Reported transmission levels are still high in our area, and we are still masking (n95) every time we are in a public place. Most of the time, we are the lone mask wearers, but occasionally I will see one or two people with a mask. It is frustrating to see that almost everyone has thrown up their hands and given up, but so far, we have not had covid (that I know of.) I'm just popping in to say that for us, it's worth it to keep masking, even if that means getting a few ugly looks and comments now and then.

I am trying to find a podcast that I listened to some time between the summer of 2020 and the spring of 2021, because I'd really like to listen to it again. Alas! I have forgotten the name, and have had no luck at all in searching for it. It was a fictional series, narrated by a young, Australian mother with a toddler and a baby. Each episode would have something to do with her encounters with her neighbors when she took her children for a walk around the neighborhood. In the final episode, the neighbors have a memorial party for an elderly neighbor who has passed away. When she wraps up each episode, she tells about all the things she loves about her neighborhood, and then adds, "...and I love you, listeners." or something like that. Does this ring a bell for anyone?

Oh, golly, yes to the bolded! The conservative group we briefly belonged to (in NY, so nowhere near the extremes of the “Bible Belt”) was quite openly anti-Catholic! If I was in the OP’s shoes, I’d absolutely want to know about that sort of atmosphere before rather than after a move! OP, welcome. I hope you find what you’re looking for, be it in Florida or Alaska, or wherever! As for me, I’ll just smile and wave at ya from a state that *doesn’t* have giant, flying cockroaches…yet…though I have been told that the giant, parachuting spiders are on their way, so…😳

I know there are scores of old wives’ tales about how to get labor started, with varying levels of veracity, but I’m a wife and I’m old (well, almost old enough to get an AARP membership) so here’s my completely unscientific recommendation: Jalapeños. Snack on lots of jalapeños. I had a craving for peppers and ate…oh, probably 1/3 cup or so of the little pickled slices. Dd checked out of her comfy accommodations less than 24 hours later. 😁 In all seriousness, I’m sending lots of happy, head-down, easy labor vibes in your direction!

Glad to hear that the surgery is over and done. Now for a speedy (as possible) recovery!

Maybe the kid's favorite tv show is Iron Chef? 😁 (Is that show still around?)

Here's my favorite iron supplement recipe: Combine equal parts tahini, cocoa powder, and molasses. Drizzle it over fresh fruit, spread it on toast, or just eat it with a spoon. It’s better than Nutella, imo, but I actually really like molasses.

Ok, so I have resisted even opening this thread because I knew that as soon as I did I would be a weeping, blubbing mess. But I wanted to reply because I know from experience that having people rally around you and support you - even if it is “imaginary friends” on the internet- is so important! It doesn’t take the pain away, of course, but it does make you feel less alone. I have done this way too many times. (It’s the biggest drawback of having multiple dogs.) Though none of them were easy, the one that weighs the least on me was the one where we had the vet come to the house. We all sat outside under a tree, where my boy could watch the clouds float by. (Yup. Crying like a baby now.) This also allowed our other dogs a chance to sniff him so they would “understand” why he was missing from the pack. I am so sorry! Sending lots of gentle hugs!

I know exactly what you are describing. The “this is just the matrix” description is quite accurate, though I never would have thought to describe it in that way.

Really thinking outside the box here, but if it’s just 15-20 people plus the wedding party for a 10 minute ceremony, could the guests just stand in a circle around the couple? This could be done practically anywhere: museum, park, beach, maybe even the spot where the couple had their first date! For example, there are some lovely overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway near me that would have plenty room for a short, small group gathering, and the backdrop for photos would be amazing.

