tell me something...

[gekkogecko]

Racoons were definitely around.

The real question is, had they evolved to wearing coats yet?

[dicksbro]

If humans wore "racoon coats" … does that mean … :yikes:

[gekkogecko]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!

US Women 1, Netherlands Women 0, World Cup final. As 1226 EDT, 7 July 2019.

[Oldfart]

It's been a while, but I'm weaning myself back onto the site. I hope that you're all well, maintaining our weird mix of smut and class.

[gekkogecko]

And the final score was US 2, Netherlands 0, giving the US Women their second World Cup title in a row, and fourth overall.

[dicksbro]

Congratulations to the ladies! Well done!

[dicksbro]

We'll be off to Indianapolis to see our grandson in the leading role in a musical. Taking my laptop so hopefully will be able to get on and report on things from Indiana. :)

[gekkogecko]

Oh? Which musical?

[gekkogecko]

Excellent news, DB.

[gekkogecko]

Got to the local county fair today. Ended up in the wine & distiller's tent.

[dicksbro]

Did you taste any? How was it? County fairs are always fun. Hope you had a good time.

[gekkogecko]

Did you taste any? How was it?

Yeah, they got me with the free sample taste. didn't actually intend to buy anything at first. But I've never had rum with a range of complex flavors before.

[Teddy Bear]

DB congrats to your grandson. Sounds like it was a lot of fun.

I love country fairs. So much to see and do. I mean where else can you take part in cow-plop-BINGO, throw water balloons, see all kinds of farm animals, horse pulls, judging for best pies, jellys, and quilting, and usually two or 3 live bands with varied music always get the crowd up and dancing, singing...….

But the best part is the food!! OMG, the best fries, blooming onions, corn on the cob that dribbles butter down your chin, strawberry shortcake, corn dogs, and more...…
not a good place to go if you're dieting. Ohhhh, and the fudge is sooo good.

Our local fair is not for another week or two. I'm ready now.

[dicksbro]

Really bugs me that our local "Wally-World" doesn't seem to be keeping it's shelves as well stocked as it used to. We used to buy 80-90% of our groceries there … but, it's probably down to 60%. There are a lot of other products that seem to be gone that had been regular purchases in the past. It's still the biggest and best stocked store in our town, but it's losing ground. I don't know if online shopping is doing it or if there's another reason, but it's awfully disappointing.

[gekkogecko]

But the best part is the food!! OMG, the best fries, blooming onions, corn on the cob that dribbles butter down your chin, strawberry shortcake, corn dogs, and more...…
not a good place to go if you're dieting. Ohhhh, and the fudge is sooo good.

Our local fair is not for another week or two. I'm ready now.

One disappointment with the fair food was that the candy vandor can't seem to get insect candies any more. I asked, but they said "Nope, can't get them."

And another minor disappointment was that there was no homebrew this year. Probably how I ended up in the commercial wine & distillers tent. Expensive, but worth it.

Bo oh, the farm & garden show was wild with peppers. My mouth start watering, just looking at them.

[Teddy Bear]

mmmmm….yeah they look great. But pictures don't give you the smell you get when you're there. That special 'farmy' home grown scent.

[dicksbro]

They do look awfully good, don't they. And, you're right, TB … nothing beats the smell of fresh produce. :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

mmmmm….yeah they look great. But pictures don't give you the smell you get when you're there. That special 'farmy' home grown scent.

Um, I don't know what you speak of. No seriously. No sense of smell.

[dicksbro]

Smells like blue sky on green fields touched by the glint of a golden sun rising at dawn. Does that help?

[Teddy Bear]

db you do have a way with words, that was beautiful. Although its not the farmy smell I was thinking of. The farmers where my mom is from say: the city folk like the unique smell in our fields so much they close their car windows. Trying to take it back to the city with them. They all laugh over that.

[dicksbro]

That's a cute way with words, too! Love it.

[dicksbro]

Well, I guess our family doctor is moving. He moved up my checkup for this morning and I'll be looking to find another doctor. Oh well, life goes on … at least I can hope it does. :)

[gekkogecko]

I'm here at the board gaming convention I had mentioned earlier. Only played two so far, but I did finished a gaming project I had been working on. And I get to run my big game tomorrow.

[Teddy Bear]

Good luck with your doctor search db. i'm headed that way too. Had my current/ almost retired doc so many years I hate to have to train a new one.

How'd your game go today gg?

[gekkogecko]

I'm off to another session of Congress of Gamers, Ditto tomorrow.

[dicksbro]

Have a great time, gg.

Hope your Dr. visit went well, too, gigi! I don't mind getting older … it's all this stuff that goes with it. :(

:D

[gekkogecko]

CoG went well. Played the usual variety of game, including my favorite aerial combat game. Sunday afternoon, I ran across a father-daughter pair playing the WW 2 version (I stick to the WW 1 version-the two are not compatible.) I was, however, happy to sit in and watch the game, to see what difference there are.

[PantyFanatic]

:boohoo:
Erok is gone.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/PantyFanatic/DSC00179-e-Print.jpg (https://s62.photobucket.com/user/PantyFanatic/media/DSC00179-e-Print.jpg.html)

13Y/1M/19D

[Lilith]

I know he was well loved

[Goofy]

So sorry to hear Erok has dun gone now. He's a fine lookin' dog, dat's fer shore. Heart goes out to ya' PF.

