I feel like we all have so much going on even though most of us are in quarantine. How is that even possible? It’s to the point that I just send out blanket prayers for all of you. I’m so sorry for all of you that are struggling with your own illnesses or family illnesses during this difficult time.
Banjo and I are doing well, but y’all know I always have something to complain about. lol. This isn’t really a complaint, it’s just some weird ass shit happening in the back yard of the ghetto shack. I usually have 6-12 squirrels in my back yard at any given time. I have a pecan tree and a chestnut tree and since I have lived hear they have never let me have a single one! š The squirrels and Banjo own the backyard. They just allow me out to take out the trash.
Screaming Squirrels?
But yesterday, there were at least a dozen squirrels out there screaming their head off! I have never seen them do this before. They wear all up in the tall trees staying in the same place, banging their tails and screaming. It was so creepy. Then today there were fewer squirrels but they were still screaming. So of course I googled and it some sort of a reaction to a threat! This make me wonder WTF is in the back yard bothering my squirrels. I’m worried it is THE GIANT OWL! Except it is happening during the day. Like all day.
Are any of you on NextDoor? I don’t recommend but I can’t quit it now! This week alone there has been both a coyote and a fox wandering around the neighborhood! Also there was a big shooting nearby and a crazy car chase with the police. I think I felt much safer not really knowing what was happening out there! :). And Covid has many people out of work and losing their homes. It’s like the bad news site. OTOH, there are always loud noises that I have to know what they are. That is where I learn about the coyotes and foxes and all the scary stuff.
How You Doin’?
So that is my excitement this weekend. A new thing to worry about. WTF is in my backyard? Also where do squirrels sleep at night. These are the thoughts I’m thinking tonight.
A lot of times I ask for good news only. And if you have some, we would love to hear it. But go ahead and vent about your issues. Lord knows I can’t seem to stop doing it. Oh and on that note, sometimes when I am reading comments (they come to me as email and not in context) and y’all are comforting someone I am like what is going on with that poster and how did I miss it. I think some comments are going in my spam folder. No for any reason of mine, it just happens sometime so apologizes if I haven’t reached out to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys always. Y’all are the only people I “talk too” so apologies for being so whiney all the time. xo ~tt
We had been trying to trap a feral kitten from a neighbor’s yard (with the neighbor’s help) for over a month when the neighbor called last Friday to say he was caught. I went to pick up the bob-tailed cutie and just lived through almost a solid week of cat screaming from 3-7am. He slept thru most of Thursday night with just a few “MipS!” early Friday morning and has been working on becoming a normal cat since. Now, be happy that I have another black cat in my clutch of kitties ,3
I am not a cat person but this fascinates me. How do you tame a feral cat? At what point is the new cat allowed around the other cats? How do they feel about the new cat? I have so many questions!
You have one of the few mature Chestnut trees left. It was once considered to be the finest forest tree. Most have succumbed to blight brought on by and imported smaller chestnut tree. Some trees, yours apparently are immune to the blight.
WTG
There are thousands of Chestnut saplings they just die and do not mature.
Possibly have this wrong feel free to correct me
Feral cats need to be kept separate for a while in a safe room they can relax in and roam, the other cats can “visit” an come around but you want to introduce slowly. Takes about a week to a month depending on how many and how possessive the other cats are of their territory. When it comes to getting along it can be a gamut at first, but most settle into sharing with a few hisses and such.
If the kitten is young enough it is not hard to get them used to humans. I would not let a feral kitten near my other cats until it was vaccinated and tested for Feline FIV
that is awesome, you are a good person! (mother of 5 rescued kitties myself)
OMG.. does he let you pet him yet???
I may need you to send a picture to T for her to post. KITTEH!
I have a confession to make. I am watching I Can See Your Voice. It’s probably the stupidest game show ever on TV and I love it. And one singer just made me cry they were so good. I’m really behind but don’ t spoil me, bro. I am watching on a delay. But this is fun in a time when I need some stupid fun.
I have watched it. It was really a lot more interesting than I thought it would be.
It’s like a great hour of escape and I was wrong about most of them. Apparently I suck at this! LOL. Saturdays are my nights off and when good singer sings it is kind of fabulous. I don’t like to listen to music because it makes me feel too many feels. But on these singing shows, I like it, It’s weird, I like it! I like when people get their moment or good things happen. I like when good people win. I like when people get credit for what they do.
But if the same thing was played in a grocery store it would bother me. I’m weird, I know. I just like to see people win.
I love this show! I want to go on this show where people actually cheer my horrible voice! Sign me up š¶šµ
It’s a really silly show. And an hour when we can escape in a silly game that we can sort of play along with.
Good News: I got a great job working at local newspaper as Editors Asst, and moved into a beautiful brand new apartment overlooking The Smokies and its on a river but no river views! Until they mowed last week; viola River View!!
I grew up with a dog he thought it was his job to chase squirrels. Why I have no idea, but they never showed their ass in our yard! I feel so much better, itās been a tough 10+ years and found you at a time when I lost my business, home and mother in a 12 month period.
In many ways you saved my sanity. I consider you a friend. And you are real, not afraid to show your fears and flaws. You have done much more than recap. xo nancy
Such great news! I hope you love your new job and your new apartment. WITH RIVER VIEWS! I miss my view of the Carquinez Straits but I love my backyard with my plants and my chickens!