Yes, I’m pretty sure I could call CPS anonymously, but even if she didn’t know it was us for certain, I know she would suspect it. Dh called the police this past summer because the girls started a campfire their backyard (completely unsupervised) and kept throwing random things in and playing around it. They looked like they were in bathrobes/ flowy nightshirts, and the flames just kept getting higher. Dh finally said, “That's just not safe!” and made the call. The fire marshal wound up coming out (lights blazing on the big engine) and giving them a rather lengthy lesson in fire safety, during which time, the mom returned home. I’m fairly certain the fire marshal told them that a concerned neighbor had called, and since theIr other next door neighbor has a 6-ft privacy fence, it wouldn’t take much to figure out who made the call, iykwim. I hate to put it this way, but so many Virginians love their guns, and (long story) I have strong reason to believe this particular family would not hesitate to pull a trigger. *sigh* I'd really like to relocate to somewhere where this is less true, but my aging parents are here, and I'm an only, so that’s not going to happen! Sorry to hijack your thread, OP!

I am so, so sorry! My heart would be broken too! There is a similar situation next door to us. They have no fence, and their dog (looks to be a small herding dog mix of some sort) gets out 4-5 times a week and runs loose. Mom is pretty much absent, and the three little girls (all elementary school age) chase the dog all over, across the (very busy, with lots of construction vehicles) road, and through everyone's yards. A few days ago, I saw the middle daughter try to pick the dog up by its front legs to carry it home. This summer, the girls were out in the middle of the road roller blading and riding their bicycles. So not only is the dog being neglected, but the little girls are too. It’s so sad, but I dare not report them. The (single) mom is an alcoholic and absolutely bat guano crazy, and I don’t doubt for a moment that she would attempt to retaliate.

It may be the way some families behave- so “normal” for that family- but it is still incredibly inconsiderate and totally rude!

Oh, boy! You’re way nicer than I am! I would have said, “Enjoy your hotel stay! We'll get together some time when you are healthy and not hacking all over everything and everyone!” You went above and beyond as a hostess, and have every right to be quite angry with the way they behaved!

Oooh, I like the idea of talking about elevation when you’re up in the mountains. Carrie, what's your elevation above sea level? How about Cafe [elevation] ?

Joe and So's, perhaps? (At least that doesn’t leave you out!)

$4.66/dozen at Aldi just now, with a 6 dozen limit. They only had 20 or so cartons left. Yikes!

It's time once again to play "Consumer Reports: Hive Edition." Here's the deal: I haven't had a new laptop since 2005. I haven't really needed one. But I just became the proud owner of a MacBook Air 🎉, and I need a case and a new laptop bag. So lay it on me, guys. Do you have a protective case that you love? Do I really need a case if I have a bag? I tried looking on Amazon, and now my head is spinning. (Yes, I know. First world problems.) I just want a bag (probably a messenger style) that provides a decent amount of padding/protection and has plenty of pockets for cables and chargers. Bonus points if it's eco-friendly and from a company with ethical business practices. Does such a thing exist?

Positive. Sorry! eta: I think I would recommend new glasses, or perhaps a new career for the nurse in question!

Hits: Kong jumbler toys for the dogs, well, ok for <———-that dog, the one in my avatar, because she doesn’t share well. 😂 Urchin print leggings from Svaha for dd. Guys, I have never ordered leggings before from Svaha, but I am sold! I may have to have a pair of these for myself. They are so very soft, not at all see-through, and they have POCKETS! Miss: Bit of an awkward gift from my mother to dd. Best not to post details, but all is well, at least for now.

Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 Anyone have any snow they would like to send me? We got flurries for about thirty minutes last night, but that was it! Boooooo on you, Mother Nature! If you’re going to send the cold, please send snow, too! 😂

Oh, no! I am so very sorry for your loss!

I can’t edit my post, but thought I should add this link for those who didn’t understand my star reference.

I have a vague recollection of the story cbollin linked to, but I don’t recall anything about a murder at the one on Franklin. On the historic landmarks list, eh? Nothing says “Plan your next vacation here!” like a run-down motel and a giant, tacky neon star, eh? 🤣

Ok, so my preferred option is option 3- curbside pickup. (You knew there would be someone who would want an “other” option, didn’t you?) If there is a specific item I absolutely must go into the store for, I use self-checkout, because I find it much faster. The only exception would be Aldi, and the checkout clerks there are the most efficient I have ever encountered. Also, they have you bag your own groceries, which is my preference, because I don’t get soft fruits thrown in with canned goods!