# The "Traditional Start of Summer" MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [May 25, 2009, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544 "2009-05-25T10:04:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/61 "2009-05-27T00:37:55Z")
High drama in Mayberry today. The new neighbors, who built a house about a quarter mile up the road from us, came home to find the back door kicked in and their valuables gone. We weren’t witnesses or anything, but we did provide moral support, and watched the 2 boys for a couple of hours while they did the cop thing. The boys are 2 and 7; thank Og we had only one kid… ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/62 "2009-05-27T00:44:50Z")
I am allergic to summer. It was nice and cold today. I was getting bored of winter by the end of it, but I _hate_ summer. I am never ever moving to Bahrain. Or anywhere south of where I am, really. Also I missed re-upping, and have sadly lost my glorious Charter Member status. Sigh. And would have to pay twice as much if I did re-up, so I will put up with the ads. I’ll stick around, but damned if I’m paying almost $20 instead of $9 or so. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/63 "2009-05-27T00:45:17Z")
**Bobbio** , we need the Mayberry VFD down here in Pirateville. That damn tobacco warehouse downtown keeps burning down. **Haze** , when you get out of quarantine you need to go to work wearing [this shirt](http://www.sharingmachine.com/index.php?comic=mtts). 😃 Complicated Roommate got a case of Mountain Dew throwback at the sto’ today. It certainly threw me back about twenty-five years. It tastes _right_ again. It’s like sunshine and long summer nights, not like adrenaline and shoot-em-up video games like new Dew. And I don’t even like Mountain Dew! ---
**Author:** ![Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sticks_and_scones/32/16951_2.png) [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/64 "2009-05-27T00:56:24Z")
Yes, I am a Zyrtec zombie. I ended up sleeping most of the day. Braaaaaiiiiiiinnnnnsss and a tissue. ---
**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:** [May 27, 2009, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/65 "2009-05-27T01:32:54Z")
Hey all. **taxi,** those bushes are called scotchbloom (or is it broom, I always forget). Yes, you’re right, they’re basically an invasive weed. Every summer, DOT literally torches those damn bushes. They do look bright and sort of pretty while in bloom, but bloom time is short. The rhodies and azaeleas are beautiful here, aren’t they? You posted some lovely pics and I’m glad you got to see Mt. Rainier in all it’s awesome beauty. Work was, well _work._ Bleh, I really want to win a big lottery. **Bobbio,** as always, I enjoyed your fire story. I’m sorry they lost the house though. That’s also bad news about your neighbors. I loathe thieves and liars. I really hope they catch the jerks. **Haze,** well that really sucks. On the other hand, what a good excuse to stay home and do nothing. Well, I guess I’ve nothing of real interest to add. Hugs and smooches to all. ---
**Author:** ![tarragon918](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d26b3c/32.png) [@tarragon918](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tarragon918)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/66 "2009-05-27T01:51:36Z")
Two down, three to go! Tomorrow is Hump day. 🙂 Oooh, very nice trip to Seattle, **Taxi**! And **BBBBobbio** , thanks for sharing the fire call story with us - so good it had to be told twice 🙂 - although so sorry for your friends. Also, about your neighbors? A few months back, one of my cousin’s home was invaded, but he caught them and held them at gunpoint until the police arrived. :eek: Definitely not recommended to do, btw. The guess is that they had cased the place for a while, watching to see what everyone’s daily habits were. My cousin just happened to vary his routine that day! We had barbecued chicken in the crock pot today, and boy was it delicious! And tomorrow I’m going to take in a slice of my homemade spinach lasagna for lunch. Woo and hoo! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Noone\_Special](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noone_special/32/2863_2.png) [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/67 "2009-05-27T05:44:55Z")
> [@Lissla\_Lissar](#): > > I am allergic to summer. It was nice and cold today. I was getting bored of winter by the end of it, but I _hate_ summer. > I am never ever moving to Bahrain. Or anywhere south of where I am, really Patagonia…? 😃 (d&r) ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/68 "2009-05-27T12:01:11Z")
Another double helping of \*\*blurf \*\*today. I got called out just shy of midnight to a car wreck about 2 miles from home. All of the ambulances were busy on other runs, and fortunately, this patient wasn’t seriously hurt. Her car was DOA, though. I had to stick around and wait for the ambulance to show up, and that took close to an hour. I don’t need any of that damn sleep time. Naaaaaaah… ---
**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:** [May 27, 2009, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/69 "2009-05-27T12:07:24Z")
Up and off to work. The canes lost last night, the season is over, and I shaved my beard. I thought about leaving a goatee, but then I would become evil AND DESTROY YOU ALL!!! **BBBobbio** , sleep is for the weak. Neat fire story, though. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/70 "2009-05-27T12:07:30Z")
> [@tarragon918](#): > > Also, about your neighbors? A few months back, one of my cousin’s home was invaded, but he caught them and held them at gunpoint until the police arrived. :eek: Definitely not recommended to do, btw. The guess is that they had cased the place for a while, watching to see what everyone’s daily habits were. My cousin just happened to vary his routine that day! The nice thing about living in The Land Of The Rednecks is that should you shoot a burglar caught in the act, there isn’t a jury within 3 counties that would convict you. Over and above the fact that North Carolina law subscribes to the Castle Doctrine. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/71 "2009-05-27T12:10:31Z")
(Hits **Special1** with big stick) ---