Thank you so much! ā¤ļø
I am very happy to hear things are turning around for you Nancy. We’ve had our differences IRLish but I wish nothing but the best for you.
Iām happy we are friends again.
Congrats Nancy
New job
New apartment
So happy for you
š
ā¤ļø
I bet the view is going to get even better in the winter. Congratulations!
Congratulations Nancy!
Thank you all
so much! I appreciate it more than you know.
Nancy Are the last who once lived in (semi) Sth California?
Congrats on your new life, you earned this. Youāve been kind to me over the years.
WTG Lady šø
not last but Lady
Yes! I lived in Encinitas in 83-86. I havenāt commented in a very long time!
I lived Encinitas 83-86!!!!!
We had a family of squirrels in our oak tree and loved watching the babies scamper about this summer. I bought a bag of corn cobs to feed them this winter and they have spread out to our other trees this fall. Go Squirrels!
I was watching some show today and there were fireflies outside. Iāve never seen fireflies. Are there fireflies in your backyard Tamara? Along with the squirrels.
I have a phone interview tomorrow with Mickaboo Bird Rescue. The next step in rescuing another bird. I have about a 99% chance of passing the phone interview. But then … the virtual home visit… about 1% chance of passing. While my interviewer types up the notes from the phone interview, so the panel can approve/not approve me, I will need to get off my butt and clean my room. Thank God they only want to see where the bird will be staying. Because we STILL ā 8 months now ā have cardboard floors in the bathroom and no bathroom sink. Both are illegal for a rental. But the landlord had a hip replacement last week and promises to get right on it in a few weeks. We shall see…
Good luck my friend! You are the best bird mom ever. The bird will be lucky to be with you.
Thank you.
Best of luck dear Nanette ! That will be one lucky bird. I love animals & am allergic to all of them but I know you must be the best caregiver to all of them. Keep us posted ! Love hearing great news after so much turmoil and grief. Take care of yourself & everybody else too . So many benefit from your positive attitude & warm hearted nature!
Xoxoxo Marc
Thank you Marc. I appreciate your kind words. I hope the interviewer agrees!
There is a sweet Indian ringneck female Iāve been following on FB / YouTube for a while. Many people only want a talking bird. That would be a red flag for me if I were interviewing. I hope she is still available WHEN I pass. Out of my former character, I am going positive.
Take care.
We had ground squirrels but they have not been seen much in the last 12 months.
Made huge holes in the ground, displace foundations. Honestly have seen a few large snakes, and I believe the squirrels were either dinner or they moved. Hope so, adding glass to hikes before filling them.
Dr Phil tapes SOFA KING long in advance… TT (the site) will be on soon… But not this this week…
Ohhhhhh. Yes!!!!!!! Was perplexed yet had faith that I would know when I needed to know. Got it now. Yay!
Are you going to be on Dr. Phil? If so that’s really exciting and can’t wait to hear all about it.
OH SNAP!
I missed this great news! I haven’t been a fan of Dr. Phil’s for a while, but his response to the pandemic and BLM, etc. has been surprising (in a good way!)
YEARS ago in the judges’ office I worked in, we had a case where the people had actually gone on Dr. Phil. (my state agency did the hearings on administrative child abuse or neglect. It was the kind of thing where it didn’t rise to criminal charges so while bothersome, not horrific.)
They were going to submit the show, transcripts, and maybe even have Dr. Phil testify! I GOT SO EXCITED. The judge couldn’t believe it – I remembered the show (I don’t now)
The judge was going to let me sit in (it would have been telephone hearing) or listen to the tapes.
They settled before we got to hear the case. Disappointing, but the judge and I drove everyone nuts for weeks because we’d do our best “How’s that working for ya” or “would you rather be right, or would you rather be happy” type of quotes in a Texas drawl. (He was a fun judge!)
Anyway, they were submitting
I am NOT going to be ON Dr. Phil. But I did work with production on an upcoming episode. I’ll have more to say once we get an air date.
I canāt wait to hear more. I remember a post hinting but was stumped. The little gem you snuck in all sly makes it even more fun. Standing by for more info once you get an air date and can share more.
That’s still very exciting, can’t wait to hear all about it. Sounds like you have been super busy the last few weeks.
Screaming squirrels made me curious and sent me into a rabbit hole that was fascinating. Pun intended, maybe. Ha. So it makes sense, I think based only on my amateur online searches, given you noted that potential predators for the squirrels had been spotted in the area. The squirrels are screaming to alert and warn that predators are near. Wow. Those squirrels have your back, as well as Banjoās and other precious friends. I mean, in my opinion…I keep reminding my husband that in my house, my opinion is fact. Just celebrated 12 years of marriage and (I think) nearly fifteen years today. I donāt keep track really because we joke that it seems like forever. Every couple of years, we reflect and say it seems like a hundred years. Yep, some good and some not so great. We laughed a lot recently, but yeah…some days (maybe weeks) during the last 6 to 7 months have been challenging on a marriage. Never thought I would miss leaving the house to go into work. He has been WFH since February. I started completely remote in March. Iām very convinced I have to have my She-Shed now with a home office spin. I need to feel as if I leave home to go to work and then leave work to go home, even if my commute is to the backyard. Iāve worked to create a space and try to separate work from home. Sometimes, though, I just want the world and husband to shut up! I admit that I hide at times, and pretend as if I canāt hear him looking for him. Fur kid rats me out each time, though.
