instructor made sure everyone got to practice with each other at appropriate levels. (I was usually paired with a robust lady who reminded me of Dorothy from the Golden Girls and, my friends, she could _absolutely_ kick my ass.) The final night, he brought in a guy in one of those marshmallow suits like they use to train police dogs - complete with groin protection - and shit got _real_ y’all. The objective was for each of us to get from one end of the room to the other; his objective was to stop us and take us down to the ground. It was really eye-opening to be in a simulation of a real-life worst case scenario. It was a confidence boost, but in a way, it wasn’t … because it made me realize watching a choreographed fight on TV is soooooooooo different from shit going down in real life. But it definitely made me more aware of my own abilities, and they teach you many useful tips. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Our priest was known to burn leaves The Devil’s Lettuce totally counts! > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > **doggio** , I solve that problem by almost never making my bed. I utilize the same system! {Goodfellas} “It was a very good system.” {/Goodfellas} * * * Monkey ran out between my feet when I was walking in. He virtually _never_ does that, so I wasn’t prepared. Shot out into the darkness without a sound - must’ve seen the Dread Neighbor Cat or something. It’s been an hour, while I was catching up with y’all, and his sorry black ass still hasn’t shown back up. I’ve called for him a few times - it’s not like he doesn’t know where home is, but can’t hurt to remind him - and usually he’ll come hustling back, but it’s all quiet out there tonight. Dammit, Monkey. I need my kitty! ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/115 "2024-02-14T07:12:10Z")
Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to heave. I need to stop and buy cat food, lest there be wailing and gnsashing of teeth. > [@LSLGuy](#): > > I remain mystified at this human behavior. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Cats wail and claw the carpet and wood around closed doors. This. It’s all about managing the level of feline mischief. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > I thought that ash was ash, but some people lost their minds over it. I mean it’s not like he emptied out his bong or anything… > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > **doggio** , I solve that problem by almost never making my bed. 😮 \< flings self upon fainting couch \> > [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Dammit, Monkey. I need my kitty! Get your butt back in here, **Monkey** , your servant needs direction. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2024, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/116 "2024-02-14T08:21:47Z")
Just woke from a scary dream that my ex had broken in and I had called the police to make him leave. Sleeping fitfully tonight. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/117 "2024-02-14T12:41:29Z")
Good Mornn’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. _YAWN_ ‘Tis 36 Amurrkin out and N.O.S. with a predicted high of 65 and N.O.S. for the day. Not too shabby for a Winter’s day. We shall procure provisions this mornin’ and then sloth, nappage, and day drinkin’ durin’ the afternoon. Sup shall be salmon patties, peas, smashed N.O.T., and bizkits due to this bein’ Ash Wednesday. We shall betake ourselves to the church house this evenin’ to get schmutzed. I shall also serve Chalice at the service. **JtC** the palm leaves from last year’s Palm Sunday service had already been burnt. I had done that with a few of the Acolytes who get a kick out of assistin’ with that a few weeks back. What I did last night was to mix the ashes with oil of Chrism. I feel like they are at a consistency to make a good dark schmutz on foreheads. Also, belated Happy Anniversary! **Coppertone** sorry about the scary dream. Hope you’ve been able to get back to a more restful sleep. Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, alas and bother, I suppose I must purtify and don attire acceptable for bein’ amongst the great unwashed. Le sigh! Happy Hump Day Y’all! Happy Valentine’s Day! A Blessed and Holy Lent to those who observe. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2024, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/118 "2024-02-14T12:51:09Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Are there any fluff and fold laundromats close enough to visit? When **FCD** lived on our boat in Baltimore while I was still in FL waiting for Daughter to graduate, he took his laundry to a fluff-n-fold that was close to the marina. (As an aside, I’m still using the laundry basket he bought for that chore, 22 years ago!!) He thought it was great. I still get creeped out at the idea of someone else doing my laundry. Dunno why, but there you have it. I’ll do my own, thanks! **MetalMouse** - I googled vegan leather also - one of the first results that came up was polyeurethane - so plastic. I know, it’s