The Daily Peeve / Rant

[Teacher Terry]

G, my old dog has that too. It sucks,

[jp1]

I have a vestibular issue and the medication I have to take for it is so awful. Without the meds I have no sense of balance and insane tinnitus; with the meds I have a constant headache, upset stomach, fatigue, and feel like all the joy of life is sucked out of me. Sux.

Sadly I think you win the peeve of the day award. I wish I could offer more than just an "I'm sorry you have to go through this. It sounds gawdawful."

[JaneV2.0]

Unfortunately, no. It's a nerve compression syndrome, similar to trigeminal neuralgis. Pretty rare (or at least rarely diagnosed) - it's called vestibular paroxysmia. I've tried alternatives but the meds are the only thing that keep me functioning, albeit somewhat miserably. I've had numerous bouts; it usually lasts 3-6 months.
Here's hoping this is a short one!

(I actually suspect this problem is relatively common but doctors just don't know about it. They hear "tinnitus" and just throw up their hands.)

I hope this bout is short and your last one. I've heard trigeminal neuralgia is hellish. Isn't aging fun! :help:

[CathyA]

Unfortunately, no. It's a nerve compression syndrome, similar to trigeminal neuralgis. Pretty rare (or at least rarely diagnosed) - it's called vestibular paroxysmia. I've tried alternatives but the meds are the only thing that keep me functioning, albeit somewhat miserably. I've had numerous bouts; it usually lasts 3-6 months.
Here's hoping this is a short one!

(I actually suspect this problem is relatively common but doctors just don't know about it. They hear "tinnitus" and just throw up their hands.)

So very sorry to hear this Gardenarian. In the past, I've had dizziness and tinnitus and it's just awful. I hope it passes soon for you. I have constant pulsatile tinnitus, but I've learned to ignore it. But it's pretty hard to ignore louder tinnitus and balance problems. Have you tried something like the Lipo-Flavinoid? I'm curious what med you are on for this. Is there any surgery for this?

[Yppej]

Saying the same thing 4 times. I have stopped watching the CBS Evening News for this reason.

1. Local news on before has national news anchor come on to tell what the big stories will be.
2. As music plays at the start of the broadcast snippets of the main stories are presented.
3. Then the anchor says those stories just ahead, but first the four top stories and they get maybe 30 seconds each.
4. Then the main stories are presented in detail.

I am now watching either ABC or NBC.

[Gardenarian]

Thanks for asking, CathyA.
The surgery is experimental and dangerous - no thanks!

I've tried alpha lipoic acid, which has helped with neuropathy, but no supplements seem to touch this.

The medicine is carbamazepine. Some people don't have much trouble with it, but I just hate it.

And 7 months to get an appointment with a neurologist! That's one of the drawbacks of living in a small city.

[JaneV2.0]

I wonder if some combination of THC and CBD would help...
Found this:
CBD Oil May Help Vertigo and Tinnitus. Vertigo is brought on by specific changes in the position of your head. It is caused by calcium crystals floating in the canals of the ear. ... CBD oil has been known to stop the spinning and help resolve the nausea caused by the dizziness.

[Gardenarian]

CBD doesn't help for my problem; I did try it.
Also have tried acupuncture, craniosacral massage, and everything else imaginable.

I'm hoping the neurologist can find a medication with fewer side effects, or help me with the dosage to minimize them. (Apparently even the different generic versions of carbamazepine have great differences in side effects.)

My GP and ENT know nothing about this subject and are just prescribing based on the peer-reviewed journal articles I send them. So I'm basically self-treating.

Anyhow, I'm still riding my bike doing a lot of dance (though I have increasing difficulty with my sense of right and left.)

[iris lilies]

Another GD T-shirt. I participated in an event and a T-shirt for the event was forced on me. I did not want it. It had my name on it, someone had gone to some sort of special effort to get the T-shirt for me, so I did not turn it down but UGG.

I hate this free T-shirts that seem to come with everything.

ps this is now two t shirts in two months that
I did not want.

[Teacher Terry]

I hate free t-shirts too and don’t wear them. Pretty hard to take it to the thrift store with your name on it. Ugh!

[iris lilies]

Hey thanks, flower show lady, for undoing the work you asked me to do. Now we have 300 copies of rules that are incorrect.

If you dont want a correct set of rules, dont ask me to write them.

And YOU Lady, get to deal with the judges of this show who will be confused. And *I* will have to disavow responsibility of this basic show structure change because my reputation is on the line.

Thanks!

NOT.

[Teacher Terry]

That’s terrible IL.

[iris lilies]

That’s terrible IL.
Oh its just a little blip in the world of volunteering. And, it is funny/ ironic because this flower show lady called me to tell me about a couple of changes that someone else had made because she was afraid I would be mad. I was not mad. These changes had nothing to do with rules and it wasn’t my responsibility, I don’t care.

And I told her that I have a thick skin, my feelings don’t get hurt, But the one thing that pisses me off is when people and organizations waste my time. These changes made by other people did not waste my time, no problem!

We proceeded to chat about logistics. Just as she was hanging up she dropped that bomb that she had changed this big thing that was a big deal and that essentially wasted a lot of my time because I had worked to fit what she wanted into the new rules we had to follow, and I had consulted with my fellow judges on getting it right. She had no idea it was a big deal because she is ignorant of the rules, the rules they asked ME to manage because I am trained.

haha, now her problem, she owns it.But of course I will graciously work with the show committee and judges to have this handled with as little drama as possible.

[Teacher Terry]

This kind of crap is why I quit volunteering.

[iris lilies]

Update to above: I got copies of the rules, and the error that flowers show lady said she entered is not included. Methinks her co chairman stopped it. Yay, no additional work on my part is now necessary to unravel this.

OK but I have another flower show rant, it is actually a complaint. It is a complaint about my own poor performance. I took seven exhibits to the flower show this weekend and oh dear God, they range from mediocre to hideous. There is not one blue ribbon winner in the batch and one of them would receive 10th Pl. if that award was actually ever given out. Ha ha

Well someone has to get last place right?

[Teacher Terry]

How did that happen IL? Curious because the pictures of your work is usually beautiful.

[iris lilies]

How did that happen IL? Curious because the pictures of your work is usually beautiful.

I was just not inspired. I waited until the last minute for all of them, waiting for inspiration that never came. It was not the number of entries ( 7 is a lot, most people take 2) because for the last big show I took 7 designs, and I was excited about 4 of them. And yeah those were all blue rbbon winners and
I knew it!

One problem with this most recent show and my worst design is that I was obsessed about using specific containers and they turned out to be very hard to use especially with the plant material I was obsessed about using. A rational person would’ve walked away from those materials and selected different ones, but not me!

[Williamsmith]

Nothing makes one human feel better than hearing about another’s failures. That’s very sacrificial of you IL. I like that about you.

[Lainey]

People waiting in line for a cashier who are impatient. Happened again yesterday where the cashier wasn't even finished checking out my items when the woman behind me holds up an item in the cashier's face and starts talking to her about how she wanted to return it, and how does that work, etc. This is before I know what my total is and my own items are bagged.
Jeez lady - can you wait 30 more seconds??

[Teacher Terry]

L, that’s super rude. I probably would have said something to her.

[iris lilies]

Someone has to explain the technology to me, I dont get it.

When I place a phone call,, I get the message (paraphrased) “this recipient has not set up voice mail.”

I just want to cry, and I am not a cryer. Tried two times within 48 hrs to two different people.

The first thing I did when I got my smart phone was to set up voicemail. Now I have to check it once in a while.

So do people simply not give one shit that voicemail be activated? As I thnk about it, maybe that is what I should have done, not set up VM.

[Yppej]

Half of all calls to cell phones now are robocalls. Some people look at missed calls and call back the numbers they recognize rather than using up minutes on their plan listening to robocall vouce mails.

[ToomuchStuff]

I agree. I don't like it, but the younger crowd I end up being around, prefer texting/friendface to talking on the phone. As such, if they don't answer, they expect a text, rather then voicemail.

We are getting closer to being the generation with the VCR blinking 12.

[SteveinMN]

the younger crowd I end up being around, prefer texting/friendface to talking on the phone. As such, if they don't answer, they expect a text, rather then voicemail.
Really, they don't even want the voice call if they're around to receive it. They'd much rather receive a text. This is just a gentle way to reinforce that and it has the bonus of giving them one less task to do to keep their voicemail box empty. :idea:

[iris lilies]

Well, my New smart phone seems to translate audio into text, and it doesn’t do it well, but the one call I have received in a couple weeks did at least give me a sense of what the call was about. So there’s that.


Look, I like email communications so of course I would like text. I like reading rather than talking/audio.

These people who did not set up VM were both people Well over the age of 65 so
I don’t think it’s a millennial plan to push all communication to text.

[Gardenarian]

I feel like I'm coming down with something and the timing couldn't be worse. I have 8 hours of dance rehearsals this weekend and an appointment for skin cancer removal (AGAIN) on Monday.
I'm taking vitamin C and Echinacea and drinking lots of water etc. Maybe it'll pass.

And, my electric bike seems is dying on me. Only 2.5 years. It's had hard use but $500 bucks for a new battery? Merde.

[Yppej]

After almost 10 years on a case as part of a group of 11 our lawyers are trying to swindle us out of settlement funds. Most of the plaintiffs are so sick of the case they don't care and just want it to be over but I am filing a complaint with the Office of Bar Counsel today.

[Lainey]

After almost 10 years on a case as part of a group of 11 our lawyers are trying to swindle us out of settlement funds. Most of the plaintiffs are so sick of the case they don't care and just want it to be over but I am filing a complaint with the Office of Bar Counsel today.

Good for you, Yppej. I think a lot of scamsters depend on victims' inertia to get away with bad behavior. In the past I have reported these types to the official government agency and not surprisingly, it gets their attention pretty quickly because their license/certification can be yanked.

[Yppej]

Good for you, Yppej. I think a lot of scamsters depend on victims' inertia to get away with bad behavior. In the past I have reported these types to the official government agency and not surprisingly, it gets their attention pretty quickly because their license/certification can be yanked.

They just received my packet today, but in the meantime I had written a letter complaining to the judge and got notice today of a conference on it. I wasn't sure I would get past the gatekeepers, but I sent it Fedex thinking it would get the clerk's attention and it did.

[iris lilies]

Compared to jeppy, my rant is tiny. But here it is.

A plant society gives a posthumous service award. The first time I attended one of their conventions I had to sit through the presentation at dinner that extolled the virtues of someone who had been dead for 30 years. I thought to myself “well that was stupid, wonder why they did that, but there must be a reason and this person was never honored sufficiently or something.”
Now, I have started reading their bulletin that is quite boring and same ole same ole, and I find that they give this award annually. This year’s winner has been dead for 35 years!

Way to be relevant folks! Not. And they wonder why younger people and new people are not joining the organization.

[Gardenarian]

I woke at 4am with pain in my eye and now have what looks like a raging case of pink eye. Either that or an insect bite on my eyelid. This has been a rollercoaster week - I'm ready to get off!

[Teacher Terry]

G, pink eye is horrible. Ugh!

[Gardenarian]

Thanks for the sympathy, TT. It truly does suck, in a bearable yet hideous way. One of the minor curses.

[SteveinMN]

Had a semi-routine blood draw this morning. Set up the appointment at the University hospital super-early because it was a fasting test and I wanted to be done and on my way home before rush hour. I'm not sure why they could not draw the blood locally and ship the sample, but ... rules.

I was told when I made my appointment to go to the University Hospital lab. I got to the hospital early, parked, and went in to no signage whatsoever. The security guard sent me to the wrong place (Children's sedation and observation? How is that at all related to an adult's blood test?); "Peds sedation" directed me to an outpatient lab that didn't open until one hour past my appointment time, and I finally wandered into the ER to find where I was supposed to be, only to be directed to the hospital's other campus. At which they checked me in, collected my hand-carried orders, and left me standing for 15 minutes until I asked the "concierge" (srsly?) what was going on, and then I was ushered in for my blood draw. Sans the orders, which are hanging around somewhere in the lab. Good thing my doctor called ahead. An hour and 15 minutes after my appointment time, I was on my way home. Mmmf...

Please, please, please, oh great University health system, send me a patient-satisifaction survey request! And then put on your Kevlar gloves. You're gonna need 'em.