The days we laugh are so worth it. We will get through this. Together. I appreciate that I have TT and commenters. It so helps. Thank you!!!
Get some good headphones that block out external noise. SOMETIMES when someone has too go that extra 5 feet to tap you, they decide what they had to say wasnāt that important!
Ear buds have been my saving grace. I even watch TV with them in at times. Makes me feel as if Iām in my own world. Two people on work calls all day are even annoying the fur kid. Yep. Thanks for the kind words and support!
šHAPPY ANNIVERSARY š„
Congrats! I’ve been married for forever and amazingly the quarantine hasn’t affected us too much (although last night I almost told my husband to GTFO of my life, lol).
Thanks! Yep been there. Then the next day, I think to myself, WTF got me so pissed off. Eh. Another day, another opportunity to grow.
My sister has a bird feeder in her back yard and a lot of the seeds fall to the ground bringing in the squirrels. If she hasnāt filled it quickly enough when empty, one particular squirrel will come to her back door or window and stare in waiting for her to come out again! Itās a little freaky seeing this squirrel giving us the side eye!
BTW, Trump came to town the other day and had a private rally right around the corner from our shop. We were curious if it would bring more customers Downtown. On the contrary, we had the worst day of the week! Hmm, I thought you are trying to make our economy better! Thanks for nothing!
Thatās a POWERFULLY POSITIVE sign! It indicates that people in yiur area may be voting blue!
Fingers crossed! š¤š¼
Yesterday we drove down the rode and there were a lot of Biden supporters holding signs along they way. It made me emotional as I waved to all of them! My boyfriend said it was like I was in a parade waving to everyone! Lol!
What part of Florida are you in? I moved to Northern FL in June from Northern Virginia and boy what a culture shock it has been! In NOVA Trump supporters mostly kept it to themselves. Nope, not here! I have witnessed a LONG golf cart Trump parade, many, many Trump flags and just today at the beach, a Trump banner flying from an airplane. Told my husband, āwe are not in Kansas anymoreā.
But hearing your story has given me hope once again!
I am in Southwest Florida. The day of the rally there was a parade of Biden supporters driving through the streets.
Hi Floridagirl, I think we may be in the same area. I think you are in FM and I am in LA. What kind of shop do you have?
Hi Barbara, a little of everything! Crystal, gemstone jewelry, candles, incense, clothing etc. come on in! Iām the āMomā at the shop!
I live in a neighborhood with many trees and many squirrels. We refer to them as “tree rats.” I do think they are from the rodent family if my biology class from 1979 serves me well. Either way, they do scream. They don’t bother me so much as their scream isn’t high pitched. The possums here are abundant and creep me out. I contemplated suicide yesterday but found I’m not brave enough to stab my aorta with a dull chef’s knife. Pills would be easier but aren’t a sure thing. Any ideas TT?
Carol, I’m glad you are here with us today. I’m sorry you are feeling so despondent. Please find someone to talk with and help you through this. One day, or hour or second at a time. I wish you peace.
There you are Dainty feets.šAlways looking for you, but not in a stalker way, lol.
Hope all is well.š
I know this sounds sick and morbid, but when I had my major chronic pain, I would spend MOST OF EVERY DAY planning the perfect suicide. It was dysfunctional, yet curiously therapeutic.
Whatever is making you feel that way … except in rare, occasions WILL PASS. And you will be more equipped to cope with the bullshit once you come out on the other side. I remember having to tell myself, āYOU ARE NOT GOING TO KILL YOURSELF OVER SOMETHING SO CLICHE AS MONEY!ā See yourself being happy again. Take note of what that looks like ā and make happen what you can from that visual. It sounds trite, but it sometimes works.
I hope you feel better VERY soon.
PLEASE hang on Carol! Sending you love, ((((hugs))))
and warm healing light š
I’m going to tell you what people tell me. Get outside and go for a walk. Call a friend or family member that lives nearby and talk to them. Talk to us. We are all here for you. Try to take a shower (something I am struggling with). Get some sun. Do zoom therapy with a shrink. If you live with anyone, tell them how you are feeling.
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Get in you car and go for a drive and look at the fall leaves. Cry if you need too. A lot of us are really down right now. Commit to fighting your way out of the whole. Email me you phone number if you want to talk.
ā„ļøā„ļøā„ļøā„ļøā„ļøā„ļøā¤ļøā„ļøā„ļøā„ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā„ļøā¤ļøš
Carol,
Help is available. Please call it.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
800-273-8255
PLEASE call the hotline.
Carol so sorry to hear you are feeling bad. I find it so soothing to take a walk to the park to a store to anywhere destination unknown. Just changing your environment will give you a better perspective on your feelings. You need a bit of tranquility as well. I find music or books on audio or the radio incredibly relaxing when I am feeling blue. A nice soak in the tub or shower is also a bracing change of pace when feeling down. If none of those seem appealing grab a blanket & nest on the couch or cozy chair. I find it so much more calming than sitting with the feelings of sadness or being anxiety ridden. Huge hugs & positive vibes being sent your way. Thinking of you. Prayers being said & candles being lit. You will eventually fell a bit better than you do today. Hang on until then. Maya Angelou quote EVERY STORM RUNS OUT OF RAIN.