[gekkogecko]

Oh, no. Death issues always suck.

(sympathetic head bobs)

[dicksbro]

PF, I echo the thoughts expressed. Very sorry that Erok has passed away. I know we've lost animals that we dearly loved and I like to hold out hope that God would not deny creations filled with such love and devotion a place in His kingdom.

[gekkogecko]

It's back to Capclave s/f convention for me today: got to open the game room at 0900, presenting a marathon of various crd games today.

[dicksbro]

Sounds like you'll have a fun day. For sure, we'll be hoping that you do. Let us know how it went! :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

Well, that was a busy but worthwhile convention. Ran the board gaming room, as usual. Got to play a couple of new ones, qand the room in general was more populated that it usually has been.

[dicksbro]

Great Good to hear attendance was up. Well, no doubt they had the best running the gaming room. :)

Have a great day.

[gekkogecko]

Feel like shit. Absolute shit. How's your day?

[dicksbro]

Not too bad. Almost over now (10:30pm Thur). Had some dental work done on both my wife and myself. First time in years I've had to have some "maintenance" work done aside from annual cleanings. Friday now will be busy. In the morning we'll visit shut-ins at a senior residence. Probably see about 12 from our church or folks that like to attend the little communion service we hold. We visit different places once each month … either at homes or senior community facilities in our town. Very, very rewarding. Then, it's off to Peoria to see our insurance agent and get our new (used) car insured so we can get the title switched, the car registered and licensed. Busy day, I'm afraid.

[gekkogecko]

A tribute to Elijah Cummings, that seems right on the money:
https://crooksandliars.com/2019/10/steny-hoyer-remembers-elijah-cummings

[gekkogecko]

Wheeeee, I have a meeting today to go over the hotel contract for an upcoming s/f convention.

[dicksbro]

Hope your meeting went well and that the convention will be a super success. Getting ready to call it a night. Rained a lot today. Don't know exactly how much but I'm sure an inch or two would be almost the minimum. That together with some pretty strong winds made it a very chilly day, too. Damp and chilly.

I know, it's early for me to call it a night, but I just feel pooped. Probably a good time to call it quits … right? Nighty night.

[gekkogecko]

Today is National Black Cat Day:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-black-cat-day-october-27/

[dicksbro]

Although we have no pets right now, we've had a number of black cats of the years. There was Midnight, Midnight 2, Midnight Blue (Blue Eyes), Takishima San, and Jasmine (at different times. Also other cats, Cally (a calico) and Stud (our son named that one), and a couple of more that I can't think of their names at the moment. Anyway we loved them all but the black ones were the most common color we had.

[gekkogecko]

Well, the rain held off long enough for us to get some trick-or-treaters last night. That's a happy thing.

[Goofy]

Mickey and I kinda went together and betweem Donald's and Mickey's youngin's weez had a pretty durn gud time dats fer shore. Any who, Lot of fun and da kids (small and big) all seems to have enjoyed it. :)

[dicksbro]

We had a few kids stop by (dozen or less) but Halloween is just not like it used to be when I was a kid. You'd see tons of kids hitting every house on the block it seemed.

[dicksbro]

For those in the Central Time Zone …

HAPPY CENTRAL TIME … CENTRAL DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME IS DONE TIL' NEXT YEAR

[jay-t]

I wish they would leave it one way or the other year round!

[dicksbro]

^^^^ I do too. How's everything in Oklahoma, jay-t? Good to see ya!

[gekkogecko]

The feeling is pretty much universal, I believe.

[jay-t]

Dicksbro not bad doing good working part time and traveling as much as we can.

[dicksbro]

:thumbs: Sounds like a winning agenda to me! :)

[gekkogecko]

Another gaming convention coming up for me; this time, Euroquest.

[dicksbro]

Let us know how it goes. :thumbs:

[Goofy]

Gud luck gekkogecko. Hope it all gonna go g-r-e-a-t! Yep, I shore do.

[gekkogecko]

So far, I've run three scenarios of my favorite aerial combat game, played a smattering of other games, learned at least one new one. Today is the final day of the convention, going to see if I can get in a game off Wingspan.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/266192/wingspan

[PantyFanatic]

We have some old Pixies about 130 'klicks' west of Brisbane that I hope are not or little effected by the fires on Oz. :wish:

[dicksbro]

I hear you, PF, and they are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. Pray everyone threatened by natural (?) disasters remain safe … in Australia, in Brazil, and here at home.

[gekkogecko]

It is an alarming and ugly scene.

[dicksbro]

It is, indeed. :boink:

[Goofy]

Hey, fellers, didcha' seez me new AV. Heck, I might jus' maybe be a new DB, ya. thunk? Just funning, DB. Just funning.

:D

[dicksbro]

Nope. Funning aside, that's a neat AV, Goofy. I'd give it two thumbs up. :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

In last night's hockey game between the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks, Erik Gudbranson (Ducks) sucker-punched Garnet Hathaway (Capitals), well after the play had been stopped, while the latter was being restrained. Hathaway's response was to spit on Gudbranson.