[sweetana3]

Rant and rave.

Rant: Last week I spent at a Road Scholar retreat for rug hooking class. Instructor was insulting and demeaning and I left in tears. Then she tried to do the same thing to the retreat's program director who later told me they fired her. Then the meals the whole week were subpar and in some cases awful. Almost everything was boiled,steamed or microwaved and of very poor quality. So, I submitted my evaluation after typing a 4 page word document of specifics which I copied into the online evaluation. I know it is read carefully by RS.

Rave: RS refunded my whole fee. The quality of their customer service call was exceptional. They listened carefully and had a lot of empathy.

It was the conference center that hired the instructor and provided the meals. I know RS will follow up appropriately.

[catherine]

Rant and rave.

Rant: Last week I spent at a Road Scholar retreat for rug hooking class. Instructor was insulting and demeaning and I left in tears. Then she tried to do the same thing to the retreat's program director who later told me they fired her. Then the meals the whole week were subpar and in some cases awful. Almost everything was boiled,steamed or microwaved and of very poor quality. So, I submitted my evaluation after typing a 4 page word document of specifics which I copied into the online evaluation. I know it is read carefully by RS.

Rave: RS refunded my whole fee. The quality of their customer service call was exceptional. They listened carefully and had a lot of empathy.

It was the conference center that hired the instructor and provided the meals. I know RS will follow up appropriately.

I wondered what Road Scholar is like. Are there any rating systems for individual programs? How could you know ahead of time about the quality of the program?

But good for you getting a full refund!! Good move on RS's part.

[frugal-one]

I wondered what Road Scholar is like. Are there any rating systems for individual programs? How could you know ahead of time about the quality of the program?

But good for you getting a full refund!! Good move on RS's part.

RS has reviews by participants (unless, of course, it is a first-time trip). The other thing to watch is the activity level. We have been on 3 RS trips and 2 were excellent.

[sweetana3]

This was my 15th RS trip. All are generally excellent. We are going to Florida with them in Dec. and we returned a month or so ago from Pittsburgh. So they know we do like the company and are not just special snowflakes expecting a lot for a little money. But bad has to be called out with specific examples.

I like the detail that is on the website. I have not selected certain trips because of a lack of activity or too many hotel meals.

[frugal-one]

What a day!!! Set the alarm to go to exercise, came home and quickly got dressed to go to a meeting. Got about 3 miles from home and the road was closed so had to find an alternate route. Got to the meeting place and no one is there. Jeez...the meeting is next week. So, go back to my car and find that I was parked in a yellow zone near a fire hydrant that is located right across the street from the police station. Thankfully, I did not get a ticket. The other positive was that the meeting was to be held at the library had a book sale going on and I found the book I was going to order today online ... cost $0.50!

[Tradd]

One customer is so over the top.

They had told me earlier in the week that if 3 containers on the same train were all available at the same time, they wanted the containers delivered in a certain order. I updated them this morning on top of the email they sent that gave the specific order. I wrote “All containers are now available. Trucker advised of delivery priority you requested below.”

Owner of the company called chewing me out that I did not say “X container will be delivered first, then Y container, then Z container.”

You are so freaking stupid that everything has to be spelled out for you? Fine, now you will be treated as someone who cannot read, cannot string a f’ing coherent sentence together, and are essentially in-freaking-capable of not getting through daily life.

And when they bitch about X not being done, I would love to tell them, well, since you need everything spelled out in your emails, repeating what you had told me, it’s taking time away from other things.

Idiots. I hope a bus hits you! Or even better, one of your containers!

[SteveinMN]

Owner of the company called chewing me out that I did not say “X container will be delivered first, then Y container, then Z container.” Makes you wonder how some companies stay in business... Of course, in this case that is not a given.

[CathyA]

I wish I had the right to pull people over who are texting on their phones while driving........you know........like Gomer Pyle's "Citizen's Arrest!!".

[Lainey]

I had a moment like Steve's in trying to find where I needed to be. Pet peeve about signage, yet again.
The city had a collection drive for basic supplies for a charity shelter. Great, I gathered up a whole basket of items and drive in rush hour to the park where the drop-off is. But this particular park is huge - like city blocks huge - and is fenced and gated. Are there signs? No.

I'm circling the park and finally found a side entrance, but still no signage. I see off in the distance a colored pop-up tent with a few people there, and a few police officers nearby, and make my way there. They are all smiling, talking to each other, and they notice my car approaching and take my donation. They thanked me and were very appreciative, but I realized driving away that I should have asked them again to post someone, or post a sign, at the entrances so we could find them. Oh well, next year.

p.s. I've participated and even organized some of these events myself so I'm considering volunteering my expertise again sometime for some of these types of events. Gotta cover the basics, people, including advertising and fool-proof signage.

[Yppej]

I got the judge to dismiss me from the case where I had shysters representing me. It was 7 lawyers and little old me and they convinced him to put a gag order on me so I can't discuss how they were ripping off the plaintiffs in the case. I am relieved to be done with it, but what a waste of time and some costs, including gas and parking today. The judge would not listen to anything I wanted to say about attorney misconduct because he said it is subject to attorney client privilege. The whole system is set up by lawyers to benefit lawyers. Earlier I had tried to fire my attorneys and I couldn't do it without missing work.

I did ensure they were also withdrawn as representing me.

It remains to be seen if my complaint to the Office of Bar Counsel goes anywhere. Luckily I filed it before the gag order went into effect.

Lawyers on both sides were almost slapping each other's backs, and clearly happy they got the deal screwing the little people out of their settlement money done. You would think they were best buddies and not opposing counsel.

[Teacher Terry]

Y, that’s really terrible!

[Yppej]

Thanks for the sympathy TT. It has left me drained, but with that not hanging over my head I will be free to pursue a job closer to home. Two recruiters called me regarding permanent jobs recently but I didn't want to start someplace new and have to take off time for a trial during my probationary period.

[Teacher Terry]

I really hope you can find a job you like closer. A long commute is so draining.

[Tradd]

Same customer I ranted about a few days ago.

When containers are off the train, we are sent the pickup number and last free day (you get 2 days before containers begin accruing storage charges of at least $100/day).

Customer was complaining that containers were off the train overnight, pickup numbers sent to trucker when I arrived in office at 8 am, and that containers weren’t delivered before noon. I told him pickup numbers are sent to the forwarder/broker, not the trucker. I asked him if he expected me to check work email in the middle of the night on the off chance pickup numbers might come through, and then send to trucker, who gets into office at 7am. He sort of sputtered. I told him that as I am not a supervisor or manager I do not have access to any work email when not in the office and if he expected manager/supervisor to watch for the emails in the middle of the night. He spluttered some more and finally dropped it.

[iris lilies]

Jeppy, what a load of crap you have had thrown at you! Sorry about it all.

[Yppej]

Thanks IL. My son tried to cheer me up with Mega Millions tickets but I didn't win anything. However, I appreciated the gesture.

[Teacher Terry]

That was sweet of your son.

[Yppej]

Busybodies. I emptied my groceries into my trunk and left my cart near where I parked, not blocking any of the parking spaces. I did not return it to where other carts are. This is one the few chains to hire 14 and 15 year olds to round up carts, and these jobs are highly sought after.

Busybody sees me to this and honks her horn at least 15 times at me before she gets out and moves the cart herself. Really?

[Alan]

Busybodies. I emptied my groceries into my trunk and left my cart near where I parked, not blocking any of the parking spaces. I did not return it to where other carts are. This is one the few chains to hire 14 and 15 year olds to round up carts, and these jobs are highly sought after.

Busybody sees me to this and honks her horn at least 15 times at me before she gets out and moves the cart herself. Really?Uncorralled carts have a tendency to become missiles in a slight breeze. One did $600 damage to my wife's car last year.

[Teacher Terry]

I always return my carts for that very reason.

[iris lilies]

Just shaking my head here.

Missouri Botanical Gardens, where we have numerous plant society meetings and events, is now charging a penalty to groups that use their facility if their members do not sort their trash according to their Byzantine, unfathomable rules.

You have no idea how many times over the past three years my intelligent and educated colleagues have stood over the three trash bins, arguing about what is “compostable” and what must go into recycling. Landfill, we pretty much know it when we see it. Last Sunday I walked away from another interminable arguement from two people who had recently undergone training from MOBOT staff about the trash sorting.

When you make this stuff so complex, it wont happen the way you want it to. I am in favor of simply taking our trash bags home with us. One plant society is buying special “plant based material” plates, cups, eating utensils. Ok, fine, whatever, lets thow more money st this.

MOBOT is the same organization that requires we cover all tables when we have shows and sales. That is fine for shows because we want things to look nice and we have bed sheeting to cover about a dozen tables. We use it year after year.

But when it comes to sales, we don’t need that show factor and we use many more tables. MoBot’s tables are black plastic and would not be damaged if we did not cover them.


But still we comply with their rules and roll out yards and yards of plastic table coverings, most which get torn and must be thrown away. So wasteful, so non-earth friendly.

[Teacher Terry]

IL, I like your simple solution:))

[frugalone]

I just called a junk hauler to see what their rates are. The guy said to call his daughter and gave me her phone number.

Ten minutes later (and I'm at work), the daughter calls me. I told her I can't talk now.

Why do people do this??

And of course they tried to tell me what a ripoff dumpsters are and how their service is better.

[mschrisgo2]

Major frustration here... with online shopping. Things come via FedEx but have to be returned (if necessary) via USPS, which necessitates printing a label and taking it to the post office. ARG!!!

Things that come via UPS have to be return through a "real UPS store" so they can scan the label off my phone. This is a change from printing a label at home and dropping the package off at the neighborhood Staples, which also has a shipping counter.

Ordered clothes for myself from JCPenney, out of 14 items not a single one was the same quality as those I had bought in the store!! All had the same exact item numbers. (Winter) Shirts were like tissue paper and see thru, pants were a totally different cut, waistband, and fabric. Bras were different fabric and elastic. "Fleece sweatshirt" was so light weight it also was see thru!! Those I got to return in the store, only had to wait in line 20 minutes....

[sweetana3]

Neighbor who tries to cut down a tree higher than his house with a chain saw and takes out the electricity to his next door neighbor and causes electrical chaos for the other neighbors. I thought a bomb had gone off (I live on the other side) and all my appliances and alarms went off. His neighbor was not at home and we all hope a smoldering fire was not started.

So wrong on so many levels. He lives on a tiny urban lot and the tree was obviously almost dead. All kinds of lines around this house. The neighbor's house and both garages were less than 15 feet away from the tree and there is a wood privacy fence between the two houses. He had no clue that even one branch could do a lot of damage.

[SteveinMN]

Neighbor was lucky he didn't bring the tree down on himself...

[Float On]

I always return my carts for that very reason.

Me too. 4 new to me cars in a row were damaged by carts within the first 3 trips to the grocery store. I've become pretty good at surveying a lot and picking the highest spot in the headwinds.

[Float On]

Neighbor who tries to cut down a tree higher than his house with a chain saw and takes out the electricity to his next door neighbor and causes electrical chaos for the other neighbors. I thought a bomb had gone off (I live on the other side) and all my appliances and alarms went off. His neighbor was not at home and we all hope a smoldering fire was not started.

So wrong on so many levels. He lives on a tiny urban lot and the tree was obviously almost dead. All kinds of lines around this house. The neighbor's house and both garages were less than 15 feet away from the tree and there is a wood privacy fence between the two houses. He had no clue that even one branch could do a lot of damage.

That is just so many kinds of stupid! And yeah, like Steve said its a wonder he didn't kill himself. That's why tree removal services are so expensive though that guy is now going to wish he'd called a service.

[sweetana3]

My husband said I should not call him stupid but after several things he has done, I am beginning to wonder. I am glad there is a small alley between our houses. It is sad they bought this little historic house. They told us they were going to flip it but they are not taking care of it.

[razz]

Toilet paper!!!! Is there any toilet paper worth buying anymore. It looks bulky but disappears as soon as a drop of moisture touches it. Does anyone have any recommendations for a toilet paper where you don't have to use about a foot of it each time. I am struggling with the Kirkland version this time.

[Float On]

Toilet paper!!!! Is there any toilet paper worth buying anymore. It looks bulky but disappears as soon as a drop of moisture touches it. Does anyone have any recommendations for a toilet paper where you don't have to use about a foot of it each time. I am struggling with the Kirkland version this time.

