Changes!! Back from Ocracoke?
Printable View
I ran today. I'm doing yet another "challenge" where I have to walk or run 103 miles total by December 31. I've done 20 so far. Last week was a disaster for me for getting exercise, but I think I'm back on track. I've signed up for a couple of virtual turkey trots during Thanksgiving week too.
There were a bunch of turkeys that hung out at my apartment complex in Danvers. For a little bit anyways. I recall seeing a cat trying to stalk them. They all ganged up on the cat and chased it off.
If you haven't been since Dorian, prepare for some compromises in regards to food.
Gaffers flooded, and Red pulled up stakes and now has a restaurant on Emerald Isle. Many places are on either abbreviated hours or not open at all. The kitchen at the brewery does REALLY good food.
Of course, if you have a kitchen, buying seafood from the dock is the best option. I understand they will stay open through Thanksgiving.
Rainy day. Kind of nice.
Sunny and bright here, low 80s this afternoon.
I thought any day one could afford to skip a workout was a good day?
@Bostondevil - we now have Theta!
Jeffrey Toobin was quietly (finally) let go this morning.
I may actually have to do some work now.
i'm folding the laundry, then watching The Masters with the sound off while I read a very good book and watch the birds at The Grand Buffet. Talk about multi-plexing!
Zoom zoom. And more Zoom for me.
Aahhhh Friday. I think this weekend should include a fair amount of laughing and head shaking. That's going on my list.
Had a birthday celebration for my two sisters last night - lots of fun.
Today, BiL Alan is having his other hip replaced. Any spare prayers and vibes that it goes well would be gratefully accepted.
A/C time again.
Got a call from Calexico, which I did not answer. It is across the border from Mexicali. Anyone been?
No word on where Mexifornia is.
Wegmans was a madhouse even at 8:30 this morning. I now have Tgiving mostly under supplies control.
And, just because it will freak my sister in law out when I tell her, I went ahead and picked up the Christmas tree.
I do love her but it's also fun to listen to her holler.
three calls/day telling me the car warranty I don't have is expiring. plus a woman speaking chinese.
Aside from Mexico City, I haven’t been to other regions (don’t count Cancun for a wedding) but have Oaxaca high on my for food purposes. We ate pretty high end in MC.
Spent some time in Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Those were all vacations and we mostly ate at smaller, local joints but always had a good meal.
Yep, we do indeed have Hurricane Iota.
I will see if we can get an official prediction from The Drewsk as to how far we'll go.
Sometimes, just paying a professional is by far the easiest path.
oh yes, there's a smart move. Windows are tricky, people often complain about subsequent leaks and blame the windows, though faulty installation is almost always the real cause.
Something I've learned over the years (sounds like what you may be doing): sometimes an otherwise sound window loses the seal between the two panes of glass. You can have people come, just extract the glass, custom order a new piece, install it for a small fraction of the price a new window would cost...e.g. I got three panes replaced this summer for less than $500...a bargain.
Not sure what you mean by "reseal." They simple pull out the double paned piece of glass, and put in a new one. Works perfectly, I've done five or six over the years, it works great...we have some big windows that face "the weather," i.e. West, and they take a beating. Obviously any rot or anything in the window frame itself is another matter altogether...
I'm not sure how they achieve the sealing but in some cases they are using uncommon gases.
"Double-pane windows have a layer of gas (usually argon or air) trapped between two panes of glass that acts as insulation to reduce heat loss through the window. Other types of gas used in this space have various effects on heat gain or loss through the window. Some windows also have a thin film installed between panes that separates the space between the panes into two spaces, further reducing heat loss and heat gain through the window. If multiple-pane windows appear misty or foggy, it means that the seal protecting the window assembly has failed."
https://www.nachi.org/condensation-d...ed-windows.htm
ah, ok...so they pop out the old glass unit that has lost its seal...it is two panes of glass with a narrow aluminum border around them, and there is gas in between the panes of glass...the company that comes to my house sends away for these units (I'm sure it's not trivial to seal them) then just pops the new sealed unit into place. Still, it's cheap, as I said three windows done for under $500...
I have not yet come to grips with the fact that I neither want to be or can be handy (beyond certain basics) in home improvements. It is a sort of great shame.
I think it's mostly a patience thing. I also get pissed off by the sheer diversity of nail and screw sizes, tools specification, etc. I derive no enjoyment from cataloging and cultivating an arsenal of home improvement tools. I am not Hank Hill.
First hard freeze coming tonight. Lows in mid-20s.
My “project” deficiency is more than made up for by my skill in the kitchen. So, there’s that. I guess we’ve only been home owners for a few years now so we’re taking the standard crash course in all that’s required. Before we were big city renters and a little nomadic. Not sure I would have settled if I knew how much time in Lowe’s it required! Aisles and bays, man, aisles and bays for days.
I love tools. Bought 20v battery powered Dewalt power tool set last year for the mission trip. Since I wasn't sure what we would be doing and wanted to be sure we had the proper tools, it was my excuse - circular saw, reciprocating saw, drill/driver, and impact driver. I really need to find a home improvement class so I can learn to do things with them.
