I like all Corvids, Grackles are my favorite because of their attitude. I don’t want anyone to think that I’m hating on Crows or anything, OK? I used to work at a government building that came with both crows and pigeons. It was not unusual to come to work and see one of the ground keepers cleaning up a mess of blood and feathers. Squeamish folks might not want to read. The crows liked to chase a pigeon into a corner, peck it to death and then eat it for breakfast. I think your husband doesn’t need to worry that much about the rats.
Mrs. L.A. treated us for dinner for Valentine’s Day at a local restaurant called Scampi Osteria. She had Mama’s Lasagna, and I had crab-stuffed sole. Unfortunately, the fish was lightly breaded; but it was very good. We started with deep-fried ravioli (we each had two, and she brought two home) with alfredo sauce, and focaccia with oil and Balsamic vinegar. We split a bottle of Portuguese blended red wine, and she got some freshly-made tiramisu to bring home. The dessert is huge. I might have a bite. The meal with tax and a $20 came to $160. Yeah, we don’t go there often. (Also, the chef got stuck in Italy at the start of the pandemic, and the pandemic affected their operations.) Before dinner, we went to Bay Breeze for a drink and calamari.
OK, now willing to acknowledge the walk home might have been a mistake. It restoreth my soul, but the back is in charge now, and it’s pretty ticked. I’m willing to be patient, as long as everything is fine again within 15 minutes. 
It’s way easier to be patient with other people than with myself.
My sister called. My sister-in-law called. My brother called. Between all of that and the flowers–and my temporarily faaaabulous hair, a very good day.
nameless, those are gorgeous pots.
Well, pppffft, they’re no fun. She should start her own gang, Hell’s Cherubs.
sunny, good luck with the crows. I’ve heard of a single crow getting attached to a single human. Do whole murders befriend humans? I know they’re smart, but their cries are not alluring–to me, that is. Apparently crows are enchanted with their own voices, like a drunk who sings karaoke with the fond illusion he sounds exactly like Steve Perry.
red, I love it that Nelson likes popcorn. One of my dogs loved it so much, he’d come running whenever the cupboard that held the air popper was stored. One of the happiest days of his life was when the cover flew off the popper, and there was a blizzard of popcorn.
JameDoe42, are you in the Audobon Society? There’s a periodic backyard bird count. I’m not good at bird IDing, but my sister is a whiz, and a wheel in the local chapter. In less than two weeks she and her husband are going on a bird tour to Ecuador. She’s very eager, as last year the tour had to be cancelled. She birded in Brazil, Central America, and Australia and New Zealand.
Johnny, in spite of the price that restaurant sounds heavenly.
I didn’t do much today, I fantasized I was taking sloth lessons. But I did buy a card and gift for my cousin’s daughter, her bridal shower is tomorrow.
I grow weary of having projects looming, the end point is not changing, yet the beginning is not happening. And I could really use the money. This being behind on bills thing sucks. Theoretically, I had a phone call with the client today…now that’s tomorrow…we shall see.
Someone from the night shift called out so I wound up staying late - over 11 hours on my feet, with a 1/2 hour break to sit my tired @$$ down and have a smoke.
I also went off on that damn assistant manager just like I said I would. Sure 'nuff after barely an hour he started talking about “those high school kids” again and I lit into him. InCrPoo was washing dishes and missed the whole show, but one or two others heard the entire thing start to finish.
Guy looked me dead in the eyes and said, “I’m not disrespecting anyone!” I was like, “Yes you are!” and … well, I told all y’all already what I was gonna say. (Why yes, I have been practicing what to say. Otherwise in the moment I’ll stammer & back down.)
Then I told InCrPoo what happened & texted my general manager, so they’d both hear it directly from me.
The guy “explained” himself to me in a way that made it clear he hadn’t really heard what I was trying to say. Then he said, “We cool now, right?” I wasn’t gonna spend the entire shift feuding so for the sake of keeping the peace I gritted my teeth and said, “Sure.” The tone of voice and body language should have made it clear that no, we weren’t actually cool, but he heard what he wanted to hear.
Fifteen minutes later he’s slapping my back like we’re bro’s. (Spoiler: we ain’t bros.)
Whatever. I said what I needed to say.
Having a cup of Rice-A-Roni and winding down (or trying to) since I close again tomorrow afternoon.
It’s nice. It used to be a diner, and we tended to get stuff from it for take-out. With the pandemic, the Italian restaurant cut their menu. I was disappointed they didn’t have the calamari steak (nor a grilled cod). When we went there before, the fettuccine was a bit undercooked. I know al dente, but the chef took it too far. (Of course I wasn’t going to eat much of the pasta anyway.) But Mrs. L.A. is very particular about her lasagne. I think one of her husbands was Italian (in Pennsylvania). Scampi Oestra is the only place whose lasagne she really loves. And their limoncello is good too. As for tonight, my sole gave me ideas. I think I can make crab-stuffed sole without the breading and bake it in the oven. I like fish that tastes like fish. It’s a nice place for a special occasion. Oh, and she loved the two (or three?) bites of tiramisu she had.