If it were a different time of year with squirrels having babies I would suspect a snake up in the tree that was causing them to raise hell. But it could be the owl.
They were all in different trees. I have a lot of huge trees in my back yard. They are quiet today.
At Gore Place the old Cambridge Massachusetts governor’s mansion that I am constantly walking thru has squirrels all over. Cute fluffy in all shapes & sizes. I sit on the bench with my book& ipod & watch them frolicking snacking and chasing each other. So soothingly peaceful & sweet. Cuties ! I love animals and nature. The foliage there is extraordinary! Have a great week friends !
I have sort of good news. My mostly feral dog with mostly malfunctioning body parts (sheās the one who had fecal incontinence like Ramona) was finally spayed. After trips to the vet, she usually acts like Iām a terrifying monster for a few weeks, but she wasnāt mad at me this time and she actually seems more physically comfortable. She just let me scratch her belly for the first time ever!
The belly scratching is HUGE. It means she trusts you. Big step. Good luck.
Did you name her Ramona?
No! Ha. I wouldnāt insult her that way. Her name is Clover. I think something must have been causing her pain before the spat but her vet said it was completely routine. Either way, Iām so glad itās done and that I get to do the belly rubs.
Tamara, I forgot to tell you that the Sacramento Zoo has a baby giraffe. Itās only about 15 minutes from our home. People can visit again. Perfect timing. I may surprise The FiancĆ© with a field trip.
I once flew all the way to the San Diego zoo just to see the baby giraffes. They has multiples at once. I love me a baby giraffe.
Recently discovered on Disney+ the show “The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom”. It is fantastic! I think it will eventually show up on the Disney Channel or National Geographic channel so keep an eye on their schedule.
They also have other zoo shows we’re now getting into that are also on the NG channel.
In the weirdest Bravo āWatch With!ā matchup … Monday is Southern Charm. The watchers are Ashley & Kathryn.
Nu uh, no way. Iām scheduling it to record on my DVR as we speak. I donāt usually watch those. I love the pillow talk though. Iām obsessed with 90 day fiancĆ© franchise. And have no shame in admitting that I am a fan of Love After Lockup…although the current season has been giving me the creeps more and more.
I don’t see that show on Monday night.
I couldnāt find it, either. I thought maybe a web only episode but didnāt see anything other than the marathon of previous seasons runnning this week. So confusing these days with every episode also have bonus scenes in another never seen before episode. I get having to stretch out the season due to the pandemic. However, I would prefer that Bravo go into the vault and pull unseen footage from other shows and seasons….like maybe S1 RHONJ and RHOBH, etc. that would be amazing to watch knowing what we know now. And I donāt mean already seen footage; Iām talking the stuff that didnāt make it yet now would make more sense. Dirt. I imagine lots of Giudice footage was cut but now would be fantastic to watch.
On my DVR, series recording has it scheduled. The DVR āseesā it as a Southern Charm Season 7 recording, Between the that show and tge Season 7: Episode 1 and a Southern Charm: How They Got There and a Watch With Madison and Patricia episode. Are any of those set to record on yours?
Found it! Had to keep scrolling and found it on Thursdayās schedule. I suspect Iāll have to pause it a lot and rewind to follow what they have to say about scenes. Both are so delusional.
my husband had to have a bowel resection on Thursday, due to some issues leftover from covid. He also had a huge hernia to repair. We both have some ptsd after what we were going through six months ago so it has been tough, same hospital, etc.
Today he is starting to perk up and the staff was a little worried about him last night (blood-related) but things are much better today.
I hope to take him home by Friday.
Also it is beautiful here in the northeast, it has been a gorgeous fall. My squirrels have not screamed but my birds do for sure when there is a hawk flying overhead.
I hope his recovery is as easy as possible.
Oh Ingrid, you and your husband have been through so much this year. It has to suck going back to the same hospital that he was in for so long. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and you can get home quickly. xo ~tt
Thanks so much! The other day was rough, we both have PTSD and when his fever went up and they found blood in his abdomen, we both got scared. Then things got much better and now all of the tubes are out except for the wound drains.
Now we have a bunch of things to cross off the list:
dialysis-no longer needed
bed sore- gone from the side of a fist to the size of a thumbnail, almost done
corrective surgery-done, colostomy gone,
home therapy services-done
no more walkers, tub chairs, or canes
We are in the final laps, and when this is done, when we are able to travel, big vacation!
Fly Boy & I recently bought an RV so we will be able to travel safely, hopefully in the near future. We never did get the honeymoon we’d wanted since I had to have a knee replacement right after we got married (I hobbled to the ceremony). A lot of folks are doing that now, so it has driven up prices. Took me a long time to find one at a decent price. Hope you are both able to travel soon & well, Ingrid!
Sorry to hear about this latest development. I hope it is a speedy recovery.
For YOUR PTSD, I recommend CBD oil. It MAY be safe for Hubby, but, I wouldnāt do anything that isnāt approved by his docs, for obvious reasons. (If it weāre me in his place, I would take it, but I am used to it.)
I have a fair amount of anti-anxiety meds I am using, (and a lovely pinot noir I am enjoying at the moment) though I will talk to my husband about it! It may take some convincing. Thanks, Nanette!