Hathaway got a game misconduct, and faces further disciplinary action from the league for spitting, and after the game said, "It has no place...It was a quick reaction and unfortunately the wrong one for me after getting sucker punched."

Gudbranson got a 10 minute misconduct, and because he was "only" assessed 10 minutes, might not face further league action. After the game he said, "...That's what this game is all about is guys fighting to win hockey gms & sometimes that's what happens. But going to that level is wrong."

Now, I'm not saying that league shouldn't discipline Hathaway. They would be right to do so.

But if they don't also discipline Gudbranson, that's complete bullshit.

[dicksbro]

Sometimes I just don't understand these professional referees. I agree with you, gg. It does seem like BS when the rulings don't seem to be fair or equal in situations like this.

[gekkogecko]

"Religions of the World", in all it many iterations claims that Buddhism asks, "What is the sound of shit happening?"
My response to this is to fart loudly in Buddha's general direction.

[gekkogecko]

So, Garnet Hathaway had his hearing with the league yesterday. The end result? A 3-game suspension.


...compared to nothing. Absolutely nothing, not even a further look into Erik Gudbrandson's behavior.

Total fucking bullshit. The hockey operations divisions (which was responsible for handing down this decision) needs to go fuck itself, immediately.

[Goofy]

I shore has liked Pixies-Place. It's right friendly round har.

[dicksbro]

I'll second that, Goofy. I've liked Pixies ever since I registered by in May of 2002. Actually, a little before then when I was just a "lurker." :)

[gekkogecko]

I've certainly enjoyed a lot of your peotry, DB. It's a skill that I completely lack.

[dicksbro]

Thank you, gg! I'll never make in the literary field, but I do enjoy putting together little poems. Glad you've enjoyed them.

[gekkogecko]

This is so appropriate:

[PantyFanatic]

I shore has liked Pixies-Place. It's right friendly round har.
That it is, Goofy. :nod:

This place has come to be truly important to a lot of us over many years now.

:grope:

[gekkogecko]

Scary thing:

The Australian wildfires have burned an area over twice the size of Wales.

[gekkogecko]

My girlfriend's mother died the early hours of this morning.

And in the joys of being polyamorous, another girlfriend's mother may be headed the same direction.

[dicksbro]

Deepest sympathies, gg, for you and your girlfriend. Sorry to hear that.

[gekkogecko]

What I'm on about:
‘To give some scale to what has happened here so far, international media outlets have been reporting the 2018 California fires burnt 2 million acres; the 2019 Amazon fires 2.2 million; and the 2019 Siberian fires 6.7 million.

So far Australia's 2019/20 fires have burnt 12 million acres.’

That's about 4.8M hectares. Or, say about the combined size of Wales and Belgium.

And from 2 days ago:
Premier Daniel Andrews has declared a State of Disaster for six Local Government Areas and the Alpine Resorts, after considering advice from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner.

The Premier is satisfied there is an emergency that constitutes, or is likely to constitute, a significant and widespread danger to life or property in the following part of Victoria:

East Gippsland Shire
Mansfield Shire
Wellington Shire
Wangaratta Rural Shire
Towong Shire
Alpine Shire
Mount Buller
Mount Hotham
Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts

Conditions are expected to deteriorate from tomorrow and the Government’s priority is the safety of Victorians.

A state of disaster:

May be declared to exist in the whole, or parts, of Victoria
Exists immediately upon the making of the declaration and remains in force for seven days (unless another declaration is made)
Can be revoked or varied by the Premier at any time.

The declaration gives the Government, through the Minister for Emergency Services, the powers and resources it needs to keep Victorians safe.

Examples of the Minister’s broad power to direct and allocate government resources include:

Directing any government agency to do, or refrain from doing, any function, power, duty, or responsibility
Declaring that the operation of an Act or subordinate instrument is suspended, if compliance by a government agency with that legislation would inhibit response to or recovery from the disaster
Take possession and make use of any person’s property to respond to the disaster
Controlling movement in and out of the disaster area and
Compelling the evacuation of persons from the disaster area or any part of it.

This is the first time the Victorian Government has used these powers since they were included in the Emergency Management Act 1986 following the devastating Victorian Bushfires in 2009.

The NSW Government has already declared a state of Emergency, giving sweeping powers to compel evacuation etc.

The ACT Government is still on a state of Alert, one step lower, HOWEVER... all postal services have been suspended and all post offices closed due to the bizarre amount of smoke pollution. Currently around 2000, down from 5000 yesterday. 200+ is rated "Hazardous Extreme", everyone should stay indoors unless they have a protection factor 400 respirator, the kind used in fallout zones, cleaning up asbestos, etc. Good disposable respirators have a protection factor of 20, up to 40 if brand new and perfectly fitted. Those who are elderly, have heart disease or asthma should stay inside if AQI is above 69.

A dry, cold front from Antarctica is pushing the high pressure air mass from above the Simpson Desert eastward into South Australia, then shortly thereafter, Victoria, Canberra, and SE NSW. Forecast is for strong, dessicating 45C winds, 40-50 kmh gusting to 70kmh, and veering direction unpredictably.

Things are going to get a little busy in 24 hours. After that, the smoke situation in Canberra is going to worsen drastically, as at best we will have uncontainable megafires to North, South, East and West, possibly for months to come.

