Thanks. I had never noticed one of those.

I assumed that threads were resurrected because members probably did a search for topics that interested them and continued discussion. Sometimes when a member starts a new thread on a particular topic, other members will link to previous threads about that topic, curriculum included.

Coerced displays of affection make me uncomfortable too. The nickname "Capt. Huggyface" made me giggle. Could you find a more ... not sure what the word is ... a more formal church?

Is it against unwritten protocol here to respond to a resurrected thread? Who remembers to click on original post to check date of thread? As long as there is a response that bumps thread up to page 1, 2, or 3, I assume it is a current discussion.

We used to deal only in cash or check. However, it is next to impossible to make online purchases, rent car, fly, or rent lodging these days without one. [Travel is something we seldom do these days anyway.] We do not carry a balance on our cards. We have a business card, a Costco American Express card, and a couple other personal cards. Some of the cards we applied for because of rewards. However, I have been considering returning to cash or check only as a minor form of revolt against the system. We try not to use debit cards since they do not have the same form of misuse protection that credit cards do by federal regs.

The Big Sur and the Canadian Rockies in BC/Alberta.

:lol::iagree:

True. There are certain patterns that seem to be par for course in rigid hierarchal patriarchal faiths. I have read several poorly written independently published books about people who decided to leave Amish life behind. In spite of the awkwardwriting, the information presesnted was worth the read. Original poster, you could simplify life without changing religions. Personally I find myself happier when I avoid watching or reading news. Now I am not saying that people should be uninformed about the world they live in, but that you can skim to get a skeletal outline of what is going on in world without delving into tragic details. The Mennonites do a lot of quality charitable work but they do not live as austerely as Amish generally. They are like the Amish's less colorful cousins.

I want a new OXO can opener and a funny poem penned by partner.

I once tried to delete my account. After two weeks of deactivation, it was supposed to be deleted if I did not log in during the two week period. A few months later, I checked only to find the account still existed. If I deleted as many friends as you did, I would have none. In fact, I only keep account open now because that is way some people choose to contact me.

I was there for three days once visiting a friend who was temporarily residing there. The air force base has an interesting aviation museum. Although I am not especially interested in aircraft, the tie-ins with history were appealing to me. Best of all, it is free.

Yes, I would by that age given the factors you have described here. Working later into evening would also be an option.

I am neither fascinated nor jealous, but, like you, I disagree with their religious philosophy to reproduce freely without careful consideration as to whether the family has the time, emotional, and financial resources to nurture another child. Of course, these are highly personal questions that are no one else's business. However, I do wonder if, say, Jim Bob were an elementary school teacher, would they still have 20+ kids or whatever the number now is. Not all families have the good fortune, contacts, or resources to develop complete financial independence (without help of TLC) like the Duggars did.

A few times but usually is temporary until I discipline myself to ignore them without technological assistance.

That is wonderful, Jean! I am so happy for Libby and your family. Is it ok with you if I share your post with my sister whose dog may be facing leg amputation?

Congratulations!

How do you feel about these in general? Years ago, when a sibling changed from a planned local wedding to one at a beach resort far away, my family could not afford the lodging and airfare for six people. No problem. She and our family understood and were gracious about it. End of story. But it gets much more complicated when the groom's family is divided on the matter. My viewpoint is that it is the couples' wedding, so they should do whatever makes them happy. This couple will understand if anyone cannot attend due to finances, scheduling conflicts or career constraints. They want to keep it simple. Because of bickering and pressure from his family, they are now considering marrying privately at the honeymoon destination without guests. However, they are concerned about his family's potential hurt feelings. I am on board with whatever the couple wants to do. Actually I think it is a grand idea to spend your wedding budget on the honeymoon trip.

...

Wash it and ignore it. I would not bother with Neosporin. Skin of 30somethings typically quickly repairs itself without intervention.

I spray liberally inside with bleach daily, but the mummification process should work better.

I truly wish that our moderators would consider public assistance threads as falling under the spectrum of political threads. These threads invariably devolve into certain people feeling entitled to scrutinize and criticize the spending habits and dietary habits of those on public assistance. This is deeply hurtful to the hardworking people facing uphill struggle to care for their families. Of course there is some fraud in the system as in all government programs. The difference is that corporations do not go through the grocery store checkout line to get their government aid. And yes, it is a handout when the government is paying in excess of fair market value for goods and services. People smugly criticize the well dressed government aid recipient or the unwed teenage mother while doing little about the corporate welfare and other wasteful spending. It is similar to a serial killer worrying about a parking ticket. I think what it boils down to is that some people need to have someone to look down on. If they can convince themselves that most poor people are poor due to their own faulty decision making, then it follows that they consider themselves "not that kind of poor" should they ever have to seek out public assistance. Even if someone is poor due to their own shortcomings, should their children be denied sustenance? Really there is enough humiliation built into the public assistance acquisition process itself. We do not need to throw more shame toward people who meet the governmental standards to receive aid.

We have been moving in direction of not celebrating Christmas. What little shopping I do do is done online.

I love that bloodshot green eyeball costume idea. I hate that I could replicate it although I am NOT pregnant.

Yes, a drink with a meal would be considered normal and acceptable.

I do not feel any sort of loyalty or strong connection to my state. We are here because it is where our work is. However, I do feel strong sense of loyalty to family members who followed us to this area.