It can certainly seem that way. However, our local grocery (Kowalski’s) is a real exception. People there go out of their way to assist with even the dumbest customer (me, sometimes). None of the “Hmmm. . .try aisle 63” nonsense. They will take you where you need to go, and if it isn’t there, will call for help on their button radio.
Friday has arrived, triggering polite applause and mutterings of, “Huh? What’s all this then?” Chattered thimbleworms will ensue. I’ll wake up soon, I hope. Air quality index is a moderate 64, with lots of dust, dander, and pollen. I have downloaded lots of caffeine-bearing elixir, and I’m ready to face the day. Onward!
it is a light day in phila.. two on the shuttle, 6 in the office, hardly any traffic… i wondered if i missed a holiday.
scadian, you write truth, mr weber is a “close out the world” writer. very dangerous on public transport.
ms peach is soooo expressive! the total flop is adorable.
susan, it looks like you might have interrupted a pounce.
spot looks very comfy.
otis is sooooo shiney! look at that glossy fur!
ollie is a very handsome lad.
good luck paintcharge!!
Good morning.
It’s 58F with a marine layer, which is welcome. Once again, the day will have morning clouds and afternoon sun, with a daytime high of 81F. We have red flag warnings for thunderstorms in the mountains this afternoon, which, of course, brings the threat of wildfires.
VanGo, I hope you’re feeling better today.
Red, I hope you’re feeling better, too. I so hope management actually does something about your neighbor.
Happy almost anniversary, Johnny. Your upcoming dinner sounds wonderful.
I love all the Mumpet pictures! I see nothing wrong with talking about our pets. They bring us joy (mostly), and take up a large part of our lives.
And, yes, vet care is very expensive. As is the cost of specialized food and allergy meds. And, for me, everything is doubled. I thought about pet insurance, too, but ran into the same issues as you, Bright Tree.
Shoe, I’m glad you and A.M. worked it out.
My old state director sent me an email yesterday asking me to come work for a company my former agency partnered with for rural issues. She and my former deputy are now both board members and want me to come work for them. It would only be about 10 hours a month, but it’s administrative, and I have a feeling it’s to administratively manage the contract with my former agency. I never liked admin work, but somehow, I’m really good at it. I really loathe anything to do with contracting, though. I’m flattered that after nearly a year and a half, my old bosses still want to work with me. They’ve contacted me a few times about this position already, so the fact that they’re still trying to fill it doesn’t really bode well.
I didn’t respond to H yesterday, but I will reach out to her today. I just wanted to sit on it for a minute before reaching out. I’ll listen, but I don’t think I’ll do it. The pay is decent for the work, but I’m not super interested. All the same, when you factor in how few hours there are, taxes and whatnot, I’m not sure it would even be worth it.
I’m not sure what else I’ll do today. Maybe rip out some sod to continue reclaiming the front garden bed. I’d like to do something fun this weekend, but I’m not really sure what that would entail at the moment. I’ll have to think on it.
Alright, time to get on with the day. Please take care of yourselves.
Trek to the boat will (may?) be later so I’ve started laundry. I decided I should probably wash the microfiber cloths that we get every time we get new glasses. I counted 16 of them!
Dishwasher is empty and tidying has begun. Envy my fabulous life!!
Just in case anyone is interested, here is a list of the current food recalls.
Here’s a complete list of the recalled products:
- Diced Jalapenos, 3.75 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/14/2026, UPC 030223082712. Sold in Maine and New York by Hannaford.
- Rice and Bean Burrito 12.5 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/11/2026, UPC 030223082736. Sold in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont by Hannaford.
- Private Selection Spicy Roast Beef Sandwich PS 8.53 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/12/2026, UPC 011110678171. Sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas by Kroger.
- Spicy Jarlsberg Dip 10 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/15/2026, UPC 030223114826. Sold in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia by Kroger.
- Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip 10 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/15/2026, UPC 030223116448. Sold in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia by Kroger.