[dicksbro]

No doubt about it, our friends in Australia are dealing with a catastrophe of enormous magnitude. Prayers and good wishes go out to all who are caught in this maelstrom of drought and fire. Lets pray or hope that soon they will receive the rain they so desperately need to bring these blazes under control.

[gekkogecko]

That's about the only thing that will help, but January-February is the brushfire season there, so it's likely to get worse.

[Goofy]

Dat Australia thing is shore bad, ain't it?

By da way, I got me self a new AV, ya' like it?

[gekkogecko]

Like the new Av, Goofy, fer shur.

[dicksbro]

Yeah, Goofy … I do like the new AV. :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

I was in the emergency room with my wife until 3 in the morning Tuesday. Turns out she has a nasty infection, not (as we feared) a blood clot.

However, while I was there, I got a text from my girlfriend T, saying that her mother had died.

Fuck the new year.

[AZRedHot]

I'm so sorry to hear that, GG. Hugs all around.

[dicksbro]

Me, too, gg. Maybe the year will turn around and end up not too bad.

Hope your wife is doing better and sorry for your friend's loss. Was her mom very elderly?

[Goofy]

Dag nab it. I shore do hate to hears dem bad things gg. I'll echo gigi and DB and wish yuz mom well and quick to get better. So sorry to hears about yous friends loss, too.

[gekkogecko]

Neither the death of N, C's mother, nor the death of B, T's mother, was unexpected.
N had diabetes, major circulation issues throughout her leg, chronic low blood pressure as a result. I think what killed her (though I don't know details for sure) was heart failure due to circulatory system collapse.
B had cancer, and the chemo was making her more ill, so it is no surprise that the cancer just overwhelmed her immune system.
The mammal I married is doing distinctly better, lot of the swelling in her leg has gone down, the seriously heavy duty course of antibiotics is doing the trick there.
Oh, the offspring unit went in today to see what the heart monitor she's been wearing for the past two weeks says. EKG and all that. She gets the treadmill test for her birthday next month.

[dicksbro]

Thanks for the update. Our prayers will continue for your wife and our prayers will continue for N and B and their families. God bless!

[Goofy]

Like DB, I sending my best wishes, too.

[gekkogecko]

I'm off to the MVA today to realize my "Real ID".

[dicksbro]

Hope it's not as cold there as it is here. B-r-r-r-r!

[gekkogecko]

I'm headed to the hospital in a few-the mammal I married was admitted for observation and IV antibiotics last night. Was up until 0300 this morning. Ug.

[dicksbro]

Thoughts and prayers are with your wife and with you!

[gekkogecko]

Well, just fuck the new year.

Got in to work yesterday, and there was an e-mail from my boss saying he was going to be out of the office most of the week, as his mother died suddenly on Monday.

[dicksbro]

Today is our monthly visit shut-ins from our church day. We'll visit two senior residences where we'll see quite several folks. These are always wonderful visits to some really great people whose health or age has kept them from attending regular services.

[gekkogecko]

And today marks 30 years with the mammal I married.

What a long, strange trip it's been.

Especially for her.

[Lilith]

Happy Anniversary GG!

[jay-t]

Happy Anniversary GG

[dicksbro]

For sure … a very Happy Anniversary GG! Hope you two celebrated and had a great time!

[Goofy]

Dag nab it, anyway, I twas feelin cold and found a window cracked open.

[gekkogecko]

"Cracked" as in open slightly, or "cracked" as in broken? Hope not the latter, Goofy.

[dicksbro]

^^^^ Good question. I'm hoping he didn't mean broken, too.

[Goofy]

Golly, shore didn't think 'bout dat. Nope, I didn't mean "broke" or nuttin. Jus' means dat da window was open jus' a hair. Sorry bout' dat.

[dicksbro]

Today's President's Day so I just slept-in instead of getting up during the night. Looks like it'll be rainy today, so I guess I didn't miss much. :shrug:

[dicksbro]

Woke up late again to day. I must be getting old. :)

[gekkogecko]

There's a certain bit of household electronics that decides to beep annoyingly every couple of weeks. Wish I could get rid of it, but we kind of need it around here.

[AZRedHot]

The stabbing intermittent pain I felt in my ear Sunday now alternates between stabbing and feeling blocked.

[gekkogecko]

Ouch-ear infection, AZRH?

[dicksbro]

In any case, AZRH, sure hope it either goes away or, probably a better idea, get it checked so whatever it is … it gets fixed. We'll be sending good wishes your way!

[gekkogecko]

Had a birthday dinner with the offspring unit last night, then she wanted everyone to head over to Dave & Busters. Lotta fun.

[dicksbro]

Sounds like fun was had by all! :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

2020 can just fuck the off back to where ever it came from.

My girlfriend T, whose mother died in early January: one of her otehr boyfriends died Wednesday evening.

[Goofy]

I be sorry to hear dat, gg. Ya' got me best wishes.

[gekkogecko]

I was up later than I should have been last night,d ealing with printer problems. The upside is, though, I seem to have gotten them sorted out.

[dicksbro]

Good for you. Today's the day we'll be doing our taxes. :( Oh well, what's got to be has got to be … I guess. :shrug:

[dicksbro]

Good for you. Today's the day we'll do taxes. :( Oh well.