I've never been given the opportunity to test anything other than Scott (well, for home use). That's the only brand my husband will buy. He takes his own roll of toilet paper with him - to work, on trips, to my/his parents homes. It's weird but I guess he likes what he likes.

[iris lilies]

No sooner did I wonder aloud here when we would have Swiss relatives dropping in, we got a call from m our Twin Cities relatives saying that the Swiss contingemt would lilkely be paying a visit the following week. The Swiss relatives come to the U.S. to view ice hockey games so their itinerary centers around the winter hockey schedule.

But this rant could also be a rave because DH said he would host them at our
Hermann house where minimal cleaning is necessary. It aint fancy there but it is not disgustingly dirty and smelly, either like it is here.

I cleaned the bathroom and floors a few days ago in Hermann. DH can decide who sleeps where and he can change sheets. Our Hermann house has three bedrooms equipped with beds, more than our house here in the city.

[Teacher Terry]

They know that they are coming so why not give you a months notice. I would require it to provide accommodations. Why not get a monthly cleaner so you can stay on top of things?

[catherine]

Toilet paper!!!! Is there any toilet paper worth buying anymore. It looks bulky but disappears as soon as a drop of moisture touches it. Does anyone have any recommendations for a toilet paper where you don't have to use about a foot of it each time. I am struggling with the Kirkland version this time.

I am especially fond of Who Gives A Crap (https://au.whogivesacrap.org) toilet paper. It's sturdy but soft and 10% of the profits go to sanitation in third world countries. I buy about 50 rolls at a time and it lasts me a few months.

[iris lilies]

They know that they are coming so why not give you a months notice. I would require it to provide accommodations. Why not get a monthly cleaner so you can stay on top of things?
No housekeeper can fix the problem of carpets that need to be replaced. I wont replace carpet until cat dies.

[Teacher Terry]

IL: we have had dogs with those issues before. One reason we have no carpet. Just hardwood and vinyl pergo for easy cleanup.

[iris lilies]

Rant: I went around Hermann yesterday looking for Christmas cards. Ideally, I wanted Christmas cards that featured Hermann scenes as this is a picturesque little town.

I visited three stores, all of them little touristy stores full of crap you don’t need. They all had exactly the same kind of cards: pop up cards made in China. Nothing with local scenes, and not even any Victorian type village-in-the-snow scenes.


One store did have all packs of cards that were line drawings of a few historic buildings. So I bought two packs of those, colored in some green and red sections, drew a wreath, and called it done. But this is a needed business opportunity, Christmas cards featuring Hermann. My own neighborhood has two artists who furnish our local stores with local images on cards for Christmas

The reason I am seeking about 35 cards is it I have decided to send Christmas cards to everyone on the blocks I cover as a block captain. I want to send a holiday greeting to everyone, and Christmas cards seems a little bit nicer than my usual email messages.

[Teacher Terry]

I wonder if most people are still sending cards. I quit about 15 years ago.

[SteveinMN]

I wonder if most people are still sending cards. I quit about 15 years ago.
Actually, they are. And, contrary to the widespread perception that millennials are mired in debt and glued to their portable devices and "killing" industries left and right as a result, greeting cards are not one of the losers (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/12/family-christmas-cards/578506/).

IL, I rarely see the local cards in the touristy stores. The other day I found a card with local scenes at a local supermarket; that's the kind of card I expect to find at an independent store that's known for reselling "makers" products (locally-made clothing, handicrafts like cutting boards and trivets, local artisan food, etc.).

Or ... you yourself could take a picture of Hermann that you like, make three dozen prints of it, and mount each print to a blank card. Too late for this year, I know, and you might have to go mail-order for the card blanks, but I've sold sets of note cards for fundraisers doing this. It works. Maybe not quite as cheap as mass-produced cards, but not much more expensive and you get exactly what you want.

[iris lilies]

I wonder if most people are still sending cards. I quit about 15 years ago.
Well, some marketer thinks they are sending pop up cards.

We received around a dozen. We are also getting cards for the people who lived in our Hermann house before we did. Fortunately it is easy (tho probably illegal) for me to drop them off at the public library in Hermann. That is where the mom of the family works.

I dont normally send out xmas cards but this year it is about communication with my blocks. I also wrote messages, signed my name, stuffed and mailed around 350 xmas cards last month for Bulldog Rescue.

For someone who doesnt send out xmas cards, I sent out a lot of xmas cards. Haha.

[ToomuchStuff]

Rant: I went around Hermann yesterday looking for Christmas cards. Ideally, I wanted Christmas cards that featured Hermann scenes as this is a picturesque little town.

I visited three stores, all of them little touristy stores full of crap you don’t need. They all had exactly the same kind of cards: pop up cards made in China. Nothing with local scenes, and not even any Victorian type village-in-the-snow scenes.


One store did have all packs of cards that were line drawings of a few historic buildings. So I bought two packs of those, colored in some green and red sections, drew a wreath, and called it done. But this is a needed business opportunity, Christmas cards featuring Hermann. My own neighborhood has two artists who furnish our local stores with local images on cards for Christmas

The reason I am seeking about 35 cards is it I have decided to send Christmas cards to everyone on the blocks I cover as a block captain. I want to send a holiday greeting to everyone, and Christmas cards seems a little bit nicer than my usual email messages.

There are licensing issues with this. I have a friend who is in charge of her late fathers house that is on the national historic registry and they have a deal with Hallmark cards. Two years ago, she found out Hallmark had taken and made new products and hadn't done what they are required to do, that was quickly straightened out.
Dana Forrester, an artist I know, also has to acquire rights, since so many of his images contain locations.

[iris lilies]

There are licensing issues with this. I have a friend who is in charge of her late fathers house that is on the national historic registry and they have a deal with Hallmark cards. Two years ago, she found out Hallmark had taken and made new products and hadn't done what they are required to do, that was quickly straightened out.
Dana Forrester, an artist I know, also has to acquire rights, since so many of his images contain locations.

I didnt violate any copyright laws because I purchased the cards. Copyright law allows me to use those products then as I wish. The restrictions are in reproducing the images.

If you are talking about trademark, that doesnt apply here.

[razz]

A friend does beautiful line drawings of local scenes. They are very accurate and pricey. I must ask him if he has ever considered making cards out of them for the reasons that you just mentioned.

[ToomuchStuff]

I didnt violate any copyright laws because I purchased the cards. Copyright law allows me to use those products then as I wish. The restrictions are in reproducing the images.

If you are talking about trademark, that doesnt apply here.

The laws I am talking about, deal with the image taker that uses the image in a for profit venture; not the buyer.

[iris lilies]

The laws I am talking about, deal with the image taker that uses the image in a for profit venture; not the buyer.

Dude, its either copyright or trademark you are talking about, and copyright is limited to artistic expressions that are in a fixed form. If anyone owns the copyright to your friend’s house it would be the original architect who fixed plans on paper. . But maybe you are talking about a photo or drawing she made of the house?

If not,

Perhaps your friend has some kind of contract wih Hallmark that works with a trademark, but it also could be an agreement outside of copyright/trademark laws. Just a contract between the two parties.

Speaking of this, many months ago and artist contacted me saying that she had made a drawing of my house and asked if I interested in buying it. I guessed from this that she was genning up business and that if I said yes I’m interested in that art piece, she would quickly do a drawing of it. Since I can draw my own house if I put my mind to it, I am not interested.

[Lainey]

First rant of 2019, but, I finally saw up close a fast food worker get hollered at by a customer. Customer is male, 50ish, and having a fit because he said they got his order wrong. Worker apologized and said the sandwich he wanted would be x amount extra since he was charged for a cheaper sandwich. He complained loudly that since it was their fault he should have gotten the sandwich for free. She explained again she'd have to charge the difference, and this is where he blew up and leaned far over the counter and pointed a finger in her face that he knew the owner and would make a personal complaint to him, etc. Then he stormed out keeping the food they'd given him.
At this point the worker went to the back and when she came up front a few minutes later I heard the shift lead tell her that she handled that very well (meaning she tolerated having this clown go nuts on her).

Another data point: it was during a very busy lunch rush, but all of the counter staff I saw were very polite and most importantly, were reading back the orders to each person. So it's possible the order was given wrong, the order was misunderstood, or the workers mixed it up.

Despite that, my rant is: When did it become okay to go berserk over a sandwich mistake??

I've been reading online about how fast food workers say that baby boomers are the ones most likely to do this. I've never personally done anything like this, but I'm ashamed for being in that cohort that is likely to have these blow-ups. No wonder no one wants to be a service worker if this is just a typical day at a minimum wage job.

[Gardnr]

Despite that, my rant is: When did it become okay to go berserk over a sandwich mistake??

Our President has given everyone permission to be rude, racist and profane. Don't get what you want? Go berserk!

[catherine]

First rant of 2019, but, I finally saw up close a fast food worker get hollered at by a customer. Customer is male, 50ish, and having a fit because he said they got his order wrong. Worker apologized and said the sandwich he wanted would be x amount extra since he was charged for a cheaper sandwich. He complained loudly that since it was their fault he should have gotten the sandwich for free. She explained again she'd have to charge the difference, and this is where he blew up and leaned far over the counter and pointed a finger in her face that he knew the owner and would make a personal complaint to him, etc. Then he stormed out keeping the food they'd given him.
At this point the worker went to the back and when she came up front a few minutes later I heard the shift lead tell her that she handled that very well (meaning she tolerated having this clown go nuts on her).

Another data point: it was during a very busy lunch rush, but all of the counter staff I saw were very polite and most importantly, were reading back the orders to each person. So it's possible the order was given wrong, the order was misunderstood, or the workers mixed it up.

Despite that, my rant is: When did it become okay to go berserk over a sandwich mistake??

I've been reading online about how fast food workers say that baby boomers are the ones most likely to do this. I've never personally done anything like this, but I'm ashamed for being in that cohort that is likely to have these blow-ups. No wonder no one wants to be a service worker if this is just a typical day at a minimum wage job.

Your rant makes me think of one of my son's stories:

My son works in the restaurant industry. He's a server in a casual restaurant. One time he had to cut bread as a side job just before getting a table. He forgot to brush himself off. He went up to the table and and introduced himself, and in response to his polite introduction, the customer (who was with a friend) said to him, "You're disgusting!" My son said, "Excuse me?" She replied, "You're FILTHY!" He looked down and saw he had forgotten to brush crumbs off his black pants.

He said, politely, "I'm sorry, ma'am, if you would like I could get you a different server." She declined. His coworkers heard the exchange and all offered to take the table, but. my son said, "No, I can handle this." I have no idea what transpired over the course of that service with that customer, but when she left, she left him a $130 tip on an $80 bill. I was really proud that he took up the challenge to return hostility with kindness. BUT we had the same question: what makes people so MEAN????

Civility is out the window, and I agree--we baby boomers can sometimes act like a bunch of entitled children.

[Teacher Terry]

I have never been mean to a fast food worker. I did that job in high school and it’s not fun.

[razz]

Having been a waitress, I know what you mean, TT.

[Gardnr]

I have never been mean to a fast food worker. I did that job in high school and it’s not fun.

I must have lucked out. I worked fast food for 3y in HS and I had a great time! Maybe because it was a small town?

[Teacher Terry]

I had a middle aged man get mad because it shake was too thick. I warned him when he ordered it he couldn’t use a straw it was so thick. He still wanted it. Then he got furious and flung some of it at me with his straw and it got all over my smock. It was next to a bar and drunks would come to eat sometimes puking in the lobby or peeing their pants. A district manager liked to grap asses and I had to talk a old drunk out of raping me when I was cleaning the bathroom. Good times >:(

[iris lilies]

Well this is gross: i discovered I was brushing my teeth with the toothbrush I use for cleaning kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

since I have apparently been doing this for a couple of weeks, it didnt kill me. I am not dead.

[Yppej]

The hygiene hypothesis is proven again!

[Teacher Terry]

Buy a electric toothbrush for your teeth:))

[catherine]

Well this is gross: i discovered I was brushing my teeth with the toothbrush I use for cleaning kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

since I have apparently been doing this for a couple of weeks, it didnt kill me. I am not dead.