Ingrid take care of yourself. Hope he is on the mens & feeling better. I can’t even imagine the stress of those maladies. Prayers sent & candles lit for both of you.
thanks Marc, heart emoji!
I saw a baby giraffe at the Topsfield Fair in my 20 s. MAGNIFICENT and so beautiful! š¦ I was astonished to be standing in front of one. Never imagined I would have the opportunity to see one in person. Great memories of that day with Maum & my godchildren š
Sitting here shaking my head. From TTās original post and on through all the comments…. there is life happening here, epic sagas. Carol, it seems youāre in the right place. Arms are reaching out to you. You are apparently not alone, so stay here with these wonderful people. The darned pandemic has so many feeling despondent and hopeless. Our internal biological clocks tell us, somehow, that all this should be over by now and itās time to lift the lid of our burrows and emerge, but when we do we find that….nope, nothing has changed. Itās still dangerous out there. Social creatures are being warned away from each other, the fact we could be lethal to those around us just doesnāt ever find a home in our brains. None of it makes sense to us. The hidey-hole, that was once a blessing and haven, has become a prison with no sure end. We might get out on parole soon, but thatās iffy, too. Gone are the hopeful courageous TV spots about āwe are in this togetherā. News is bleating, non-stop, about the political wars, like we havenāt already heard all of it over and over. It is hammered into our collective psyche. Iāve known people to fall victim to the programming and now spit out the scripts at the touch of any button. Critical thinking, original thought, and fair judgement be damned. Is this what life is? No wonder we tune in to reality series on TV. Itās an escape from the real reality of our dismal current existence. Itās actually what entertainment was meant to be, and Iām not sorry Iām not sorry.
Iām brand spanking new here, and Iām not sure what Iāve stumbled into, but it is apparent there is a community. TT, the one thing youāve said that sticks with me is you like to see people win. Me, too. I donāt even like to see bad things happen when people deserve them. Iām not so out of touch that I think the world should be like a 1950ās musical, but wouldnāt it be nice?
Welcome. You might be new but you are most welcome. I’m not always nice. And some of the rest of us can get a bit cranky. But we’re like one big family. Somedays it is drunken Thanksgiving arguments, and some days we all get along. People get pissed and leave, new people come in. A lot of people have been here for years. The one constant is I say what is on my mind. The good, the bad, and sometimes the very ugly. š
If you haven’t already, check out my snarky commenting rules! š https://tamaratattles.com/commenting-rules/
Thanks for the welcome, TT. Iāve noticed your different, uhm, āmoodsā but enjoy hearing whatās on your mind. Also very much enjoy the interaction between everyone in the comments.
You might end up tuning me in to shows I had no previous interest in. I watched I Can SeeYour Voice and enjoyed it but not sure it will stick. Not like the Masked Singer. After a lackluster last season, my expectations for the new season were watered down. But they came back busting balls. Powerful singers, good entertainment and production has figured out the pandemic presence.
My favorite escape though is the Great British Baking Show. Itās all Disney colors and numbing distraction.
Iām glad to be here. Now pass the sweet potatoes please.
Not sure why this went to moderation… maybe your mistyped your email and the program assumed you were new. And it’s ICSYV is no Masked Singer but it is mindless fun and that’s what I need right now.
I fat thumbed my screen name. Sorry!!
LOL Fun fact… I don’t even HAVE a cell phone. I had a really cute pink flip phone once my BF at the time bought as an electronic leash… But I am very anti iPhone. It’s amusing to me that people pay hundreds of dollars for A PHONE. And ever 18 months or so there is a newer MUST HAVE MODEL that people pay more and more and more for. I never leave the house, have a landline that I NEVER ANSWER and even that annoys me. As an Independentish person politically I have donated to both parties over the years and at this point in the election I just turn the ringer all the way down.
And don’t be sorry I just didn’t want you to think you were blocked or something. We need to just rename you Bob or Pam or something easier. lol.
Letās if we can narrow this thread to the space of one
l
e
t
t
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Anyway, Iāll see what I can do on the screen name. Maybe Iāll close my eyes, spin around a bunch of times and call myself the first thing I see when I open them again. Dizzy. There ya go.
I love GBB Show! Snarky comments and it makes me want to bake. Squirrels are creepy. We have raccoons here. They are even creepier but not as creepy as the Big Owl TT describes. I cry at the end of Undercover Boss. Therapeutic. And welcome. We are a strange but tight knit group here. Never Ever a dull moment!!
Yay. A GBB buddy!
Weāve got it all here. Squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, snakes, lizards, owls, armadillos, wasps, fire ants and many others. I generally like the squirrels. Theyāve been around a long time. Quite healthy. They taunt the dogs. This year was bumper for nuts and acorns. The squirrels are so fat they can barely jump up high and fast enough to escape. They build nests in the boughs of the trees and make a mess when they are constructing. Then an entire colony sleeps together to keep each other warm through winter. The pandemic has been a boon for wildlife. When humans are scarce the animals venture out and claim the territory. Makes me wonder if humans are like a virus to the animal kingdom.
I was going to say that before! The great British baking show is therapy in itself. I have seen every episode,
I was a long time lurker and finally started commenting a few months ago. I wiped away a tear reading your post and then laughed/snortled at TTās response. I can so relate. Yep. Itās a community and family.