The Portuguese wine had me wanting grilled sardines. I’ve never seen raw sardines in a store. One local supermarket sometimes has sprats. Maybe I’ll get some and try grilling them next time I see them.
Up, caffeinated, and sheveled. Off to heave. Supervisor texted me this moring to see if I was coming in. I am wondering exacty how many people have called out to pre game for the Super Bowl? 
Also it sounds like the upstairs neighbors are pushing a giant stone cube back and forth, a few inches at the time.
Nifty pots. And you cannot spam us with too much art, or too many cat pics.
Last time I did that, my car immediately broke $300 with of bits. Machines are sensitive.
Gordie also enjoys popcorn.
You, go, shoe!
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN ‘Tis 42 Amurrkin out and partly cloudy with a predicted high of 73 and mostly cloudy. Tomorrow the high will be 59. Weather be weird. The re-screenin’ of the back porch starts today. Actually today will be the un-screenin’ of the back porch as the old must come off before the new goes on. I shall also make a rum cake for Sunday brunch over to the church house tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a sad day as it will be EYPs last Sunday with us. The brunch part will involve a chili cookoff as a part of the “Souper Bowl of Caring” (throw in a couple of bucks, eat a bunch of chili, vote on the best, and the proceeds go to a local soup kitchen) and the unveilin’ of EYPs official portrait (picture) which will go on the wall of Bishops and Priests. We shall have a late N.O.L./early Sup at Newk’s to burn up the last of the gift card. We’ll somehow manage to get in some sloth.
Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then, onward into the day! Rah.
Happy Sattidy Y’all!
Afternoon, mumpers! I have had a busy morning, went to the gym and did bootcamp followed by a spin class. Then back home for a shower and several cups of tea! Going out again shortly to get lunch and do errands in town. My car says I have about 40 miles left in the tank, the petrol warning light comes on at around 35 miles. Nearest petrol station? 0.25 miles from home. Yeah…maybe next week then!
nellie good to hear that the walk outside did your heart and soul good, but sorry to hear your back didn’t agree. I hope you’re fully rested and things are feeling better now.
unknown nice pots! I used to do cross-stitch quite a lot but no longer have time or patience for it, and the cats would see it as a challenge if there were dangling threads around. I have signed up for a short course in creative writing instead, through our Open University. They have a proper CW module that I’d like to do, but it doesn’t start until October and registration’s not open until the middle of March. 'Tis on my calendar though!
shoe well done for saying your piece!
Right…just got time for another cuppa before we go out…
swampy, you may be surprised about your goddaughter and scouting. There are badges for auto engineering, as well as other outdoor pursuits. She could learn to care and upgrade her bike. 
nellie, popcorn (unseasoned and maybe lightly salted) is a fairly healthy treat for both of us and I’ve been trying to do more of those lately. He thinks he’s getting big boy treats when they’re mostly air.
doggio, do youseason Gordie’s popcorn? If so, anything in particular that he likes?
Up, caffeinating, breakfasted and fixing to do KP. I’m gonna mess around in the studio today and then hit Staples up for a couple of small items and a CO2 cartridge exchange.
Stay safe and healthy y’all!
Yanno, the nice thing about an online forum - it’s easy for someone who isn’t interested to skip right past and not risk hurting anyone’s feelings as might happen IRL. That’s why I don’t feel guilty posting pics of the world’s most adorable grandkids - I know you all can’t wait for the next one to show up, but some classless lurker can zip right past them and I’ll never know. 
Incidentally, your work is really amazing - I know enough about it to know the skill and attention to detail required (which is why I choose to crochet!)
When FCD and I were first married, my MIL had a basset hound named Sugar who lurved popcorn. But she was a bit of a lazy lump. She’d be lying on the floor and as long as you tossed it within reach, she’d move her head and extend her tongue to retrieve morsels. But without fail, some bits wouldn’t go quite far enough, and she’d be lying there with a halo of popcorn defined by her reach! 
Sugar was a trip!
swampy - your church seems to go thru priests rather a lot - what does the congregation do to them??? 
Or is it a typical rotation schedule? ( why does that look misspelled to me??)
Yesterday, we talked about going to Oxford today, but when FCD woke, he nixed the idea, which I believe is wise. Next weekend will be nice, so we can go then, and he’ll have more time to recuperate. Today will be mild early, then nasties, including snow, will move in. We might get 2 inches, but after 3 days in the 50s/60s, I wouldn’t expect it to stick on paved surfaces.
Sometime this weekend, I’m going to run the carpet cleaner over the area rug in the living room. Apart from usual traffic, it’s had cat hork and baby drool and who knows what Roxy may have spilled over the months. Unfortunately, it requires that I move FCD’s recliner and side table - OTOH, he can sit in my recliner and I can use the couch while everything dries. I was thinking to do it right before bed so I can leave the ceiling fan on overnight blowing down in it. I’ll figure something out.