Are your teeth any whiter?

[Geila]

Your rant makes me think of one of my son's stories:

My son works in the restaurant industry. He's a server in a casual restaurant. One time he had to cut bread as a side job just before getting a table. He forgot to brush himself off. He went up to the table and and introduced himself, and in response to his polite introduction, the customer (who was with a friend) said to him, "You're disgusting!" My son said, "Excuse me?" She replied, "You're FILTHY!" He looked down and saw he had forgotten to brush crumbs off his black pants.

He said, politely, "I'm sorry, ma'am, if you would like I could get you a different server." She declined. His coworkers heard the exchange and all offered to take the table, but. my son said, "No, I can handle this." I have no idea what transpired over the course of that service with that customer, but when she left, she left him a $130 tip on an $80 bill. I was really proud that he took up the challenge to return hostility with kindness. BUT we had the same question: what makes people so MEAN????

Civility is out the window, and I agree--we baby boomers can sometimes act like a bunch of entitled children.

She left him a $130 tip? Did his kindness cause her generosity and kindness in return?

[catherine]

She left him a $130 tip? Did his kindness cause her generosity and kindness in return?

He doesn't know for sure why she did it.. I'd love to have a chance to ask her myself, but I'm assuming his kindness/professional approach to her initial negative comments had something to do with it.

[iris lilies]

My teeth are not whiter. I dont believe in the germ theory anyway, :~) so all is well.

[silly moo]

First rant of 2019, but, I finally saw up close a fast food worker get hollered at by a customer. Customer is male, 50ish, and having a fit because he said they got his order wrong. Worker apologized and said the sandwich he wanted would be x amount extra since he was charged for a cheaper sandwich. He complained loudly that since it was their fault he should have gotten the sandwich for free. She explained again she'd have to charge the difference, and this is where he blew up and leaned far over the counter and pointed a finger in her face that he knew the owner and would make a personal complaint to him, etc. Then he stormed out keeping the food they'd given him.
At this point the worker went to the back and when she came up front a few minutes later I heard the shift lead tell her that she handled that very well (meaning she tolerated having this clown go nuts on her).

Another data point: it was during a very busy lunch rush, but all of the counter staff I saw were very polite and most importantly, were reading back the orders to each person. So it's possible the order was given wrong, the order was misunderstood, or the workers mixed it up.

Despite that, my rant is: When did it become okay to go berserk over a sandwich mistake??

I've been reading online about how fast food workers say that baby boomers are the ones most likely to do this. I've never personally done anything like this, but I'm ashamed for being in that cohort that is likely to have these blow-ups. No wonder no one wants to be a service worker if this is just a typical day at a minimum wage job.

As someone that has been on both sides of this sort of problem, I can relate. As a line cook and server, I have read back many orders precisely and then the customer says that it isn't what they wanted or had ordered something completely different. Then the tirade begins. More than likely, they are stressed about something else and usually call or come back later to apologize. I have also gave my order several times, only to have the person screw it up. That sort of thing drives me nuts because there really isn't a reason why a properly trained employee would do such a thing unless they are overwhelmed or just don't care about their job. It is possible that what you saw was the fifth time that guy came for lunch and had his order made wrong. I have stopped using our local McD's drive thu because I can't count how many times they have read the order back to me and it wasn't what I said at all. Or he could have just been trying to con them out of $1 by ordering a cheaper sandwich and then having them remake it. I would believe anything at this point.

My rant for the day is our local hawk. I still haven't figured out what type of hawk it is, but it tears birds apart in my back yard and leaves feathers everywhere, and has a nasty habit of flying into our windows. I'm starting to think that it does this on purpose to scare the daylights out of me. I know it needs to eat, but NIMBY! And it tried grabbing my favorite squirrel out of my front yard today and I went running out there with no shoes, no coat, no bra, and my hair not brushed yet waving my arms around and yelling to scare it away. In the ice and snow, no less. I hope my neighbors didn't see me.

[Lainey]

silly moo,
We had the same thing happen to us with a hawk. It swooped down and got a dove in our backyard. What I didn't know is that hawks don't usually kill their prey right away, and we watched this poor dove get eaten while it was still twitching and flapping. Wild Kingdom stuff, but I wish I didn't see it.

[Teacher Terry]

Hawks are the reason I go outside with my little dogs. Luckily our yard doesn’t have much swooping room because of the trees.

[iris lilies]

Our neighbor lost her parrot to a hwak. Awful.

[iris lilies]

this is is a pretty damn big deal:

I have had a cold for 3+ weeks and I cannot abide the taste of red wine.

I have moved into the single malt Scotch world and it is interesting, the drink of my forefathers.

[SteveinMN]

I have moved into the single malt Scotch world
My adult beverage of choice! Laphroaig, please.

My sympathies on the Cold That Will Not Leave. DW and I have been sharing one over the past two weeks. Bummer to think I have another week or so to go....

[Lainey]

Another person here with a cold. I was congratulating myself for not getting one while everyone around me got it, and yep, as of Sunday night I've joined the club. Fortunately it's a basic cold and should run its course by Friday. In the meantime, I'm not able to enjoy the 72 degree temps here, darn it.

[Yppej]

The office bully, who went to complain to the boss about me today. He said he wanted to hear both sides of the story and I had over a dozen examples of her bad behavior towards me. Last week someone else complained that I wouldn"t fix her mistake and he made her fix it. It gets old real fast having people wander around the office all day gossiping and complaining about me while I work.

A recruiter is working with me on a potential job elsewhere. Fingers crossed!

[Teacher Terry]

Y, good luck on the job search!

[SiouzQ.]

The bad news: I am close to $3000 in medical bill debt (two recent surgeries and Occupational Therapy for wrist). The good news is all are on payment plans of around $120 per month.

I just HATE being in debt though, any kind of debt...

[Lainey]

Sorry about that medical debt, SiouxQ. It's one of my fears in retirement that my little nest egg would be quickly gobbled up by out of pocket medical needs.
I don't know about NM, but here in AZ you can claim some of that on your taxes, so maybe that will help reduce the financial sting?

[SiouzQ.]

I don't itemize, so that never works. I should correct my amounts that I stated above: one bill is $100 per month, and the newest one is $131, destined to go higher when the bills from the two emergency room visits come in. Well, I have certainly hit my $750 deductible early in the plan year...

I am grateful for the no-interest payment plans.

[JaneV2.0]

I was expecting an order from Amazon. USPS couldn't deliver it, likely due to snow accumulation, though the auto-response was something like "We couldn't get into your building." That was fine. Amazon provided a number to call, which of course was a phone tree. (Is it necessary to say that I hate those things?) It asks for a tracking number, which I have right in front of me. Robo recites it back to me. Yep, that's it. "We have no record of that tracking number. If you like, you can talk to an operator; the wait will be 37 to 55 minutes. Please hold." First world problems...

[iris lilies]

Jane, I was expecting a shipment of a small gold ring which is a tiny package and high price, very unusual for me so I watched the Fed ex tracking data and it was ridiculous how UNHELPFUL that was.

they had my package in the local facility for two days. I tried the Robo call center and Robo girl could not understand my pronunciation of tracking number even though my accent is mid western and nothing odd or weird. Finally, a guy in India confirmed that my package was sitting in the Fed ex office less than half a mile from my house.


Because we have package thieves, and because I do not trust for a moment that the Fed ex guy will actually knock on my door to get a signature because They have a history of not doing that, I just wanted to go pick it up at the FedEx office. When I got there the nice young lady behind the desk wasn’t sure she could find it because it wasn’t Specifically ready to pick up. But bless her heart she did find it!

so much stupidity. FedEx invited me to leave a review of my online experience but I declined because they are idiots and why should I give them more of my time. Normally I just buy expensive items at the store so I don’t have to worry about delivery in our theft ridden neighborhood.

[JaneV2.0]

We have had the occasional mail theft, so I rented a PO box. Sign of the times, I suppose.
I have some faith I can get this delivery rescheduled, but it shouldn't have been a difficult process.
I'm glad the ring is safely in your possession!

[CathyA]

We were riding on the interstate at late dusk the other day, and there was a car without it's lights on. Then more recently, we had a pretty heavy fog here and I couldn't believe how many people were driving without their lights on. How hard is it to put your lights on??

[iris lilies]

More ranting: our idiot Circuit attorney has decided to not prosecute “crimes of poverty” so package thieves are pretty much free to roam and steal.This, coupled with her wasteful use of my tax dollars to go after our Governor for a non existent “crime” and her all out war with our local police department has me lining up my plans to move to Hermann sooner than later.

Really, in a city known for its crime, it is STUPID to take this course of action. But that is the fallout of Mike Brown’s incident in Ferguson. The only bright spot (evil laughter) is that the citizens in St. Louis County are getting the same treatment, a Ferguson Afficianado is heading up their Proscecuting Office and the good citizens of LAdue, Huntleigh, Kirskwood and other toney suburbs are getting the same treatement we get in the city: if you are white you are rich and you will not get services from the prosecutors office.

[Teacher Terry]

Not prosecuting those crimes is ridiculous. They don’t do that here.

[JaneV2.0]

I never thought I'd be the "law and order" type, but not prosecuting theft is unacceptable. Where does one draw the line? I think law enforcement is pretty dismissive of property crimes in general, though. Certainly repeat offenders should be identified and flagged; doorbell cameras should help with that.

I wouldn't voluntarily live in a high-crime area; I don't have what it takes to be on guard all the time.

[silly moo]

More ranting: our idiot Circuit attorney has decided to not prosecute “crimes of poverty” so package thieves are pretty much free to roam and steal.This, coupled with her wasteful use of my tax dollars to go after our Governor for a non existent “crime” and her all out war with our local police department has me lining up my plans to move to Hermann sooner than later.

Really, in a city known for its crime, it is STUPID to take this course of action. But that is the fallout of Mike Brown’s incident in Ferguson. The only bright spot (evil laughter) is that the citizens in St. Louis County are getting the same treatment, a Ferguson Afficianado is heading up their Proscecuting Office and the good citizens of LAdue, Huntleigh, Kirskwood and other toney suburbs are getting the same treatement we get in the city: if you are white you are rich and you will not get services from the prosecutors office.


This is outrageous. It is a crime of opportunity, not poverty. It isn't like they are stealing my medication to treat their children. They are stealing junk from Amazon to resell on Ebay. I am willing to bet that a lot of them are doing it just for the thrill of it.

[sweetana3]

My brother has told me Alaska reduced the penalties of property crime and the rate skyrocketed, especially car theft. Now I find this strange because there are only about 2 roads out of the city or state. He says cars are mostly stolen to use in other crimes and trashed or dumped.

He now belongs to a "vigilante" group to track down stolen cars. Told him that I find this a dangerous activity but he is retired and does not listen well.

[iris lilies]

To be fair, prosecution of crimes is and always has been subject to the political pressures of the moment. There are not enough resources to catch and prosecute all law breakers. We all of us, everyday, break a law no doubt, well, many of us often. How often have you sped in your car? And etc.

What is new with this City Prosecutor is her stated path to cut down the credibility of our police and her coziness with what social workers would call “ the underclass” in flipping the finger at “rich”people. Her long game hurts the city. Let’s see how that works for her.

[Teacher Terry]

Well this social worker finds the whole approach stupid.

[catherine]

Well this social worker finds the whole approach stupid.

So does this Democratic Socialist.

[SiouzQ.]

Bag-less Vacuums. I hate them. I get filthy just trying to empty the plastic box that traps all the desert dust and clods of hair and fiber-y things. It goes without saying you HAVE to empty it outside; I try to empty it into an old grocery sack but the dust still poofs out and up into my face, and I have to use long tweezers to tease out the clumps fibers. Am I missing something? How were bag-less vacuums supposed to be a great inovation?

[sweetana3]

A lot of people complain about the bagless machines according to the vacuum shop we went to so we stayed with a machine that has a bag. Husband got the commercial Oreck from Amazon. It is amazing. Lays flat to get under the bed, very strong and has a commercial cord with extension cord. No bells and whistles just an 8 pound powerful machine.

We have a portable bagless and I also think it is messy and dusty to empty.

[Yppej]

I usually have my tax refund within 3 weeks. Now it is a month and nothing. (I file by paper.) Stupid government shutdown still affecting people!