- Pico de Gallo Salsa 7 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/14/2026, UPC 688267575778. Sold in Massachusetts, Maine, and New York by Stop & Shop and Hannaford.
- Taylor Farms/ Unbranded Taco Dip 20 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/12/2026–8/13/2026, UPC 030223073581. Sold in Florida, Ohio, and Texas by Target.
- Taylor Farms/ Unbranded Mango Pico De Gallo 11 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/08/2026–8/13/2026, UPC 030223073543. Sold in Ohio and Texas by Target.
- Taylor Farms/ Unbranded Spicy Guacamole 13 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/13/2026, UPC 030223073574. Sold in Ohio and Texas by Target.
- Taylor Farms Pico de Gallo 16 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/14/2026, UPC 030223073536. Sold in Texas by Target.
- Taylor Farms Authentic Guacamole 13 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/12/2026, UPC 030223073567. Sold in Texas by Target.
- Trader Joe’s Fiesta Style Salad Shrimp 11.11 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/12/2026, UPC 000000818377. Sold in Texas by Trader Joe’s.
- Freshness Guaranteed Hot (or Spicy) Pico De Gallo Spicy 10 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/08/2026–8/16/2026, UPC 681131276351. Sold in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin by Walmart.
- Freshness Guaranteed Mild Pico De Gallo 10 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/08/2026–8/16/2026, UPC 681131276344. Sold in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin by Walmart.
- Salsa Fresca Medium 12 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/16/2026, UPC 030223075080. Sold in Illinois and Texas by Whole Foods.
- Pico de Gallo Mild 10 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/16/2026, UPC 030223075097. Sold in Illinois and Texas by Whole Foods.
- Pico de Gallo Spicy 10 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/16/2026, UPC 030223075608. Sold in Illinois and Texas by Whole Foods.
- Paid content
- Salsa Roja Medium 12 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/16/2026, UPC 030223075639. Sold in Illinois and Texas by Whole Foods.
- Salsa Roja Medium 12 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/16/2026, UPC 030223075646. Sold in Illinois and Texas by Whole Foods.
- Pineapple Mango Salsa Mild 10 oz, with a best-if-used-by date of 8/07/2026–8/14/2026, UPC 030223075653. Sold in Illinois and Texas by Whole Foods.
Good morning. I went to bed at a decent time last night, so my walking alarm woke me up this morning. It was 78ºF and muggy. I could practically wring out my exercise clothes afterward, but I did see a nice sunrise.
Yoga last night was a power flow. The instructor said she was going to work our glutes. She was not kidding. Have you ever had muscle soreness in your back side? I do not recommend.
I love all the mumpet pics!
That blows.
sorry
Lucky me - I don’t use any of the items on the list.
Second load in the washer. Breakfast bar cleared. So I’m accomplishing something.
Good morning all. Up about 7:30am and immediately dressed and did my Firday shopping, trying to take advantage of school starting times and the 9am traffic, and did pretty well. Still ended up spending nearly $100 for not that much stuff, prices have got to be hurting folks these days. Have had my A/AS/AP (Apple/AppleSauce/Apple Pie) breakfast and will shortly head out to perform mowage before it gets too hot (just checked and it’s already 86F outside, so so much for that plan–I will have to perform some extremely sweaty mowage…). Outside of a 6-8pm referee meeting, nothing much on the agenda for today, there are a couple of small things I can do, but they are in the ‘we’ll see’ category.
Busy Firday, let’s see what the rest of the crew has been up to…and it’ll have to be the next message, I posted this one by accident…
OK, lets try that again…
Flyboy, I have a couple ‘nice’ watches I got as gifts during my work in the UAE and elsewhere, but never wore them, just a simple $19.99 Timex.
VanGO, hoping your feeling better.
Red, so sorry about neighbor, sounds like daughter might be fed up with her behavior too. Hope management gives her a stern warning…or worse.