Hereās a neat thing…there is a group that has arranged a Halloween parade that will go through my town and the neighboring town. Weāre part of the same school district so it just works that way. I love it so kids can get Halloween when all of our churchesā fall festivals are either not happening or being limited due to COVID. The parade is going through all the neighborhoods so people only have to go out and will see it.
We used to have a Jack Russell that loved to chase squirrels. He would go up a far distance up the tree before he would realize that he was just a dog. The squirrels were always throwing pecans at him just to rile him up.
It is 3:38 am and I would like to talk about pickles.
One of the places I want to get to soon is Whole Foods. In a normal year I would go there maybe 3-4 times a year, especially since my closest store in East Cobb closed (Actually the Buckhead store might be closer) and while it is close by normal people standards, it’s out of my zone of safety in a good year. Like a whopping 20 minute drive when there are other grocers less than ten minutes away. Going to Whole Foods is fun for me, and a bit of a luxury. It is something I used to like to do. But now it is more like one of those things gone by like going to Paris.
So anyway the last time I was there I bought 365 bread and butter pickles. I like bread and butter pickles so I figured that whatever astronomical price I paid for the Whole Foods brand would be worth it. THEY SUCK. Rich people do not know how to make bread and butter pickles. So I’ve spent some of quarantine trying to fix these pickles. Every few days I try to doctor them to get them to taste right. Tonight I poured a bit of the liquid out and added apple cider vinegar, brown sugar and a bit of sliced onion. I will eventually get them fixed. But never buy bread and butter pickles from whole foods. They have no idea what they are and they are very expensive.
Instead take your money over to the frozen food “novelties area” and by the 365 mango frozen fruit bars and the coconut ones. They are also expensive but so worth it. And also check out which floral bouquets are on sale. They are nice too.
This has been your latest guide to Whole Foods from someone who I think might have gone there in March while stocking up for the pandemic everywhere and that was the only time all year. I’ve yet to buy a damn thing from their meat or seafood department. I TRY to but I just can’t. And the stopped selling the cheese I liked. So other than their VERY CHEAP ELECTROLYTE WATER and the frozen fruit bars, I’m not really sure why I go there and end up spending a billion dollars.
Ok, I have so much to say. Pickles. I āsupplementā my grocery order every other week with a Whole Foods order. Everytime, I order a type of pickle or olive. I did this today. Goat cheese, chutney, smoked salmon, Yum. We had an amazing late lunch, then I almost napped. Laundry and fur kid interrupted. Yet Iām in such a better mood than a week ago, I have always loved pickles. As a kid, I would think small cucumbers were pickles…when they were still in the garden. Iāve always been forward thinking like that. Ohhh gerhkin, sweet, dill, how I love thee.
you go to a good Jewish deli in NY and get the sourest, dilliest pickles in the world. They have to be from a barrel, Heaven
Kroger (of all people) used to sell THE BEST B & B pickles (the kroger brand) but now the ones they sell are nasty. I dont know why they changed them. You just cant beat a good bread and butter pickle.
Thank you jenny for understanding the importance of this topic! š
Why am I not sleepy?
I’ve watched two very, very, very, stupid Lifetime movies where Vivica Fox is a cheerleader coach who saves people from a psycho path. I think I may have sunk below Bravo bad. lol.
Also, I know there are a lot of attorneys on this site, but I am not aware of a tax attorney. I have a simple question on quarterly taxes during COVID. My revenue has dropped considerably. Can I skip the fourth quarter taxes or should I just pay them and get a refund for the first time in my life? Since my revenue usually grows annually, I paid quarterly taxes based on an anticipated revenue increase as I have had every year. But this year there has been a significant drop in viewership as parents are busy with homeschooling and people are depressed and people who view the site at work are not working anymore and some are even unable to access the Internet at all or in very limited minutes.
So I am pretty sure I am overpaying my taxes. Should I pay my fourth quarter taxes or just don’t? My revenue projections are available now through the end of the year. The IRS terrifies me but I am pretty sure I am over paying. Anyone know a tax attorney they can ask? And since fourth quarter taxes aren’t due until January..
Does anyone know a good tax attorney in ATL? I filed my own taxes this year. And it was a nightmare but I have used three different tax attorneys and every time I owe more or get a check for $12 dollars. They have yet to get it right. We will have to see how I did on my own. WE NEED A FUCKING FLAT TAX! This whole take the figure from line 42, stand on your head and recite the alphabet while deducting in from line eight unless you own a duck shit is UTTERLY RIDICULOUS.
Iām not saying that Whole Foods has good pickles. I just donāt can my own so am stuck. I almost started watching a Christmas Cruise movie with Garcelle yesterday.
Store bought pickles are best bought from a company that sells just pickles. These suck but I am bound and determined to fix them. I could not shop solely at Whole Foods they don’t have all the stuff. lol. And pickles are particularly problematic.
Pickles and taxes in one thread. This is great. Yet, I have nothing…I wish I could find pickles like my auntie canned and taxes are really frustrating to figure out. I wish I knew of a good tax accountant in Atlanta. I get your frustration.
I’m tired of paying $500 to tax attorneys and then finding out that I owe more or less. Figure it the fuck out. I think I should get a good computer program.
