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It's a little bit early for me to shed my winter pelt, but this morning I started shaving my beard, more as a comfort ritual than anything else. I only got partway; I look really asymmetrically scruffy right now, but I don't have any fresh blades. I don't know when I'll be able to get my hair cut; I may have to (try to) do it myself.
I placed a small order with Dierbergs just now, with delivery anticipated between 5 and 6 PM. Milk: one of the few options available was a gallon of 1%, which pleases me. Coffee filters: Mellita Brown #4, 100 pack. Razor blades: an 8-pack of Mach 3 cartridges. Bread: a half-loaf of Lewis Hawaiian. (For some reason, Lewis has switched to half-loaves, but they're the only source of potato bread that I have easy access to, and their Hawaiian isn't bad either.) I considered buying some ice cream, but neither B&J nor H-D is on sale, and I refuse to spend over $5 for a pint of ice cream.
Dierbergs delivery requires a subscription to Shipt; I'm on a two-week trial period now, but I suppose I'll have to make the payment soon enough. I can live with it.
Really looking forward to the razor blades!
I placed a small order with Dierbergs just now, with delivery anticipated between 5 and 6 PM. Milk: one of the few options available was a gallon of 1%, which pleases me. Coffee filters: Mellita Brown #4, 100 pack. Razor blades: an 8-pack of Mach 3 cartridges. Bread: a half-loaf of Lewis Hawaiian. (For some reason, Lewis has switched to half-loaves, but they're the only source of potato bread that I have easy access to, and their Hawaiian isn't bad either.) I considered buying some ice cream, but neither B&J nor H-D is on sale, and I refuse to spend over $5 for a pint of ice cream.
Dierbergs delivery requires a subscription to Shipt; I'm on a two-week trial period now, but I suppose I'll have to make the payment soon enough. I can live with it.
Really looking forward to the razor blades!
It's All in What You're Used To
Mar. 19th, 2020 08:22 amAfter twenty or so years of drinking nothing but 1% milk, 2% tastes funny to me. Not bad, just... odd.
(There was exactly one gallon jug of milk left at Dierbergs when I went there on Tuesday, and it was "organic" 2%, at three times the price. Beggars, choosers, etc.)
(There was exactly one gallon jug of milk left at Dierbergs when I went there on Tuesday, and it was "organic" 2%, at three times the price. Beggars, choosers, etc.)
We held our emergency department meeting this morning. Tomorrow, I will wander over to Best Buy, in hopes of purchasing a Wacom tablet, a webcam, and a mike and headset. (I could get the latter three items on loan from the university, but they seem useful enough to warrant private purchase.)
After that, I may head to Dierbergs, to see if they have any of the items I wasn't able to get from Schnucks: cereal, dog treats, instant cocoa.
Goshen Coffee has informed me that my order of coffee has been shipped; unusually, it had not yet arrived when they sent me the message. Tomorrow, I expect.
After these events, things will begin to happen.
After that, I may head to Dierbergs, to see if they have any of the items I wasn't able to get from Schnucks: cereal, dog treats, instant cocoa.
Goshen Coffee has informed me that my order of coffee has been shipped; unusually, it had not yet arrived when they sent me the message. Tomorrow, I expect.
After these events, things will begin to happen.
Deliverance
Mar. 14th, 2020 07:09 pmWhat with one thing and another, I decided to start taking advantage of Schnucks' delivery service. In addition to the social-distancing benefits, it would also allow me to make larger purchases - more than I can handle, even with my tote. One especial benefit is that I can buy the big, 20 lb. bags of dog food. (I can fit one in my tote, but not much else if I do!) So, today, I placed an order.
There are problems. First, the prices are noticeably higher than in-store; e.g., a gallon of milk which was $1.99 the last time I went goes for $2.19 online. Not a big deal, but not a plus, especially given the delivery fee and the deliverer's tip (baked in). Second - and this is particular to the current situation - the one-hour delivery promise has gone by the boards. I placed my order a little after noon today; they are currently promising delivery *tomorrow* between noon and 1:00 PM.
It's still more convenient than in-person shopping; if the one-day lag is consistent, then it can be dealt with by a little precrastination. I'll have to think about whether the gain in convenience is worth the extra time and money.
There are problems. First, the prices are noticeably higher than in-store; e.g., a gallon of milk which was $1.99 the last time I went goes for $2.19 online. Not a big deal, but not a plus, especially given the delivery fee and the deliverer's tip (baked in). Second - and this is particular to the current situation - the one-hour delivery promise has gone by the boards. I placed my order a little after noon today; they are currently promising delivery *tomorrow* between noon and 1:00 PM.
It's still more convenient than in-person shopping; if the one-day lag is consistent, then it can be dealt with by a little precrastination. I'll have to think about whether the gain in convenience is worth the extra time and money.
Next week is break week. Thank God. I desperately need some R&R.