I grew up with two older brothers and a do-it-yourself if at all possible dad. In my first house, I soon had a dripping bathtub faucet. I hired a plumber, watched him fix it, asked him questions. No, it did not drive him crazy, I think he actually liked the idea that I wanted to do it myself. I later taught my older brother how to fix a dripping faucet. Through YouTube, I can change my own air filter, both engine and cabin, and I can change out a headlight bulb. There are a few more things I would like to learn to do myself. Thinking about asking my neighbor to teach me how to weld. Yard Art!!!
Oh, in my twenties, I asked for a Dremel for Christmas. Both my brothers were jealous.
A late afternoon pick me up:
https://youtu.be/VjNMT9oKVJQ
Cold day. Coldest of the year so far. First ground frost.
It’s days like today that I look over my property at my Amish neighbor and hope they’ve got all their wood for the winter. Otherwise, going to be some cold starts. I don’t know what the plumbing situation is but doing your business in an outhouse on a cold day all the time isn’t worth all the shoofly pie in the world.
28 here this morning. Brrrrr...
44 this morning with a 77 high. Days like today are why I endure the San Antonio summers.
Cold here this morning too. 37 right now.
40 here, brrr. Gonna be 70 Friday though, and 73 Saturday, all with sunshine and light breeze. Ymmmm.
19 degrees, three inches of snow, time for a trek with the wife and dog...looks kind of nice out there...
So, does everyone realize what is coming soon?
Friday is Absurdity Day?
Haven't been aound much! Did I miss anything?
It's better to be lucky than to be good. Discuss.
Maria Konnikova wrote an interesting book on that subject -- "The Biggest Bluff" -- using no-limit Texas hold'em poker as a model and lived example of trying to find the line between luck and skill. Enjoyable audiobook if you like poker or psychology. (She has a PhD in psychology, and took up NL hold'em based upon some reading suggesting it was a good model for her purposes. She ended up playing the major international circuit including the WSOP main event.)
It’s amazing how quickly feet start to smell like feet after birth.
Wearing socks traps the sweat even without shoes. I lived in AZ during my high school years, it is a dry heat. I often didn't wear socks because, well, I was young and there were little to no repercussions. By the end of my first week in Durham, I couldn't keep my shoes in the room they smelled so bad.
Yes well I'm glad I ate dinner early.
That's a man problem.
We ladies keep it together.
Favorite cheese?
Exclamation points have become an irritating form of punctuation!
Whiz
Or, should I say Whiz!
Favorite cheese? Probably Port Salut. Although that's a little bit like asking to pick a favorite child.
Took Arrow to MGH yesterday for an appointment with his orthopedist (yes, the kid sees an orthopedist for his scoliosis) and the result is things have gotten bad enough that he needs surgery. Full spinal MRI next Friday (day after Thanksgiving), follow-up appointment with his orthopedist on Dec. 10 when we will discuss surgical options. His doc feels he is a prime candidate for a new kind of surgery. If we go that route he will be one of the first 1000 people in the world to have it.
Favorite cheese - Havarti with Dill.
Yes, good luck and vibes bd. Didn't mean to skip over that part of your post.
I LOVE blue cheese. Or fromage bleu, however you prefer to say it. I know it's a love or hate it thing, but YUM! Especially Amish smoked.
America was built on melted cheese, never lose sight of that fact.
I am reminded of a visit to the beach in NC many years ago, my wife wondered if the Heeter-Tweeter mega grocery store might have some pimento cheese spread. Yeah, they literally had about 15 linear feet of it. Could have used it as mortar for a nice brick home.
Provolone melted over a nice fire...
When my son was presenting as a problematical pre-teen, I decreed that his sister had just been elevated to favorite child. Much applause from his father and said sister.
Son was then questioned as to what that now made him.
He replied, "Tallest child?"
He went on to many more hijinks and adventures.
I once asked all of my sons, individually, if they thought I had a favorite child and if so, who it was. I got the same answer 3 times: "Me! And [Arrow]." Arrow just answered, "Me!" I took that as a sign that I was doing something right.
For some reason I have “Angel of the Morning” stuck in my head.
Hearts. . .
Attachment 11915
Or diamonds?
Attachment 11916
Hope that last picture didn’t trigger anyone. Literally.
Our houseguest who found herself without a place to stay during Covid-19 just left for Portland Oregon this morning. Bittersweet to see her go after three months - wishing her and her sweet dog safe adventures.
Had to mow the lawn today.
We've been 5-10 degrees warmer than normal the last month. I'm certain there are some neighbors who are using their heaters in the morning and their A/C in the afternoon. There is a La Nina going on, so this isn't unexpected.
Showering. Clean it all or just the stinky bits?
Stunningly beautiful day today.
Perhaps. I was just reflecting on how my hygiene practices have changed. I use shampoo a few times a week but haven't used any sort of gel, spray, mousse or other styling product in years and years. Deodorant swipes used to be, um, excessive. When I wear it now, it's 1-2. And I'm not even sure I remember what CK1 smells like anymore! There's still half a tank in my college cologne form 20 years ago which was a much more sophisticated and gentlemanly Ralph Lauren Eau de Toillette Spray.