Why are you talking to me at five am? Do you live some place fabulous?
Nope. I simply donāt sleep much these days…still have 7 hours before my first week call. And I am an accountant but never became a tax expert. That would really suck. I wish I could learn to fix pickles or can them the way my auntie in ND did a long time ago.
I pay quartlerly taxes. We skipped the first qtr last yr b/c we were so pissed at how much we owed for the prior year, iddn’t cut another big check. Well, I chose to do my taxes this year, too. I’ve paid people for years now but since our business is gone, I was like what the hell? There’s free software out there. For now.
Anyhoo, when I filled out the return I got a notice saying a penalty would apply for underpaying quarterly (skpping one). I’ve not heard another peep about it and I didn’t choose to calculate it at the time. The IRS is gutted. Everything is wack b/c of C 19. All that to say, even if you skp it, it will be less than paying some asshole $500 to pass off a 10min return to one of his flunkies. Will update if something fucked up happens. I just don’t care anymore
Oh and the flat tax/”fair” tax would let those motherfuckers weasel out of even more. See how we poors are getting screwed already? Yeah. No. I should buy a restaurant and offset every dime I’d ever owe through “losses.” That wouldn’t make me a tax cheat, that would make me a genius! Totally legal, totally cool. Maybe you’re right about the flat thing. I ain’t buying it at this point.
Still salty. This is a completely hypothetical story, Mr. Auditor.
It would be so simple just to figure out gross adjusted income and then pay whatever percentage the are going to get out of me anyone and not spend weeks subtracting line 184 from line 6f and multiply that by .20823728428372 to get the answer
That’s pretty much what it is. 1040/500ES automoatically calculated based on AGI from prior year for current year, on each return. You don’t fill out all new tax forms every quarter. Maybe I’m missing something.
I can’t sleep I have a lot of things and people from here on my mind. I’m a bit worried about Carol Turlington. I tried to email but got no answer. Not at five am but yesterday. Many people don’t use their real address on websites so I hope that is the reason… I’m a worrier.
I wondered as I also saw that she didnāt respond to others today who commented. I hope the reason is that she called a friend, family member, clergy, hotline, therapist, anyone near her for help. That I pray.
I was actually awake with you. Thinking about pickles and taxes and Carol. Things in my life are odd and off so I donāt sleep at the right times, whatever that is these days. With so many working from home, or out of work, our lives have been deconstructed to the point the clock means nothing. Who says we shouldnāt sleep during the day and stay up all night? What difference does it make? I hope Carol is ok.
Yeah, I was on a sort of normal sleep schedule for a few days, and then I stayed up all night watching stupid Lifetime moves and shaking pickle jars. lol.
So, like, since everyone talked about events in their daily lives, Iāll throw in. Yeah, day later but yesterday was devoted to sleep. Iām getting ready to cut my own hair. It hasnāt been cut in 10 months and I normally wear it at my shoulders and itās now between the should blades. Iām someone who will let it grow to my ass, split ends and all, rather than go to a stylist Iām not sure about. I am awful at stuff like this. I only got a passing grade in art class because the teacher had mercy. So here I am. Still debating on the rubber band method or the Creaclip. I know Iām not the only one in this boat but it sure feels like it.
Thanks Barbara! Iām glad yours turned out good!! I have watched a million videos. Have to ff to the good parts. I thought about doing it that way but when I went to do it, I chickened out. My hair is thick, unruly and will punch you in the eye. Not easy and stylists really hate to see me coming through the door. My hair is a good feature, practically the only one, and it wrecks my life if itās cut unflattering. Many people can roll it off as a bad haircut that will grow out. Not me. Itās terminal.
Youāre not the only one in this dilemma. I cut my hair a few days ago. It was covering my boobs. So I watched some YouTube videos And bought hair scissors at Sally. I parted it straight down the back, pulled the hair forward and straightened it. Then cut each side straight across. A little adjustment to get both sides the same length and Iām really happy. I took off about 4 inches. Good luck. It had been a year since my last haircut and I grew my bangs out.
It looks terrible. Auuuuuuuggggghhh. I fell into the spiral of trying fix it and cut off more than intended so it looks awful. The color turned out well. Of this I am certain. Those shiny rich locks looked beautiful after I scooped them up from the bathroom floor. I can still get it into a short half pony tail so thatās my new style. By the time it grows out enough to do something else, hopefully it will be safer out there.
Sorry that you had such bad luck with your trim.
š in the scheme of all things, having horribly bad hair in quarantine is a small complaint. Itās ok. I can fix it. Simple. All I have to do is get my big blanket and become a burrito for six more months. Easy peasy. I did glaringly notice the quarantwenty I gained twice, so now Iām all hopped up to lose more than hair. I am stationing the Pelaton at the foot of the bed. Letās ride.
I admire those of you who just cut their hair. I’m fighting the urge to shave my whole head every day. Borderline Brittany over here. But today was a good day.
I have spent hours awake wondering about certain people who are showing up on this post.
Very good feeling. Still some concerns, but perhaps as simple as a break.
Still included in my prayers and I will continue with all of you, around or not around, does not matter. Banjo as well.
š©øMy husband had COVID and was sick for a few days…he is 70 years old. I also had it but never had symptoms…go figure. We both donate our blood now to Red Cross because the antibodies can help others.