The temperature is supposed to stay above freezing for at least the next week, with highs in at least the mid-50s F. It is possible, but by no means certain, that I will actually be able to enjoy the nice-ish weather.
Or not. Bed is good. Bed is almost always good.
The temperature is supposed to stay above freezing for at least the next week, with highs in at least the mid-50s F. It is possible, but by no means certain, that I will actually be able to enjoy the nice-ish weather.
Or not. Bed is good. Bed is almost always good.
After reading the latest Questionable Content strip (Renee and Elliot are moving boxes from her old place to her new one, and start a series of quips riffing off Elliot's troglodytic build) I left a comment about their quick wits and my own "l'esprit de l'escalier" tendencies.
I suppose most people are in the same boat. Any approach to wit that I make is usually the result of an extended period of mental composition. Again, nothing unusual there.
But there was one occasion when I managed some decent impromptu repartee. I was playing a game of Traveller; our party had taken a hostage in the midst of a rather muddled rescue attempt. The hostage made a snarky comment, I riposted, he blocked, and I delivered a *killer* line to close it out. Squashed him completely.
The thing is, *the character I was playing* was supposed to be witty, and somehow I got into the role deeply enough to assume his characteristics. I guess. Haven't been able to do it since in my own person.
I suppose most people are in the same boat. Any approach to wit that I make is usually the result of an extended period of mental composition. Again, nothing unusual there.
But there was one occasion when I managed some decent impromptu repartee. I was playing a game of Traveller; our party had taken a hostage in the midst of a rather muddled rescue attempt. The hostage made a snarky comment, I riposted, he blocked, and I delivered a *killer* line to close it out. Squashed him completely.
The thing is, *the character I was playing* was supposed to be witty, and somehow I got into the role deeply enough to assume his characteristics. I guess. Haven't been able to do it since in my own person.
OK, holey jug of cow's milk, at least.
This morning, I went over to Schnucks for a major grocery run, hauling my big wheeled tote to and from. Among other things, I bought my usual gallon jug of 1% milk. When I got home and unloaded the tote, I noticed that there was a little bit of milk in the bottom. I thought nothing of it, merely getting some paper towels to clean it.
I will admit to occasionally being slow on the uptake. This afternoon, I wanted a glass of milk with my dinner; when I got the jug out, it became obvious - even to me - that it was leaking. I won't detail the hijinks that followed; suffice it to say that, with the help of a casserole dish, my plastic coffee-filter holder, a rinsed-out but not yet recycled milk jug, and a large number of paper towels, I wound up with most of the milk safely inside an unpunctured container. Also, a section of the refrigerator which needed cleaning is now clean. Ish.
I told myself that I would be more attentive next time (if there is a next time), but I probably lied.
This morning, I went over to Schnucks for a major grocery run, hauling my big wheeled tote to and from. Among other things, I bought my usual gallon jug of 1% milk. When I got home and unloaded the tote, I noticed that there was a little bit of milk in the bottom. I thought nothing of it, merely getting some paper towels to clean it.
I will admit to occasionally being slow on the uptake. This afternoon, I wanted a glass of milk with my dinner; when I got the jug out, it became obvious - even to me - that it was leaking. I won't detail the hijinks that followed; suffice it to say that, with the help of a casserole dish, my plastic coffee-filter holder, a rinsed-out but not yet recycled milk jug, and a large number of paper towels, I wound up with most of the milk safely inside an unpunctured container. Also, a section of the refrigerator which needed cleaning is now clean. Ish.
I told myself that I would be more attentive next time (if there is a next time), but I probably lied.
Fifty Freaking Years
Jan. 23rd, 2020 09:23 pmI do not smoke; I never have. I certainly have never bought cigarettes.
Cigarette ads were banned, in the U.S., from TV and radio on April 1, 1970 - almost fifty years ago.
So why on Earth am I being earwormed by an old jingle for Kent cigarettes? ("To a smoker, it's a Kent!")
[I remember disturbingly many cigarette jingles and slogans. Winston, Salem, Tareyton, Camel...]
Cigarette ads were banned, in the U.S., from TV and radio on April 1, 1970 - almost fifty years ago.
So why on Earth am I being earwormed by an old jingle for Kent cigarettes? ("To a smoker, it's a Kent!")
[I remember disturbingly many cigarette jingles and slogans. Winston, Salem, Tareyton, Camel...]
I now have an eyepatch. I'm not sure how much I'll be wearing it; I need it in bright light, in wind, and in a few other situations, so going outside pretty much requires it. I may put it on when I go to bed, too. When I'm working at the computer or reading, though, I need both eyes.
I hope I won't have to wear it for very long.
And by the way, it *is* "Aarrr", not "Aarrgh".
I hope I won't have to wear it for very long.
And by the way, it *is* "Aarrr", not "Aarrgh".