all marketing and such. Still struck me as silly, but whatevah! **JtC** - [here ya go](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icon_of_the_Seas) - maximum capacity, 7600 passengers. I would like to see it and tour it, but no way on God’s green earth would I want to travel on it. Nope. I obviously have a mutant cat. She spends most daylight hours under the bed, tho she’ll occasionally curl up on the folded afghan that’s next to my nightstand. If I enter the room and move in her direction, under the bed she goes, so no problems making the bed. And the worst nagging she does is in the morning when **FCD** is still sleeping and I close the door to the bedroom. If she’s outside the room and wants in, she yowls most piteously. I let her in, she goes under the bed, problem solved. Taz was a bit more sociable, hence in the way, but even he was easily deposited on the floor when it was time to change the sheets. Today - **FCD** has to take his mom to her neurologist. I’ve got a couple of errands to run, specifically Aldi and possibly WalMart. I need to defrost my small freezer, and it also needs inventory/organizing, so I may load its contents into the cooler before I leave, then set some towels on the floor in front of it so it can de-ice itself. As I inventory, I can figure our what to do for supper tonight. We’ve got a mostly cold week ahead - maybe touching 50 a couple of times. No precip till next week, so I might get brave and go outside to pick up branches. Or not. Who knows? Retirement can be so random! Happy 💝 💝 💝 Day, all! ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2024, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/119 "2024-02-14T13:23:35Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > IANA tax expert but … > > IMO/IME, the cost of home _improvements_ increase basis and thereby decrease gain on sale. The cost of home _repairs_ does not increase basis and does not reduce gain on sale. You’re right, of course. I somehow got my thinking backwards. Luckily, my husband is a stickler for keeping receipts for years and years. We can use the cost of any home improvements going years back to offset the house’s capital gain when we sell. Let’s see, that’s: new carpeting, new flooring, new stove, new dishwasher, new landscaping, etc., etc. These all happened over the course of our twenty-five year residence here, but [Nolo.com](http://Nolo.com) says improvements count even if you did them years before starting to sell your house. Our front yard is dug up and an impressively huge mountain of dirt is the result. The offending pipe is exposed, and today it’ll come out and be replaced by a new one. We’ll be offline for awhile, so I think I’ll spend the day out shopping and/or lunching, someplace where there are good bathroom facilities. After the pipe is replaced but before the hole is filled up, a city inspector has to come and check things out, and then we’ve done our duty for fixing sewer problems before we can sell. What a huge pain. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2024, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466/120 "2024-02-14T13:25:54Z")
Mornin’, all. It’s 35 degrees Fahrenheit and cloudy outside. Our high temperature is expected to be 52 degrees Fahrenheit, along with cloudy skies for the afternoon. Some areas might have seen a dusting of snow overnight and this morning, but all is bare here. My back is doing a little better, thank goodness. I worked on gentle stretches and made it a point to get up and walk around. The standing-on-one-foot thing sounds like a good idea, and I will try it. I meant to do it this morning, but I was thinking about all the stuff I had to do, and it completely slipped my mind because it’s a new thing. **Metal Mouse** , I’m keeping my fingers crossed on the water thing. **shoe,** I hope Monkey came back soon after you posted. I have another crazy and probably frustrating work day ahead of me. Let’s face it: most of my days are somewhat crazy, but the level has been ramped up due to the records initiative. I found out more documentation is required on government credit card reconciliation. It’s pretty ridiculous to have to attach 20 pages of documentation for a twenty-dollar purchase, and every time they brag they got rid of another form for us, they tell us we have to do a memo in its place. How is that helping us? Additionally, they now require an email from conference attendees stating they went. I’m just an approver, but I must review and sign additional documents before approving the credit card transaction. Like we all don’t have enough crap to do. I keep pushing to make purchasing centralized and take this away from the states. We can’t keep up. Yesterday’s GPC meeting was pretty heated. I need to knuckle down and do my taxes, too. I’m not looking forward to the outcome, but I hope we break even. But, somehow, I think we’ll end up paying. Well, that’s all that’s happening in taterland. It’s boring and mundane. Take care. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-trip-planning-in-the-mmp/997466.md?page=7)