šæ We have squirrels and a Jack Russell Terrier … not a great match! Itās especially hard on me because I love all animals.
š¦»Earplugs have become a things for me, too!
š I actually WAS on the Dr. Phil show last year…in the audience … but I did get on camera listening intently to the guest du jour, lol!
Remember when we had a 3rd shift? How am I the only 3rd shifter during Covid when day is night and it might be Tuesday or possibly it is Sunday?
I’m watching HEA Strikes back and Kalani and Asuelu are very cute and affectionate with each other. I wonder when this was filmed. Also, we got a photo Colt’s motherwife Deb from her heyday and she was an attractive GO GO Dancer!
Pickle Update: They still really suck. I may have to drain out all the crappy spices and replace it with sugar water and try again. And yes I know I can buy more pickles. But I don’t want to throw away a whole jar of Whole Foods pickles! In the future, I’ll stick with the less expensive Mt. Olive bread and butter pickles. And some dill spears. No more rich people pickles for this low budget girl. I’m saving my money for fancypants trips. And a beach apartment for the summer in some exotic land.
Squirrel update: All quiet in the back yard. Squirrels are back to frolicking.
You make me smile inside even though youāre not trying to. The pickle thing is just so random but important! Mt Olives B&B are the closest Iāve found to my southern gramās home made. They are forever consistent. Iām telling on myself, but gram used to make the best big buttermilk biscuits. She would smear a sorghum and butter spread on a warm bisky and then add a couple slices of B&B pickles and there just wasnāt anything better after you had been outside playing hard and needed a good snack. Keep working on those pickles . I say pour it out and start over with another pickle juice. If youāve got dregs of Mt Olive, use that! They may not ever be good. Lesson learned. I donāt go to WF because Iām settled on regular old grocery store brands that they donāt often carry. A couple years ago I got their take out Thanksgiving dinner that wasnāt over the top expensive but yuck. Everything in it was just absolutely awful so it was a really expensive mistake and another lesson learned.
LOL I may or may not be trying to focus on simple projects I can do with little effort. I did clean out the fridge (kinda) today and found some pickle juice from Mt. Olive B7B pickles but it wasn’t much. I also have some radishes I pickled and never ate so I may add some of that eventually. I never throw out pickle juice! lol. Did I mention my parents lived through the great depression? The miser gene is strong in me most of the time. There is about 20% of me that wants to rebel against that gene with the occasional over the top luxury on travel and food. I may never actually eat these pickles. It has become more of a science project.
I looked for my gramās recipe. I was sure I had it and remembered most of the how-to. Couldnāt find it so I went looking for recipes online that seemed close. Uh NO! Every one I came across included turmeric. Since when? Blargh. I know itās supposed to be all good for you and shit but the taste just doesnāt go! Iām certain gramās recipe didnāt have it. It did have those little round mustard seeds though. The best thing about a good BBP is a crisp snap. I like the icebox version over the canned for that reason. Those poor WF pickles. Being donated to science!!!
ps-I think they are called ābread and butterā because they were often and usually eaten between slices of bread slathered with butter. It was a staple at farm tables when the hands came in from the fields for lunch. Went well with fried baloney.
OOOOH I wish I had fried baloney.
Settling in to watch one of my favorite shows. It’s called The Circus. It’s on Showtime. It’s a BIPARTISAN look at the election. It’s only 30 minutes. It combines politics with food porn (in the beginning) what’s not to love?
I keep forgetting to tell you guys about my short trip to the gas station today. The last time I bought gas was the first week in March when I was preparing for quarantine and filled my tank. It was not until this week that I needed to refill my tank.
When I got there, I had not memory of where my button was to open the gas tank. I literally had to ask a stranger to find it for me. I thought it was on the dash. But, breaking news, on the floorboard to the left of the drivers seat. I felt like such a moron. I was also unsure if “regular” was leaded or unleaded. I use to be a smart person! I realized that regular leaded gas is no longer a thing… but I was not a hundred percent sure.
When I filled up in March it took me a few minutes to remember my zip code. I really think I have early onset dementia. In my defense, I only buy gas two or three times a year when there is not a pandemic. And the only time I need to know my zip code is on line and it self populates. I know, I know still weird.
I just wanted to confess… I is dumb… over her on third shift in an old open forum.
Also I just watched the first episode of The Con on ABC. It’s narrated by Whoppi Goldberg and is REALLY fascinating and not a “girl how stupid do you have to be to fall for that” kind of show. It’s REALLY interesting. And otherwise smart people are conned.
Life has been kicking my ass. Found out at 5:30 A.m. need to go get Covid tests.
Life is calming down (I am not one to handle stress well, at all, I go in my shell)
Covid tests were negative, I miss my happy place but think I can ease back in. I am trying.š
Hang tough Cheryl. Vent here. We all get it and a lot of us are a hot mess.
Thanks TT. Were would I be without you all? š
I had a taste of what it would like without you guys today WHEN THE POWER WENT OUT FOR HOURS! It. Was. Horrible! I had no one to whine and complain to FOR HOURS! lol.
Watching “The Con”
Really good show.
Y’ALL! CLUTCH ME TO YOUR BOSUM! MY POWER WAS OUT FOR MOST OF THE DAY! I MISSED YOU ALL SO MUCH!