[gekkogecko]

Taxes are better than the other inevitability.

[dicksbro]

Yep. Pushing up daisies I never saw as a job I was looking for.

[dicksbro]

Had an accident yesterday. Was carrying some laundry down to the basement to be washed but when I reached the next to last step, I stepped on something and took a tumble to the linoleum floor of the basement. Luckily I didn't break anything but my right leg and arm are pretty sore. Had x-rays taken to confirm no broken bones so using ice packs to reduce the swelling and keeping my feet elevated as much as possible. Definitely, I don't recommend copying this accident by anyone else. Not any fun.

[gekkogecko]

Ug. Glad it wasn't any worse, DB.

[Goofy]

Dag Nab It, DB. Yuz ain't suppose to go doing things like dat. Anywho, you got my best wishes and like gg said, glad it taint no worse.

[gekkogecko]

Well, I have the old 3-D printer working regularly; but for some reason, my regular printer/copier/scanner won't communicate with my 'puter. Going to have to un/re-install the thing, looks like.

[dicksbro]

No cases of coronavirus have been reported in our area, but the Catholic schools have shut down for at least a week while the schools are cleaned and disinfected to try and safeguard the students. Courageous decision given this is the season when Christian churches are preparing for Easter and generally very busy and parochial schools use this time to focus attention of the students on matters of faith..

[gekkogecko]

Wow, that escalated quickly. News release yesterday:

This afternoon, the Governor [of Maryland] announced additional steps regarding efforts to slow the transmission of the Coronavirus. Those actions include (1) closing Maryland schools starting on Monday, March 16th for two weeks so that all schools can be cleaned and disinfected; (2) banning gatherings of over 250 people; (3) closing senior citizen activity centers, and (4) closing the cruising port at the Port of Baltimore.

[Lilith]

I'm off for a couple weeks. Sending you all air kisses from a minimum of 6 ft away.

[Goofy]

It's gud to seez you, Lilith! We done missed you! Welcome home to Pixies.

[gekkogecko]

My daughter ended up in the ER in the very wee hours of this morning, due to chest pains which turned out, fortunately, to be nothing more than severe anxiety symptoms.

Yeah, even in the fact of global pandemic, there are numerous health issues in the world.

[dicksbro]

We'll keep her in our prayers anyway. Glad she's okay.

[gekkogecko]

She's made a follow-up visit to the cardiologist, so she's taking the right steps, at least.

[dicksbro]

Good for her. We'll keep up the prayers!

[rabbit]

;)

[dicksbro]

The same to you, Rabbit. :D

[gekkogecko]

Here's an interesting space-related article:
https://www.space.com/earth-size-exoplanet-habitable-zone-kepler.html?utm_source=Selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9155&utm_content=SDC_Newsletter+&utm_term=3570754&m_i=zsAmSJQ_dttpFUZsV6RssigD8F_%2BrZft359b_4V9wAEvnjjcwESUSPb%2BcWoY76_MLZVH29wwz3WJexHlPVRt0psUFgD_qwb2lfgKrHNzzV

[dicksbro]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing the URL.

[dicksbro]

Well, today is the 60th anniversary of my wife and my meeting on a blind date. Double dated to a movie with my best high-school friend the week before and when my date then injured her foot she didn't feel like she could go out the following week, so my friend's date said she thought her neighbor and best friend might be able to go. Well, she did and she became my wife 3 years later in June. Still married with 7 children, 3 married with families of their own. Four still single. Nine grand-children and 2 great-grand-children. :) Couldn't ask for anything more.

[PantyFanatic]

Congratulation my friend. :cheers:

With all the realities of life, you and your bride are becoming more of a treasured idol than ever before.

[dicksbro]

Thanks, PF. Looking forward to the next 60 years … or so. :D

[gekkogecko]

Another 60 years? That's some serious deep-freeze!

[dicksbro]

Well, if by some chance we're still here … ? … you're invited to our anniversary party. Probably won't be too many that we know, but it'll still be fun. :)

[gekkogecko]

Our water heater is broken.

Have a banana.

[Goofy]

Dat no sound too gud, do it? Da water heater, dat is. hopefully ya gonna get it fix or a new one soon.

[dicksbro]

I'll add my hope that you get a new one or get yours repaired soon, GG.

[gekkogecko]

Still no hot water; repair dude who showed up yesterday didn't have the correct parts for our model. Should be fixed by the time I get home from work today, but these cold showers are ridiculous.

[dicksbro]

We'll keep our fingers crossed!

[gekkogecko]

Yes, I do have hot water again. Major relief.

[dicksbro]

:thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

Happy solstice, which means happy summer in the Northern hemisphere if you recognize a four-season year, happy midsummer in the Northern hemisphere if you recognize a two-season year, or happy winter in the Southern hemisphere (I am unaware of any Southern hemisphere culture that recognizes a two-season year, feel free to correct me if I am misinformed.)

[dicksbro]

Well, yesterday my wife and I celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary. Had a sign in the back window of our car … "JUST MARRIED 57 Years Ago."

[gekkogecko]

Excellent!

In the meantime, i got a few pictures of tadpoles and froglets in our pond:

[jay-t]

Congratulations on 57 yrs. :line: :line:

[dicksbro]

Thank you, jay-t. Appreciate that. She's still my bride.