And, yeah, I don't spend much time soaping my knees and elbows and I guess I don't care who knows it!
Cool! At Di Brunos? Bunch of places down there but that's the cheese shop that gets a lot of the media.
We stayed in downtown Philadelphia for about a month in January 2020 to be near one of the hospitals and my job was to make sure my wife (and me) were fed so I'd usually walk out to pick up lunch/dinner. I usually deadheaded for the Italian Market (the Italian core is still there but it gets called an International Market a lot now because there's a good bit more diversity) or Reading Terminal Market.
The best tacos I'd had since a trip to Mexico in 2017 were at a place called South Philly Barbacoa. It has received a lot of press, too, from what I understand but all they do is barbacoa with some pickled accoutrement and hot sauces. Out-freaking-standing!
This house is clean.
After several hours of cleaning, I say this also. Being careful not to look too closely.
Pork chops and ...
My sister fell and broke her nose trying to donate goods. Nasty injury.
ClemmonsDevil requested that I tell the "Swahili" story in the Prez thread but it's not a Prez thread story, so, here it is. It's theater related.
First a bit of background in case I haven't posted this about me before, I have a hobby, I am learning how to say "I love you" in as many languages as possible. The total right now is around 50.
And now the story. I was directing for a short play festival and we were holding auditions. Since several directors were casting multiple shows, we asked the actors to bring in a monologue in lieu of giving them sides. When directing for these things, I almost never look at the actual acting experience because they've all done shows. No, I concentrate on the special skills. One actor listed "proficient with languages" on her resume. After her audition, I noted that she said she was proficient with languages and asked what languages she spoke besides English. She said, "Swahili" and I responded, excitedly, with, "Nakupenda!" Her face fell. She then had to admit that she did not speak Swahili. She ended up being cast in the show, although not in the piece I directed. We had a party after the last performance and she came up to apologize about the incident. I told her not to worry, she had given me a wonderful gift, I had a story I was going to tell for the rest of my life and she said, "Me too!" (The proficient with languages comment had to do with her opera training, she can sing in Italian/German/French etc.)
During these times, there is plenty to bring you down. Here is an upper - it made my heart smile.
Yesterday's online service included a guest appearance by Ian playing drums on This Little Light of Mine. Ian is an amazing 5 year old member of our church. He started getting an allowance when he turned 5 and he can spend a portion, save a portion, and donate a portion. He chose to send his donation to church for the budget and then he just sent some more to help IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network), which is an agency that works with individuals to transition them from homeless to homed. He is an incredible young man - his parents are too!
Enjoy the music - or not. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgFMyuiozJY
He's adorable! Oh, who wouldn't want to just squish that little man in a big old hug?
Great post DinK!
To sous vide or not to sous vide, that is the question.
Murder by the Book, the first regular season episode of Columbo, was directed by Steven Spielberg.
T-Bone is in the house. We can have "The Thanksgiving Adventures of T-Bone and The Drewsk". Tonight The Drewsk is grading final exams.
T-Bone quarantined at school before he came home. He was in a single and only left the room to get food and go to the bathroom for the past week. He had less human contact than I did, so, I hugged him when he got here.
Cold morning.
Rainy morning here. But not enough rain unfortunately.
Turkeys been in the fridge since Saturday. Going to stuff that bird full of poblano and cayenne.
eight pound chicken lurks in the fridge as well...
My hair is getting too long for my usual rubber bands (grocery store-grade Goody elastics). Anybody got any recommendations for something that will hold chest length-plus hair in a bun?
Attachment 11938
I like these. They stay in place when I use them. Of course, hair types vary. I can put my hair in a pony tail and then braid it. It will hold for a while without putting a tie at the end.
And I'm over here thinking that the 2 clipper may be too long.
Sunny and 72 with a bit of a breeze. I hate these pre-winter San Antonio days.
going to pick up free donuts now!
Pretty disappointed the donut puns didn’t take more. Nothing could be cruller. I’ll just have to entertain myself.
Only 66F but should get to 75F. In a word, brutal.
Rib roast for two. Mashed potatoes. Brussel sprouts. Pecan pie.
Nomnom
Did Zoom Thanksgiving with my parents and Paddies who is still in Vermont.
Nice!
We have this Cuisinart panini grill that we never use to make paninis. However - I can heat the top and bottom plates to 500 degrees and simultaneously sear both sides of steak at once. That's been my approach for preserving sous vide's temperature perfection while still delivering a terrific grill/broil sensibility.
Let the leftovers begin.
I missed out on those opportunities by going boneless turkey breast. Well the stock and soup ones. I'm not sure I'll have enough left over for turkey curry, but that is a holiday staple for me. I did have Kung Pao shrimp for lunch today to break up all the poultry.
A hard rains gonna fall
Turkey sammies on those delightful little Hawaiin rolls.
What constitutes the ideal leftover turkey sandwich?
Dark meat turkey curry tonight. Also made two quarters of turkey stock that I'm thinking about turning into a turkey poblano soup in the near future.