I just looked up what’s playing at the local theater - Death on the Nile - Amazing! Not a comic book movie!! So we’re going to the 1:05 showing. That solves the area rug dilemma - I’ll clean it this morning and leave the fan blowing on it while we’re out. Plus right after, we’ll have an early supper, since we’ll be in the part of the county where lots of restaurants are located. Sounds like a plan.
But for now, I’m still surfing and caffeinating.
Happy Saturday!
Ugh, I work with @$$hole Manager again tonight. My back & feet still hurt from yesterday. Not looking forward to this eveni- oh hey, look, some edibles!
That’ll help a bit.
Idiots gonna idiot. Sorry you’re dealing with this.
Adding another voice to the “post away!” chorus. Cats, art, cute kids, doggies … it’s all good. The two pots are lovely, by the way.
This gave me the warm fuzzies. 
That’s so awesome! I hope you’re suitably proud of yourself.
I’m clean and suitably attired to venture forth in public. I just finished steam-cleaning the area rug and a couple of other spots that I knew had been icked upon. The water in the cleaner was pretty black when I dumped it. My steam cleaner has been mostly cleaned (not gonna completely disassemble it today) and the ceiling fan is on - with luck by the time we get back from the movie and late lunch/early supper, I can put the furniture back. So huzzah!
It’s quite nice out today - we’re promised upper 60s. But towards 4 or 5 tomorrow morning, the evil white stuff is forecast to arrive - they’re now saying 1-3". And tomorrow’s high will be 32° - in fact, that’s predicted to be the temp pretty much all day. Not amused. Not in the least. We shan’t venture forth on the morrow. (la-dee-dah!!)
Killing time till we have to leave - 1230-ish, I think. It’s less than 15 miles to the theater. Since my recliner didn’t have to move (it’s not on the area rug) I think I’ll assume the position and read for a while.
I’m going to a bridal shower in about an hour. It’s my cousin’s daughter, she’s a lovely young woman in med school. I am not the gushy type though so I may try and not stay quite the whole time But I’m happy for her. I’m wondering who will walk her down the aisle, as her father has passed, but I don’t dare ask, that’s personal. Maybe her mom, my cousin.
I’m still paying for yesterday’s walk, apparently, so I’ll stay home today. A friend heard about the 50-foot limitation and suggested I walk 50 feet, lie down on the sidewalk, get up and walk another 50 feet, etc., until I get to wherever I want to go.
Anyway, I’m going to start a new project: I want to bake cakes that look more professional. I mean, my cakes have always looked fine, but I want to make them look more polished. My DIL is really good at that, except that she doesn’t do piping. Mind you, I have zero fine motor skills, so who knows what’ll happen? But I’ve been studying, and I have a pastry bag and piping tips from when I made fancy iced champagne cookies for a friend’s book signing, as well as some other tools, so I’ll see what I can do. I’ll lie down a lot. I may bake today and play with decorations tomorrow. And it IS play. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t turn out.
Hey, my upstairs neighbors do it, too, only I think it’s a stiff corpse because they’re weird like that.
But of course. Gordie, too, is a dog of discriminating taste.
Are you and doggio familiar with Pupcorn? It, too, is mostly air. I keep some on hand for the dogs in our little dog park. (I always get permission first.) It’s not high in calories, and dogs seem to love it. And it’s cute!
FCD, Sugar sounds like a hoot! And I always love seeing pix of your cutie-patootie grandkids.
swampy, bringing demon rum (cake) to a church function? I am shocked, shocked, I tell you. I love rum cake. I find it’s best when you add 1/4 cup rum to the cook.
shoe, more applause and high-fives on standing up to the @$$hat at work. You know what your speech sounded like? It sounded like a boss. Keep your hands and feet inside the ride because you’re going places, missy.
BooFae, you’re such a sweet person. Whence the “scarey” in your name?
Heaved, came home. Slightly lighter hours again. On the bright side, since the Hub has the worst attendance i the company, they started paying a $75 weekly bonus for everybody who shows up on time for all five of their shifts. Easy enough for me.
He gets a bit of whatever flavor I make. And his favorite flavor is the one right in front of him.
I’ll look into it. The boy enjoys his food.
Sorry you get the idiot tonight, shoe.
nellie it’s my evil twin - I keep her in a box under the bed. She wears too much beige.
This has to be the funniest thing I’ve read today!!! 
The carpet is almost dry and we’re about to head to the movie. I can put furniture back when we return. Yay!!
I pushed the vacu-suck around. Who the hell decided that carpeted stairs were a good idea? What a PITA. I think I’ve got about 80% of Cinnamon’s hair out of the house. His dog bed is in the washer, I’ll keep it for the next dog. Also did 3, count 'em, 3 loads of laundry. Still needs folding, though. I’m not that motivated.
Just got off of a conf call about my next project. I may start getting paid and be able to start on it next week…but I’ve been told that for three weeks in a row now.
shoe Good luck with the idiot later.
Stay safe, y’all.