[happystuff]

Other side of the coin here - bagless vacuums - love them! Used to fight to get bags changed out when they were full, let alone the cost of bags and simply just trying to find the right bag! I have no trouble emptying my canister. It gets dumped right into the garbage can and the filter gets banged a few times to get the dust free. Easy-peasy - done!

[catherine]

On the bagged vs bagless vacuum debate, I LOVE my vacuum cleaner (Miele), but the bags are ridiculously expensive. (Roughly $4 each--but they're made of a material that reminds me of a cloth diaper). So I wind up sweeping before I vacuum so I can make the bags last longer. I've tried Amy Daczycyn's (sp?) trick of manually emptying the bag into the garbage and then re-using, but it doesn't work that well with this bag.

So, in general, I like vacuums with bags, but I suppose you could say that bagless ones have the advantage of being cheaper in the long run and also better for the environment.

[Lainey]

Not sure if this is really a rant, but I went out to my side yard yesterday to get the trash cans to put out to the curb. Was a little horrified to find some remains of what I think is either a cat or a bunny. There's also some white scat nearby, so I'm guessing a coyote may have gotten over the fence and got this little creature.
I know it's just nature's way, but I'm a little surprised that it happened right outside my garage and I didn't hear a thing.

[SiouzQ.]

Regarding vacuums: I think the dirt and scuzz I have to vacuum up here in the high desert is particularly nasty. It's not like when I lived in surburbia where there are lawns and lots of concrete!

[frugal-one]

People who think they are IMPORTANT. I told a gal today that she did not need to talk down to me that I was capable of figuring it out for myself. Hope that put her in her place!!! Then called the library and asked for something I have asked for before and was told it could not be done. BUT she would do it for me this time. Told her that did not make sense. Sheesh what a bee...itch. Will ask to speak to someone else in the future. What is with these people?

[iris lilies]

Regarding vacuums: I think the dirt and scuzz I have to vacuum up here in the high desert is particularly nasty. It's not like when I lived in surburbia where there are lawns and lots of concrete!
New Mexico is dirty. All of that blowing desert stuff and not a lot of precipitation to keep it down.

[iris lilies]

My rant today is about business envelopes. I guess it is no longer possible to buy business size envelopes with sticky closure that requires wetting. They all have some kind of peel-off-sticky backing.

Why do I hate that? Because it creates another task I have to do. After closing the envelope I have to crumple up the backing and walk it over to the trash. I do not need to do this and the landfill doesn’t need it.

I do not like modern life. Bring back lick envelopes!

[catherine]

My rant today is about business envelopes. I guess it is no longer possible to buy business size envelopes with sticky closure that requires wetting. They all have some kind of peel-off-sticky backing.

Why do I hate that? Because it creates another task I have to do. After closing the envelope I have to crumple up the backing and walk it over to the trash. I do not need to do this and the landfill doesn’t need it.

I do not like modern life. Bring back lick envelopes!

Hey, I have lick-y envelopes! I just used 3 this week to mail stuff. How much are they worth to you? For the right price I'll send you mine ;)

[iris lilies]

Hey, I have lick-y envelopes! I just used 3 this week to mail stuff. How much are they worth to you? For the right price I'll send you mine ;)

Haha. I dont know if one can still buy them.

I just inherited a large box of cheap, discolored ones from my friend (more on that “other people’s stuff” thread later) but I had to test them to see if the sticky part still works. It does, so at this point I probably have a two year supply. They are in colors which will be ok for most everything I send but they are very thin and cheap, dont like that.

[Float On]

My rant today is about business envelopes. I guess it is no longer possible to buy business size envelopes with sticky closure that requires wetting. They all have some kind of peel-off-sticky backing.

Why do I hate that? Because it creates another task I have to do. After closing the envelope I have to crumple up the backing and walk it over to the trash. I do not need to do this and the landfill doesn’t need it.

I do not like modern life. Bring back lick envelopes!

I just looked up gummed (sticky) business size on staples.com and they still offer them. Box of 500 is $18. A box of mead 50 gummed at walmart.com is $4.95. Side note, I hate when I have to send out all the tax letters for the church and I end up with a pile of strips from the envelopes under my desk that don't make it into the trashcan, then they all cling together then act like static cling when I pick them up to put in trash. Ugh. Maybe I'll order gummed ones this year along with a sponge. I don't like licking them...always get a papercut on my tongue or lip.

[iris lilies]

I just looked up gummed (sticky) business size on staples.com and they still offer them. Box of 500 is $18. A box of mead 50 gummed at walmart.com is $4.95. Side note, I hate when I have to send out all the tax letters for the church and I end up with a pile of strips from the envelopes under my desk that don't make it into the trashcan, then they all cling together then act like static cling when I pick them up to put in trash. Ugh. Maybe I'll order gummed ones this year along with a sponge. I don't like licking them...always get a papercut on my tongue or lip.

I Did not see gummed envelopes at Home Depot which is where I got my last supply. I do not go to Walmart, it is way too far away.

I prepare 350+ Christmas cards for my dog rescue organization. This reminds me that I should probably warn the Christmas card buyer not to ever get sticky back envelopes in a misguided effort to “help me “. I will resign from that job!

When I am ready to close up these 350 cards I sit down with a damp rag and swipe the envelope tips and all is well.

[catherine]

I just looked up gummed (sticky) business size on staples.com and they still offer them. Box of 500 is $18. A box of mead 50 gummed at walmart.com is $4.95. Side note, I hate when I have to send out all the tax letters for the church and I end up with a pile of strips from the envelopes under my desk that don't make it into the trashcan, then they all cling together then act like static cling when I pick them up to put in trash. Ugh. Maybe I'll order gummed ones this year along with a sponge. I don't like licking them...always get a papercut on my tongue or lip.

I did the same thing, but I question if "gummed" is lickable. If you zoom in on the envelope, it looks like there's a removable strip...

[iris lilies]

I did the same thing, but I question if "gummed" is lickable. If you zoom in on the envelope, it looks like there's a removable strip...
Well, I wondered about that. I did not order envelopes online because I didn’t know how to describe what I want.

[Float On]

Gummed Envelopes. A water soluble gum – the most common sealing method and always used for mailing envelopes. Moisten the layer of adhesive along the envelope flap and close.

That's the definition of Gummed Envelopes. The gum is usually a little darker so may look like a strip. By the way...I love instructions like that "moisten the adhesive and close"...sort of like the instructions for how to eat a pop tart! (Brian Regan).

[ToomuchStuff]

My rant today is about business envelopes. I guess it is no longer possible to buy business size envelopes with sticky closure that requires wetting. They all have some kind of peel-off-sticky backing.

Why do I hate that? Because it creates another task I have to do. After closing the envelope I have to crumple up the backing and walk it over to the trash. I do not need to do this and the landfill doesn’t need it.

I do not like modern life. Bring back lick envelopes!

Peel and stick envelopes are great for somethings, but normal #10 security envelopes gummed, work so much better for others. Hard to fit work deposits in peel and stick.
Any office supply store, Sam's, pretty sure Costco, etc. carry them. My last batches have been at Sam's club, Amazon (when Sam's was rearranging the store), and a damaged freight store.

[Lainey]

Have to rant about service worker employers. My older friend was just told last night that it is mandatory for her and all the other employees to work this Friday until 7 pm, all day Saturday, and Sunday 7 am to noon. They were told the reason is some kind of remodeling going on.
Luckily for her, the only plans she had for the weekend included us drinking some Guinness at the local Irish bar. But I'm wondering about her co-workers with kids, or school, or other duties or plans they had for the weekend?

I had thought these random mandatory scheduling changes had lessened with the tighter job market, but apparently not.
Another of the many reasons I'm feel fortunate that my time is not subject to the whims of an employer.

[Tradd]

My landlord needs to have some sense slapped into him. He was at the condo I rent today with a plumber fixing some of the tubing around the water heater. It’s in a little room off LR (furnace in there too). Floor was clear of everything. All scuba gear on the other side of the room. I come home to $50 in new posters and artwork (all shipwreck stuff I got at a shipwreck event in Ann Arbor a few weeks ago) that had been sitting on my sofa ruined because some asshat decided to put tools on top of my posters on the couch.

Landlord said it was my fault for having the posters on the couch. I told him dirty tools belong on the floor, NOT on my furniture. He said he didn’t even notice. Arsehole.

[Teacher Terry]

I hope you have recourse.

[catherine]

Landlord said it was my fault for having the posters on the couch.

What a ridiculous response. That sucks, Tradd.

[Tradd]

I got landlord to agree to me taking $50 off next rent payment. He told me to clear the sofa off next time. I told him that the stuff stays! No idiot, stupid worker should be putting dirty tools on my furniture. I told him exactly that.

Here’s something else I didn’t mention yesterday. He has a habit of doing work or a repair and leaving bits and pieces of crap, parts packaging, etc., on the floor, counter, etc. I told him to make sure the living room was cleaned up yesterday. He did vacuum and pick up. But the kitchen disposal had to be reinstalled in sink as it was apparently leaking a but, which I didn’t know. All the stuff that was in cupboard underneath sink was all over my kitchen floor, with small bits of something on the floor. Greasy paper towels were in the kitchen trash, stinking up my entire place. He cleaned up the LR, and left the kitchen a mess.

Last year he replaced the thermostat which is directly above a small bookcase with my icons on the top. He left all sorts of bit of paint chips, packaging, drywall dust directly on top of my icons. Boy, was I angry. If he bothers to tell me he’s going towork on X, then I would move stuff in the way, but he doesn’t so I end up having to clean my stuff off.

He wants to replace the furnace and the tile around the bathtub when I’m on vacation this summer. I don’t want the work done, even though, it needs to be done because I know I’ll come home from vacation to a mess and have to spend hours cleaning. He doesn’t get the what the problem is. I think I’m going to have to talk to his wife.

[iris lilies]

Tradd, your landlord should respect your stuff and be grateful that his tenant takes cleanliness seriously.

[Float On]

I think I’m going to have to talk to his wife. She'll probably just shake her head and say, "Tell me about it, I've been picking up after him for 42 years."
Kind of reminds me of Pigpen from Peanuts. There are just some people in life who create debris as they go.
2691

[Teacher Terry]

I would talk to his wife. Putting dirty tools on your couch is awful. I would probably just move.

[JaneV2.0]

Today as I was scanning and uploading a bunch of documents to an online entity, I wondered how I would cope if I were computer illiterate. I'm lucky to have a multi-function printer and enough savvy to stumble through, but what if I didn't? They grudgingly offered a fax option, but that would be nearly as bad--requiring gathering documents and trudging to an office supply or UPS store that had fax facilities. A third option was "Just snap pictures of the documents with your cell and email them."

Not for the first time, I felt sorry for befuddled people who can't easily negotiate today's electronic maze. Whatever happened to "Make copies and mail them to us?"

[SiouzQ.]

I just need to complain because I am feeling sorry for myself: I went to the surgeon (again) today and finally made her understand that I have a new problem cropping up that is causing a lot of pain and discomfort (see Health issues thread), I have a gazillion No-See-Um bites that I have scratched open (I couldn't help it, they itch SO BAD) from when I was in Florida last week and the juniper allergy I have now that I am back in NM is making me completely miserable. I swear I have used a whole box of Kleenex today. The antihistamines barely make a dent. And then it looks like I am going to get the titanium plate removed from my wrist/forearm now that the bone has grown back together from my surgery last fall. I can feel that the metal plate is making me uncomfortable; it's leaving me with a weird, stiff feeling in my forearm. And I am supposed to go get one of those repeat mammograms (the every six month one) because they are keeping an eye out on something they saw the last time. And I miss my daughter, a lot.

Just not a good day all around. I am hoping I will wake up in a better frame of mind tomorrow...
Thanks for listening.

[Teacher Terry]

So sorry sweetie.

[Yppej]

Sorry SQ. I hope your boyfriend and familiar surroundings can provide some comfort.

[iris lilies]

Aw SQ, things are tough for you now. i’m sorry.

[CathyA]

SQ......I'm thinking you should see a different type of doc, not a surgeon for this kind of problem. Internist? Allergist? Endocrinologist? Sorry to hear that your body continues to not cooperate. :(

[SiouzQ.]