One drawback I've found to Bell's palsy is that, though I can close my right eye if I also close my left, I don't get a tight seal on the right. I discovered this when I washed my hair and got shampoo in my right eye. I have since learned how to minimize the chance of that, but it requires a good deal of care.
A few days ago, I discovered another consequence of the poor seal, when Gracie (cuddlebug that she is) started licking my face. Of course, I closed my eyes, but... well, you can guess the rest.
A few days ago, I discovered another consequence of the poor seal, when Gracie (cuddlebug that she is) started licking my face. Of course, I closed my eyes, but... well, you can guess the rest.
Chivvying a bird out of the house is not easy. It's worse in winter, since the easiest method involves leaving both doors to the back porch open - the one from the house, and the one that leads outdoors. Cold!
Chivvying *two* birds out is even harder.
Chivvying *two* birds out is even harder.
False Proverb
Nov. 30th, 2019 08:25 pm"You can't argue with success."
I would assert the contrary: success is the only thing worth arguing with. Who the hell wants, or needs, to argue with *failure*?
[There's muddy ground in between. Trying to convince someone that an apparent success is actually a failure - that has some meat to it. I prefer the formulation, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating", which means more or less the same thing but doesn't hang things on winning/losing.]
[Given the treatment the Padres receive in the comments on websites like MLB Trade Rumors, there apparently are quite a few people who enjoy arguing with failure. These are damaged people, IMO.]
I would assert the contrary: success is the only thing worth arguing with. Who the hell wants, or needs, to argue with *failure*?
[There's muddy ground in between. Trying to convince someone that an apparent success is actually a failure - that has some meat to it. I prefer the formulation, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating", which means more or less the same thing but doesn't hang things on winning/losing.]
[Given the treatment the Padres receive in the comments on websites like MLB Trade Rumors, there apparently are quite a few people who enjoy arguing with failure. These are damaged people, IMO.]
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Nov. 23rd, 2019 03:53 pmA couple of days ago, I got an e-mail from Madison County Transit. In it, they thanked me for my ongoing support (i.e., buying monthly passes). They then explained that, as of mid-March 2020, they would no longer be selling the passes on their website. Instead, there will be a phone app for the purpose. Passes can also be bought in person at various sites, including one at the university and one in the Schnucks where I shop.
My first reaction was annoyance. I have largely been left behind by the shift to smartphones and phone apps. This is, of course, not their fault, but it irritates me that I am being forced to change my ways to suit the new environment. :shakes metaphorical cane, yells at cloud:
On the other hand: they *told* me they were going to do it, four months ahead of time, and there will still be avenues for the phone-averse. That counts for quite a bit, IMO.
So, I've decided I'm not going to be annoyed with them. Discontent, perhaps; but animus is not called for.
My first reaction was annoyance. I have largely been left behind by the shift to smartphones and phone apps. This is, of course, not their fault, but it irritates me that I am being forced to change my ways to suit the new environment. :shakes metaphorical cane, yells at cloud:
On the other hand: they *told* me they were going to do it, four months ahead of time, and there will still be avenues for the phone-averse. That counts for quite a bit, IMO.
So, I've decided I'm not going to be annoyed with them. Discontent, perhaps; but animus is not called for.
Shufferin' Shuccotash
Nov. 14th, 2019 03:16 pmIt seems that I'm undergoing a bout of Bell's palsy; the muscles on the right side of my face are, if not completely unresponsive, nearly so. Fortunately, it's a temporary condition, and should clear up in a couple of weeks or so.
There are two aspects which are bugging me in particular. I can close my right eye if I close the left as well, but not otherwise. (Well, I can close it manually, but that's unsatisfactory.) Mostly it stays open, which causes problems as regards cleaning and lubrication. I'm trying to decide how to handle that.
More annoying is the condition of my mouth. I have to be very careful drinking, or I spill. Eating is a bit more difficult; sandwiches, in particular, are a problem. And my speech... When I'm speaking normally, there's a little mushiness, but when I shift to my lecturer's voice, my "s"'s turn to "sh"'s, and it sounds horrible. I let my class out a few minutes early today, I was so tired of the sound of my voice.
I will survive. I will also complain.
There are two aspects which are bugging me in particular. I can close my right eye if I close the left as well, but not otherwise. (Well, I can close it manually, but that's unsatisfactory.) Mostly it stays open, which causes problems as regards cleaning and lubrication. I'm trying to decide how to handle that.
More annoying is the condition of my mouth. I have to be very careful drinking, or I spill. Eating is a bit more difficult; sandwiches, in particular, are a problem. And my speech... When I'm speaking normally, there's a little mushiness, but when I shift to my lecturer's voice, my "s"'s turn to "sh"'s, and it sounds horrible. I let my class out a few minutes early today, I was so tired of the sound of my voice.
I will survive. I will also complain.