Shoe, I wonder if the presence of cell phones decreasing production averages has ever been scientifically measured? At least it didn’t get out of proportion with A.M.
Nut, glad you could sleep nice and dry…
Cookie, I noticed the Kroger folks were in good humor today, greeting me and asking how it was going. Don’t know if they go a raise or told their ratings were bad and to be nice…or else…
Taters, sounds like you’ve made your choice, and I think it is a good one.
JtC, thanks for the list, I am pleased to say that none of those products reside on my shelves.
Mollie, my tailbone hurts, but that’s from sitting at the computer too long. I’ve started moving weights again and the gym after several months of not doing so, and my arms are letting me know it’ll take some time before I can do any heavier weights.
swampy, trust that the funeral will go as planned, as will the RDOS portion of the day.
FCM, happy late laundry day.
And that should catch me up. Nearly 10am so I will get the Blue Jean Shorts out and go forth to perform mowage. Take care all.
Up, caffeinating, breakfasted, infused and fixing to do KP.
I got an email from management this morning telling me that the neighbor situation is being addressed. Yay! I’m not really sure what the living arrangements are between neighbor and her daughter are, but her daughter just had her fourth child a week and a half ago. Whether she’s back to living with her mother or not, all of the drunken racket can’t be good for her little boys. This is a one bedroom apartment we’re talking about here, so where are they packing them all to sleep?
I had a little better night last night, but am still having digestive issues. Serious antibiotics are hell on your digestive system. At various points, I’m both nauseous and hungry at the same time. I know I have to eat something, so it’s gentle stuff like applesauce, saltines, yogurt and broth. Oy!
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
I think being nice and being helpful is a job requirement at Kowalski’s. Even when I can tell that a cashier is dog-tired, they are always pleasant. I think that if the store got a complaint about an employee, they would be terminated.
77F at 1100. I think I may take the cardboard out of the windows.
Exercised (with weights). The wife slept in, so I had breakfast alone. No plans for today, but my daughter is supposed to come over tomorrow. It’s never a sure thing with her, so we’ll see.
Me, too. Except in my case it’s a cat of the Siamese persuasion.
Back yard is mowed, 4 bags of clippings and I took a lunch and hydration break before tackling the front yard…hot, it is.
red, I almost feel sorry for daughter, 4 kids (which, to be honest, are her doing and responsibility) and stuck in that situation, so hopefully something can be worked out. And applesauce and saltines are regular parts of my diet…must be working, no digestive issues to speak of… 
Possibly a difference between a chain with 11 stores and 1,250 like Kroger…or maybe Minnesotans really are nice people.
And time to get back out there and finish up the mowage.
We have a peanut butter mat to distract Chloé for her pedicures. There is a lot of “What are you doing with my foot? Oh wait, peanut butter!”
No. No, you don’t[1]. He’s a cool puppy-dog.
Woo-hoo! I get to tell someone else they’re not talking too much about something! ↩︎
This is a very large part of it. See also Iowans and Nebraskans and Dakotans,
Same thing as before work wise. Except..taping and shrink wrapping an irreg when you have it jacked off the floor on 2 carts is easy. Trying to do the same on an 80lbs pound box on a dented up catwalk is not so great. Also, why are you shipping 80lbs of expensive hardwood flooring and using a cardboard box that as thin as the gum holder boxes at the supermarket checkout? Cleanup was not hideous. I was out by 11, and stopped and got some tonic water, since my malaria and scurvy were flaring up.
“Dave’s not here, man!”
Feel better, dude.
The mouse-tini was served at exactly the wrong temperature.
Sign at Teeter in front of the Taylor Farms bagged salads: Taylor farms lettuce sold by Harris Teeter is sourced in the United states, and is not part of the recall.
Me: “I bet The Diarrhea Fairy put up that sign.”
Nice to see that none of the listed items are sold in Connecticut.
Today started with 58Ferrets, is currently at 68F and will stay nice for the duration, topping out at 80F. I’m so happy the whole week is forecast to be like this!