Thanks everyone for your concern. I've been going back to the surgeon because those were all follow-up appointments from the surgery, but you're right. I need to find someone who is more of a specialist - it's hard in New Mexico, as my Molina plan has unbelievably not a single gastroenterologist on their provider list (yeah, have I mentioned finding healthcare in NM can be a hard prospect)? That means I will have to pay out-of-pocket to see anyone.

I feel a bit better today. I usually only allow myself the pity-pot for one day, then it's back to business-as-usual. I will keep myself busy today and continue to try all the things I have been taught to help alleviate the symptoms.

[JaneV2.0]

I was out in the front yard attempting to clean up debris from a recent storm with a DeWalt (reciprocating?) saw that essentially makes a loud noise and vibrates enough to shake my whole upper body without cutting anything. (Did I mention I hate yard work?) I managed to drag the limbs over to my compost bin and strip them of leaves. I suppose I will stash them in the garage for the time being. A condo looks better all the time.

And it's my SO's deathaversary, which just makes me sad/mad all over again. On top of that, there is nothing appealing to eat in the house. Maybe I'll rummage for freezer-burned Brussels Sprouts. Today is not a good day.

[herbgeek]

I'm sorry about your miserable day Jane. :(

[iris lilies]

Jane, sorry!

[JaneV2.0]

I'm not usually so cranky. I warmed up a carby casserole, which wasn't at all satisfying, but may put me in a mini-coma. Maybe I'll take a nap. Thanks for commiserating...

[CathyA]

Oh Jane, I didn't know your SO died. :( I'm sorry you're having a bad day. When my kids were young, there was a show (I think it was "Barney", and there was a little girl, Tina, who would say "Tina's having a bad day." So now, my kids and I always say "Tina's having a bad day", when our day is exceptionally bad. I'm sorry you're having a Tina day. Can you order delivery of something you really like? If I lived close, I'd bring you something! I hope the rest of your day goes better.

[CathyA]

Oh.....is it a dreary day there? I've found that the weather really affects my mood these days.

[JaneV2.0]

Oh.....is it a dreary day there? I've found that the weather really affects my mood these days.

No--it's a glorious day here--bright and sunny (which highlights every flaw in this cursed house...) with an occasional breezy gust--so I can't blame it on the weather.

[Teacher Terry]

Take a Uber to a restaurant or order in. Anniversaries are really difficult. Sounds like time to move to a condo.

[CathyA]

No--it's a glorious day here--bright and sunny (which highlights every flaw in this cursed house...) with an occasional breezy gust--so I can't blame it on the weather.

I know what you mean. It takes me weeks to get the house ready for company, and then I hope it's a very cloudy day when they come! If it's sunny, it's like you said.....every single flaw shows up.

[JaneV2.0]

I know what you mean. It takes me weeks to get the house ready for company, and then I hope it's a very cloudy day when they come! If it's sunny, it's like you said.....every single flaw shows up.

I can barely wait until it's someone else's albatross. This house deserves someone handy, which isn't moi. If only the moving process weren't so daunting...

Teacher Terry: I had leftovers. :( I'll get to the store tomorrow. I'll be fine.

[CathyA]

I don't know about you Jane, but almost everything concerning fixing our house feels daunting. I have lost so much energy in my older age. And like you, doing things to fix it are so daunting, it sort of paralyzes me. I can't believe I got so much done when I was younger and didn't think twice about it.

[JaneV2.0]

I don't know about you Jane, but almost everything concerning fixing our house feels daunting. I have lost so much energy in my older age. And like you, doing things to fix it are so daunting, it sort of paralyzes me. I can't believe I got so much done when I was younger and didn't think twice about it.

Exactly. Moving on my own didn't seem like such an impossibility when I was young and spry. I feel your paralysis.

[iris lilies]

I dont feel paralysis YET but I wanna get out of multiple-properties ownership before we reach that. I want DH to have his little acre to putter around in, in safe Hermann. I wont have to worry about him being beat up or mugged by ghetto youth over in our spare city properties.

He has a riding mower to mow the Herman acre. He has made huge progress on getting rid of our tiny forest of scrap and dead trees here in Hermann, but he needs to complete that before he gets too old. He has cut down at least 35 trees. Burned the stumps. Chopped the trunks into burning wood. He is 64! I think he will enjoy this next decade in this little town with his acre of land. but—I do not want him to work so bloody hard.

[sweetana3]

Hey, at 67, my hubby is doing squats with 100 pounds on his shoulders. More than any of the other college students (other than one young Greek god). He also shovels the whole block and walkways when it snows (and wished it snowed more, crazy I know). He works 5-6 days a week for Habitat for Humanity from right now until November. I think it all keeps him alive because otherwise he would just sit.

[Teacher Terry]

Jane, wish I lived by you because I am a ninja fast packer and could help you.

[JaneV2.0]

Jane, wish I lived by you because I am a ninja fast packer and could help you.

I appreciate your virtual help! Now I need a virtual repair crew...
And a sedative.

[Teacher Terry]

I have always found moving exciting which is why I probably have done so much. My mom had to move at 84 and 85 and both times when I flew out to pack her she had everything but the kitchen done. The next morning she left st 9 and when she came home at 4 my friend and I had totally unpacked her whole 2 bedroom apartment. She couldn’t believe it and just stood there with her mouth open. That also included washing all her dishes because they were wrapped in newspaper. We have made this home as low maintenance as possible. IL, I certainly would not live somewhere that it was dangerous to be outside. It’s a shame that your historical neighborhood has to deal with that crap.

[iris lilies]

I have always found moving exciting which is why I probably have done so much. My mom had to move at 84 and 85 and both times when I flew out to pack her she had everything but the kitchen done. The next morning she left st 9 and when she came home at 4 my friend and I had totally unpacked her whole 2 bedroom apartment. She couldn’t believe it and just stood there with her mouth open. That also included washing all her dishes because they were wrapped in newspaper. We have made this home as low maintenance as possible. IL, I certainly would not live somewhere that it was dangerous to be outside. It’s a shame that your historical neighborhood has to deal with that crap.

well, it is more the spare house neighborhood that is iffy. Ours is relatively safe, by Murder City standards anyway.

Some fool just built a $1.5 million dollar house two blocks from us, and two blocks from public housing project. That is not money well spent, even if I DO love my neighborhood.

[Teacher Terry]

I forgot your spare houses are separate. Yeah those people sound like morons to spend that much money in that location.

[CathyA]

well, it is more the spare house neighborhood that is iffy. Ours is relatively safe, by Murder City standards anyway.

Some fool just built a $1.5 million dollar house two blocks from us, and two blocks from public housing project. That is not money well spent, even if I DO love my neighborhood.

Maybe it was people who already lived in the housing project and won the lottery? :~)

[CathyA]

I appreciate your virtual help! Now I need a virtual repair crew...
And a sedative.

Just curious Jane.........is it the prospect of having to deal with the workers if you made improvements? That's a problem with me. Oh.....then there's that small issue of money........
It's really hard to know which problem to deal with first, since there are so many problems that are tied together. Or would you just rather move?

[iris lilies]

Maybe it was people who already lived in the housing project and won the lottery? :~)
Haha! Naw, people like that would build a 6,000 sq ft mcmansion out in the ‘burbs.

These owners chose to spend a ton on exterior masonry which is not immediately obvious. It isnt flashy. And they dont even have a swimming pool.

[JaneV2.0]

Just curious Jane.........is it the prospect of having to deal with the workers if you made improvements? That's a problem with me. Oh.....then there's that small issue of money........
It's really hard to know which problem to deal with first, since there are so many problems that are tied together. Or would you just rather move?

I don't like to deal with people--that was always my beloved's job--so there's that. Money isn't so much a problem. I've wanted to move out since I moved in, and I should have. I've just lately realized how impractical a two-story house is. "Busting a move" seems to be my downfall.

[Teacher Terry]

I would get a realtor to tell you what needs to be done to sell. They may even give you recommendations for people to do the work. Then buy a condo.

[iris lilies]

I don't like to deal with people--that was always my beloved's job--so there's that. Money isn't so much a problem. I've wanted to move out since I moved in, and I should have. I've just lately realized how impractical a two-story house is. "Busting a move" seems to be my downfall.

Can you. Uy another property, move your stuff, and live there before doing any work on the current house? And really, why do you need to do work? In your high cost area there are many people who would love a bargain fixer upper.

[Teacher Terry]

IL, that’s how we did our last 4 moves but we did fix things for a quick sale.

[JaneV2.0]

Can you. Uy another property, move your stuff, and live there before doing any work on the current house? And really, why do you need to do work? In your high cost area there are many people who would love a bargain fixer upper.

I've thought of that, but I'd be too nervous that Chez Decay wouldn't sell, and I'd go down in flames. Maybe my nephew, the contractor/engineer, will be between jobs eventually. I'll figure something out.

[iris lilies]

My city house has a difficult upstairs area. The floor plan is very much circa 1990 with its big bathroom, no walkin closets, spiral staircase to the third floor. But I certainly will not be doing work on it to change out that floor plan. The next owners can fix it ip circa 2020 so that owners in 2045 can change it out yet again.

[iris lilies]

I've thought of that, but I'd be too nervous that Chez Decay wouldn't sell, and I'd go down in flames. Maybe my nephew, the contractor/engineer, will be between jobs eventually. I'll figure something out.

yes, if yoi cant buy outright house #2 within a comfort zone, it is best not to,risk that scenario.

[JaneV2.0]

This isn't exactly a rant, but my stroke-affected relative, who had to sell her house due to medical expenses (the rant part) just used the proceeds to buy a tidy prefab in a senior park. It's a nice, safe area and she's happy with it. I'm sending her an Instant Pot as a housewarming gift.

[Gardnr]

This isn't exactly a rant, but my stroke-affected relative, who had to sell her house due to medical expenses (the rant part) just used the proceeds to buy a tidy prefab in a senior park. It's a nice, safe area and she's happy with it. I'm sending her an Instant Pot as a housewarming gift.

That's what Mom did after Dad died. When she died, it was sold in a matter of weeks full price cash offer w 7d possession requirement. She had a lawn that was cared for under the monthly rental. Her flower beds were her work. She LOVED it!

[JaneV2.0]

That's what Mom did after Dad died. When she died, it was sold in a matter of weeks full price cash offer w 7d possession requirement. She had a lawn that was cared for under the monthly rental. Her flower beds were her work. She LOVED it!

She's planning on installing raised beds with wheelchair access--she's an avid gardener. (That gene skipped me.)
She notes happily that there's a sushi restaurant, a coffee shop, and a cannabis dispensary all within easy wheeling distance of the new place.

[catherine]

When I read IL's rant about the copier on Tradd's thread, I thought about a peeve/rant I had yesterday.

I went first thing in the morning to drop off DHs (sorry to be indelicate) stool sample at the lab (national chain lab). I dropped it off for expediency--I could have also put it in the mail.

So when I walked in at 8am on Monday the place was mobbed. I walked up with my stuff and said "I just need to drop this off."

The person behind the desk said, "Please sign in at the kiosk and select 'specimen drop-off'". So I went to one of the kiosks. Thankfully we were already in the system and I only had to manually input 3 screens of information.

I didn't see any specimen buckets for drop-off, so I went back to the desk and said, "I don't have to wait for all these other people, right?? I'm only dropping this off." She said, "No, you don't have to wait. Please sit down." (Hmm. Sit down and do what? Not wait?)

So I wound up waiting for 10 minutes to have someone input the drop off into the computer. Then I simply walked to the drop-off place and dropped it off.

Next time it goes in the mail.

[sweetana3]

Woke up today wondering why the Mueller report is so much more important to the news media than our friends and neighbors in the areas being flooded and what they are doing or might need?

[iris lilies]

Magic lilies are the bane of my existence here in Hermann. I do not exaggerate when I say I have dug out 12 buckets ( 5 gallon buckets!) of the things. I give them away. We also composted many of them.

This is now my second year of digging the MF things. At some point I want to, ya know, plant my own stuff and not have to suffer the crap previous owners put in the ground.

The rampant non- blooming daylily. The ubiquitous non blooming Siberian iris. There is way too much of this junk.

[Float On]

Magic lilies.

Is that the ones also called suprise? Tall, usually pink. Spring up overnight. UGLY!!

[iris lilies]

Is that the ones also called suprise? Tall, usually pink. Spring up overnight. UGLY!!

yes. Aka surprise lilies or naked ladies.