**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/72 "2009-05-27T12:19:04Z")
Blurf. That just about sums up my day. On the plus side, there will be beerverages tonight and I’ve got chocolate cake with chocolate fudge icing. All in all, not such a bad day, if I could just stop yawning… ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/73 "2009-05-27T12:34:29Z")
I’ll see your blurf and raise you a merfl ---
**Author:** ![Tupug\_Anachi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@Tupug\_Anachi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tupug_Anachi)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/74 "2009-05-27T12:49:02Z")
**bobbio** , just exactly what are the proportions of that bucket?? ::getting vertigo just thinking about it.:: **doggio** , sorry about the 'caines. But could you root for the Magic? We are on our way to beating Cleveland. **taxi** , cool pics. Seattle is on my list of someday places to see. I tried out a new guilt-free oven baked fried chicken recipe last night and it was real good. It uses bread crumbs, corn meal, cayenne pepper, parmesan cheese, boneless chicken breasts, an egg white and olive oil flavored cooking spray. I’ll put in the recipe later. Happy Hump Day everyone! Tupug ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/75 "2009-05-27T13:20:53Z")
> [@Tupug\_Anachi](#): > > **bobbio** , just exactly what are the proportions of that bucket?? ::getting vertigo just thinking about it.:: Not sure exactly, but it’s roughly the same size as the front half of a small car. By design, we could fit 1 more large person or 2 smaller ones in there if we’re doing a rescue. We’d all be very good friends by the time we got to the ground. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/76 "2009-05-27T13:34:37Z")
Cool fire story, **VBob**! Nice pics of Seattle. My brother used to live there, but I’ve never been. I’m having difficulties with a drawing, so I’m screwing off - racking my brain as to how I can fix it. I finally got hold of my cousin in west Texas about this family reunion we’re having the end of June, and I got her to nail down a timeline of activities. I need to reserve rooms for Dad, Mr Rebo and me, and my brother and his wife. This oughta be fun! I haven’t seen many of them in years and years. Is it Firday, yet? ---
**Author:** ![taxi78cab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@taxi78cab](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taxi78cab)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/77 "2009-05-27T15:04:05Z")
> [@Taters](#): > > **taxi,** those bushes are called scotchbloom (or is it broom, I always forget). Yes, you’re right, they’re basically an invasive weed. Every summer, DOT literally torches those damn bushes. > > They do look bright and sort of pretty while in bloom, but bloom time is short. Ah-hah! Thank you. (It is broom, by the way… I looked it up. Here’s a good [link](http://www.idahoweedawareness.net/vfg/weedlist/scotchbroom/scotchbroom.html).) I figured they had to be a pest. Where’s \*\*gt \*\*this week? Hopefully off doing something fun. **Spaz** , thanks for posting a link to that t-shirt again. I think I’m going to order it for KT for his birthday, which is next week. We don’t usually buy each other much for birthdays, but a little present like a t-shirt is good. And he loves pigs/pork so I think he’ll appreciate that. I did get Photobucket to cooperate long enough to post more pics. In case anyone’s not sick of pictures yet. [Here](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/taxi78cab/Seattle%20Trip/IMG_1767.jpg)’s me in front of the Space Needle. The [Space Needle](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/taxi78cab/Seattle%20Trip/IMG_1756.jpg) as seen from the top of Columbia Center. The [skyline](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/taxi78cab/Seattle%20Trip/IMG_1806-1.jpg) from West Seattle across Puget Sound. One of my favorite pictures: the [skyline](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/taxi78cab/Seattle%20Trip/IMG_1831.jpg) just emerging from behind an island, taken from the ferry. The [Olympic Range](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/taxi78cab/Seattle%20Trip/IMG_1833.jpg) as seen from the ferry. And the [beach](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/taxi78cab/Seattle%20Trip/IMG_1854.jpg) at Ocean Shores. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/78 "2009-05-27T15:59:30Z")
Now I feel really weird. We’re still married, and now we’re part of a small third class of people. California has straight people that can marry, gay people that can’t and 18,000 same-sex marriages that for the forseeable future will remain as this odd little group that nobody else can join. ---
**Author:** ![tarragon918](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d26b3c/32.png) [@tarragon918](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tarragon918)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2009, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/79 "2009-05-27T16:04:51Z")
**Taxi** , those were some fantastic shots you got there in Seattle. And the weather looked cooperative–I’ve heard tell it can be quite fickle up there. 😉 **BBBBobbio** , you’re definitely right on that! He and his BIL held them at gunpoint. Scary to think what could have happened, though. Dang, we are on the down side of the week now - it’s afternoon on Wednesday! 🙂 Cheers to **SpecialOne** and **Dotty** , who are one day closer to their weekend. ETA: **Gotti** , I’ve been scratching my head since I heard about the ruling. It makes no sense! They were afraid to void the marriages, I guess. My brother in Walnut Creek says that it will be on the ballot again next year. ---
**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:** [May 27, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544/80 "2009-05-27T19:58:29Z")
**gotti** glad DH and you are still married but it just sucks about the ruling. I have a feeling next round, and there will be one, gay marriage will win out. I love _Serial Mom_. I really should by the dvd. That’s all I got for now. Well, I ordered a new desktop pc. Be glad when it gets here. I like this laptop but it’s hard on my lil’ ol’ pudgy fingers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-traditional-start-of-summer-mmp/497544.md?page=5)