I know you both do. red and I are the equivalent of Krazy Kat Ladies, only with our doggies instead. 
What would any of us do without our beloved pets for company? (Buy a new car, maybe. )
red, I’m sorry you’re having to undergo the ordeal with the next door neighbor and her daughter. You’ve handled it perfectly, though. I hope there is some relief soon. Also sorry you’re undergoing the gastrointestinal distress brought on by the antibiotics. My close friend, recently diagnosed with diverticulitis, is likewise suffering from the antibiotics they gave her.
metal mouse, we’ll see how it goes. It’s literal decades since I attempted to donate, and they didn’t want my antibody-laden blood before. But based on the more recent takes of other Mumpers, I’m going to try again. Fingers crossed!
Hope the mowing doesn’t do you in! I need to get after mine this week, too.
Hope you get the Rolex of your dreams someday, fly boy!
Damn, I’m sorry, Van Go. May it pass, uh, swiftly, and you feel better soon.
Shoe, shitty cow-orkers are as good a reason as any to continue a job search. I used to apply/interview for new jobs just to keep in practice, even if I knew I wasn’t interested in the job being offered. (That once resulted in a rather embarrassing situation, but I digress.) A couple of times, a job offer came at exactly the right moment for something better. I want that for you.
Sad but true.
I feel sure they’ll be okay with it, Nut. You’ll all be in the mood for celebrating then, and we’ll celebrate right along with you!
swampy, you are a chikin sallit sammich machine! May you soon return to your proper RDOS activities!
FCM, your energetic decluttering and tidying always inspire me to do more around my place. Thank you for that. Hope everything goes well with your mom’s visit. And I envy your fabulous life!
Thank you, rocker. I think of him more as a hot house flower, but despite all the required fuss, he’s worth it.
I love all the Mumpet pictures, too, Taters. And thanks for your take on talking about our pets – you’re right, of course.
I’m not at all surprised your old bosses still want to work with you. Truly excellent employees are hard to find and hang onto – plus, the ignominious way your professional life ended would contribute to your reluctance to get involved again. Whatever you decide, it will be the right choice.
Thanks for the list, JtC. I don’t use any of those products, either, but it’s still good to know what to avoid. May your exercises go well today and bring you an ever-improving outcome!
Mollie, yet another fine sunrise photo. Sorry your butt is sore, but good for you for sticking with it.
But peanut butter mat notwithstanding, there are two of you, right? Ollie turns into a psychotic octopus when it’s time for a nail trim. I’ve never had a pet I couldn’t trim their nails by myself, right up to and including llamas. Even now with trims every 3 weeks, it takes two people to hold the 16-lb. terror in place for a trim. The staff are patient and gentle, to no avail. I consider it a successful trim if he doesn’t shit in their sink. 
Worth posting pics just for your delightful captions, doggio. 
Or Oregon.
What a splendid day this is turning out to be! I finally got off of my overample ass and ran some errands this morning. The predicate event was Ollie running out of green beans. Can’t have that. He gets 4 each day as part of his Anal Gland Remediation project. Since I was already sheveled for public viewing, I decided to go for broke and stop for fresh eggs from my neighbor, get fresh peaches, corn and tomatoes along with Ollie’s green beans from the farm stand, and to run into the second-closest town for gas and milk. Everything went perfectly! The lights were all green, no place was crowded, everyone was friendly and I was back home in record time.
Breakfast (Who am I kidding? Brunch.) will be one of those reasons to keep on living: Two poached farm fresh eggs over a little square of Parmesan sage polenta I made yesterday, a couple strips of bacon, a slice of homemade bread with a little butter and one perfectly luscious peach. It’ll carry me through till dinner and maybe even past it. I may only want another peach later on. So yum!
I’ll have to decide what slightly ambitious thing I should do with the rest of the day.
Hope everyone has an equally fine day!
i knew being a picky eater would have an up side! none of the items listed would be in my clickety clax.