I like the flowers because they bloom at a time when all of my perennials are done blooming. However they take up so much damn room. And then, after the Flowers disappear, I don’t know where they are underground and like last year I planted important plants on top of them and now I can’t dig out some of the clumps of magic lilies because I’ll disturb the roots of the other good plants and oh woe is me

[CathyA]

Nothing like turning Easter into a time to give your kids more crap........including a whoopee cushion. :(

[sweetana3]

Cancer is a bi**h. A friend's husband was fairly recently diagnosed with lung cancer (not a smoker but is a farmer). Tumor wrapped around parts of his heart so surgery unsuccessful. The doctors resorted to chemo and radiation. Suddenly they found it had spread to his bones. It is so hard to see such a lovely tight family so hurt and afraid. The wife is also undergoing subsequent testing to see why her thyroid cancer markers are so high (she had treatment last year for thyroid cancer.)

It is just so sad.

[Teacher Terry]

Sweet, that’s really sad. A couple we were good friends with both died of cancer. We did a lot of things together and really miss them.

[Gardnr]

Cancer is a bi**h. A friend's husband was fairly recently diagnosed with lung cancer (not a smoker but is a farmer). Tumor wrapped around parts of his heart so surgery unsuccessful. The doctors resorted to chemo and radiation. Suddenly they found it had spread to his bones. It is so hard to see such a lovely tight family so hurt and afraid. The wife is also undergoing subsequent testing to see why her thyroid cancer markers are so high (she had treatment last year for thyroid cancer.) It is just so sad.

Jo! Today's report was awful. The family has been through so much in the last 2 years....... Both my parents died of cancer. Cancer sucks!:(

[sweetana3]

Gardnr, I met Jo at the retreat she organized with Bonnie Hunter. She is just as nice a person in person as on her blog.

[Teacher Terry]

Everyone on my mom’s side of the family has died of cancer also. My husband got prostrate cancer at 49 but is in remission.

[frugalone]

I'm not handicapped, but I do use the handicapped restroom at work, which also doubles as an all-gender restroom. My peeve is: guys who leave the seat up. I feel like putting up a sign above the toilet that says: Picture this--you're in a wheelchair, and you can barely get the door to this room open because the administration is too lazy to put an automatic door on it. You wheel yourself over to the toilet, and before you can sit on it, you have to touch the dirty seat that some inconsiderate person left up for you.

On another level, I think it's insulting to anyone to leave a seat up.

[Alan]

On another level, I think it's insulting to anyone to leave a seat up.I think it is sometimes left up by men for the same reason it's left down by women, they're both inconsiderate of the others needs.

[JaneV2.0]

I'm not handicapped, but I do use the handicapped restroom at work, which also doubles as an all-gender restroom. My peeve is: guys who leave the seat up. I feel like putting up a sign above the toilet that says: Picture this--you're in a wheelchair, and you can barely get the door to this room open because the administration is too lazy to put an automatic door on it. You wheel yourself over to the toilet, and before you can sit on it, you have to touch the dirty seat that some inconsiderate person left up for you.

On another level, I think it's insulting to anyone to leave a seat up.

I imagine most people in wheelchairs carry grabbers (I have one in practically every room, and in my car). But you're right--wh o wants to deal with biohazard on their way to the toilet.

[Teacher Terry]

It a woman’s restroom so seat should not be up just because others are allowed to use it. The people I know in wheelchairs don’t carry grabbers.

[Alan]

It a woman’s restroom so seat should not be up just because others are allowed to use it.
You women are a possessive bunch.


I'm not handicapped, but I do use the handicapped restroom at work, which also doubles as an all-gender restroom.

[herbgeek]

You women are a possessive bunch.

I just look at it in terms of simple math: women need it down all the time, men need it down some of the time. Plus women tend to go more often than men, per my observation.

So, (#times women use the facility) + (#times that men use the facility with the seat down) > (#times men use the facility with the seat up).

[Alan]

I just look at it in terms of simple math: women need it down all the time, men need it down some of the time. Plus women tend to go more often than men, per my observation.

So, (#times women use the facility) + (#times that men use the facility with the seat down) > (#times men use the facility with the seat up).All meaningless numbers without also calculating the percentage of women vs the percentage of men within the total workforce.

[catherine]

All meaningless numbers without also calculating the percentage of women vs the percentage of men within the total workforce.

Plus, having the seat up is very bad Feng shui.

[Alan]

Plus, having the seat up is very bad Feng shui.Ha ha, now that changes everything.

[gimmethesimplelife]

My rant today is about people who are rude on the bus. I realize it's public transportation and scattered here and there, there are going to be some loonies in the mix but I'm not fond of being told I can't stand somewhere - that I'll have to move - because I'm white. You could say this is what minorities have to deal with and I'll grant that, though usually in subtler forms - but I'm not racial. If I were surely you'all would have picked up on that by now.

At any rate, I survived to my stop and got off the bus intact but....that just sucked. That's all. Rob

[Yppej]

This month's National Geographic issue on cities talks about rats living in sewer lines and peeking their heads up in toilet bowls. My lid is staying down!

[iris lilies]

My rant today is about people who are rude on the bus. I realize it's public transportation and scattered here and there, there are going to be some loonies in the mix but I'm not fond of being told I can't stand somewhere - that I'll have to move - because I'm white. You could say this is what minorities have to deal with and I'll grant that, though usually in subtler forms - but I'm not racial. If I were surely you'all would have picked up on that by now.

At any rate, I survived to my stop and got off the bus intact but....that just sucked. That's all. Rob

Well ya know Rob there are plenty of people who will tell you that you ARE “racial” (I think you meant racist) simply because of your privileged upbringing. But being woke and all to those invictim land, I am sure this is not news to you.

[JaneV2.0]

It a woman’s restroom so seat should not be up just because others are allowed to use it. The people I know in wheelchairs don’t carry grabbers.

I'm pretty sure the chair user I know does--I'll have to ask. How would you pick things up, otherwise?
Knowing me, I'd carry a full complement of accessories, but that's just how I roll...

[frugal-one]

I think it is sometimes left up by men for the same reason it's left down by women, they're both inconsiderate of the others needs.

Have you ever sat down with the seat up? You fall in!!!!

[Alan]

Have you ever sat down with the seat up? You fall in!!!!
I'm familiar with the problem, let's just say I've been awakened in the middle of the night by the scream "Allllaaaaannn!" more than once.

[razz]

Love these delightful insightful discussions that have a basis in reality as well. My chuckle for the evening so thanks for that.

[frugal-one]

I'm familiar with the problem, let's just say I've been awakened in the middle of the night by the scream "Allllaaaaannn!" more than once.

You make me VERY thankful to have my DH in more ways than one.

[Alan]

You make me VERY thankful to have my DH in more ways than one.
LOL, well in this case it hasn't been a problem for the past 24 or so years. Rather than get caught up in the Democratic Socialist way of dealing with things like this which would include assigning oppressor/victim status to each party and using all media available to complain and sow dissent, we went the Libertarian Capitalist route when we built this house and gifted ourselves with separate bathrooms. No drama, no fuss and everyone involved remains wrapped in an envelope of love, acceptance and positive esteem.
:cool:

[Teacher Terry]

We have 2 �� but we each use both. I taught my boys as kids not to do that. Living with 4 men I trained them all.

[rosarugosa]

What about the recent advice that toilet lids should be closed before flushing to keep bacteria from dispersing around the room? Between that and the knowledge that rats can pop out of the toilet*, I think the closed seat/lid approach is the way to go, backed up by science!
And while we are at it, where do you all stand on those hand dryer/blower thingies that apparently spread poop bacteria all over your hands? At the risk of sounding OCD, I now keep a couple of paper towels tucked in my handbag and in my jacket pockets.

* I saw this on a documentary, and it definitely fell into the category of things I wished I could unsee.

[iris lilies]

What about the recent advice that toilet lids should be closed before flushing to keep bacteria from dispersing around the room? Between that and the knowledge that rats can pop out of the toilet*, I think the closed seat/lid approach is the way to go, backed up by science!And while we are at it, where do you all stand on those hand dryer/blower thingies that apparently spread poop bacteria all over your hands? At the risk of sounding OCD, I now keep a couple of paper towels tucked in my handbag and in my jacket pockets.* I saw this on a documentary, and it definitely fell into the category of things I wished I could unsee.It is real. Happened to our friend.He had DH cop off the toilet in his basement sue to this horrifying event.

[ToomuchStuff]

I'm not handicapped, but I do use the handicapped restroom at work, which also doubles as an all-gender restroom. My peeve is: guys who leave the seat up. I feel like putting up a sign above the toilet that says: Picture this--you're in a wheelchair, and you can barely get the door to this room open because the administration is too lazy to put an automatic door on it. You wheel yourself over to the toilet, and before you can sit on it, you have to touch the dirty seat that some inconsiderate person left up for you.

On another level, I think it's insulting to anyone to leave a seat up.
I am sorry your blind.
However, you have to think since your dealing with a public restroom, your dealing with the general public. The toilet handle is filthy, so is the faucet handles and the door handles, as some don't wash their hands (no matter what we choose to believe).

[catherine]

It is real. Happened to our friend.He had DH cop off the toilet in his basement sue to this horrifying event.

What exactly happened?

I consider myself clean enough, but I'm definitely not a germaphobe. I don't open public bathroom doors with paper towels, and I don't believe in anti-bacterial this and that unless I'm in a hospital. I do believe in the hygiene hypothesis that we are too clean for the most part and our immune systems have suffered.

[iris lilies]

What exactly happened?

I consider myself clean enough, but I'm definitely not a germaphobe. I don't open public bathroom doors with paper towels, and I don't believe in anti-bacterial this and that unless I'm in a hospital. I do believe in the hygiene hypothesis that we are too clean for the most part and our immune systems have suffered.

We cannot say exactly what happened because it was rats doing rat things in the darkness of the basement. But there is evidence that a Rat came up through the toilet in his basement —twice.

We do have rats in our neighborhood. I believe I saw one in my friend’s House two years ago when she had a mice infestation. yeah she had mice, but this thing was a rat.

When the Victorian warehouse down the street caught on fire, rats came running out of it.

Before that it was decades ago but I saw a rat sunning himself on our patio in the middle of summer. DH says I didn’t see that but I know what I saw. Perhaps it was a Sick rat.

[catherine]

We cannot say exactly what happened because it was rats doing rat things in the darkness of the basement. But there is evidence that a Rat came up through the toilet in his basement —twice.

We do have rats in our neighborhood. I believe I saw one in my friend’s House two years ago when she had a mice infestation. yeah she had mice, but this thing was a rat.

When the Victorian warehouse down the street caught on fire, rats came running out of it.

Before that it was decades ago but I saw a rat sunning himself on our patio in the middle of summer. DH says I didn’t see that but I know what I saw. Perhaps it was a Sick rat.

Eewww.. When my DD lived in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, she and her roommates had a tiny back yard so they thought chickens would be a good idea. Not. I, too, saw rats in and around their yard. They got rid of the chickens. I guess some people in urban areas keep chickens, but I do believe vermin is a risk.

[Alan]

We cannot say exactly what happened because it was rats doing rat things in the darkness of the basement.
Nearly 40 years ago a co-worker and I were searching a burned out office building which had been sitting empty for some time. It was dark in the basement and the only light source was an emergency light hooked up outside an old freight elevator. As we walked through the darkness making our way back to the light, a rat ran across our feet and then began to scream just a few feet away from us. We both ran for the elevator so that we could see. There was a step ladder leaning against the wall inside the elevator and my co-worker was one step ahead of me so he beat me to the ladder and jumped up on the bottom rung (it turns out we both had the immediate fear that the rat would run up our pants leg) while I stood in the middle of the lighted area hopping up and down one foot after another while looking all around me trying to see where the screaming rat could be yelling at co-worker to move up another rung so that I could get on the ladder too.

It turns out that exterminators had recently serviced the building and the rat perp had ran onto and become stuck to a glue pad as it was scaring the bejeezus out of us, just outside our small circle of illumination.

I had been shot at and missed by a bad guy the year before, I've thought ever since that the screaming invisible rat was scarier.

[catherine]

I had been shot at and missed by a bad guy the year before, I've thought ever since that the screaming invisible rat was scarier.