Good to see you.

[Goofy]

Durn tired tonite so gonna be uuik. Sorry tain't been round fer a bit but been awful busy and plain tuckered out at nite. I be back, tho'. Yuz kan be shore of dat.

[dicksbro]

Darn, Goofy, I think I just missed you. You take it easy and we'll keep the light on for you. Glad to see you're okay and just worn down a bit.

[gekkogecko]

I think I'l echo and expand DB's thought, Goofy. The main thing is to stay safe. Take care of yourself.

[dicksbro]

Well, in two days it'll be the Mrs. birthday; then, for 15-days we'll be "the same age."

They always shoot off fireworks either the night of her birthday or the next day. Quite a celebration. :D

[gekkogecko]

Happy Canada Day, peeps!

[Goofy]

I ain't too up on Canada ... what's Canada Day anywho?

I is real sorry to our friends to da north.

[dicksbro]

Goofy ... What does Canada Day represent? Canada Day is observed in Canada in commemoration of the formation of the Dominion in 1867. on July 1, the anniversary of the day in 1867 when Canada became the first British colony to receive dominion status.

[gekkogecko]

“You want to be the tallest tree in the forest and let all the trees see you easily; but remember that lightnings will easily see you as well!”

― Mehmet Murat ildan

[dicksbro]

Today's my wife's birthday and for the next 15 days we'll be the same age. Then, I'll jump back in the lead. :)

[gekkogecko]

(congratulatory head bobs) to Mrs. DB for surviving another year. Not everyone does that, you know.

[gekkogecko]

And a separate post, because it's entirely different from the post I just made. There's a friend of mine who maintains a quote of the day file. Today's offer is certainly food for thought:

"If you're baffled at all these people refusing to wear masks, in 1865 they threw the doctor that recommended handwashing in an insane asylum and then beat him to death." -- Jesse Case (@jessecase), 2020-06-26 (referring to Ignaz Semmelweis (b. 1818-07-01, d. 1865-08-13), whose story is worth knowing), with a separate link to the referenced story:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/01/12/375663920/the-doctor-who-championed-hand-washing-and-saved-women-s-lives

[dicksbro]

^^^^ Interesting. Surprised I hadn't seen this before. Amazing the things we can learn here at Pixies. :D

[gekkogecko]

Ennio Morricone has died!
https://www.npr.org/2020/07/06/516840947/ennio-morricone-the-sound-of-the-american-west-dies-at-91

Now, where will I get the theme and background music for my upcoming spaghetti western?

[dicksbro]

He'll live in our hearts as long as those movies exist anyway. He was truly a remarkable composer for theme music. May he rest in peace.

[gekkogecko]

It is said that if, every day, you eat a live frog for breakfast, nothing worse will happen to you or the frog for the rest of the day.
This is true for the frog.
You, however, can still be eaten by the frog's giant, vengeful brother.

[dicksbro]

In order that the title of this thread "Tell me something" is fulfilled ...

SOMETHING.

Whew! Finally.

[Goofy]

Yuz funni db, yep, yuz shore be funni.

Seez my new AV? Thot it be tim fer a chg.

[gekkogecko]

Gettin' funky, Goofy.

[gekkogecko]

Was the first rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida:
https://www.space.com/39251-on-this-day-in-space.html

[dicksbro]

I'll try to watch this when I wake back up. Getting sleepy now, so I think I'll give up for now and try again later. Should be interesting.

Thanks.

[gekkogecko]

Sobek, the ancient Crocodile Lord, was later syncretized with Ra & Osiris, the sun gods that were, at some point themselves syncretized into each other. According to: https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/sobek/#:~:text=Sobek%20(also%20known%20as%20Sebek,the%20ancient%20god%20of%20crocodiles.&text=Sobek%20was%20a%20god%20of,the%20Nile%20from%20his%20sweat.

"a number of rulers incorporated him in their coronation names, including the first fully attested female pharaoh – Sobekneferu."

[gekkogecko]

In Space News, the US's first water landing in 45 years of a crewed vessel occurred yesterday. SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsuled returned Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to Earth in an absolutely flawless performance.

In less appealing news, Rene Carpenter, the ex-wife of Mercury astronaut Scott carpenter, died last Friday. She was 92. Rene was a science writer, founding member fo the "Astronaut Wives Club", covered many of the space race high points for TV, and active in politics.

[jennaflower]

TikTok has become my guilty pleasure. Yep.. sure has.

[dicksbro]

Rene Carpenter, may you rest in peace.

[gekkogecko]

I have to drop off my lizard at the vet this afternoon for minor surgery.

[Goofy]

We be thinkin' of yer friend n wez all hope it all go gud.

[gekkogecko]

It went well, but like all pets everywhere throughout all time, he doesn't want to take his follow-up meds.

[dicksbro]

Can you mix them in with something he will eat?

[gekkogecko]

He eats crickets, mealworms, & superworms. Once a week. And not even all that is offered, all the time. And it's liquid enrofloxacin. And it needs to be administered twice a day.

Yeah, not happening.

[gekkogecko]

Happy "We're-afraid-of-socialism, but-we-have-to-pretend-we-like-the-working-class" day her ein the US, people.