That sounds like something out of a movie, Alan. I feel bad for you, but I feel bad for the rat, too. I've heard those glue pads are very inhumane. We had a mouse problem when we got back to NJ, so we called an exterminator and I told him I refused to do glue pads.

[Alan]

T I've heard those glue pads are very inhumane. I agree, we killed it before leaving (don't tell Rob).

[frugal-one]

[QUOTE=Alan;326078]

LOL, well in this case it hasn't been a problem for the past 24 or so years. Rather than get caught up in the Democratic Socialist way of dealing with things like this which would include assigning oppressor/victim status to each party and using all media available to complain and sow dissent, we went the Libertarian Capitalist route when we built this house and gifted ourselves with separate bathrooms. No drama, no fuss and everyone involved remains wrapped in an envelope of love, acceptance and positive esteem.

Don't think this issue is political. It is the gentlemanly thing to do. We both now close the toilet. We used to have a dog and that trained us so the dog would not drink out of toilet. I have been married 45 years and can only think of a handful of times the seat was left up. As I said, my DH is a gentleman! Sounds like it was a good idea for you to each have your own bathroom.... dilemma solved.

[Alan]

It is the gentlemanly thing to do. We both now close the toilet. We used to have a dog and that trained us so the dog would not drink out of toilet. I have been married 45 years and can only think of a handful of times the seat was left up. As I said, my DH is a gentleman! Sounds like it was a good idea for you to each have your own bathroom.... dilemma solved.It wasn't actually a dilemma for us as it probably only happened a few times over our 43 years together but I'm sure your husband is truly a better gentleman than I could ever be. I'm a work in progress. ;)

[Teacher Terry]

Yes glue pads are horrible as the rat starves and no drinking either.

[thinkgreen]

Our area has lots of rats. A major highway project nearby has displaced a lot of them from a wooded area and that seems to have put them into reproductive mode. Last winter there were several cars on our street that had damage to under hood hoses and engine casings. The rats chewed on them after a snow storm. We found bird seed on DH's engine area several times. A neighbor caught eight in his garage over the winter (snap traps). Some people have them in their houses. Mostly they are outside. We are near the water and seem to get a lot of wildlife but I've never heard of so many rats in the 30 or so years we have lived here. If you know a fool proof way to get rid of them please share your knowledge.

[Yppej]

Has anyone had a rat terrier as a pet? My neighbor had one, and one time it chased a rat but the rat escaped down a stormwater drain.

[iris lilies]

Arrrgh! The various forms of communication these days makes me crazy. It seems that no one in my various groups handles it all, every form.

I came home from Hermann yesterday to find a voicemail left on my landline from someone who did not leave her name or her phone number and I am 80% sure I know who it is, but really – it is so damn annoying that people don’t leave their name. I called her back, went to voicemail. So, if it was not her who called me then I won’t know that.

I also dislike it when peope call and immediately launch into the conversation and I’m supposed to figure out who they are. I assume this poor phone etiquette is supported by modern cell phone technology where we can always see who was calling. Except I can’t because I don’t talk on my cell phone. I use our landline.


Two people I recently contacted had non functioning voicemail boxes,One is full and the other is not set up, it has not been set up in forever and I forget that until I call and try to use it.

Me, I dont use my cell phone so dont try to call me on it. Just email me.

[JaneV2.0]

I use my cell as a pager; I don't talk on it if I can avoid it.

I don't answer my landline, in fact the ringer is turned off (what a marvelous invention the ringer switch was!)

I'm with you--email me. I far prefer that method of communicating. Plus, there's a record. Win all around.

[iris lilies]

This is a funny “joke is on me” incident. I hurt my back doing what I call to myself “lady of the manor” gardening. I was deadheading Iris at Missouri botanical gardens. That is a very genteel activity where one stands, bends a little, snips spent flower heads with scissors, and deposits them in a bucket,. There’s no getting dirty, no crawling around on the ground, no serious bending, and no sweating.

So it was so strange that I pulled a muscle and I was in pain for about 20 hours, severe pain when I move a certain way. But it disappeared miraculously about noon the next day.


I’m taking this as a lesson from the universe that I am not meant to be a lady of the manor doing light lady-type gardening, I need to be the gardeners assistant who halls buckets of mulch and digs holes and schleps armfulls of plants around. I am just a peasant.

[catherine]

BIL is on the West Coast and I'm STILL ranting. I noticed shortly after he left, when I went in to make sure the room was clear for an appraiser, that he left his room as if he were away for the weekend. Stuff cluttering the nightstands and dressers, stuff on the floor, etc. So I texted him and I told him that I had to clean out the room--that he had left a ton of crap in there. His response, "Oh, really? I knew I left my running shorts. I thought that was it." I wanted to say, "were you wearing a blindfold when you left the house last week?" But I restrained myself.

Well, now that we're down to brass tacks on the clearing out, it has come to my attention that he also left the closet full of his clothes, on the rod, and on the shelf. He left clothes in the dresser, all three drawers, and he left clothes and paperwork in another bedroom.

He plainly knew that we were moving out. It is beyond my comprehension that he didn't say to me, "I can't take all this stuff to the West Coast now, but I'll box it up. What do you want me to do with it?" He knowingly walked away leaving me with his stuff on top of all my stuff. And then he played dumb in the most disingenuous way.

I don't know what to do. One side of me is like my DH on my shoulder saying "Sh*tcan it!" But the other side of me sees a man who has nothing in this world, pretty much, and even if he is not quite destitute now, he's moving there fast. His best friend--the one who prodded him out to the West Coast--called me the other day to say that BIL has been drinking heavily. He's been out there over a month now with absolutely no effort to get a job. He is really troubled. I look at the things he's left behind and they are little moments of trips I know he's taken, and other personal items aside from the clothing. So I veer toward compassion but man, I just really have to vent. Now I'll have to put his stuff in boxes and hope my son doesn't mind that they're going to be taking up space in the garage.

[iris lilies]

catherine, I am confused about why you are even considering doing anything besides chucking your brother-in-law’s stuff into the dumpster. He doesn’t care about it.

[Teacher Terry]

I would throw it away. You can’t help those that won’t help themselves.

[razz]

catherine, I am confused about why you are even considering doing anything besides chucking your brother-in-law’s stuff into the dumpster. He doesn’t care about it.

I wondered this as well. I am more concerned that you will continue to enable his behaviour and invite him back to live with you. There is a difference between a kind heart and an enabler. Don't let his friend guilt you into anything.

[Simone]

Why do you think he left so much behind?

Is it possible he wants to be able to return? Consciously or unconsciously, he may think of your house as home, "the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in."

If you think it is possible, what effect would that have on your decision?

[iris lilies]

I don’t want this to become a referendum on how catherine and her family treat the brother-in-law in California. But...


I do think brother-in-law’s “stuff “is the least of his problems. Clothing is easy to get. The papers he left – are they important? Are they a year or two’s worth of tax papers that he might actually need? I might be inclined to stuff those in a small box and hang onto them but only,if they appear to be key documents.

But the big question mark is what happens when BIL completely runs out of money. And why is the friend calling Catherine and her family? Is he a rational and responsible person? Has he already figured out that BIL is going to be a burden?

It is good that BIL already has public housing. I do not know how he will get income. He has to work.

[catherine]

To answer IL's questions. ...

I don't know the significance of his paperwork. I did find a whole box of sentimental stuff like yearbooks and certificates, etc. But he also left behind all the dog toys and dog clothing and even a dog bed and collar from the dog that died 3 years ago. DH sh*tcanned that stuff.

The friend called to discuss the drinking. Apparently he's drinking all the time and then he gets obnoxious. He was over the friend's house last weekend, got loaded, wouldn't leave upon request and the friend had to walk him home. My BIL is not a frat boy--he's 56 years old. I've been watching this escalating drinking habit, but it's clearly gotten worse. And there is defiinitely alcoholism in the family. Apparently it's the drinking that has become at least one significant barrier to his looking for a job. The friend thinks we should have an intervention.

I don't know what's going to happen in the years ahead when BIL runs out of money. I think Simone hit the nail on the head. I don't know if it really penetrated that he no longer has a place to go back to. If he shows up needy in Grand Isle, he can't stay with us. The place is too small. But the bigger problem is he truly lacks cognitive abilities to simply make life choices--from simple ones like editing a resume to complex ones, like figuring out how to support himself.

[Teacher Terry]

If it comes to that a group home. If I can do tough love with a drug addicted son you can do it with him. It’s very hard.

[catherine]

If it comes to that a group home. If I can do tough love with a drug addicted son you can do it with him. It’s very hard.

Yeah, it is tough. If we followed the friend's advice and did an intervention on BIL, though, it would be a really interesting event because there are a lot of family members that probably wouldn't show up because they would assume that they were the one being intervened on. In my family, an intervention would be a case of a lot of pots calling a lot of kettles black.

[iris lilies]

If it comes to that a group home. If I can do tough love with a drug addicted son you can do it with him. It’s very hard.
My guess is that BIL is too high functioning to qualify for services reserved for the intellectually disabled. He might even test out within the range of normal IQ, but he lacks executive function in his brain.

[Teacher Terry]

There are group homes for addicts. My son has been in many and I worked in this field. There are group homes for seniors. Many things have changed.

[sweetana3]

Arrrrgggg. Racist, gentrified, entitled neighbors.

We live in a downtown neighborhood that rapidly gentrified over the last few years. House prices exploded and a younger group moved in. We also still have low income/disabled housing and some remaining residents in their own homes. Some of the entitled neighbors are upset over anything that is not to their liking and have now started insulting others on social media for not jumping on their bandwagon.

The next thing I bet they will complain about is less than expensive pretty cars parked on "their" street.

And I would so much prefer our police be working on the serious homicide/gun issue we have right now. Prostitution, drunkedness, and people just acting/looking 'suspicious" are far down the my list of concerns at present. We have kids killing kids.

[Teacher Terry]

Sweet, our neighborhood has changed too but they are fitting in and in general are nice. We have a combo of retirees and young people moving in.

[sweetana3]

Ours seems to be young urban high income professionals. Houses are $400,000+ and rents now are $1000 at an absolute minimum. Retirees and lower income or elderly are moving out. Diversity is not valued.

[Gardnr]

Sweet, our neighborhood has changed too but they are fitting in and in general are nice. We have a combo of retirees and young people moving in.

We've lived in our home for 28y now. Amazingly, over the years, we have always been a mix of: young families w/babies, mid-level young professionals as well as the newly retired and older-have died retired.

We are here for life so have been through all these phases (we hope to part of the latter) except no babies.:~)

[Teacher Terry]

Our 1950’s ranches start at 330 and up depending on size. Many seniors own and our property taxes are crazy low. Rents start at 1600. Low income people that didn’t own have been shoved out. Since most houses only have a one car garage we see our neighbors when we walk the dogs plus we belong to Nextdoor.

[sweetana3]

Our issues have started on Nextdoor. We have had some racist posts, some photos posted of women in skimpy clothes calling them prostitutes, etc. In every instance it has been white neighbors complaining about African Americans. Even some older gentlemen sitting on stoops discussing the world are complained about and yes, they are African Americans. It grates on me because I like a diverse neighborhood. I would rather smile and say good morning or engage in conversation.

Since we live in a very downtown neighborhood, families don't move in. Those that have kids while living here, move out quickly. The overall age of the neighborhood population has decreased a lot.

[JaneV2.0]

I wouldn't touch Nextdoor without a hazmat suit. A friend passes along ND posts from time to time and they're gossipy and annoying--and I'm sure that's only the start.

[Gardnr]

I wouldn't touch Nextdoor without a hazmat suit. A friend passes along ND posts from time to time and they're gossipy and annoying--and I'm sure that's only the start.

I don't care for NextDoor either. The majority of participants in my "neighborhood" were more than a 3 mile drive. That is NOT my 'hood. Even though the invite came from someone around the corner. No need for another social media platform. FB is enough.

[iris lilies]

I amA moderator for Nextdoor. They are called “leads” there. Nextdoor is brilliant for finding lost pets.

[Teacher Terry]

We are a little more than a mile from downtown. We have decent sized yards so it’s always been a family neighborhood. Nextdoor does a great job of bringing pets home. Sometimes people go on about the homeless.