[dicksbro]

Lot of thunder going on outside. Don't hear rain on the roof, but I suppose there could be some. Dark out and I haven't looked to see. I'll check the weather in a bit and see what it says.

[gekkogecko]

Hope no tornadoes came out of that, DB.

[dicksbro]

Fortunately, no tornadoes near us anyway.

[gekkogecko]

The "what's going on here" thread reminded me sideways-my leopard gecko came out of his surgery OK, and is back to his usual activity.Didn't eat last night,b ut he's goign through a big shed, so not particular surprise there. While he was having to live in a temporary space (didn't want to risk the stitches witht he usual substrate in his habitat tank), I 3-D printed a new hide shelter for him. He seems to enjoy tha t.

[gekkogecko]

Here's an interesting website:
https://www.zooborns.com/

[dicksbro]

^^^^ VERY INTERESTING.

Babies of almost any species are fun to see. Thanks for sharing that website's showing of "new arrivals!"

[Winston77]

It's snowing again!

[dicksbro]

^^^^ Yep! Not as much here, but we're just as tired of it. :(

[dicksbro]

All our snow is basically gone except for very small piles where it had been "heaped high!"

[gekkogecko]

Repent you sins! You have failed to make the proper offerings to the Gods! The Gods demand koosh balls, fidget spinners, and stress balls!

[dicksbro]

Happy St Patrick's Day

[gekkogecko]

Hm, there's a good chance that DB might actually be a changeling.

[PantyFanatic]

:irish: Happy St Paddy to all Pixies everywhere. :irish:

[dicksbro]

Hope you had a fantastic St. Paddy's Day PF. Kind of cold and rainy here and it continues tonight. Oh well, hopefully it'll make the grass green up if we can get back to more moderate temperatures.

Have a great rest of the week ... and Spring, too, if you've a mind to. :D

[gekkogecko]

Brewing company furthers paleontology:
https://www.porchdrinking.com/articles/2021/03/23/ichthyosaur-icky-ipa-great-basin-brewing-company/

The best part, from the article: Today, each pint, can, bottle and keg donates funds to an Ichthyosaur dig in Nevada. The dig is a collective endeavor by paleontologists, the National Geographic Society and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

Yeah, it's only a fraction of the sale price, but money for dig is still money for digs.

[gekkogecko]

First heavier-than-air, powered, controlled flight on another planet:
https://www.space.com/mars-helicopter-ingenuity-first-flight-success

[dicksbro]

Fantasstic job ... well done, NASA!

[gekkogecko]

And in a touch of class, Ingenuity is carrying a piece of the original Wright Bros flyer; hence your current icon is correct, DB. (For those who may see this later, DB current icon is a picture of Ingenuity with the caption, "The Wright Brothers on Mars.")

[dicksbro]

Just changed it. Sorry if people missed it. You can find it on the NASA website although right now I don't have the exact URL.

[gekkogecko]

You can find it on the NASA website although right now I don't have the exact URL.

Easily solved!

https://www.nasa.gov/perseverance

[dicksbro]

Today's my wife's last day of working at the school for the summer. Be nice to have the time off and more time for us to be together. She loves the job and I enjoy helping her, but it'll be nice no to be pressed into getting up so early.

[gekkogecko]

acations are nice, but so is keeping busy.

[dicksbro]

Very true. There've been days when there wasn't really anything on the table and they can get boring and tiring.

[gekkogecko]

Pineapples are weird: the mother plant only fruits once, but produces offshoots; after fruiting, it slowly dies, presumably providing fertilizer to the new shoots. And pineapple, the fruit, produces digestive enzymes that can benefit humans.

[txgrneyes]

I’ve moved yet again but have a two year plan to better myself.

Two year plan

*get my Associates Degree in Business Administration
*loose enough weight to feel good in my skin and feel sexy
*save a lot of money to have a good nest egg
*Clear my credit up.

Any advice on any of the subjects is appreciated.

[gekkogecko]

The only advice I have is: do you. If this is what you want to do, get it done, don't sweat the small stuff.

(Hint: it's ALL small stuff)

[dicksbro]

I'll second that ^^^^ advice.

And ... good luck ... hope all your goals are met.

[gekkogecko]

True to form, the Washington Capitals have choked in the first round of the playoffs, losing 3 games to 1 to the Boston Bruins.

[dicksbro]

My wife's brother's child is in ICU following surgery with a perforated bowel. Surgery was successful but his condition is considered very serious and potentially life threatening. Prayers or good wishes would be greatly appreciated.

[gekkogecko]

Oh, now that is actually sucktastic. Ug. Hope things turn out for the better.

[dicksbro]

Thanks for the good wishes. That means a lot to our family.

[gekkogecko]

Currently heavily involved in helping to run the virtual s/f convention, Balticon 55:
https://www.balticon.org/wp55/

[dicksbro]

How did Balticon 55 go? Hope it was a great success!

[gekkogecko]

The organizers count it as a huge success; they seem to have this vitual convention thing down, although they're looking forward to getting back to an in-person convention next year.

[dicksbro]

The organizers count it as a huge success; they seem to have this vitual convention thing down, although they're looking forward to getting back to an in-person convention next year.

Great! Glad to hear it. :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

Bears are at it again:
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/06/18/bear-car-door-Thornton-New-Hampshire/3641624042652/

This is actually a not uncommon occurrence when bears and humans live in the same general area.

[dicksbro]

Today is my wife and my 58th wedding anniversary. Met on a blind date 61 years ago marrying 3 years later. Looks like it's going to work. :D

Still, she is the highpoint of my life and if I could do it all over again ... I would.

[gekkogecko]

(congratulatory head bobs) on such a success!

[dicksbro]

Thank you! Had a great day and a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant. Looking forward to the future!

[gekkogecko]

I have the song "Never smile at a Crocodile" stuck in my head.

[dicksbro]

Took a couple of long naps today (Wed) catching up from a long (good) day Tuesday. Fairly awake right now, but will probably lay down fairly soon.

[gekkogecko]

Some dipshit decided to run into a pedestrian bridge last night in DC:
https://dcist.com/story/21/06/23/pedestrian-bridge-collapses-kenilworth-ave-dc/

[dicksbro]

Dentist today. And my teeth said I never bought them anything. :(

[gekkogecko]

Worried about what the horrible heat wave in the northwest is going to do to people out there.

[gekkogecko]

TW: deaths of children

The finds of mass unmarked graves at Canada's "residential schools" for indigenous peoples continues: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/canada-indigenous-children-school-bodies-unmarked-graves-2021-06-30/

So, now I'm waiting for the shit to hit the fan here in the US, as we had similar "schools."

[gekkogecko]

Florida bird. It's always Florida bird:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lost-homing-pigeons-i-95_n_60de148ee4b0ecf711e34d50

TLDR:
And exit from I-95 in Daytona Beach, Florida, had to be closed for 3 hours when about 100 homing pigeons fell off a truck, and refused to go home.

[gekkogecko]

https://dailycaller.com/2021/07/06/xtube-pornhub-new-york-times-laila-mickelwait-mindgeek/

TLDR:
The channel xtube.com, owned by MindGeek, is shutting down as of September. There's little to no explanation as to why; speculation (that is, people jumping to conclusions) are that it is due to the amount of lawsuits the channel has recently been subject to.

[gekkogecko]

Montrose County, Colorado Animal Control has a hopper of a problem:

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/07/09/loose-wallaby-Montrose-County-Sheriffs-Office-Colorado/5591625864051/

[dicksbro]

With all the transgender stuff going on, maybe the wallabye just wanted to be a people, too. :shrug:

[dicksbro]

:cheers: Today (Jul 18) is the 39th anniversary of my 39th birthday. :cheers:

[gekkogecko]

Two extra trombones!

[dm383]

:cheers: Today (Jul 18) is the 39th anniversary of my 39th birthday. :cheers:

Hope you're having (or had) a fantastic day DB!

DM

[dicksbro]

I did and thank you, DM and GG. My wife and I had a great day just being together; going to church; have a great lunch at a local restaurant; chatting with friends who offered very kind words.

It was a special day and made more so by the two of you!

DB

[gekkogecko]

Maybe she was just headed to the Vicky's Secret:
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/07/19/Largo-Mall-alligator-Largo-Police-Department-Florida/2711626723644/

[dicksbro]

If they'd let her continue, she probably would have had the whole place to herself.

[gekkogecko]

A tragedy happened with the Jeff Bezos space launch yesterday. He came back safely.

In better news, so did Wally Funk.

[PantyFanatic]

:banghead: What has been going on from most directions is too depressing to talk about.

[dicksbro]

You got that right, PF! Only good thing is seeing your post. We've missed you!

DB

[dicksbro]

Sunday I got the 'first headache' I've had in maybe more than a year. Kept getting worse so yesterday went to prompt care and found out I had shingles ( :yikes: ), Anyway, the said I caught it at a very early stage and the prescribed medicine and said that should take care of it within a couple/three weeks. Got an appointment for Friday with my regular doctor which they recommended. Keep me in your thoughts.

[gekkogecko]

Urph. That's no fun at all. ad shingles! Go to yoru room!

[gekkogecko]

The noted character actor, probably most known for the role of "Lou Grant" on the Mary Tyler Moore & Lou Grant shows, has died:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/29/entertainment/ed-asner-death/index.html

[dicksbro]

May he rest in peace.

[PantyFanatic]

I was hoping to hear better news than that. :tear:

[dicksbro]

Me too!

[gekkogecko]

Herre's some better news: An orphaned manatee calf has been rescued, and is being cared for by Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/09/03/ZooTampa-smallest-rescued-manatee/9611630692451/

[dicksbro]

That is good news. Thanks! :thumbs:

[gekkogecko]

Another noted actor, whose credits include "The Wire" and "Boardwalk Empire."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58470253

[dicksbro]

If you get a chance, you might want to watch William Shatner (Capt Kirk of the Starship Enterprise) ride in to space as the oldest man (90) to ever go into space. It's on YouTube. He flew on the 2nd flight (other then test flights) of Blue Origin's new rocket. He was very awed and emotional and grateful for the chance.

[gekkogecko]

He was indeed, although I am still leery of Bezos waving around his giant space penis.

[dicksbro]

Gotta admit, though, that he's taking risk with someone on board as high profile as Shatner.